A $2.5 million gift from alumnus Robert A. Niblock ’84 will establish the Niblock Scholars Program, a unique scholarship program that will launch this fall to support Belk College of Business undergraduate students.
The gift, which brings his total support to the Belk College to $5 million, will provide scholarships for up to five freshmen or transfer students who demonstrate financial need and intend to enroll in programs within the college. The $5,000 annual scholarship will pay toward the cost of attending UNC Charlotte, covering the majority of tuition and fees. The scholarships are renewable for up to four years, totaling $20,000 in funding for each student.
“As a graduate, I know UNC Charlotte provides a quality education, and I believe the Niblock Scholars Program will provide the opportunity to enhance that education by empowering students to focus their time and energy on their academics,” said Niblock, who is the former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lowe’s. “It’s a privilege to be a part of the campus community in such a meaningful way.”
The gift was announced on May 5 at a virtual recognition ceremony hosted by UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber and attended by Niblock and his wife, Melanie Niblock ‘84.
“Robert's history demonstrates that UNC Charlotte students who work hard and pursue their goals can achieve incredible success,” Gaber said. “The Niblock Scholars Program will provide students, especially those who are first-generation college students like Robert, the resources they need to become successful. He is an inspiration to our students and to our University.”
This gift is Niblock’s second significant donation to the Belk College. In 2015, he provided $2.5 million to create the Niblock Student Center, which provides one-on-one academic coaching, workshops and networking opportunities to support nearly 4,000 undergraduate business students.
Belk College students offered their thanks to the Niblocks for their support in a video that debuted during the event.
“I would like to thank Robert NIblock for his continued generosity and for creating the Niblock Scholars Program, primarily because he’s going to be supporting students that require financial help when their journeying through their college experience,” said Arjun Nag, a Belk College senior and peer advisor in the Niblock Student Center.
“What I would say to Robert Niblock is thank you,” said Bailey Harris, a Belk College junior and peer advisor in the Niblock Student Center. “But thank you is not enough for all the things you’ve done for the Niblock Student Center and the Belk College of Business.”
Green and Gold Drive Business
The Belk College of Business has been driving business for more than 50 years. Established in 1970, the college offers outstanding business education programs at the undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and executive levels. The Belk College is one of the Carolinas’ largest business schools, with more than 4,600 students, over 100 full-time faculty, and more than 33,000 alumni. Accredited by AACSB International, the college is committed to building strong partnerships in the greater Charlotte region and beyond as North Carolina's urban research business school.
Photo: Robert and Melanie Niblock