Queens University of Charlotte has a new president.
Daniel Lugo officially took the reins at the Myers Park-based private university Monday. He was previously vice president for college advancement at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Lugo succeeds former Queens President Pamela Davies, who retired after 17 years on the job.
In addition to his career in higher education, Lugo practiced law including work in the entertainment industry.
Lugo told WFAE's All Things Considered host Mark Rumsey in January that he was intrigued by the university's history of welcoming people from diverse backgrounds.
"I want to see places like Queens thrive," Lugo said. "I think it's a model for our country and our world.
"These are incredibly challenging times and the more students that we can have that come to inviting environments — that bring people together to train them how to have robust debate and discussion in a way where we value each other, we're gracious to each other and we're kind to each other. I think that we are the exact model for what our future leaders need for this country and the world."
Queens has degree programs in 44 majors and has students from 40 different countries.
Lugo told The Charlotte Observer this week that he hopes to broaden Queens' appeal to international students and boost its name recognition outside the region.
“As we’re opening the front door to folks from all over the place, we can’t forget the people that have always been here,” Lugo told the paper. “How can we be welcoming to the world while also understanding that there are folks that have been here a long time, who have built the foundation for why we’re able to thrive? How do we bring them along?”
