September 2019

Message from Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli

Dear Seahawk Community, 

Once again, September brought tropical conditions to our area and, once again, our Seahawk family responded with care and consideration for students, faculty, staff and the community. We were fortunate that Hurricane Dorian did not cause the devastation in our area that it did in the Bahamas, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the storm. Just one year ago, Hurricane Florence caused significant damage on our campus and in this community. While we have made significant strides in our recovery – nearly all of our planned repairs have been made, the renovation of Dobo is underway, and our new student housing complex is taking shape – we know the storm left a lasting impact on this area. To that end, UNCW’s Center for Faculty Leadership coordinated “Wings up for Wilmington,” a service day and food drive to benefit our community partners and to commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane Florence. 

Kudos to the faculty members recognized at the Annual Faculty Awards. Their achievements in teaching, research and scholarship represent the dedication and expertise of UNCW’s faculty. The university reached two major milestones in September: UNCW was included for the first time on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best national universities, ranking 92nd among all top public universities in the country; and UNCW achieved the highest enrollment in its history, with 17,499 students attending the university this fall. 

Our fall sports are in full swing now, with great recent wins in men’s tennis and soccer and women’s volleyball. Come to campus whenever you can to catch the Seahawks in action! Check out scores, schedules and more at uncwsports.com. Congratulations to UNCW Director of Athletics Jimmy Bass, who will help provide direction on a national level as a member of the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Committee.

Jose V. Sartarelli
Chancellor

(Top photo: Watson College of Education faculty members Candace Thompson, left, and Daisyane Barreto were among 365 UNCW faculty, staff and students who came together on the anniversary of Hurricane Florence for a day of community service as part of "Wings Up for Wilmington.")

UNCW alumnus and NC House Majority Leader John R. Bell IV '01 (left) and House Speaker Tim Moore (center) met with Chancellor Sartarelli for an update on campus initiatives, including construction projects, continued growth with quality and the university’s reclassification as a Doctoral University: High Research Activity.

Chancellor Sartarelli and Provost Marilyn Sheerer, right, presented the Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award to Amy Taylor, associate professor in the WCE Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy and Special Education, at the annual fall faculty meeting.

The Legacy Pinning Ceremony was a highlight of UNCW Family Weekend. About 85 legacy families participated in the event.

Rich Ogle (right), interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, talked his daughter and prospective Seahawk Lola Byers-Ogle through a virtual reality experience during Seahawk Saturday. The event invited students who are considering UNCW to learn more about the university and its programs.

UNCW welcomed Kentucky head basketball coach and former Seahawk player John Calipari (left) to be the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Basketball Tip-Off Banquet. Calipari is pictured with Director of Athletics Jimmy Bass (center) and former Seahawks Coach Mel Gibson, who coached Calipari when he was at UNCW.