UNC-Chapel Hill launches 'Carolina in the Capital' office

Devin Duncan, Rameses J., Lee Roberts, Chris McClure and Barbara Stephenson cut a ceremonial ribbon at the opening of Carolina's D.C. office. — Student Body President Devin Duncan, Rameses Jr., Chancellor Lee H. Roberts, Chief Strategic Officer Chris McClure and Vice Provost for Global Affairs Barbara Stephenson cut a ceremonial ribbon at the opening of UNC-Chapel Hill's new office in Washington, D.C. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

UNC-Chapel Hill has opened a new office in Washington, D.C., establishing an expanded presence for the University in the nation’s capital and creating exciting opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Located at 101 Constitution Ave. NW, the 10,861-square-foot space – coined “Carolina in the Capital” – will support a variety of functions, including educational programming for undergraduate and graduate students, alumni relations and engagement with government partners.

A view inside Carolina's D.C. office, with a couch, table and chairs.

Supporting students in Carolina’s Washington-based programs is a key function of the new office space. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

As a leading R1 university, UNC-Chapel Hill annually attracts more than $1.6 billion to the state’s economy to fund research that creates a better quality of life for all its citizens. More than 60% of UNC-Chapel Hill’s total research funding comes from federal sponsors with the majority of that federal funding coming from the National Institutes of Health, which is based in the Washington area.

“Carolina in the Capital is a state-of-the-art facility that reflects our commitment to creating experiential learning opportunities for our students and faculty,” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “The space is designed as an immersive learning environment where students can translate classroom knowledge into hands-on experience, which has never been more important. The facility also strengthens our ability to support engagement between our staff, alumni, policymakers and partners.”

Two chairs and tables in Carolina's D.C. office, in front of a Carolina Blue mural of the Old Well.

The Washington, D.C., region is home to the largest concentration of out-of-state Carolina alumni. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Supporting students participating in Carolina’s Washington-based academic programs is a priority. For years, students and faculty have relied on temporary or borrowed spaces across the district. The new office provides a permanent home where students can gather, learn and build community while living and studying in Washington. A robust schedule of classes and events will fill the space throughout the year.

The Washington, D.C. region is home to the largest concentration of out-of-state Carolina alumni anywhere in the country. The new office creates a dedicated space to strengthen those connections and support networking, mentorship, professional development and community-building among D.C.-based Tar Heels.

A view of the U.S. Capitol from Carolina's D.C. office.

“Carolina in the Capital” is mere steps from the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

The space will also serve as a platform to bring Carolina’s research and academic expertise into closer conversation with policymakers, industry leaders and member organizations. Carolina is the nation’s 11th largest university in the country based on research volume with primary federal funding coming from NIH and the National Science Foundation, both based in the D.C. area. Carolina is a proud member of the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities, also both based in Washington.

The office is funded entirely through the UNC-Chapel Hill Foundation and does not use any state appropriations.