Wake Forest University is dramatically increasing its impact in North Carolina by developing a new academic campus in The Pearl, Charlotte’s innovation district. The Pearl officially opened its doors this week. Anchored by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the expansion is poised to transform medical education, research and economic development in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities.

The Promise of The Pearl

Wake Forest’s presence in the Pearl promises groundbreaking collaboration and innovation. It is a pivotal moment for both the University and the Queen City. 

“We are proud of the role our University and alumni continue to play in Charlotte,” said Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente. “Wake Forest’s presence in The Pearl allows us to train future physicians, researchers, and leaders in a collaborative, urban environment that reflects the needs and opportunities of the communities we serve. This is more than just a new campus — it’s a strategic investment in the future of healthcare and innovation.” 

Charlotte has long been the largest U.S. city without a four-year medical school. That will change this summer, when Wake Forest School of Medicine opens its second campus and welcomes the inaugural class of medical students in Charlotte. The medical school will be located in the Howard R. Levine Center for Education. Wake Forest also plans to move the Wake Forest School of Professional Studies and the School of Business’ nationally ranked MBA program from the current location in Uptown Charlotte to The Pearl. 

Charlotte is home to the largest concentration of Wake Forest alumni outside of Winston-Salem.

Advancing Medical Education

“Our Charlotte campus marks a transformative moment for Wake Forest School of Medicine,” said Dr. Ebony Boulware, Dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “It brings our mission to life in new and powerful ways — advancing innovation, forging strong community partnerships, and expanding access to top-tier medical education in one of the country’s most dynamic cities. This new campus strengthens our reach across the Southeast and the nation, creating new pathways to improve health through learning, discovery, and service.”

While third- and fourth-year students have long completed clinical clerkships in Charlotte, the new campus marks a significant expansion. 

For years, Wake Forest medical students have gained clinical experience in Charlotte, and now, with a full medical school experience here in The Pearl, students will engage in a unique problem-based education model, and get expanded, hands-on experience in the city’s unique clinical settings. With its first class of students starting in July, enrollment is expected to increase to 100 students per class over the next five years.

The Pearl also is home to IRCAD North America, which includes a surgical training curriculum with the latest techniques in cardiovascular, neuro and orthopedic surgeries, among others. With programs set to begin in September, it’s expected to draw thousands of medical professionals from across the globe annually.

Fostering Collaboration, Leadership and Professional Growth 

Wake Forest has maintained a significant and evolving presence in Charlotte, primarily through its graduate and professional programs. The Wake Forest School of Business and the School of Professional Studies offer a broad selection of programs to Charlotte-area working professionals with a myriad of pathways to advance their careers. Each remains committed to close faculty-student collaboration, strong market connections, and rewarding experiential learning that amplifies impact.

Strategic expansion will provide students with learning opportunities aligned with the University’s mission of character-based education and holistic development. 

“Sharing a home with Wake Forest’s School of Medicine and School of Professional Studies offers exciting cross-disciplinary opportunities for our MBA and other offerings,” said Annette L. Ranft, Dean of the School of Business. “Integrating business programs within a healthcare innovation district can spark new ventures and foster entrepreneurship in the health technology and life sciences sectors.” 

The School of Professional Studies currently offers graduate programs 100% online. As the campus expands, additional formats may be introduced. In-person executive education courses, as well as student and alumni community events, could be hosted at The Pearl.

“Leveraging strong partnerships with Charlotte’s leading industries — including healthcare and financial services — Wake Forest programs connect academic coursework with real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers,” said Charles Iacovou, vice provost, Charlotte programs, and dean of the School of Professional Studies.

By integrating into this innovation district, these world-class Schools will enrich the student experience and strengthen Wake Forest’s role as a key contributor to Charlotte’s thriving economy, aligning educational offerings with the region’s most dynamic sectors.

Over the next 15 years, the district is projected to generate more than 5,500 on-site jobs and more than 11,500 total jobs across the region, making The Pearl a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity.   

Innovation Corridor Links Winston-Salem and Charlotte

Wake Forest’s move into Charlotte strengthens its broader academic and research ecosystem. The University’s Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem already serves as a national model for public-private partnerships in biomedical research and technology. Now, with an enhanced presence in Charlotte, Wake Forest is extending the arc of innovation across the state.

“This new campus is yet another manifestation of Wake Forest’s mission to serve humanity through knowledge and discovery,” Wente said.

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