End of Semester Message to Faculty and Staff

Dear Niner Nation,

As we approach the close of the semester and I reflect on the past year, I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and incredibly grateful for your hard work. We’ve had a great year!

This weekend, we will celebrate the 3,600 students who have earned their degrees in the summer and fall terms. Each graduate has their own incredible story, some persevering through extreme adversity, and all adjusting to new ways of learning. You can read about a few of them in this article.

We will also mark another significant milestone this weekend. After nearly two decades, this will be Provost Joan Lorden’s last commencement weekend on stage. After Saturday’s ceremony, she will have conferred degrees for more than 107,000 Charlotte students at 90 ceremonies.

Saturday also will be the final commencement for Dr. Tom Reynolds, our longtime dean of the Graduate School. His and Provost Lorden’s collective contributions to our University will continue to positively impact students – and so many of us – for years to come, and I wish them the very best in their well deserved retirements.

With record new research funding, record state funding for STEM and capital improvements, and rising national rankings, there is a growing excitement surrounding Charlotte. We are definitely a University on the rise!

It’s your dedication, expertise and responsiveness that enable this great University to soar to new heights. Your work has made Charlotte a top choice for our students to learn, thrive and grow. By working together, I know we will reach our vision of being a globally recognized top-tier research university.

I hope you will find well-deserved rest and rejuvenation during the upcoming winter break. I send you and your loved ones my best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and a bright start to 2023.

Sincerely,

Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor