The Division of University Advancement at UNC Charlotte manages the campus’ external environment by leading the University’s communications’ strategies and by building strong, progressive relationships between the University and its alumni, students, faculty and staff, donors, friends, corporate partners and elected officials to help advance UNC Charlotte’s strategic initiatives.
The departments within University Advancement include Advancement Operations, Alumni Affairs, Community Relations, Constituent Relations, University Communications, University Development, and University Events.
Advancement Operations
University Advancement Operations provides infrastructure, information, and services to support the University’s fundraising and engagement activities; to ensure the responsible and ethical management of our alumni and donor database and gift systems; to execute purposeful programs and services to alumni, students, parents, and friends; and to maintain all administrative functions of the Division of University Advancement. Operations is responsible for the maintenance of the University’s database of record for all alumni and donors. Operations is also home to the Division’s annual giving program comprising mail, telephone, and digital fundraising platforms.
Alumni Affairs
Alumni Affairs develops, coordinates and promotes programs and events for UNC Charlotte alumni, 150,000 strong; including alumni groups and regional networks, award programs, Homecoming and AlumNiner Weekend. Alumni Affairs staff also manages two event venues on campus - the Harris Alumni Center at Johnson Glen and the Hauser Alumni Pavilion, the site of pre-game alumni tailgates.
The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association works to promote a close relationship between alumni and the University by fostering a spirit of loyalty and fraternity among UNC Charlotte graduates, former students, and friends, and by encouraging alumni to become personally involved in and financially support University activities. The Board of Directors of the Alumni Association is comprised of alumni who represent the general body of alumni and at least one of each of the seven academic colleges of the University and the graduate school, so much as possible.
Community Relations
Community Relations works to strengthen the connection between UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte community through intentional and meaningful partnerships with key cultural, educational, social and civic organizations. This is accomplished through targeted outreach initiatives and projects that encourage faculty and staff to use their time and talents in support of the greater Charlotte community. The Community Relations team also coordinates the Community Engagement Orientation for new faculty and senior staff, as well as various community panels.
Constituent Relations
Constituent Relations fosters, supports, and advances UNC Charlotte’s relationships with state, regional, and local government officials and agencies, as well as with the business and corporate community, strengthening the University in its mission to deliver on its promise as the region’s premier urban research university. From welcoming government representatives to campus to providing information and access, Constituent Relations forges the link between UNC Charlotte and our public representatives.
Additionally, the unit is responsible for enhancing and promoting a strong, effective relationship with the UNC Board of Governors, as well as with business advocates including the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Constituent Relations has co-led transformational, interdisciplinary efforts, including the implementation of light rail onto campus, and engagement with the 2012 and 2020 presidential nominating conventions, ensuring unique, informative opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, and community.
University Communications
The mission of University Communications is to elevate the brand reputation of the University by shaping the UNC Charlotte story through strategic communications to internal and external stakeholders. University Communications 30-person team is composed of media relations and issues management, creative services, communication operations, news and information, broadcast and digital media, advancement communications, social media and web/email communications. The team works with a network of college communicators in the divisions and colleges to provide strategic communications support and guidance to further the Institution’s mission.
University Development
The Office of University Development, composed of major gifts, leadership gifts, and planned giving, builds philanthropic relationships that engage UNC Charlotte alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff, and friends in supporting the University’s mission. Thanks to the generosity of UNC Charlotte’s donors, University Development campaigns, including the largest in University history - Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte, are truly transforming the University by providing scholarships and resources to our students, research opportunities to our faculty, and reaffirming our position as an economic engine for the Charlotte region.
In 2019, the University Development team restructured to better support the achievement of fundraising goals. Fiscal Year 2019 marked the largest fundraising year-to-date for the University with more than $35 million raised. The Development Team of 19 individuals, including support staff, generated nearly 85% of the total. To date, the team is responsible for more than 67% of the total $17.2 million raised in FY20. The current trajectory places the $35.5 million goal for the fiscal year well within reach. Since the start of Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte in FY2014, the average amount raised per year increased to $26.7 million from $18.2 million, an average expected to continue to increase year-over-year.
The Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Inc.
Founded in 1960, the UNC Charlotte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the educational mission of UNC Charlotte. Its work centers on engaging the community, soliciting private donations, establishing scholarships, and managing property and other assets to benefit the students, faculty, and staff of UNC Charlotte. An elected Board of Directors, composed of no more than 45 volunteers, governs the Foundation.
University employees perform the fund-raising and business functions of the Foundation. In exchange, the Foundation transfers funds to UNC Charlotte to enhance the institution’s teaching, research, and service missions. The Foundation endowment is approximately $131 million, and the total University endowment is more than $210.2 million.
University Events
University Events initiates, plans, and implements strategic events and programs that build relationships and strengthen ties to UNC Charlotte. University Events plans and executes all events hosted by the Chancellor including receptions at the Chancellor’s residence (Bissell House), groundbreakings and dedication ceremonies, donor events, award ceremonies, and lectures.
University Events oversee the UNC Charlotte Civic Series presented by Bank of America. The series brings nationally recognized speakers to UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte community for thought-provoking conversations throughout the year. Featured in the series are three annual events: The Chancellor’s Speaker Series, the Barnhardt Seminar on Ethics and the World of Business and the TIAA Lecture Series.
University Events is also responsible for the planning and execution of the University’s seven annual commencement ceremonies. The office oversees every aspect of planning surrounding commencement, from the tickets to the logistics and execution of each ceremony.
