Panthers and UNC Charlotte Launch Partnership To Support Education and Regional Development

The Carolina Panthers and UNC Charlotte announced a partnership on Nov. 6. The deal promotes the school's connection to Charlotte and the Carolinas. It will give the university a presence throughout the football season with campaigns, branding, and activities at Bank of America Stadium.

Tepper Sports & Entertainment will work with the school to support employees interested in pursuing MBA opportunities. Several TSE executives are alumni. David Dickerson serves as Chief Financial Officer. Kisha Smith holds the position of Chief People Officer.

"Our partnership with UNC Charlotte reflects a shared belief in the power of education and community investment," said Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and president of the team, per Big News Network. "We're proud to work alongside the University to help cultivate emerging talent, expand professional opportunities, and contribute to the region's continued growth."

Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said the agreement shows the school's role in the area's development. "The Panthers bring national recognition to the Queen City and the remarkable growth happening here," said Gaber. "This partnership underscores UNC Charlotte's role in driving that progress and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Charlotte and the Carolinas."

The university enrolled a record 32,207 students for the fall 2025 semester. The school has grown to include more than 99,000 alumni in the region under Gaber's leadership.

The school received Research 1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. R1 is the highest distinction a doctoral university can receive.

The university achieved its highest-ever ranking among U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges, rising to No. 74. It is one of just three public research universities in North Carolina ranked in the top 75.

The NFL franchise became the 29th National Football League team on Oct. 26, 1993. They began play in the 1995 season. That year, they won seven games.

David A. Tepper owns the team. He founded and serves as president of Appaloosa Management L.P., a global hedge fund. Home games take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, just miles from the North Carolina-South Carolina border.

The organization works with over 3,800 community partners, nonprofit agencies and schools in the Carolinas each year. It provides funding, resources and opportunities throughout the two-state area, working to impact the region in positive ways.