Jesse Cureton named acting CEO at Queens University

QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE

Jesse Cureton, a longtime corporate executive at Novant Health and Bank of America, has been appointed acting president and CEO of Queens University of Charlotte.

Jesse Cureton has been appointed Queens University of Charlotte’s acting president and CEO.

Cureton, the university’s trustees chair, was elected in a unanimous vote by the board. He assumes the top position while a national search is conducted for President Dan Lugo’s replacement. Lugo resigned in June. 

Cureton, who earned a master’s degree in business administration at Queens, was previously chief consumer officer and executive vice president at Novant Health. Before that, he spent 25 years at Bank of America and held leadership roles on several boards, including UNC Chapel Hill, HomeTrust Bancshares, and Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. 

“Especially as a Queens alumnus, this institution holds a special place in my heart. It helped shape who I am, and I’m honored to give back in this capacity during such a pivotal time,” Cureton said in a statement. “Serving as acting president is a privilege. I’m committed to providing steady leadership and supporting our students, faculty, and staff as we navigate this monumental transition, and I’m proud to help lay the groundwork for the university’s sustained success.” 

Trustees vice chair Brandon Perry was named acting chair. Perry, who joined the board in 2017, was chair of the finance and audit committee. 

“We are incredibly fortunate that Jesse stepped forward to accept this role. His deep institutional connection and extensive leadership experience will provide critical continuity as we move forward with the national search for our next president,” Watts Hamrick, Queens trustee and chair of the transition committee said in a statement. “As anyone who has been involved in a leadership search can attest, the process is not entirely predictable. Our work has been even more challenging given the effects of the rapidly changing higher education landscape. We remain fully committed to finding the right long-term leader for Queens University.”

“It’s an honor to step into the role of board chair at such a significant moment for Queens,” Perry said. “I look forward to working alongside Jesse in his new leadership role to ensure a strong path forward. His deep understanding of the institution and unwavering commitment to our mission make him well-suited to lead the university during this transition.”

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