Queens University of Charlotte is entering a year of major transition as federal funding cuts, enrollment struggles and the looming merger with Elon University converge to reshape the future of the century-old institution.
While the university maintains that its core mission will remain intact, administrators and faculty acknowledge that the financial pressures facing private colleges, particularly those tied to federal support, are now being felt close to home.
One of the sharpest impacts comes from a significant loss of anticipated federal and state funding tied to the university’s Center for Digital Equity (CDE). The program, nationally recognized for its work in expanding internet access, distributing devices and training digital navigators across Charlotte, expected roughly $7 million to support its programming. Those funds now remain uncertain, leaving the organization to navigate a path forward with fewer resources and rising community needs…