Strategic Plan

UNCW's Strategic Plan supported the university's ability to continue thriving despite the challenges the university faced since its implementation in 2016. The plan was extended through 2022 to allow ample time to plan for the next phase of UNCW’s future. 

To prepare for the next strategic plan, the university appointed a Strategic Design and Planning Steering Committee. The SDPSC comprises faculty, staff and students from across UNCW to represent a diverse set of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. The committee co-chairs are:  

• Dr. Nathan Grove, Faculty Senate President & Professor, Chemistry 
• Susan Smith, Staff Senate Chair & Office Manager, Campus Recreation 
• Dr. James Winebrake, Provost & Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs 

The SDPSC has shared its initial work with Chancellor Volety. Developing a new strategic plan will be an important part of his first year in office.

• STUDENT FOCUS: Commitment to put student success at the center of everything we do - teaching, research and service
• DIVERSITY: Commitment to inclusiveness and to embracing unique contributions
• INNOVATION: Commitment to continuous improvement and breakthrough advances to ensure distinctiveness
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Commitment to value creation and expertise to achieve mutual benefits for community and university
• INTEGRITY: Commitment to honesty and exercise of high moral principles
• EXCELLENCE: Commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service and focus on quality and distinction

UNCW will be recognized for excellence in everything it does, for its global mindset, and for its community engagement.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service.

Our commitment to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship is expressed in our baccalaureate and master's programs, as well as doctoral programs in areas of expertise that serve state needs.

Our culture reflects our values of diversity and globalization, ethics and integrity, and excellence and innovation.