CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2014\u00a0Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte shared more info about their planned merger this week, set to happen in 2028. Over the summer, they moved one step closer to the merger by getting approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some Queens students are hopeful about the opportunities this could bring, but alumni and students still have more questions. <\/p>\n
\u201cI’m curious to see how they how they want to integrate the campus cultures and make them fit and flow together,\u201d Queens University of Charlotte student Emily Skaar said.<\/p>\n
The schools announced a name change to Elon University Queens College, a change that doesn\u2019t thrill some alumni.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s like, well, what does our degree matter anymore? Like what is the\u2026 does it still matter now that it’s no longer Queen’s University?\u201d Queens University of Charlotte alumni Garrison Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Two first-year students enrolled this semester, knowing about the merger, are optimistic. <\/p>\n
\u201cI’m happy with where it’s going to lead to,\u201d Queens University of Charlotte student\u00a0Oliver Pili said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking at it face value, it can be very shocking, but I think overall, it\u2019ll be very positive for our school,\u201d Queens University of Charlotte student\u00a0Emma Anderson said. \u201cChange doesn\u2019t necessarily mean something scary, it just means something new.\u201d<\/p>\n
Queens has a few physical changes, and Elon\u2019s getting more involved. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur clubs have been getting more money, my sororities been getting more money, things like that,\u201d Queens University of Charlotte student\u00a0Emily Allison said.<\/p>\n
The schools hired a new admissions dean, and some faculty are designing new programs for the fall.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u201cA pathway to Elon law, to the PA program, to a new master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling,\u201d President of Elon University Connie Ledoux Book said.<\/p>\n
As for future diplomas, \u201cThe diploma will recognize Queens College as part of the university and Elon legacy. Elon diplomas will be Elon University,\u201d Queens University of Charlotte Acting President Jesse Cureton said.<\/p>\n
The schools say the merger sets Queens and Elon up for success. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere was no risk of us closing doors, but we would have had to come up with something, either a major significant capital campaign or relooking at our models,\u201d Cureton said.<\/p>\n
The universities said there\u2019s always a risk of cuts, but they don\u2019t expect any large-scale job losses. Also, school colors, the mascots and athletics will stay separate.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Department of Education still has to approve the merger.<\/p>\n
Follow us on Instagram at\u00a0spectrumnews1nc<\/a>\u00a0for news and other happenings across North Carolina.<\/p>\n