Former Novant Health executive takes reins of Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte has chosen a new acting president, following the departure of President Daniel Lugo in June.
The board of trustees named Jesse Cureton acting president and CEO of the university in a unanimous vote, Queens announced in a news release Wednesday. Cureton will serve temporarily “while the university prepares for and moves forward in its search for a permanent president,” a spokesperson told The Charlotte Observer. They didn’t say how long that could be.
Cureton, former executive vice president and chief consumer officer of Novant Health, served as the chair of the university’s board of trustees prior to being confirmed as acting president. Brandon Perry has been named the acting chair of Queens’ board of trustees.
“(Cureton’s) deep institutional connection and extensive leadership experience will provide critical continuity as we move forward with the national search for our next president,” Watts Hamrick, Queens trustee and chair of the transition committee, said in the Wednesday news release. “As anyone who has been involved in a leadership search can attest, the process is not entirely predictable. Our work has been even more challenging given the effects of the rapidly changing higher education landscape.”
Queens University’s former president, Daniel Lugo, announced his departure in December, after being named to the same job at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Lugo had served as Queens president since July 2019.
Cureton is a Queens alumnus, holding a master’s degree in business administration from the university.
“This institution helped shape who I am, and I’m honored to give back in this capacity during such a pivotal time,” said Cureton. “Serving as acting president is a privilege. I’m committed to providing steady leadership and supporting our students, faculty, and staff as we navigate this monumental transition.”
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM.
