Sept. 30, 2025
Dear UNCW Community:
Recent events have sparked reason for reflection, deep conversations and growth across our campus and beyond. For those of you who have been following UNCW news closely, you know that our Seahawk community experienced many difficult situations — from unfounded bomb and active attacker threats to a firestorm of social media coverage — in the span of a week. These incidents understandably caused anxiety and fear on our campus, even as the university tried to address fast-moving situations thoroughly yet quickly. We already are implementing lessons learned from these experiences, and we will employ an independent consultant to conduct a thorough after-action review to assist us in these efforts.
Incident Response FAQ
As a home for public higher education, UNCW values curiosity, civility and community. We are here to foster a place where learning is pursued with integrity and where differences are met with dialogue, not division. This approach won’t change; it is too important for our students, our communities and, honestly, the future of our democracy.
Across campus, I’ve seen students laughing, studying and engaging with one another. At campus forums, ideas have been exchanged with passion and respect. I continue to engage with students, both informally and formally, during breakfasts, in meetings with the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council and the Student Government Association, and with many other Seahawks during my daily activities on campus. I greeted parents and guests visiting for Family Weekend and felt the warmth that makes this university stand out among others.
We are listening to those invested in a strong future for UNCW and learning how to model a way forward with respect and resolve. We cherish our community connections, which is why we celebrated the naming of Sayed Hall on Sept. 5 in honor of Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda ’78, ’85M. Their transformative $25 million gift to UNCW will strengthen workforce development programs in healthcare and teacher education.
With the semester well underway, our fall sports are in full swing. I encourage you to visit campus to watch our student-athletes compete with heart and hustle. Take time to check out the Kenan Auditorium Presents 2025-26 Season, don’t miss the creative endeavors of the academic arts departments, and follow the university’s events calendar for other opportunities to engage with UNCW.
Thank you for your continued support and trust, and your belief in what UNCW stands for as we navigate the challenges ahead. I am confident that the Seahawk spirit will continue to rise as we move forward together with a renewed dedication to UNCW’s ideals.
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor
