Letter from Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber

Dear Niner Nation,

The 2024-25 academic year was nothing short of transformational for UNC Charlotte. Together, we didn’t just break records, we reached new heights. And at the very top: Charlotte earned the Carnegie R1 designation, the nation’s highest research classification. This milestone confirms what we already knew: Charlotte is one of the nation’s great public research universities, and we are just getting started.

Every member of Niner Nation – students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and partners – helped make this a remarkable year. Here are just a few highlights:

• R1 achievement: Now among the top 4.7% of U.S. research universities, reflecting our expanding research enterprise and national impact.
• Student success: Nearly 9,000 degrees and graduate certificates awarded; first-year retention holding strong at 85%; and expanded professional academic advising to keep students supported and on track.
• Access and growth: Record enrollment of 31,091 students, including an 11% increase in transfer students; and one-third of our undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college.
• Rising reputation: Ranked #81 among U.S. public universities, and #45 among the nation’s most innovative schools, by U.S. News and World Report.
• Unprecedented fundraising: The public launch of our $500 million For the Love of Charlotte campaign, fueled by the largest fundraising year in University history.
• Athletic success: Multiple conference titles and a standout inaugural season for women’s lacrosse.

These achievements underscore the extraordinary momentum of UNC Charlotte, a university powering innovation, expanding opportunity, and driving impact for our region and beyond.

I invite you to watch our year-in-review video and explore the annual report website. What you’ll find is a University on the rise, with bold aspirations and a bright future ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Go Niners!

Sincerely,