Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte announced plans to merge, with the final details expected to be finalized by summer 2026, aiming to enhance higher education access and resources in Charlotte.

The merger is supported by local business leaders, including Hugh L. McColl Jr., who praised it as a move that will expand opportunities and secure the city's prosperity.

A citywide listening tour involving students, faculty, alumni, and civic leaders will be conducted this fall to gather input and shape the future of the combined institutions.

Queens University has faced financial difficulties, including budget cuts and layoffs in 2024, due to falling enrollment, which has declined partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Queens will retain its name and core values, and current students and faculty will experience no immediate changes to curricula, tuition, or campus life.

Both universities will maintain their individual campuses and NCAA Division I sports programs, with Queens having recently achieved Division I status, and athletic programs continuing unaffected after the merger.

The merger aims to create a stronger institution with nearly $2 billion in assets, over $600 million in endowments, and a student body approaching 10,000, to address financial and demographic pressures.

While many details, including the new name and branding, are still undecided, the universities are currently in an 'integration phase' to develop a new operating model, with final approval from the board expected by November.

Current students will be able to complete their degrees without interruption, and programs like Elon’s graduate law and Queens’ music therapy will remain accessible.

Leadership changes are not expected immediately, but university officials, including President Connie Book, will hold town halls and meetings to address questions from students, faculty, and staff in the coming days.

The merger reflects a broader trend in higher education, driven by financial challenges and declining enrollment, with many institutions seeking to strengthen their future through strategic alliances.

Many alumni and community members have expressed mixed reactions, with some concerned about changes to the university’s identity, but the institutions emphasize their shared values of service, inclusivity, and innovation.