I am a UNC CHARLOTTE 49er and Sigma Phi Epsilon alumnus. I regularly return to my former campus for…read morefootball games and other sporting events, fraternity functions, and College of Engineering volunteer opportunities. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (CHARLOTTE) is a public research university and part of the University of North Carolina System. It is classified as an R1 "Very High Research Activity" institution, reflecting its significant research output and doctoral education. In Fall 2025, CHARLOTTE enrolled over 32,000 students -- approximately 26,200 undergraduates and nearly 6,000 graduate students -- making it one of the largest and fastest-growing universities in the state. CHARLOTTE offers a broad range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, with around 79 undergraduate majors spanning arts and sciences, engineering, business, computing, and others, along with more than 150 graduate and professional programs. As an R1 university, CHARLOTTE emphasizes research and innovation through strong partnerships with industry, government, and the community. The university ranks among the top 30 U.S. institutions for career outcomes and return on investment. New degrees in sports analytics and artificial intelligence continue to expand CHARLOTTE's academic reach. Students benefit from internships, research opportunities, study-abroad programs, and strong post-graduation employment outcomes. The campus itself is a major asset. It offers excellent venues for meetings, events, athletics, and alumni engagement. During the Fall 2025 season, I attended every home football game, including tailgates hosted by the SigEp NC Nu Alumni and Volunteer Corporation. I also attended a men's soccer match -- and what a season it was. The CHARLOTTE 49ers finished 8-4-4, captured the regular-season conference title, and earned the No. 1 seed in the American Athletic Conference Tournament. They advanced to the semifinals, where a dramatic nil-nil match against FIU was decided by penalty kicks, with Charlotte narrowly defeated 11-10. In December, I volunteered at the William States Lee College of Engineering Senior Design Expo, held at the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC), which includes the 9,000-seat Dale F. Halton Arena. I've attended basketball games at Halton Arena for years, but I had no idea how impressive and versatile the rest of the facility is. I helped check in alumni, business leaders, and academic staff for lunch, which was hosted in a beautiful suite of rooms on the third floor. Meanwhile, senior engineering students displayed their projects on the main arena floor. It is an outstanding venue for academic and professional events. Greek life plays an important role at UNC CHARLOTTE, contributing to leadership development, service, and campus engagement. The university is home to a wide range of fraternities and sororities representing social, professional, and service-based organizations. These chapters are deeply involved in philanthropy, community service, and student leadership across campus. The strength and professionalism of Charlotte's Greek community reflect the university's broader emphasis on character, service, and lifelong connection referred to by the university as the "Gold Standard." Sigma Phi Epsilon has a strong alumni presence at CHARLOTTE (Sig Ep NC Nu), and we also have student Brothers actively chartering a chapter on campus. We recently held an executive workshop in one of the meeting rooms in the Student Union. Sig Ep's Balanced Man program is unique to Greek organizations and will benefit the university and student Brothers. Like many of Charlotte's academic, athletic, and student facilities, the Student Union is impressive -- modern, well-designed, and comparable to professional conference centers I've experienced throughout my career. It was perfect for the Sig Ep Executive Workshop. UNC CHARLOTTE continues to grow and achieve excellence, just as the City of Charlotte itself has emerged as a premier urban and economic center. The university proudly brands itself as "Charlotte's University," and that identity truly fits. The William States Lee College of Engineering, in particular, has gained national visibility, climbing steadily in U.S. News & World Report rankings. Its graduate programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering rank among the top 100 nationwide. The college is also home to one of the nation's most highly regarded motorsports engineering programs -- a perfect fit for the Charlotte region. A truly great university in a great city!

I graduated from UNCC and am now getting my master's. I will not lie, it took a while to understand…read morehow to get the most out of my time at UNCC, but they have done an amazing job at trying to fund research, graduate students, and create a diverse and inclusive environment. They also offer an incredibly affordable education when compared to other schools. They are constantly improving the campus, but some areas are given more attention than others. Overall, the buildings are usually incredibly clean, the landscaping is always gorgeous, and there are so many resources we have access to as students. Just know you will have to figure things out here yourself at times but truthfully there is a place for everyone here.

