Queens-Elon University Merger Process Underway, Leaders Say

Officials from both schools emphasize the need to 'slow walk' the merger to preserve legacies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:34pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a mortar board graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the iconic symbol of higher education transformed into modern pop art.The pending merger of Queens University and Elon University aims to combine the legacies of two respected North Carolina institutions of higher learning.Charlotte Today

Leaders from Queens University and Elon University have provided an update on the pending merger between the two institutions, stating that they are 'slow walking the process' to ensure a careful and thoughtful transition. The merger will require regulatory approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the U.S. Department of Education, with the goal of retaining both schools' NCAA Division I athletic programs.

Why it matters

The merger of these two respected universities in North Carolina is a significant event that will shape the future of higher education in the region. The leaders' cautious approach reflects the importance of preserving the unique legacies and identities of both institutions as they combine.

The details

According to Jeff Stein, the executive vice president and chief integration officer for Elon University, the merger process is being 'slow walked' to ensure a careful and thoughtful transition. The schools signed a 'definitive agreement' to initiate the merger in December 2025, and Stein expects the merger to receive approval from SACSCOC in late June 2026. The final approval from the U.S. Department of Education is anticipated by the end of 2027 or early 2028. Once the merger is complete, the goal is to retain both schools' NCAA Division I athletic programs, with Stein stating, 'Our intention is to continue to have two D1 athletic programs going forward.'

  • In December 2025, Queens University and Elon University signed a 'definitive agreement' to initiate the merger process.
  • Stein expects the merger to receive approval from SACSCOC in late June 2026.
  • The final approval from the U.S. Department of Education is anticipated by the end of 2027 or early 2028.

The players

Jeff Stein

The executive vice president and chief integration officer for Elon University.

Queens University

A university in North Carolina that is merging with Elon University.

Elon University

A university in North Carolina that is merging with Queens University.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

The regional accrediting body that will need to approve the merger between Queens University and Elon University.

U.S. Department of Education

The federal agency that will also need to approve the merger between Queens University and Elon University.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to be careful, because there is a tremendous legacy and important legacy from both institutions.”

— Jeff Stein, Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer, Elon University

“Our intention is to continue to have two D1 athletic programs going forward. I think everybody wants a dramatic story, but we really intend to keep them going.”

— Jeff Stein, Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer, Elon University

“We don't want to jump to a name before we get approvals. But we will get there, I promise.”

— Jeff Stein, Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer, Elon University

What’s next

The merger between Queens University and Elon University is expected to receive approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in late June 2026. The final approval from the U.S. Department of Education is anticipated by the end of 2027 or early 2028.

The takeaway

The cautious and deliberate approach taken by the leaders of Queens University and Elon University in the merger process reflects the importance of preserving the unique legacies and identities of both institutions. By 'slow walking the process,' they aim to ensure a thoughtful transition that will ultimately benefit the students, faculty, and communities served by these two respected North Carolina universities.