UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber honored with World Citizen Award
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber is the 2025 recipient of the World Citizen Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. This prestigious honor recognizes her leadership and commitment to strengthening Charlotte’s role on the global stage. She was formally presented with the award during a ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented the World Citizen Award annually to prominent citizens and organizations who have enhanced the Charlotte community’s standing in the world.
“There is simply no question that Charlotte is now a global city, and UNC Charlotte is now one of the most vibrant and productive research universities anywhere. Chancellor Gaber has been a driving force in both of those transformations,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “From the first day she arrived at UNC Charlotte in 2020, right in the teeth of the Covid pandemic, [she] had an ambitious vision for bringing the University fully into its role as a research powerhouse, an engine of opportunity for the whole region, and a magnet for talent and investment from all over the world.”
Chancellor Sharon Gaber was presented the World Citizens Award by L.J. Stambuk, president and CEO of World Affairs Council of Charlotte, right, Peter Hans, president of the UNC System, second left, and Mike McNamara, chair of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte board.
Gaber was honored for being a visionary leader who has driven progress at the University and throughout Charlotte and beyond.
Since arriving at UNC Charlotte, Gaber has guided the University through a period of remarkable growth and recognition. Under her leadership, Charlotte achieved Carnegie R1 status in 2025, officially joining the ranks of the nation’s top-tier research universities. U.S. News & World Report now ranks UNC Charlotte among the top 75 public universities in the nation, and as the most innovative public university in North Carolina.
“Sharon truly embodies what it means to be a World Citizen,” said L.J. Stambuk, president and CEO of World Affairs Council of Charlotte. “Capturing the full scope of her impact is no small task. [However, she does] incredible work to uplift and inspire our community. It’s clear that her influence is both deep and far-reaching.”
From boarding a plane as an unaccompanied 10-year-old bound for her grandparents in England, to studying how cities around the world are developed and thrive as an urban planning scholar, Gaber has long understood the power of global perspectives.
“This award is a personal honor, but more importantly, it reflects the values and aspirations of UNC Charlotte,” said Gaber. “To me, a World Citizen recognizes our shared humanity, listens and learns from other cultures and approaches differences with curiosity, all hallmarks of institutes of higher education. I am proud to accept this recognition on behalf of the faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni of our University, a community that proudly calls Charlotte home while engaging thoughtfully with the world we all share.”
UNC Charlotte’s growing global reach illustrates that approach:
- More than 3,000 international students from 106 countries are studying through the University this academic year.
- Nearly 2,000 students studied abroad in the past three years, supported by exchange agreements with 48 partner institutions across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
- The University’s alumni network extends worldwide, with 13,600 graduates living in 113 countries.
- Each fall, UNC Charlotte hosts one of the region’s oldest and largest cultural traditions, the International Festival, which draws more than 10,000 participants and visitors annually and showcases nearly 50 countries.
That international perspective is now being deepened through new student opportunities. During the ceremony, Gaber announced the creation of the Odyssean Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship, a $1 million fund made possible by Twig and Barbara Branch. This gift will open transformative travel and study experiences for students who might otherwise never have the chance to go abroad.
“We are preparing students to be thoughtful leaders — people of character, compassion and courage — who will strengthen our state, our nation and our world,” said Gaber. “That is our calling, and it is a responsibility I know we all share.”
Her commitment to innovation and global engagement is reflected not only in the University’s rising stature but in her personal leadership. Gaber has been named one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs, featured on its Power 100 list and recognized by Business North Carolina on its Power List for four consecutive years.
Beyond campus, Gaber is deeply engaged in the Charlotte community and region. She serves on the boards of Charlotte Center City Partners, the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and the Leading on Opportunity Council, and is active in organizations such as Women Executives and the International Women’s Forum – Carolinas.
View images from the World Citizen Award ceremony.