Underscoring the transformative power of a college degree, Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. highlighted UNC Greensboro as a driver of economic health, prosperity for families, and trailblazing research during an Aug. 26 panel discussion at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s State of Our Community.
Joining North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond CEO Tom Barkin, Gilliam highlighted UNCG’s contributions to Greensboro’s talent pipeline, research enterprise, and collaborative economic growth to a sold-out audience.
The panel, moderated by Greensboro Chamber President and CEO Brent Christensen, examined higher education’s economic impact and local universities’ partnerships with the private sector, growing industries, healthcare, and nonprofits.
Gilliam stressed approaching partnerships and engagement intentionally. “We tend to see independent or isolated assets here and there. But what can we do together, and what should we do together?” he said. “Whether it’s in aviation, whether it’s AI, whether it’s materials science, we have to have agreement on what Greensboro is, what stakeholders have to do, and then intentionally design ecosystems to support that.”
As an example, Gilliam cited Greensboro’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, with UNCG providing the training facilities. He said, “We had the Norwegian national team here, a great collaboration between the Sports Foundation, the Chamber, city, and University. That was a great example of how you can collaborate.”
The Chancellor’s remarks were made just days into the Fall 2026 semester, which is already shaping up to be another strong year. Initial enrollment data indicates UNCG’s largest class since 2019.
That momentum extends to the University’s research enterprise. Gilliam also highlighted UNCG faculty’s groundbreaking research, much of it conducted alongside graduate and undergraduate students as they begin their own scientific careers. From fungal bricks and phosphorous measurement to cathode power, faculty expertise turns discovery into practical solutions that serve communities and strengthen business partnerships.
This work is helping elevate UNCG’s national research profile. The University is on the verge of becoming an R1 institution, the top tier for research universities. Forty UNCG faculty researchers are among the top 2% cited worldwide. UNCG is also building on the momentum of recent partnerships with NC BioMISSION, Deloitte, and SparkNC.
Dr. Sherine Obare, vice chancellor for Research and Engagement, shared examples of work emerging from UNCG-led research initiatives in a video played during the State of Our Community. Among them, she highlighted iCOMMAND, which develops protective technology for military personnel, and Optera, a spin-out company creating products that support healthy beehives, essential to the crops that sustain farms and food systems.
Innovation is also taking shape beyond the laboratory. The Jeanne Tannenbaum Center for Creative Practice, the University’s new hub for creative innovation, is set to open its doors this fall as construction nears completion.
“UNCG’s momentum comes from connecting exceptional students and faculty with the people, ideas, and partnerships that move Greensboro forward,” Gilliam said. “Together, we are preparing talent, advancing discovery, and creating opportunity for our entire community.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
