In the same week that Queens University of Charlotte makes its historic debut in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, visits to both campuses by college counselors, and two trips to Elon by Queens administrators and staff, illustrated the continued collaboration between both institutions.
Activity related to the merger between Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte continues to expand this spring with recent efforts focused on campus visits, external outreach and community engagement.
In the past week, administrators and staff from Queens traveled to Elon for a day of meetings and tours, the integration team members from both organizations met on the Elon campus, and admissions leaders welcomed counselors from across the country for a joint fly-in experience that included both campuses.
At the same time, excitement around Queens’ first Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance has drawn national attention and engagement from students, alumni and fans, with media focus on the historic run of success by members of the Royals men’s basketball team in its first year of eligibility.
Together, these moments reflect steady progress as both institutions continue building relationships, sharing information and preparing for a combined future.
Daylong Visit Strengthens Campus Connections
Administrators and staff from Queens, representing a dozen offices and divisions, made day trips to Elon on March 18 and 19 for presentations, lunches and one-on-one conversations with their counterparts.
For the March 18 visit, the Queens team was comprised primarily of staff who had not yet visited the Elon campus. The group arrived mid-morning by bus and began with a welcome in the Great Hall of Sato Commons. An admissions presentation offered an overview of Elon’s student experience before guests departed for guided campus tours.
The group reconvened at noon for lunch in the McEwen Dining Engagement Space, where conversations focused on shared priorities and institutional strengths. Afternoon meetings with Elon colleagues provided time for more focused discussion across divisions.
Queens Staff Reflections on Their Visit to Elon University
- “My visit to Elon was truly inspiring. There’s a clear, shared passion for student success there that mirrors our own at Queens. I’m excited to see how our collaborative efforts will drive exceptional outcomes for our students.”
Angela Tsuei-Strause
Executive Director, Vandiver Center for Career Development - “Seeing the beautiful campus and hearing the story of success was not the best part of the visit – the best part was meeting my new colleagues in Accounting, Payroll and Purchasing. Elon and Queens have so much in common and after visiting today my head is full of ideas about how staff at each campus can support each other to meet the challenges facing higher education.”
Donald F. Barton
Controller, Finance Office - “This visit affirmed that the future of higher education is strongest when collaboration leads, grounded in shared innovation, renewed efficiency, and a deep commitment to the health and well-being of the whole person in a globally connected community.”
Kristin Tokić
Assistant Director for International Student Services
Myrta Pulliam Center for International Education
A Counselor Fly-In to Elon and Queens
Elon hosted high school and independent counselors from across the United States in an annual program intended to broaden knowledge and awareness of the university’s unique academic attributes and its brand promise for students and families.
In addition to presentations by academic leaders and tours of campus facilities, this year’s experience included a visit to Queens for nearly two dozen counselors who work with students to identify which colleges are right for them.
Evan Sprinkle, Elon University’s dean of undergraduate admissions, said that expanding the counselor program to include a visit to Queens was only natural given the interest families have expressed in the planned merger.
“A lot of people are curious,” Sprinkle said. “There are questions we’ve received since it was announced and it only made sense to include Queens on an expanded itinerary. When we complete our merger, there will be lots of opportunities on both campuses that might encourage counselors to send applicants our way.”
Counselor Reflections on Their Fly-In Experience
- “This visit is important to understand the merger and to get a sense of what both campuses feel like and what it will look like as they come together. It always helps to be in a place, look people in the eye and ask them questions. I’m excited to have a chance to see the Queens campus up close again. I’ve been there before, and I have students who are there. And my early impressions of Elon’s campus are that it is amazing. The community is big, but also very caring, and you can see there has been a lot of investment in facilities.”
Jessica Hardy
Director of College Counseling
Charleston Collegiate School – Johns Island, South Carolina - “It’s valuable to get your feet on the ground and see what’s actually happening on campus. It gives you the chance to understand the school so you can share it accurately with students. One thing that really surprised me was how many specialized programs are available in communications, nursing and other majors, and that students can pursue a lot of different interests here. And we’ve heard about the (Elon-Queens merger) but we wanted to understand what it will look like and what it means for students. Getting that level of detail has been helpful.”
Marissa Margosian
Associate Director of College Counseling
Severn School – Severna Park, Maryland
Celebrating Selection Sunday in Style
Not even the rain could dampen the enthusiasm at Queens on March 15 when a crowd of more than 1,000 students and fans packed Curry Arena for an NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Sunday Celebration.
Dressed in navy and gold, supporters of all ages shared in the electric energy, enjoying food and refreshments while waiting for CBS to reveal the bracket on a massive 23-foot screen.
The crowd erupted in cheers when it was announced that the No.15 seed Queens Royals would face No. 2 seed Purdue University Boilermakers in the first round of the West region of the NCAA Tournament. The game will take place Friday, March 20, at 7:35 p.m. ET at Enterprise Center in Saint Louis.
Students are invited to the Trexler Student Center for an on-campus viewing party featuring food, games and prizes. For alumni and fans across the country, the action will be broadcast live on truTV.
Additionally, official Watch Parties have been organized in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington D.C., and New York City to ensure that Royals fans can cheer together from coast to coast.
For the latest information regarding Queens’ historic NCAA bid, visit the DI Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament Central webpage.