Charlotte, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University have announced a strategic merger aimed at combining their strengths and enhancing educational opportunities for students. Unanimously supported by both institutions’ Boards of Trustees, the merger is set to be completed by August 2026, allowing current students continued education and access to Elon’s programs. This collaboration seeks to bolster the local workforce and maintain Queens University’s heritage while addressing enrollment challenges the institution has faced in recent years.
Charlotte – Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University announced plans for a strategic merger during a news conference on Tuesday morning. This collaborative merger aims to combine complementary strengths between the two institutions, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to the Charlotte community. Both universities’ Boards of Trustees have unanimously supported the move, which is expected to benefit students at both institutions while reshaping the landscape of higher education in the Queen City.
The merger will allow current Queens students to continue their education without disruptions while gaining access to Elon’s engaged learning model and expanded alumni network. Jesse Cureton, acting president and CEO of Queens University, described the merger as a courageous decision to enhance their collective institutional strength. Elon University’s president emphasized the merger’s potential to better connect with the local business community.
Elon, which has over 3,000 alumni in Charlotte, will expand its geographical presence in the city and provide enhanced infrastructure for graduate students. This collaboration is seen as a way to strengthen Charlotte’s talent pipeline and improve workforce readiness. Current students from both institutions will have immediate access to a wider array of unique programs following the merger.
Expected to close by August 2026, the merger will result in Elon beginning to operate Queens University. The two universities boast combined assets of $2 billion and are projected to serve around 10,000 students post-merger. The initial phase of integration will commence with a listening tour this fall, designed to gather community input on how to implement the merger effectively.
Queens University has faced challenges in recent years, experiencing nearly a 37% enrollment drop between 2011 and 2024, contributing to financial difficulties. The merger is viewed as a proactive step to secure both universities’ futures amidst rising uncertainties in educational funding. Hugh McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, endorsed the merger, highlighting its importance for the future of education in Charlotte.
The merger seeks to preserve Queens University’s legacy and its contributions to regional higher education while allowing additional staffing and leadership changes to explore operational efficiencies within both campuses. Athletics will continue at both campuses following the merger, although the future name of the combined university has yet to be decided. Both university presidents reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining Queens University’s identity as part of the new name, honoring its 168-year history.
Key Features of the Merger
- Purpose: To enhance educational opportunities and institutional strength.
- Beneficiaries: Current students at both institutions, local workforce.
- Timeline: Expected completion by August 2026.
- Assets: Combined $2 billion.
- Projected Student Population: Around 10,000.
- Initial Integration: Community listening tour in the fall.
- Enrollment Challenges: Queens University faced a 37% drop from 2011 to 2024.
- Identity: Commitment to honor Queens University’s heritage.
FAQ
What are the plans for the merger between Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University?
The merger aims to combine complementary strengths, shared values, and a commitment to Charlotte.
When is the merger expected to close?
The merger is expected to close by August 2026, at which point Elon will begin to operate Queens University.
Will current Queens students be affected?
Current Queens students will continue their education without disruption while gaining access to Elon’s engaged learning model and expanded alumni network.
What are the financial aspects of the universities involved?
The universities have a combined $2 billion in assets and a projected student population of around 10,000.
What challenges has Queens University faced prior to the merger?
Queens University experienced a nearly 37% enrollment drop from 2011 to 2024 and has faced financial challenges.
How will the merger impact the local community?
The collaboration will help strengthen Charlotte’s talent pipeline and workforce readiness.
What changes might occur as a result of the merger?
Additional staffing and leadership changes may occur as the schools explore operational efficiencies.
Chart: Key Features of the Merger
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enhance educational opportunities and institutional strength |
| Beneficiaries | Current students at both institutions, local workforce |
| Timeline | Expected completion by August 2026 |
| Assets | Combined $2 billion |
| Projected Student Population | Around 10,000 |
| Initial Integration | Community listening tour in the fall |
| Enrollment Challenges | Queens University faced a 37% drop from 2011 to 2024 |
| Identity | Commitment to honor Queens University’s heritage |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Queens University and Elon University Plans Merger
- Charlotte Observer: Queens and Elon Merger
- Elon News Network: Elon University Announces Merger
- WRAL: Elon and Queens University Merger
- Wikipedia: Queens University of Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
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