Dontá L. Wilson ’97 deals in HOPE — an acronym that stands for “helping other people excel” — his identified personal purpose in life. On Tuesday, April 9, UNC Charlotte honored the business and University leader for his commitment to spreading that hope to future generations of students with the naming of the Dontá L. Wilson Residence Hall.
The 147,000-square-foot residence hall was dedicated in a ceremony that recognized the creation of the Wilson Believe Fund, which makes college education more accessible for first-generation college students majoring in business and education. Wilson is the chief consumer and small business banking officer and a member of the operating council for Truist Financial Corporation, and he serves as vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.
“Dontá has been a wonderful supporter of our University since his time as an exemplary student leader on our campus,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “Even as he has gone on to remarkable success as a leader in the banking industry, he has remained dedicated to his alma mater to ensure that others have the same opportunities and experience he had. For a board and alumni leader who keeps his focus squarely on the success of our students, it is fitting that generations of Niners to come will begin their experience at UNC Charlotte in Wilson Hall.”
The residence hall, which opened in January 2024, will serve as home to nearly 700 first-year students. Wilson Hall is also the campus’s first residence hall named in honor of an African American.
“My greatest hope is to contribute to the kind of rich student experience that lives on long after their time at UNC Charlotte,” said Wilson. “I believe one of the most meaningful investments one can make is positively changing the trajectory of another person’s life for the better, especially one as significant as making an impact on advancing our community forward through education. When you look at all that UNC Charlotte has to offer, it’s about more than just providing a degree — it’s about supporting students through every aspect of the experience.”
Wilson also says he was inspired specifically to support first-generation college students because he knows firsthand the questions a family can face when making choices about the right educational fit. Nearly 40% of UNC Charlotte undergraduate students identify as first-generation college students.
“Navigating the funding processes and living arrangements can be overwhelming and all consuming,” said Wilson, who hopes to alleviate that concern. “When students can focus more on enjoying the experience and performing to the best of their abilities, the benefits extend far beyond the students and our 49er community; it also contributes to the success of their families, the city of Charlotte and the global community.”
Wilson was previously honored in 2023 for his outstanding service to the University with a Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Alumni Association, one of the highest honors Charlotte can bestow. He received a bachelor’s degree in management from the Belk College of Business and served on the college’s Board of Advisors from 2019-22. In 2021, he was appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees.
“Whether it is mentoring undergraduate fraternity brothers in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., cheering on the Niners at an athletic event or hosting student leaders at Truist’s Innovation and Technology Center, Dontá is a champion for our students,” said Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs. “He sees in each one of them limitless potential, inside and outside of the classroom, and he is willing to use his experiences and influence to help them succeed. He is a role model for all Niners on how to live a life of purpose, achievement and, above all, generosity.”
More About Dontá L. Wilson
Dontá L. Wilson is the chief consumer and small business banking officer for Truist Financial Corporation, a purpose-driven financial services organization committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. He leads 20,000 teammates who serve retail, premier and small business clients through digital banking, multiple virtual service centers and more than 1,900 community banking branches. Additionally, he oversees core deposit and loan products, including mortgage, auto, credit card and national consumer lending businesses: LightStream, Dealer Financial Services, Regional Acceptance Corporation, Sheffield Financial and Service Finance Company; as well as consumer capital markets; consumer credit underwriting and approval; enterprise marketing; client analytics; client experience strategy; and digital banking, transformation and innovation. He is also a member of Truist’s Operating Council.
Wilson was named to the executive leadership team in 2016 and has served as chief retail and small business banking officer and chief digital and client experience officer for Truist. His career leadership responsibilities span both consumer and wholesale client segments, in addition to holding several enterprise function leadership roles. Wilson has led global services and enterprise bank operations, intelligent automation, experience design and research, decision science, corporate communications, CRA and community development, the Truist Foundation and fintech investments through Truist Ventures. Prior to 2016, Wilson served in regional and group president roles leading retail, wealth, mortgage, commercial, corporate banking and commercial real estate. His experience encompasses successfully guiding teams through multiple acquisitions, including the historic Truist merger of equals in 2019.
Wilson serves on the Signet Jewelers Board of Directors and is vice chairman of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Board of Trustees. He has been named one of Savoy’s Top Black Executives since 2016 and was chosen Digital Banker of the Year by American Banker in 2021. Wilson is a member of Global 50/World 50, Executive Leadership Council, Sigma Pi Phi (Boulé) and Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in management from UNC Charlotte and an MBA from the University of Maryland.