Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte is a private university located in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Myers Park neighborhood. Founded in 1857 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), it offers undergraduate and graduate programs across the liberal arts, sciences, business, health professions, and education. The university enrolls a relatively small student body, supporting a personalized academic environment with an emphasis on experiential learning and professional preparation. Queens competes in NCAA Division I athletics and has expanded its academic and campus profile over time. Students are often drawn to its urban setting in Charlotte, its liberal arts foundation, and opportunities for internships and community engagement.

Queens University of Charlotte was founded in 1857 in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Charlotte Female Institute, established by local Presbyterians to provide higher education for women. Robert Burwell served as the first president, guiding the early institution through its formative years. The school underwent several name changes, including Presbyterian College for Women, before adopting the name Queens College in 1913, honoring the earlier Queen’s College of 1771. In 1914, it relocated to its current Myers Park campus. Queens became coeducational in the twentieth century and expanded its academic offerings beyond liberal arts to include professional and graduate programs. In 2002, the institution officially became Queens University of Charlotte, reflecting its broader mission. In 2025, the university announced plans to merge with Elon University, marking a new chapter in its institutional evolution.