Bonnie Cone

Bonnie Ethel Cone (June 22, 1907 – March 8, 2003) is best known as the driving force behind the development of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Cone, the daughter of C.J. and Addie Harter Cone, was born in Lodge, South Carolina. She earned an A.B. degree from Coker College and an M.S. from Duke University.

Dr. Cone came to Charlotte as a mathematics teacher at Central High School (the forerunner of Garringer High School) . After World War II, she taught at Central High School's College Center for returning GIs. She was later named director of the center. In 1954, the City of Charlotte voted to continue support for the college center. In 1955, the NC General Assembly voted to support the college. In 1957, the college center became a state supported community college.

Dr. Cone served as Charlotte College Director from 1949-1961; Charlotte College President from 1961-1965; UNCC acting chancellor from 1965-66; UNCC Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Community Relations from 1966-1973.