Dr. Philip L. Dubois

Honorary Alumnus Award

At the time of his retirement on June 30, 2020, Dr. Philip L. Dubois, UNC Charlotte’s fourth chancellor, was the senior chancellor in the University of North Carolina system. He led the system’s fastest-growing and third largest institution, directing a 43% growth in enrollment, an expansion of academic programs, implementation of diversity-related initiatives, growth in research funding and significant construction and renovation of campus facilities.

Phil’s career in higher education spanned more than 40 years. As a first-generation college student, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis and a master’s degree and doctoral degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Phil started his career in academia at UC Davis as an assistant professor, rising through faculty and administrative ranks to hold various positions, including full professor and associate vice chancellor for academic programs. In 1991, he was recruited to UNC Charlotte, where he spent five and a half years as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. In 1997, he became president of the University of Wyoming and in 2005, he was named chancellor of UNC Charlotte.

Phil increased the University’s visibility in the Charlotte region and beyond, with undergraduate enrollment reaching nearly 30,000 under his leadership. He led the largest facility construction and renovation program in UNC Charlotte’s history, exceeding $1.2 million. To the excitement of students and alumni, football was added to the University’s athletics offerings with the inaugural season in 2013.  He collaborated with elected officials and the Charlotte Area Transit System beginning in 2005 to make possible the construction of the light rail line from Center City Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte campus. The Blue Line extension opened on March 16, 2018.

Phil has been recognized regionally and nationally as an expert in higher education, achieving many awards and accolades during his respected career. In 2020, he was recognized by the American Council on Education with its Outstanding Mentor Award, by the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Commission with the Order of the Hornet and by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian award. Prior recognitions include being named Charlotte Magazine’s Charlottean of the Year, inclusion on the Charlotte Business Journal’s list of Most Admired CEOs and the Eileen Tosney Award for Career Service in Higher Education Leadership.