The Student Experience

Where Students Engage with the World’s Leading Thinkers

Queens University of Charlotte’s Learning Society is more than a lecture series – it’s a vivid expression of the university’s commitment to intellectual curiosity, meaningful dialogue, and student-centered learning.

From its inception in 1988, the Learning Society has developed innovative programming in which students are not simply audience members, but active participants in thought-provoking conversations with some of the most influential innovators, authors, and leaders of our time. While members attend the Learning Society’s signature seasonal lectures, the program’s most impactful event happens before the speakers ever take the stage.

Student-led Conversations

Before each evening lecture, guest speakers participate in an exclusive hour-long afternoon discussion led by Queens students. This intimate setting creates an opportunity for students to engage directly with world-renowned leaders, ask thoughtful questions, and participate in candid conversations beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.

The conversation begins when a panel of students asks intentional, thought-provoking questions designed to spark deeper discussion. The session then transitions into an open forum where students in the audience can engage with the speaker, creating a dynamic exchange of perspectives and ideas. These interactive experiences provide students with access to global thought leaders in a way few universities can offer, fostering critical thinking, confidence, and intellectual engagement.

The student experience continues during the evening lecture, attended by Learning Society and Charlotte community members. For each program, faculty select three students whose academic interests align with the speaker’s area of expertise. Months before the event, these students are given the opportunity to study the speaker’s work, engage deeply with the subject matter with university faculty and mentors, and develop thoughtful questions. At the conclusion of the public lecture, they join the conversation on stage, presenting their questions before Learning Society and community members.

This unique model transforms students from passive observers into informed contributors, demonstrating the university’s belief that learning is most powerful when students are actively engaged in the exchange of ideas.

Expanding Opportunities Through the Salvin Impact Fund

In March 2026, community philanthropists Bob and Susan Salvin announced a $1.5 million gift establishing the Salvin Impact Fund for the Learning Society. The Fund is designed to deepen student engagement with global thought leaders while expanding the program’s reach and visibility throughout the Charlotte region.

“Through their investment in this program, we will be able to elevate and expand key aspects of the Learning Society experience, especially the student lecture and outreach initiatives,” said Queens University President Jesse Cureton ’02. “Bob and Susan’s generosity will help ensure that even more students have the opportunity to engage directly with leading thinkers and participate in conversations in the classroom and beyond.”

The gift reflects the Salvins’ longstanding commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students and strengthening connections between the university and the broader community. Read about the Salvin’s transformative gift.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Learning Society exemplifies the distinctive educational experience that students receive while at Queens University of Charlotte. It is a unique experience in which students engage directly with ideas, leaders, and challenges shaping the world around them.

As the program continues to grow, the Salvin Impact Fund will help ensure that student engagement remains at its core. Every speaker of conversation, every student question, and every exchange of ideas reinforces the university’s mission to prepare graduates who think critically, lead courageously, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As President Cureton, noted: “When our students take the stage alongside the most compelling voices of our time, they are not just witnessing greatness—they are part of the conversation.”

The commitment to fostering important dialogues and discovery is what makes the Learning Society unique, and what makes a Queens education truly transformative.