Logos for the newly-merged Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte.

North Carolina’s Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University have signed an agreement to merge, and once the deal is complete, the merged institution's student body will total just over 9,000 students across its campuses.

Acting President of Queens University of Charlotte Jesse Cureton announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that the schools would join forces. Elon's main campus is about 120 miles northeast of Charlotte.

Cureton said the decision was about planning for the future. He explained that Queens University of Charlotte is nearly 170 years old, and its leaders hope that merging with Elon will ensure the college will be successful for another 170 years and then some.

“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.”

Queens and Elon universities boast a student body of 9,100, the universities confirmed to USA TODAY on Sept. 17. Queens has a total enrollment of about 1,800, while Elon’s enrollment is about 7,300 students.

Last year, Queens University of Charlotte announced layoffs and said the university missed its enrollment goal for the fall semester, according to the Charlotte Observer. The university told the outlet it planned to implement temporary cost-cutting practices such as reducing staff and non-essential spending, like travel.

When USA TODAY asked the universities if the merger has anything to do with the previous layoffs, the institutions said it does not. The merger is a proactive attempt at combatting how higher education is changing, the universities said.

USA TODAY also asked the universities how the merger will impact athletics programs or the name of the institutions. According to the schools, branding decisions will be addressed during the merger process, and Elon and Queens will continue to run two independent Division 1 athletic programs for the foreseeable future.

According to the universities, administrators from both schools will host a listening tour this fall to hear from students, faculty and staff, alumni and local civic leaders. The feedback will be used to make decisions regarding the merger and the institutions’ goals.

How will the merger impact current students?

According to Cureton from Queens University of Charlotte, current students will be able to complete their degrees with the same professors, and soon, they will have access to Elon University’s resources.

The universities also issued a press release this week and said the structure of the merger hasn’t been finalized but will be over the next few months. The move comes at a time where Charlotte’s metro population is projected to grow 21% between 2020 and 2034, the universities said.

Some voice concerns about merger

Supporters of the merger argued both schools are important institutions for the state.

Those in favor of the move said Elon already has a footprint in the Charlotte area through programs like the Elon Law Flex Program, which allows students to take in-person, part-time classes. Prior to the program’s launch in fall 2024, there was no law program for students in the city.

Others pointed out that Queens University, which has no football team but offers programs such as baseball, softball, and field hockey, will now have a football program.

Still, some social media users took to X, formerly Twitter, to ask how the universities will manage two largely separate athletic programs. Some worried that Queens University, which just received Division I certification this year, will soon be nixed.

Others shared that they don't understand the purpose of the merger. Another social media user referenced past closures of North Carolina higher education institutions such as St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, which closed on May 5; smaller colleges are at risk, the user shared.

This story has been updated to add new information and clarify that the merger has not yet been completed.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queens University of Charlotte, Elon University announce merger. Here's what to know.

Reporting by Saleen Martin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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