Q&A with Kala Gibson: Banking on Impact
Fifth Third Bank executive Kala Gibson says his organization believes it has an obligation to use its capital in ways that expand access and remove long-standing barriers to opportunity.
Impact
The Kenan Institute connects scholars, business owners, policymakers and community leaders in ways that inspire insights, create new partnerships and welcome community engagement to stimulate a prosperous and free society in North Carolina and beyond.
Q&A with Annelies Goger: Reframing the Skills Gap
Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow Annelies Goger asks how we’ll change educational institutions to prepare for the shift AI will bring in what people do and what they need to know. “It will require all hands on deck,” she says.
Q&A with David Deming: Bridging the Skills Gap with Artificial Intelligence
Kenan Institute Distinguished Fellow David Deming of Harvard talks about his research focusing on the potential for effective teamwork involving humans and artificial intelligence.
Connecting Experts, Building Partnerships
The Kenan Institute serves as the hub for engagement and impact from visiting experts, community leaders, and student scholars.
NC Growth Building Business Resilience
NCGrowth clients share their perspectives on the value of partnering with NCGrowth. The Engagement Week video highlights how NC Growth supports small business resilience, showcasing real-world efforts that help businesses adapt, and thrive.
Insights from the 2025 Frontiers of Business Conference
At the 2025 Frontiers of Business Conference, experts shared what it will take to bridge the skills gap. Hear which soft skills are growing in importance, how AI is reshaping expectations and why continuous learning is becoming the new norm.
Dean’s Speaker Series: Reggie Townsend
Reggie Townsend, vice president of the Data Ethics Practice at SAS, spoke on “Responsible Innovation, Responsible Innovators” in the Kenan Center Dining Room on November 4.
Kenan Institute Launches Hodges Scholars Program Thanks to Naming Gift
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will launch the Luther Hodges Scholars program in fall 2023, thanks to a naming gift from Carolina alumnus Luther Hodges.
NCGrowth
NCGrowth works nationally to build an economy with opportunities for all to prosper. We provide technical assistance to businesses, governments, anchor institutions, and other organizations to create good jobs and new wealth in economically distressed communities. We produce applied research and develop innovative policies that promote equitable development. We host unique, cross-sector convenings and workshops to bring together diverse perspectives.
Homegrown Tools tells the story of communities that have successfully stimulated private investment and job creation. The tool connects public officials, practitioners, and researchers to successful economic development strategies and inspires communities to leverage their unique assets. Homegrown Tools is managed by NCGrowth, an EDA University Center at UNC Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the UNC School of Government, the NC Rural Center, and the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning.
The Luther Hodges Scholars program challenges Kenan-Flagler students – 68 at last count – to take on the cross-sector impact-oriented Kenan Institute mission. Scholars explore research collaborations, mentorship, public policy and real-world social challenges.
Luther Hodges Scholars
Each year, up to 25 sophomores are selected to become Luther Hodges Scholars. Students are selected for their superior scholarship and genuine interest in research and in working with private and public sector professionals to address the timeliest, most pressing issues facing business and society today and in the future. Scholars are introduced to the critical role that business and the private sector play in providing solutions to these challenges. Students learn the interdisciplinary competencies of leadership, research, and cross-sector collaboration essential for success as high-impact leaders..
