![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rex-and-Clocktower-440x412.jpg\")
Queens\u2019 mascot is Rex the Lion.<\/p>\nAs work continues toward a proposed merger between Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte, get to know more about Queens and how the two universities are aligned in values and mission.<\/p>\n
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When Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte announced in September an intent to merge, the message conveyed by leaders of both institutions was simple and powerful: We are two institutions with aligned purposes and a singular vision to enhance educational opportunities for students.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1889 and 1857, respectively, both Elon and Queens have histories that emphasize engaged learning, community service and student-centered innovation. With a merger, Elon\u2019s national reputation for experiential education and undergraduate teaching excellence will meet Queens\u2019 nearly 170-year legacy in Charlotte\u2019s civic and academic ecosystem. The merger is described as \u201ccombining complementary strengths, shared values and a deep commitment to Charlotte.\u201d<\/p>\n
Queens\u2019 mascot is Rex the Lion.<\/p>\n
At the conclusion of the merger, Elon University will operate Queens. For students, the benefits are tangible. A combined institution promises expanded academic pathways, enhanced connections with regional employers and deeper integration of hands-on learning with real-world impact. And for Charlotte, the union signals a bold investment in local higher education, anchoring both campuses in a vibrant metropolitan region that is expected to grow in population by more than 50% by 2050.<\/p>\n
The combined vision will preserve the traditions of both institutions while advancing a modern model of scale, opportunity and regional engagement.<\/p>\n
A Landmark Meeting
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Queens-Elon-BOT.jpg\")
The Boards of Trustees of both universities, as well as dozens of faculty and senior leaders, met on Elon\u2019s campus in October.<\/p>\n
In a historic gathering and a major step forward in the intended merger between Elon and Queens, the Boards of Trustees of both institutions \u2014 joined by dozens of faculty and senior leaders \u2014 gathered in October on the Elon campus for a daylong review of progress and collaborative planning.<\/p>\n
The working session marked a significant milestone in the shared vision to create a merged institution positioned for academic excellence, operational strength and exceptional student outcomes.<\/p>\n
During the session, leaders outlined a timeline for key regulatory and legal steps. The gathering included an Elon University campus tour for the guests from Queens as well as a series of roundtable discussions in which board members provided feedback on each of the core integration areas.<\/p>\n
Prominent Queens Alumni<\/p>\n
Vi Lyles \u201973
Mayor of Charlotte (2017-present)<\/p>\n
Shirley Fulton MBA \u201988
First African American woman to serve as a judge in the Superior Court of North Carolina<\/p>\n
Malek Jandali \u201997
Composer and pianist, founder of Pianos for Peace<\/p>\n
Conrad Ricamora \u201901
Actor<\/p>\n
JB Brown MBA \u201903
President of Hendrick Automotive Group<\/p>\n
Maxwell Millington \u201916
Entertainment reporter for Axios<\/p>\n
Meg Rosenthal \u201919
Author of \u201cThe Wingman\u201d and \u201cThe Right Words\u201d<\/p>\n
Hannah Aspden \u201922
Paralympic Gold Medalist<\/p>\n
Dillon Lewis \u201925
Drafted by the New York Yankees (currently at Hudson Valley Renegades)<\/p>\n
Quick Facts About Queens
\nCampus<\/p>\n
30 acres in the Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte<\/p>\n
Students<\/p>\n
Nearly 1,600 combined enrollment (undergraduate and graduate)
\n44 states and 50 countries represented<\/p>\n
Academics<\/p>\n
51 undergraduate majors
\n9 pre-professional programs and 9 master\u2019s programs<\/p>\n
Athletics<\/p>\n
23 Division i NCAA Teams
\nMascot: Rex the Lion
\nName: The Royals<\/p>\n
Timline<\/p>\n
![\"Queens](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Primary-Logo_Queens-University-Charlotte_CMYK-440x158.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/p>\n
Queens University<\/p>\n
1857: Founded as Charlotte Female Institute in uptown Charlotte<\/p>\n
1891: Renamed Seminary for Girls<\/p>\n
1896: Renamed Presbyterian Female College, located at North College & Ninth streets<\/p>\n
1912: Renamed Queens College and moves to Myers Park<\/p>\n
1930: Merges with Chicora College for Women to become Queens\u2013 Chicora College<\/p>\n
1948: Begins admitting men to new co-ed evening college<\/p>\n
1987: Becomes fully coeducational<\/p>\n
2001-02: Trustees approve (2001) and implement (2002) the name Queens University of Charlotte<\/p>\n
2025: Gains full NCAA Division I status and championship eligibility; Queens and Elon University announce intent to merge<\/p>\n
![\"Elon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/elon-wordmark-primary-cmyk-440x205.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Elon University<\/p>\n
1889: Elon College founded by the Christian Church (now the United Church of Christ) as a co-ed institution<\/p>\n
1890: First classes held; original administrative and academic buildings constructed<\/p>\n
1920: Toshio Sato, Elon\u2019s first international student, graduates<\/p>\n
1923: A fire destroys Elon\u2019s main building, sparking a campus rebuild<\/p>\n
1963: Elon admits its first Black student, Glenda Phillips Hightower, marking a major shift toward racial integration<\/p>\n
2000:\u00a0Official name changes to Elon University, signaling a rising national identity and expanded academic scope<\/p>\n
2019: Named a Top-100 National University by U.S. News & World Report for the first time<\/p>\n
2023: Announces expansion of national campus program to Charlotte, joining established initiatives in Los Angeles and New York<\/p>\n
2025: Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University announce intent to merge<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n