A Plan for National Distinction

Dear Niner Nation,

It is my privilege to share The Charlotte Difference: A Plan for National Distinction, 2026–2031, a focused roadmap to accelerate our rise as a premier public urban research university.

Our advantage is clear: we are the only public urban research university in Charlotte, one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most dynamic cities. This plan sets a disciplined path to convert that position into sustained impact, stronger outcomes for our students, and greater national recognition.

The plan is anchored in four priority areas:

• Transform Students’ Lives Through Educational Opportunity and Excellence — We will deliver a high-impact, career-connected education that expands access, supports timely completion and prepares every graduate for lifelong success.
• Power the Future Through Research in All Its Forms — We will elevate our research enterprise to the front ranks of American universities, advancing discovery, innovation and creative activity while harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Drive Progress for Charlotte, North Carolina and Beyond — We will lead as the state’s urban research university and a catalyst for regional prosperity, mobilizing our people, partnerships and expertise to generate measurable impact and strengthen civic and economic vitality.
• Expedite Charlotte’s Ascent to National Distinction — We will invest in our people, programs and partnerships to attract top talent, amplify our national reputation and secure our place among the nation’s most distinguished public universities by 2030.

The Charlotte Difference reflects a set of choices about where we will focus and how we will lead. It calls on all of us to align our efforts and execute with clarity and discipline.

I am deeply grateful to the Strategic Planning Committee for their thoughtful leadership and dedication, and to our co-chairs, Natasha Randle and Ahmed Helmy, for guiding this work with clarity and purpose.

Thank you to our entire campus community for all you do to advance Charlotte, and for the future we will build together.

Sincerely,

Sharon L. Gaber
Chancellor