CHARLOTTE – The former chief of Bank of America knows how integral UNC Charlotte has been to the growth of his bank and the entire Charlotte region.

In the accompanying video, former Bank of America Chairman and CEO Hugh McColl Jr. traces UNC Charlotte from its beginnings after World War II as Charlotte College to its current status as the fastest-growing campus in the University of North Carolina system, with more than 28,000 students.

“It has continued to serve the needs of our region … but the truth is it’s gotten to be much, much more important,” McColl says.

He recounts how as Charlotte grew, UNC Charlotte produced crucial architects, engineers, scientists, accountants and other business professionals who helped fuel that growth.

“It’s hugely important to our city,” McColl says.