Message from Chancellor Aswani K. Volety
Dear UNCW Community:
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of speaking at the Centenary Celebration of Andhra University, my alma mater, alongside alumni gathered from across North America. The occasion led me to reflect on the impact of higher education, not only on individuals but also on families, communities and future generations. I know from personal experience that access to education can open doors that once seemed beyond reach, creating opportunities that extend far beyond campus.
That belief guides my work at UNCW as I see the power of education daily in the lives of our students. This fall, we welcomed a record 20,555 students, including 3,364 first-year students, the largest incoming class in our history. Behind every enrollment statistic is a student pursuing a dream and a future waiting to be shaped. From academics, research and campus services to athletics, arts and philanthropy, the university wants to ensure students have the experiences and support they need to succeed.
This month provided an opportunity to celebrate the people who help make this happen at UNCW. During our Staff Service Awards, we recognized employees whose years of dedication, expertise and care have shaped the university and enriched the lives of countless students. Their commitment reflects the very best of the Seahawk spirit and reminds us that our greatest strength has always been our people, both in and out of the classroom.
The energy surrounding Seahawk athletics continues to expand. Our men’s and women’s soccer teams won the CAA South Division regular season championship and will host the semifinal round of the CAA Championship tournament next month. Men’s and women’s basketball are ramping up, with men’s basketball selected as the preseason No. 1 in the CAA. We are also grateful for the extraordinary generosity of Michael McCarley and Nancy Langevin, whose $3 million commitment represents the largest philanthropic gift in UNCW Athletics history. Their support will strengthen tennis facilities and establish an endowed fund to support the continued success of men's basketball.
That spirit of generosity extends throughout our Seahawk community. We hosted the inaugural WaveMakers Celebration of Philanthropy to recognize leadership-level annual donors of the WaveMakers Society. In its first year, nearly 1,700 WaveMakers contributed more than $33 million in support for scholarships, faculty, research, athletics and student opportunities. Their generosity creates a ripple effect that benefits Seahawks today and into the future.
We are also excited to launch the Arts at UNCW Society, which will help support the future of arts programming and strengthen the impact of Kenan Auditorium and other cultural initiatives. The arts play a vital role in enriching campus life and connecting our university with the broader community.
I remain grateful for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community partners who make our success possible. Your involvement and support helps create the UNCW experience, advances discovery and strengthens our university's impact throughout the region and beyond. My experience with Andhra University reminded me that the value of higher education is measured not simply by degrees awarded, but by the lives transformed and the possibilities created. That work continues every day at UNCW, and I am excited about the goals we will accomplish together in the months and years ahead.
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
