By Keith Stanley

As President & CEO of University City Partners and a proud member of the UNC Charlotte Board of Visitors, I am honored to share the vital role this board plays in supporting our local University City community, where UNC Charlotte is not only located but deeply embedded. 

The Board of Visitors, established to bolster UNC Charlotte’s mission and expand its community outreach, brings together an influential group of leaders dedicated to strengthening the University’s connection with the greater Charlotte area.

Photo by Ryan Honeyman

The Board of Visitors is integral to UNC Charlotte’s vision of becoming one of the nation’s top public research universities. Comprising leaders from diverse sectors—government, business, non-profit and alumni—our board serves as a powerful network of advocates, advisors, and ambassadors. We meet regularly to provide feedback on key initiatives, consult on strategic goals, and help communicate the University’s impact, all while promoting the aspirations that align with the needs of the Charlotte region.

At our inaugural meeting on October 9th, we were privileged to witness firsthand the University’s remarkable progress in research and community impact. The board explored groundbreaking research in fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and engaged with students like Charlotte native Elijah Smith, a finance major and recipient of the Pathways Promise Scholarship. It was inspiring to see how the University fosters innovation and provides educational opportunities that transform lives—right here in our community.

UNC Charlotte’s recent achievements exemplify its commitment to excellence. This year, the University earned its highest-ever U.S. News & World Report ranking, moving up to No. 81 among public universities and is North Carolina’s only public institution listed among the nation’s “Most Innovative Schools” (read more on Inside UNC Charlotte]. Furthermore, UNC Charlotte was recognized as a rising star by Niche, which ranked it the best campus among public universities in the state, and A ratings for student diversity, campus life, and food services (view the full story). 

Photo by Ryan Honeyman

Another recent milestone that speaks to the University’s forward-thinking approach is its recognition by the University of Pennsylvania in a white paper that highlights urban-serving universities making substantial contributions to their communities. UNC Charlotte was celebrated for its urbanCORE initiative, which supports local communities through policy, data, and engagement with issues critical to urban areas (find out more).

The Board of Visitors is a crucial component in advancing these achievements and ensuring that UNC Charlotte continues to enrich University City. By bridging the University’s efforts with the community’s needs, we support initiatives that drive economic growth, enhance educational outcomes, and foster a thriving, inclusive environment.

Through my role on the Board, I am committed to advocating for UNC Charlotte and helping share its incredible stories of success and innovation with the community. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient University City—one that benefits from, and contributes to, the academic excellence and transformative work taking place at UNC Charlotte.