Barrier-breaking Truist executive lands new leadership role at UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte’s Board of Trustees’ new leader is having what he calls a “full-circle moment” in his long-standing connection with his alma mater.
Donta’ Wilson recalled his journey as a freshman at age 18, being dropped off on the college campus in 1994.
“Trying to figure things out, like how to get to my class, the cafeteria, all the way to now having an opportunity to serve and give back in ways the university gave to me,” Wilson told The Charlotte Observer on Thursday. “It’s very humbling.”
The 49-year-old earned a bachelor’s degree in management from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. He now is chief consumer and small business banking officer for Charlotte-based bank Truist.
Last year, a 700-student residence facility was named for Wilson. He made history as the first African-American alumnus in the school’s history to receive this honor.
The building honors the creation of the Wilson Believe Fund, which helps make college more accessible for first-generation students pursuing degrees in business or education.
“I’m indebted to the university,” Wilson said. “It gave me an accelerated start with what I learned when I was a student leader there. I know how important it is to be able to provide that for the next generation.”
Wilson began his new role as board chair on July 10 for the university with 31,000 students. The 13-member board serves as the governing body for UNC Charlotte.
“He cares deeply about this institution and brings people together across business, civic and campus communities in ways that make a lasting impact,” UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber said in a statement.
Donta’ Wilson’s focus at UNC Charlotte
Wilson highlighted the strength of the university’s alumni base, which stands at 178,000. Some 60% reside in the region, underscoring the institution’s importance to the local community and beyond, he said.
As board chair, Wilson’s primary goals align with the university’s strategic direction.
“Our goal is to make sure that we are continuing to look forward with helping the university deliver exceptional STEM education that ultimately powers opportunity and progress,” he said. This includes preparing graduates for high-demand fields such as engineering, data science, computer science and business.
A major undertaking for his term is the For the Love of Charlotte fundraising campaign, the largest in the university’s history, with a target of $500 million. This campaign aims to bolster student success, academic research, and campus and community vibrancy.
Beyond the capital campaign, Wilson and the trustee board are focused on enhancing the student experience, encompassing everything from curriculum and residency to dining and athletics, he said.
Wilson is committed to elevating and accelerating the impact of the university’s research to attract more funding and talent.
Addressing concerns about potential reductions in federal funding for research, Wilson expressed confidence in UNC Charlotte’s proactive approach to diversify research funding.
As for administration policies impacting student visas and DEI initiatives, Wilson said: “Despite my personal feelings on the value of diversity, equity and inclusion, UNC Charlotte has the responsibility to follow the law of the land and govern within the guidance we receive.”
He affirmed the university’s long-time commitment of upholding opportunities for diverse populations of students.
“What we are continuing to focus on is the success of our students and upholding our long-time commitment of equality of opportunity for students we serve,” Wilson said. “And I’m proud to be a part of that legacy as a former student myself.”
Who is Donta’ Wilson?
The name Wilson is familiar on the campus in other leadership roles. He was appointed to the UNC Charlotte board in 2021, serving the last two years as vice chair.
Wilson has a MBA from the University of Maryland. He serves the community in other ways, too, including as being a member of Signet Jewelers board of directors, Sigma Pi Phi (Boulé) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, according to UNC Charlotte.
Wilson’s mantra, he said, is “helping other people excel.”
He grew up in a military family, moving 12 times before the 10th grade, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. He landed his first job in operations at BB&T (now known as Truist following the merger with SunTrust in 2019) as a college sophomore in fall 1995.
Wilson climbed the corporate banking ladder in an industry with little African-American representation among its executive roles.
“When you’re in a position to make the change, then you start to impact and change it and evolve it,” Wilson said at the time.
This story was originally published July 18, 2025 at 8:43 AM.
