March 28, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
As spring blooms across our campus, UNCW reflects the growth and change of the season. Our campus continues to transform as our library expansion project moves toward its next phase, a renovation of the original library building to go with the construction of a new facility. Other changes include one designed to ease the way for students facing processing delays associated with recent FAFSA changes. The Office of Admissions has moved the enrollment deposit deadline by two weeks to provide families with more time to deal with the disruptions.
We’re also preparing to welcome a new leader to campus. Dr. Tracy Linderholm will join us as the new dean of the Watson College of Education this June. Dr. Linderholm comes to us from Georgia Southern University where her initiatives for the College of Education led to significant student enrollment increases; expanded external research funding; new scholarship opportunities for faculty; and additional support from donors to support student success.
Several UNCW faculty members have been recognized for excellence and leadership in their fields.
- Dr. Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock, professor of Communication Studies and Performance Studies, was selected by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to receive a 2024 Award for Excellence in Teaching.
- Dr. Peter Schuhmann ’90, professor of Economics, has been appointed by the United Nations as a member of the Pool of Experts of the United Nations Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment.
- Dr. Yaw Chang, professor of Mathematics and Statistics, is one of 124 faculty, scientists and administrators recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for fostering an inclusive culture of innovation and invention on their campuses across the U.S.
I invite everyone to experience what our campus has to offer this spring. Get involved in Seahawks Give, our 24-hour program to rally support for what makes UNCW a university like no other. In the coming weeks, Kenan Auditorium Presents brings us thought-provoking documentaries and dance productions. Join me in congratulating the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams for repeating as CAA champions. It’s the third time that both programs won their championship in the same season. Truly an example of how Seahawks soar together!
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor
