Graphic with UNCW house logo, portrait of Chancellor Volety and the words, "Chancellor's Newsletter"
Students pack Trask Coliseum wearing teal and holding up a large Seahawk logo
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Message from Chancellor Aswani K. Volety

Dear UNCW Community: 

As we return from winter break, I’m reminded of the creativity, energy and Seahawk spirit of UNCW’s active campus. I’m eager to see the fresh opportunities presented to our students to learn, grow and prepare for their future lives and careers.

It’s an exciting time to be part of the UNCW experience. Our university has earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. This national recognition validates UNCW’s work to build relationships, foster social responsibility, and promote positive social change in the local community and beyond. Such collaborations enhance our mission, inspiring innovation, creativity and new learning opportunities. 

Our arts and athletics programs also enrich UNCW’s engagement with the community. From live music and dance to art exhibits and speakers, a range of events fills the arts schedule. The sports schedule is also getting crowded, as our basketball teams heat up the court at Trask Coliseum and spring sports prepare to start. 

Join us for the 15th induction of the UNCW Athletic Hall Fame. We’re excited to honor men's basketball coaching legend Jerry Wainwright, highly successful baseball coach Mark Scalf, volleyball standout Amy Chilausky and tennis star Rafael Aita. Homecoming is also coming up, when a full week of events Feb. 9-15 includes activities from brunches to basketball, and TEALgate to the ACE Homecoming Kickoff. It’s a time for Seahawks past and present to connect and make memories. 

Our respected academic programs, growing enrollment and strong financial position provide a solid foundation on which to raise UNCW’s future, guided by the university’s strong mission and values. Together, we will continue to build on our momentum in 2026 as we navigate what’s ahead.

 

Yours in Seahawk spirit, 

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Aswani Volety signature

Aswani K. Volety

Chancellor

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Above: Students pack Trask Coliseum wearing teal for the Teal Out at the men's basketball game against Campbell University. The Seahawks won 78-75.

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SPOTLIGHT

 
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Students partake in the oyster roast in front of a UNCW Dining tent

UNCW Dining celebrated its third annual oyster roast in front of Wagoner Hall to kick-start the 2026 spring semester.

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GALLERY

 
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Two students working on a laptop in Discovery Hall on the UNCW campus.

UNCW’s online programs are ranked among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs. UNCW ranked #15 (tied) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs among other recognitions.

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2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement logo on teal background

UNCW earned the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national designation recognizing institutions that demonstrate extraordinary engagement through teaching, research and service.

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Barista takes an order aat the Hidden Grounds register

Alumni-owned coffee shop Hidden Grounds celebrated its grand opening as UNCW Dining's spring semester partner in the revolving lineup at Central Perch in Randall Hall.

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Nixon Annex, home of UNCW Athletics offices

Led by 62 student-athletes earning perfect 4.0 GPAs, UNCW athletes posted a department-best 3.571 GPA for the 2025 Fall semester ending in December.

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Chancellor Volety and Cabinet members tour water treatment plant

Chancellor Volety and members of his Cabinet toured a Cape Fear Public Utility Authority water treatment plant. (Photo courtesy of Cammie Bellamy/CFPUA)

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Taro Takizawa with visitors at CAB Art Gallery exhibit opening

UNCW Art and Art History Assistant Professor Taro Takizawa displayed his portfolio during the opening of his art exhibit, “Undercurrents,” at CAB Art Gallery.

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LATEST NEWS

 
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FEATURED SEAHAWKS

 
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JJ Elliott

JJ Elliott ’25: English Major, Concentration in Secondary Education

 

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Stacy Kosciak

Stacy Kosciak: Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer, UNCW Athletics

 

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Venita Jenkins

Venita Jenkins ’25M: Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication

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UNCW Rankings badge
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UNCW Strategic Plan logo
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Give Today logo
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facebook.com/uncwchancellortwitter.com/uncwchancellorinstagram.com/uncwchancellor
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OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR | UNC Wilmington | 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | 910.962.3000

 
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