The University of North Carolina Asheville today announced it will pause its current negotiations for the recently announced development on a portion of its Millennial Campus while it continues its vetting of that project and establishes a Millennial Campus Development Commission designed to create a process to evaluate potential projects for its Millennial Campus properties.
The proposed development to construct a multi-use stadium, along with housing, retail, and related amenities on UNC Asheville’s South Campus has a projected return to the University that will exceed $46 million over 30 years. Though this is the most refined Millennial Campus proposal to date, UNC Asheville must continue vetting this proposal and, at the same time, secure broader stakeholder input. Pausing the negotiations will ensure that this project — and all future Millennial Campus developments — fully aligns with UNC Asheville’s long-term strategic priorities, strengthens its recruitment and retention efforts, and provides the same significant benefits, including increased non-tuition revenue, enhanced athletic and event facilities, new student housing options, and community amenities.
To assist with this effort, the Commission will be charged with soliciting constructive community input, reviewing proposed development ideas, assessing alignment with the University’s objectives of revenue and campus benefit, and making recommendations on the sequencing and prioritization of projects. Its initial focus will be on proposed alternatives to the South Campus plan. Revenue projections of any alternative proposals must meet or exceed the paused plan’s estimated return.
Jointly appointed by UNC Asheville Board of Trustees Chair Roger Aiken and UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort, the Commission will contribute relevant expertise and objective perspectives.
UNC Asheville invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, neighbors, business leaders, and elected officials from across the region to bring forward their ideas and aspirations to the Commission so that all who care about UNC Asheville can help identify solutions that meet the institution’s needs and strengthen its positive impact. The work of this Commission would be intensive and would provide a solid foundation for any future consideration by the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees and, ultimately, the UNC Board of Governors. The expectation is for the Commission’s work to be completed by January 2026 at the latest.
“We have heard clearly from members of our campus and the broader Asheville community that they want more opportunities to engage in a structured, transparent conversation about Millennial Campus development options,” said Chancellor van Noort. “While this is not a moment for reflexive opposition to any particular idea, nor for blanket assertions that UNC Asheville should forgo development altogether, we do want to ensure the strongest possible process, the clearest possible information, and the broadest possible support while considering the best interest of the University, the UNC System, and the region.”
The work of the Commission will coincide with the ongoing efforts of UNC Asheville’s leadership, begun earlier this year, to meet with community stakeholders who have expressed both support for and concerns with development of the University’s Millennial Campus properties.
UNC Asheville’s Millennial Campus serves as a core element of its institutional sustainability. As the University approaches its 100th year in 2027, ensuring the success of future projects on its Millennial Campus properties will ensure UNC Asheville thrives during its next 100 years and beyond.
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