Charlotte, NC, July 22, 2025
News Summary
Donta’ Wilson has been appointed as the new chair of the Board of Trustees at UNC Charlotte, making history as the first African-American to hold the position. His journey reflects a full-circle moment since graduating from the university in 1997. Wilson focuses on enhancing STEM education, elevating research impact, and supporting diversity initiatives. He leads efforts in the ‘For the Love of Charlotte’ fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $500 million for the university.
CHARLOTTE, NC – Donta’ Wilson has been appointed the new chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first African-American and person of color to hold this position. Wilson’s tenure officially began on July 10, 2025.
Before his appointment as chair, Wilson served as vice chair of the Board and has been a trustee since 2021. An alumnus of UNC Charlotte, Wilson graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in management from the Belk College of Business.
At 49 years old, Wilson’s journey from being a freshman in 1994 to a leadership role at the university embodies what he describes as a “full-circle moment.” He is also recognized for his significant contributions to the university, including a residence facility named in his honor last year. The Wilson Residence Hall stands as the first residence hall named after an African-American alumnus at UNC Charlotte and is connected to the Wilson Believe Fund, which aims to support first-generation college students pursuing degrees in business or education.
The Board of Trustees, composed of 13 members, serves as the governing body for the university, which currently caters to around 31,000 students. With Wilson at the helm, he aims to focus on enhancing STEM education to better prepare graduates for rapid growth fields like engineering and computer science. He is also committed to elevating UNC Charlotte’s research impact in order to attract increased funding.
As the chief consumer and small business banking officer for Truist, Wilson leads a team of 20,000 employees. His extensive background in the banking industry spans over 25 years, starting from his college sophomore internship at BB&T (now Truist). Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of improving representation within the banking sector, where African-Americans are often underrepresented in executive roles.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Donta’ Wilson is actively engaged in community initiatives. He serves on the boards of directors for Signet Jewelers and several civic organizations. He is also the co-chair of the “For the Love of Charlotte” fundraising campaign, which aims to raise an unprecedented $500 million for the university.
Wilson is a recipient of the university’s highest honors. He has also been involved with the Belk College of Business’s Board of Advisors from 2019 to 2022. His mantra revolves around “helping other people excel,” and he remains committed to providing equal opportunities for students, especially focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university.
With approximately 178,000 alumni, including 60% residing in the local area, UNC Charlotte has made a notable impact on the community. Under Wilson’s leadership, the Board of Trustees aims to not only sustain this legacy but also to address pressing issues such as federal funding for research and the university’s adherence to policies supporting diversity.
Donta’ Wilson expressed his gratitude for his appointment and the honor of serving both the university and the broader Charlotte community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Donta’ Wilson?
Donta’ Wilson is the newly appointed chair of the Board of Trustees at UNC Charlotte, and he is the first African-American to hold this position.
When did Donta’ Wilson start his role as chair?
Donta’ Wilson began his role as chair on July 10, 2025.
What initiatives will Wilson focus on as chair?
As chair, Wilson aims to enhance STEM education, elevate the university’s research impact, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
What is the “For the Love of Charlotte” campaign?
The “For the Love of Charlotte” campaign is a fundraising initiative that aims to raise $500 million for UNC Charlotte.
Data Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Chair | Donta’ Wilson |
| Historic Achievement | First African-American and person of color as chair |
| Term Start | July 10, 2025 |
| University Enrollment | 31,000 students |
| Alumni Count | 178,000 alumni; 60% local |
| Fundraising Goal | $500 million (For the Love of Charlotte campaign) |
| Professional Background | Chief consumer officer, Truist; 25+ years in banking |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Niner Times: Donta’ Wilson appointed chair
- Niner Times: New board members at UNC Charlotte
- Business NC: UNC Charlotte names science college
- Niner Times: Charlotte board meeting takeaways
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Google Search: UNC Charlotte
- Google Scholar: University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Google News: UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees
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