Ghostly Legends Haunt UNC Charlotte Campus: Students Share Spooky Tales

Charlotte, North Carolina: Ghostly Tales from the Campus

On a lovely fall evening in Charlotte, North Carolina, the clear sky above shows a low of around 45F with gentle winds whispering through the trees. As the sun sets and students hit the books, a more supernatural discussion is brewing on campus—the possibility of ghosts roaming the halls of UNC Charlotte. Founded back in 1946, the campus is rich in history, and according to some, that history may still linger in the form of spirits.

The Legend of Bonnie Cone

One of the most talked-about figures on campus is the ghost of Bonnie Cone, the university’s founder. Dr. Brandy Stamper, a dedicated professor of Communication Studies, often shares this tale with her students. During her undergraduate time in the SOAR program, she first stumbled upon this captivating story. “For me, I have heard that she’s buried on campus, and her spirit walks the halls of the original five buildings,” Stamper explains. It sounds straight out of a ghost story, doesn’t it?

Those who frequent the older buildings whisper about unexplained events—lights flickering mysteriously, doors slamming without a soul in sight, and an all-around sense that someone is keeping watch. After all, Bonnie Cone did lay the groundwork for what the university has become, initially inspired by a desire to provide education for veterans returning from World War II.

A Legacy That Refuses to Fade

Stamper believes Cone’s unwavering dedication to her vision for the school could very well keep her spirit tied to the place she loved. “If she really is haunting the campus, I would think that she is staying around because that was her life’s work and she wants to make sure that it is embodying the whole purpose of why this campus started,” she thoughts about Cone’s potential presence.

While Dr. Stamper has had her own personal experiences that make her open to the idea of ghosts, she doesn’t strictly buy into the legend of Bonnie Cone. She points out the likely issues with the aging infrastructure—“It’s perfectly reasonable that the original five buildings are old, and their light and air systems occasionally malfunction.” Yet, despite her skepticism, she finds comfort in the idea that 21 years after Cone’s passing, her spirit might still wander, hoping to oversee the flourishing of her beloved university.

Sanford Hall: The Other Ghostly Legend

But Bonnie Cone isn’t the only ghost that might roam these hallowed grounds. First-year student Shradha Rout mentions an intriguing story about Sanford Hall. “I overheard this one person say that they heard rumors that Sanford has a ghost running around,” she reveals, detailing how the ghost is said to move objects around and even wave at passersby. Sanford Hall, which has been around since 1969, is an older dorm—and its crumbling charm could easily lend itself to some ghostly lore.

Interestingly, Sanford Hall was once slated for demolition, which adds to the speculative atmosphere. “Turns out there was just something that… you look through one of the windows in Sanford, there’s something moving around, but it might be due to wind, it might be due to something happening inside Sanford,” Rout offers a more sensible explanation, addressing the rumors that circulate among students.

The Spirit of the Campus

Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the spooky tales certainly add an element of fun to campus life. Dr. Stamper and Rout both express their wish for any ghostly presence to expand beyond just the original five buildings—“The campus has grown, so she needs to spread her presence,” Stamper laughs. “I want her to move to other buildings than the original five.”

For those who prefer the idea of a ghost or two lingering around, the sentiment is that they would be welcomed—after all, who wouldn’t want to learn a thing or two from a ghost who dedicated their life to education? “Stay safe. There are rumors being spread about you. You don’t even have to stay in Sanford. There’s a dorm hall right next to Sanford called Levine. Go to Levine,” Rout cheekily suggests.

So as the sun sets over Charlotte and students settle into their studies, the old campus holds tightly to its whispers of history and, perhaps, a few lingering spirits. Whether it’s Bonnie Cone or the elusive ghost of Sanford Hall, one thing is for sure: the stories are as vibrant as ever, and they keep the essence of UNC Charlotte alive.