University achieves R1 Status

Dear Colleagues,

Every day is a great day to be a Niner…but some days are greater than others!

This morning the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, in cooperation with the American Council on Education, announced that UNC Charlotte has officially achieved Research 1 (R1) status, taking our place among the top tier of the nation’s research universities.

This is a day of celebration for the UNC Charlotte community and the Charlotte metro region. Attaining top-tier research status has been a goal of this University for quite some time, figuring prominently in our 10-year strategic plan. 

I want to thank each and every one of you, because this outstanding accomplishment is a direct reflection of your hard work. The collective efforts of our world-class faculty and staff have brought us to this point. The impact of our research addresses local challenges, strengthens communities and shapes the future with solutions that extend far beyond our region. 

Our new R1 designation helps unlock opportunities for the University to receive bigger research grants, to forge stronger industry partnerships, and to solve critical problems. We will be on a more level playing field to compete with the best institutions in the nation, and better equipped to continue attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and students. Looking beyond the University, this designation will positively impact the economy of our region in a number of ways.

This achievement comes at a time of change in the research community, and we remain attentive to the shifting landscape. As always, we are focused on fostering a strong research environment that drives meaningful impact locally and globally.

I hope you are as excited and proud as I am of this incredible accomplishment. We’ll have opportunities to relish our new status over the next few weeks, including a campus-wide celebration. Stay tuned for more details.

Congratulations to each and every one of the amazing faculty, staff and students who make up Niner Nation. This couldn’t have happened without you!

Go Niners!

Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor