Message from Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli

Dear Seahawk Community, 

July is always a busy month at UNCW as we prepare campus for our students’ return in August. This year, our efforts have taken on a new level of complexity as we implemented comprehensive health and safety measures and adjusted academic and programmatic schedules to reopen campus amidst the challenges caused by the pandemic. Please visit UNCW’s “Best for the Nest” website and guide (PDF) for more information about our plans for returning to campus. 

Kudos to the collaborative team of UNCW faculty researchers awarded a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to support summer undergraduate research opportunities for students interested in the marine sciences. Our faculty’s commitment to applied learning is one of many reasons why the prestigious Fiske Guide to Colleges included UNCW in its annual guide again this year.

Earlier this month, the UNCW Board of Trustees elected officers for the next year. Congratulations to Chair Henry L. (Hal) Kitchin Jr., Vice Chair Gidget Kidd ’91, and Secretary Henry “Hank” Miller III ’85. We also welcomed Dr. Donyell Roseboro, Watson College of Education professor, to a new role as UNCW’s Interim Chief Diversity Officer. She replaces Dr. Kent Guion, who decided to join our College of Health and Human Services faculty after five years of success leading the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. 

In closing, as we now know, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office reported that Professor Mike Adams ended his own life on July 23. This sad turn of events has caused tremendous pain for his family and friends, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to them. 

It’s important to recognize, especially during the difficult times caused by COVID-19, that mental health challenges are on the rise. Many people are dealing with issues, whether they demonstrate it outwardly or not, and our entire community – students, faculty and staff – should remember the resources that are available to you, someone close to you, or someone you barely know. Students can call the University Counseling Center (910.962.3746); faculty and staff can seek support through the Employee Assistance Program. Help also is available 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Please remember to take care of yourself and one another. If you are struggling or know someone who is, please seek help. 

As we prepare for the return to campus for the new academic year, and the uncharted territory we face together, I ask that we reflect on how we treat one another as members of the Seahawk family. Let us continue forward into the fall with a renewed commitment to treat each other with dignity and respect.

 Sincerely,