NINER 9 AND THE GOLDEN NINER

In 2021, UNC Charlotte launched a new Homecoming tradition: The Niner 9. Replacing the historic Homecoming court, which culminated in the selection of a King and Queen, The Niner 9 is an extraordinary group of students who represent the best of the University community and bring campus to life with their energy, school pride and dedication to Niner Nation. 

Each member of the Niner 9 is chosen through a competitive application process that seeks students who embody the spirit of UNC Charlotte and represent a variety of talents, interests, backgrounds, academic disciplines and campus involvement. All students are eligible to apply and candidates are chosen regardless of gender, gender identity and gender expression. 

Once selected, The Niner 9 then compete for the prestigious title of Golden Niner—an esteemed symbol of honor and recognition given to the student who most exemplifies the core values of UNC Charlotte. Throughout Niner Nation Homecoming Week, the Niner 9 have the opportunity to showcase their Niner spirit and the campus community votes on the most deserving individual.

The Golden Niner will be announced at halftime of the Homecoming game and will:

• Receive a $500 award and the Golden Niner Pickaxe
• Design a Golden Niner themed jacket or blazer of their choice 
• Be featured in UNC Charlotte promotional and storytelling campaigns 
• Have the opportunity to participate in notable experiences with Athletics, Admissions and other departments across campus
• Pass the Golden Niner Pickaxe onto the winner at next year’s Homecoming football game

Senior Kenan Moore is Charlotte’s 2023 Golden Niner, selected from the prestigious Niner 9 and the third student to be named in this young annual tradition.

Even with his freshman year being completely virtual, Moore got involved as much as he could from afar, participating in Students Achieving First-Year Excellence (SAFE) and the University Transition Opportunities Program (UTOP), while also joining the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).

Moving into his sophomore year, Moore’s first on campus, he became even more involved, joining the Black Student Union and the Flag Football Club. He was elected as a senator for the Student Government Association (SGA). Moore also became a member of the Zeta Delta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, where he became vice president. He is currently the president for the chapter.

Moore’s sophomore year was highlighted by his founding of the Black Organization Alliance Board (BOAB), with the goal of uniting Black organizations on campus, and serving the Black community through various events. The BOAB won two awards at Charlotte’s Student Organizations Showcase when Moore was a junior: Best New Organization of the Year and Most Outstanding Online Presence.

Currently a senior, Moore continues to lead his fraternity, as well as the BOAB, and is also a SAFE mentor. In his Niner 9 application, Moore emphasized the belief that anything is possible as a Charlotte student with the right amount of dedication.

“Being able to call myself a Niner means that I can achieve anything I want as long as I am willing to have determination, creativity and quality in what I commit myself to,” Moore wrote. “Over the past three years here at Charlotte, I have seen a huge transformation within myself, with improvements that are genuinely astounding. With the culture here being so vibrant and positive, I had great support and encouragement surrounding me, which made these changes easy to achieve.”