CHARLOTTE, N.C. — University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the fastest growing school in the state's college system.
Channel 9 rode with the UNC Board of Governors as they got an up-close look at the campus, and the changes being made to the university.
Construction is a constant sight at the university as the school builds new parking lots and dorms in order to keep up with growth. Enrollment has jumped 10 percent in the past five years.
"The growing reputation of UNC Charlotte helps, growth of Charlotte, growth of the region, relocation of many companies in the region," UNCC Chancellor Philip Dubois said.
Dubois said he does realize the construction has come with its challenges. He said more developers are building nearby, but some are bringing private, lower quality student housing.
He also said congested parking lots have students looking forward to the light rail. He said students can start taking the train in March and it will come 103 times a day.
UNC System President Margaret Spellings said UNCC plays a keyrole in boosting the state's economy.
"Without UNC Charlotte we wouldn't be growing, we would not be the ninth largest economy in the country," Spellings said.
The board also toured UNCC's Epic Center, where the school is grooming engineers to support Charlotte's growing energy sector.
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