UNC Charlotte grad advances HOPE for first-gen collegians

UNC CHARLOTTE

Dontá Wilson, a 1997 UNC Charlotte graduate and member of its board of trustees, speaks during dedication of a residence hall named in his honor on April 9. Wilson Hall is the first dormitory in UNCC history named for a Black person.

Dontá Wilson believes in HOPE – especially for the first generation college students he identifies with.

Wilson, chief consumer and small business banking officer at Truist Financial Corporation and vice chair of UNC Charlotte’s board of trustees 1997 UNC Charlotte graduate, has a personal motto: “Helping other people excel.” On April 9, his alma mater dedicated a new dormitory – Dontá L. Wilson Residence Hall – in his honor.

The 147,000-square-foot building, which opened in January and houses nearly 700 students, is the first school dormitory named for a Black person.

“My greatest hope is to contribute to the kind of rich student experience that lives on long after their time at UNC Charlotte,” said Wilson, a 1997 graduate. “I believe one of the most meaningful investments one can make is positively changing the trajectory of another person’s life for the better, especially one as significant as making an impact on advancing our community forward through education. When you look at all that UNC Charlotte has to offer, it’s about more than just providing a degree — it’s about supporting students through every aspect of the experience.”

The dedication was part of a ceremony that recognized the Wilson Believe Fund, which makes college more accessible for first-generation students majoring in business and education.
Wilson’s philanthropy coincides with his personal experience as a first-year collegian.  Almost 40% of UNCC undergraduates identify as first-generation students.

“Navigating the funding processes and living arrangements can be overwhelming and all-consuming,” said Wilson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management. “When students can focus more on enjoying the experience and performing to the best of their abilities, the benefits extend far beyond the students and our 49er community; it also contributes to the success of their families, the city of Charlotte and the global community.”

“Dontá has been a tireless supporter of our university since his time as an exemplary student leader on our campus,” UNCC Chancellor Sharon Gaber said. “Even as he has gone on to remarkable success as a leader in banking, he has remained dedicated to his alma mater to ensure that others have the same opportunities and experience he had. For a board and alumni leader who keeps his focus squarely on the success of our students, it is fitting that generations of Niners to come will begin their experience at UNC Charlotte in Wilson Hall.”

Wilson’s service earned him the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award by UNCC’s Alumni Association. He served on the Belk College of Business’ board of advisors from 2019-22 and appointed to the board of trustees in 2021.

“Whether it is mentoring undergraduate fraternity brothers in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., cheering on the Niners at an athletic event or hosting student leaders at Truist’s Innovation and Technology Center, Dontá is a champion for our students,” said Kevin Bailey, UNCC’s vice chancellor for student affairs. “He sees in each one of them limitless potential, inside and outside of the classroom, and he is willing to use his experiences and influence to help them succeed. He is a role model for all Niners on how to live a life of purpose, achievement and, above all, generosity.”

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