UNC Charlotte chancellor talks long view for booming campus

CHARLOTTE — UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber spent much of her first year on the job focused on the pandemic, keeping the university’s doors open and students, faculty and employees safe. It’s a trend likely to continue as Covid-19 cases increase.

[New UNCC chancellor says student safety is top priority]

But Gaber also has an eye on the future. She conducted a listening tour over the last year — largely by Zoom meetings — to learn what those on campus, alumni and community leaders had to say about the university. “Everybody is excited about what we’re doing. Where we’re going — the fact that we want to do even more. I feel like the campus is really well situated to continue to move forward in a positive way.”

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A 10-year strategic plan is being developed. That means an increased focus on diversity and inclusion, more research, fundraising to support students and boost enrollment and community involvement in key areas from health to economic mobility.

Gaber is also taking steps to raise the university’s national profile. The university recently rolled out a new brand, associated with its 75th anniversary.

“I’d like us to be elevated in terms of our ranking and reputation. I think there’s a lag time in terms of people knowing who we are and I’m going to try to close the gap,” Gaber says.

She recently spoke to the Charlotte Business Journal about her thoughts on her first year, the university’s growing role here and what lies ahead. Read excerpts from that interview here.

New UNCC chancellor says student safety is top priority

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