We are a top-ranked, internationally acclaimed executive education partner. For over 70 years, we have supported thousands of leaders around the world in corporate, government and defense, and non-profit organizations. We are part of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The school’s research and renowned faculty are vital both to our learning experiences and our continuing goal: to transform leaders and their organizations to the benefit of society.
We want to help your leaders and organization create meaningful change that lasts, and that only happens when everyone in your organization feels inspired, empowered, and acts together. Our programs and consultative approach make that possible.
Purposeful change only happens when people work together. Our programs align to your leaders so you can lead as one and produce exceptional results.
Leaders who want to shape the future need to seize the opportunities of today. Our programs deliver practical resources that your leaders can apply immediately.
To make real progress, you need a clear roadmap. By asking tough questions and listening with intention, we codesign programs that will help your organization grow and deliver on your objectives.
We could not be more pleased with the professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness with our UNC team. The custom program we run with [UNC] is our premier leadership development offering in our company, and it is highly effective and well-received.”
Organizational change is a continuous journey. That’s why we provide leadership development that goes far beyond the duration of our programs. Acting as an extension of your team, we can provide ongoing support to help your leaders adapt to the complexities of their roles. We are the long-term partner you need to navigate constant change with confidence.
Your Carolina Experience
We create a comfortable environment where your leaders can open up about challenges, seek feedback from peers, and make breakthroughs based on honest conversations. From day one, your leaders will feel welcome, relaxed, and part of our community.
We are here to collaborate, not lecture. Our team is here to listen, have meaningful debates, and engage with your leaders on what matters most.
We bring the Carolina Experience to you wherever you are in the world. Online or at our state-of-the-art campuses, our learning environments are designed to feel safe, engaging, and inspiring, so your leaders can show up and be themselves.
The Carolina Experience is about making our participants and leaders feel a personal connection to UNC. It’s about creating a welcoming environment where they can feel comfortable to share their thoughts, concerns, and personal experiences.”
Program Coordinator, UNC Executive Development
Our team has a wealth of industry experience and leadership development expertise. Driven by a dedication to excellence, we provide the transformational learning experiences your organization is looking for.
Discover More1953
In October of 1953, officials at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill launch a new initiative: the “UNC Executive Program”. 25 North Carolina business executives assemble in Chapel Hill for intensive classroom study and discussion. During the program, participants stay at The Carolina Inn, a hotel that was built in 1924 and later donated to the University by John Sprunt Hill (Class of 1889).
1986
After moving the executive education programs to the basement of Carroll Hall in the 1970s, officials move them yet again, this time to two rooms on the fourth floor of the Kenan Center. However, shuttling program guests between these classrooms and The Carolina Inn is becoming increasingly unwieldy.
1988
The DuBose family donates 27 acres of land and the Georgian revival DuBose Home to UNC Chapel Hill. Paul J. Rizzo, then dean of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, believes the property will make a perfect setting for a new executive education center.
1994
The Kenan Trust donates nearly $10 million to the executive education center. This donation funds the design and construction of the new executive education campus, which includes restoring the DuBose Home and building new accommodations and classroom facilities.
1999
Officials dedicate the completed Paul J. Rizzo Center on September 22, 1999. The facility includes three buildings: the restored DuBose Home; McLean Hall (named in honor of UNC alumnus James K. McLean Sr. and his wife, Sarah); and Loudermilk Hall (named in honor of UNC alumnus R. Charles Loudermilk Sr.).
2014
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School begins expanding the Rizzo Center to accommodate growing demand for its executive education programs.
2015
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School completes the expansion of the Rizzo Center. The expansion includes two new buildings, 66 guest rooms, a 30,000-square-foot courtyard for large events, two 70-seat classrooms, and a bistro-style restaurant.
2022
In 2022, current UNC Executive Development President, Stephen Hyde, joins the team. “I have spent my career in executive development, professional development, and lifelong learning,” Stephen says. “It has become a passionate interest. I have seen the impact we have had, for individuals and teams, and at every level of an organization. I have always been interested in learning and human development — in the ways we grow, and change, and adapt over time.”
2024
We have come a long way since delivering our first program back in 1953. Today, we have supported learning experiences for tens of thousands of leaders in corporate, government, and non-profit organizations around the world. Despite many changes over the years, though, our mission remains the same: to serve by leading others, and to deliver leadership development to both effect organizational change and benefit society.
Our organization is rapidly growing, and we are looking for exceptional people to join our team. Find out more about a career at UNC Executive Development.
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