Elon University, Queens University of Charlotte announce merger plans

Calling it a strategic move that “redefines higher education” for the region, Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte announced plans on Tuesday to combine forces.

The two private colleges say they will be strengthened by the merger as they face the headwinds confronting higher education.

Founded in uptown Charlotte in 1857, Queens University currently serves nearly 2,000 students. Elon, founded in 1889 just outside of Burlington, is the larger of the two schools with 6,500 undergraduate students and more than 780 graduate students enrolled.

Elon University President Dr. Connie Ledoux Book said together Queens and Elon become an almost $2 billion asset institution with almost 10,000 college students and a $600 million endowment.

“Together we are much stronger than we are individually,” said Book in a video release announcing the partnership.

“Our ability to impact all of the communities we are in will be second to none,” pledged Jesse Cureton, acting president and CEO for Queens University.

Cureton said the merger with Elon will allow Queens to stay deeply connected to Charlotte’s civic and business community.

One business leader praising the merger is Hugh L. McColl Jr., the former chairman and CEO of Bank of America.

“Having served nearly two decades as a trustee at Queens and now watching my granddaughter pursue her degree at Elon Law in Charlotte, I’ve seen firsthand the impact both institutions have on students,” McColl said in a press release. “By uniting their strengths, Elon and Queens are expanding opportunity, preserving legacy and making a bold investment in Charlotte’s future. This is the kind of forward-looking vision that ensures our city continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Burney Jennings, chair of Elon’s Board of Trustees and the former CEO of Biscuitville, said the move was a natural next step for Elon’s growth.

“Queens is the right partner at the right time,” Jennings said.

The two universities plan to hold citywide listening tours later this fall to hear from students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni. A more developed vision of the merger will be unveiled in early 2026.