UNCW Names Michael Wilhelm New Chief of Staff

Michael Wilhelm, a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in higher education, has been named chief of staff at UNC Wilmington. Wilhelm ’22 Ed.D. brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, strategic insight and a deep commitment to advancing UNCW’s mission to the role. His appointment is effective June 25. 

“Dr. Wilhelm has long been a trusted advisor and a driving force behind many of our global initiatives,” said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety. “His deep understanding of our institution, strategic mindset and collaborative approach to leadership make him well-suited to serve as chief of staff. I look forward to working closely with him in this new capacity as we continue to advance UNCW’s mission and strategic priorities.” 

Wilhelm has served UNCW for nearly a decade, most recently as associate provost for Global Partnerships and International Education. In this capacity, he oversaw international student and scholar services, education abroad programming and global partnership development. With his expertise, the university expanded its global footprint and diversified its academic collaborations. 

As a part of his role, Wilhelm established effective partnerships with teams across campus as well as community organizations and international institutions. His work has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to consensus building, budget and event planning, risk management and a commitment to fostering opportunities for students, faculty and staff both at home and abroad. 

Prior to joining UNCW, Wilhelm served as director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at West Virginia University. There, he managed services for more than 2,300 international students and 250 scholars, led global recruitment efforts and significantly increased international student enrollment. He also played a key role in alumni engagement, establishing official alumni branches in Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan, and securing major gifts to support international student initiatives. 

“I am honored to serve UNCW in this role, where I hope to continue contributing to the university’s commitment to student success, academic innovation and community engagement,” Wilhelm said. “Our students, faculty and staff inspire me every day, and I look forward to working closely with Chancellor Volety to help them soar even higher in the future.” 

Wilhelm holds a Doctor of Education from UNCW, a Master of Arts in Foreign Languages, and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Studies and Foreign Languages, all summa cum laude from West Virginia University. Wilhelm is a recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Taiwan and current member of the Fulbright Specialist roster. His professional achievements include securing numerous grants to support international education initiatives, earning national recognition with his colleagues for the university through the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Award for Internationalization, and serving on numerous boards including as the founding board chair of Anglo Educational Services, a board member of the American International Recruitment Council and UNCW representative for the UNC System Council on International Programs.  

UNCW will announce the next steps in the process to fill the associate provost for Global Partnerships and International Education position as soon as possible.