PRESiDENT’S REPORT


First CTI


Cohort Lands Jobs at Lowe's


Interest in MSFA Program Continues to Rise


Interest in our Master of Science in Finance and Analytics continues to grow as word spreads about this unique program – the first of its kind in North Carolina.


The MSFA program, launched in 2023, teaches students to build their data and analytics skills while also equipping them to help their companies make beter business decisions. Students take part in residencies at companies like Bank of America and Ally Financial, get access to some of the top business and analytical minds in the region, and are able to complete the program in just one to two years.


The outlook is extremely bright for the program, as enrollment for the fall 2024 class doubled compared to a year ago.


“Banks and other institutions are siting on these large data sets, and they need people who have data analytics skills but also understand financial theory,” says Katerina Ivanov, Ph.D., director of the MSFA program. “The whole area of financial services has become very quantitative, and this trend will only continue.”


Thanks to the generosity of two donors, the MSFA program received funding to support the educational journey of the first cohort of students.


“Being a part of the Charlotte Talent Initiative program has had a huge effect on me. I don’t know if I would have been able to attend college without it, at least not for a while.”


—Grem McIntosh ’24


Graduates of the inaugural donor-driven Charlote Talent Initiative (CTI) cohort have all successfully transitioned into full-time positions at Lowe’s. Launched in 2022 with generous support from Lowe’s and Ally Financial – each company providing $2 million or more – CTI provides students with mentorship, internships, and essential career guidance, giving students a direct pipeline to some of Charlote’s leading businesses.


Lowe’s and Ally Financial were inducted into Queens’ Ministrare Society in 2023 in honor of their generous support of the university.


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