Office of the Chancellor

Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli with portrait

MESSAGE FROM CHANCELLOR JOSE V. SARTARELLI

July 2020

Dear Seahawk Community, 

The month of June presented the UNCW community with compelling reasons to reflect on our values, participate in difficult but important conversations, and collaborate even more closely as we navigate the challenging times facing our campus, state and country. Together, we mourned the passing of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Pat Leonard, who has been a part of the UNCW community for 37 years. Her leadership, commitment to students and dedication to UNCW were legendary, and she will be deeply missed.

In recent weeks, many students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends have questioned the university's commitment to its values of inclusivity, cultural awareness, equality and transparency. We have heard your concerns, and we know that UNCW needs to do better. The university is going into the future with a renewed focus on developing an action plan to move UNCW forward, rebuilding trust and supporting diversity at all levels of the Seahawk experience.

Although our new Provost Jamie Winebrake officially starts his role July 1, he already has been hard at work, connecting with faculty, staff and campus leaders to shape our plans for the fall academic experience. We also named Brian Victor to a new role at UNCW; he will serve as interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, where his integral knowledge of that division and its programs will be an asset. Kudos to Alison Taylor (Biology and Marine Biology), who has received international recognition for her contributions to the field, and to Kevin McClure (Watson College of Education) for receiving a Joyce Foundation grant to study how COVID-19 affects rural students' access to education. As these Seahawks and countless others demonstrate every day, we have the ability and determination to continue pursuing excellence even in the most challenging times. 

With best wishes for your health and happiness,

signature

Jose V. Sartarelli
Chancellor

 

Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli
University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5931
Tel 910.962.3030
Fax 910.962.4050
Chancellor@uncw.edu