There were many services offered. I was really impressed as you can tell. I personally opted for a…read moreperm rod set, however, they do sew ins, braids, silk press wash, and go roller sets etc. The best part is it's affordable. The service was amazing and I definitely will be going back. Keep in mind. This is a school and they are artist so they sensitive about the Ish so go in with an open mind and allow them to work 10 out of 10 experience. Conjy is the best!!!!!!!

I went and had finger waves done I telling the truth they…read morewere hard like l wanted them and they was cute

So this is an update to my original complaint against the Concord Empire Beauty School for…read moreunprofessional behavior I was contacted by Ms Ford the director for the Concord NC location and offered a complimentary service with stylist Dekayla. I was so thoroughly pleased with the both of them!!! Ms Ford listened to me and understood and offered to make my negative experience right!! She is an asset to your company!! Dekayla was very professional and styled my hair superbly!! I was so pleased with her I got her contact information so that when she graduates in a couple weeks I can follow her wherever she ends up at! Ladies thank you for assisting me!

I recently visited the Empire Beauty School in Concord, NC and was immediately impressed by the…read moreentire staff. From the front desk to the students working on the floor, the whole team is warm and personable, creating a welcoming and upbeat environment. It's clear the students are passionate about their craft; they are raring to learn and practice their skills, which really adds a buzz to the atmosphere. A huge positive is the professional organization of the floor. Every student takes pride in their workspace--everyone keeps their station neat and tidy, which speaks volumes about the training they're receiving. Transparency is also excellent: the price list for services and all available retail products are prominently displayed. While I haven't personally had a chance to get any services yet, based on the cleanliness and careful instruction I observed, I would absolutely trust them with a non-chemical procedure like a deep conditioning treatment, simple braiding services or a blowout. On the client side, my relatives recently had a pedicure here and were happy with the results.

Did an excellent job on my acrylic nails. The students do the work; however, when completed the…read morenails looked just like a professional had done it. Teacher's are present for questions or concerns.

ACAI has a phenomenal curriculum for nail techs! So glad I chose them over the other more known…read morebeauty schools. Passed both my written and practical with flying colors because they prepare you well as long as you do your part in studying. Highly recommend!

I have received excellent service from the student barbers at Premier Grooming Academy. Mr. Tap is…read morea Task Master who vigilantly monitors his student barbers. He means business and his students understand that. The student barbers are courteous, considerate, receptive to input from customers and Mr. Tap. They operate in a professional manner and seem very inquisitive about every aspect of "barbering." They work as a team and constantly listen and observe every aspect of "how to cut hair." They interact positively with their peers and the environment of the shop is "easy going." Even when Mr. Tap isn't in the shop monitoring his student barbers...it's like his spirit is there and the students behave in a professional manner. I receive ultimate attention and treatment each time I get my hair cut. There is no animosity and everyone gets along very well. It is impressive to observe the demeanor of the student barbers. It is quite apparent that they will be successful in the "barber shop world." These student barbers are a positive extension of Mr. Tap and they personify his work ethic, professionalism and attention to detail. It is always a pleasure to step inside Premier Grooming Academy and observe what these prospective professionals learn and how they mature. It's not just about the barbering process...it is about life...and that is what Mr. Tap teaches them. These student barbers are the "Real Deal." Respectfully submitted by: Artemus Flagg, Ph. D. (a very critical individual). My taste is very simple...I only like and expect the BEST!!!. Mr. Tap will continue his legacy and he is well respected in the community, the state and the nation. You have to experience the ambiance of Premier Grooming Academy to understand and acknowledge my perspective of a "Good Thing."

From the owner: The mission of Premier Grooming Academy is to provide excellence in barber training and to provide…read moreopportunities to enable students to become successful barbers.