Queens and Elon Universities Merge: What You Need to Know

The Merger of Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University

Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University have entered into an agreement to merge, creating a combined institution with a student body of over 9,000 students across their campuses. This significant development was announced by the acting president of Queens University of Charlotte, Jesse Cureton, on September 16. The two institutions are located approximately 120 miles apart, with Elon’s main campus situated northeast of Charlotte.

Cureton emphasized that the decision to merge is rooted in a forward-looking vision aimed at ensuring the long-term success of both universities. He noted that Queens University of Charlotte has a rich history spanning nearly 170 years, and the merger is intended to secure its future for another 170 years and beyond. "It is grounded in a vision that is bold and amplifies the strengths of both universities," he said. "Most importantly, it is centered on student success."

The merged institution will bring together a total of 9,100 students. Queens University of Charlotte currently enrolls around 1,800 students, while Elon University has approximately 7,300 students. This collaboration is expected to enhance academic offerings, expand resources, and provide greater opportunities for students from both institutions.

Challenges and Context

In recent years, Queens University of Charlotte faced challenges, including layoffs and missed enrollment goals for the fall semester. The university implemented temporary cost-cutting measures such as reducing staff and non-essential spending. However, the merger is not directly related to these past decisions. Instead, it is a proactive response to the evolving landscape of higher education.

When asked about the impact of the merger on athletics programs or institutional branding, the universities stated that these details will be determined during the merger process. For now, both schools will continue to operate independent Division I athletic programs. This includes Queens University of Charlotte, which recently received Division I certification.

Student Impact and Future Plans

Current students from both universities will be able to complete their degrees with the same professors and gain access to additional resources from the other institution. The structure of the merger is still being finalized and will be completed over the next few months. The decision comes as the Charlotte metropolitan area is projected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2034.

Administrators from both schools will conduct a listening tour this fall to gather input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local leaders. This feedback will inform decisions regarding the merger and the shared goals of the institutions.

Mixed Reactions and Concerns

While many supporters of the merger highlight the benefits of combining two important institutions, some concerns have been raised. Advocates point out that Elon already has a presence in the Charlotte area through programs like the Elon Law Flex Program, which offers part-time in-person classes. This program, set to launch in fall 2024, will provide a law program for students in the city for the first time.

Additionally, Queens University of Charlotte, which previously did not have a football team, will now have access to a football program as part of the merger. However, some social media users have questioned how the universities will manage two separate athletic programs and whether Queens University of Charlotte's Division I status could be affected.

Others have expressed confusion about the purpose of the merger. Some have referenced past closures of smaller colleges in North Carolina, such as St. Andrews University, which closed in May 2025. These concerns reflect broader anxieties about the sustainability of smaller institutions in the current educational landscape.

Ongoing Updates

This story is continuously updated as new information becomes available. The merger is still in the early stages, and final details are expected to be released in the coming months. The collaboration between Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University represents a significant step in shaping the future of higher education in the region.