Message from Chancellor Aswani K. Volety
Dear UNCW Community:
UNCW is moving into this academic year with remarkable momentum, reflected in the many ways the university continues to grow and thrive. In our 79th year, UNCW welcomed the largest enrollment in university history, with more than 20,500 students choosing UNCW for their educational journey. They are selecting a university that US News & World Report has again recognized among the nation's top public institutions, with rankings for computer science, nursing and psychology programs rising significantly.
Our faculty are at the center of that recognition, advancing and elevating UNCW's reputation through teaching, scholarship and discovery. Researchers in the Departments of Biology and Marine Biology and Psychology recently received more than $1 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health to advance groundbreaking research. Archaeologist Nick Hudson spends his summers helping classify and date Roman pottery at one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Our new research vessel, the Osprey, is expanding opportunities for coastal and marine research, education and stewardship, supporting faculty researchers while giving students practical experience at sea. We celebrated accomplishments like these during the university’s 19th Annual Research Celebration, where we recognized excellence in research and collaboration.
UNCW's intentional impact extends into our community. The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership has increased nursing enrollment capacity at UNCW and Cape Fear Community College by more than 77% since 2023, helping address critical workforce needs and improve health outcomes throughout southeastern North Carolina. Giving back to the community inspires people and programs across campus. Faculty, students, staff and alumni dedicated their time and talents to help local organizations during Seahawks That Serve Week, culminating in Wings Up for Wilmington, a day of service introduced in the wake of Hurricane Florence that continues to strengthen our community connections.
We also celebrated many of the moments that bring us together during this year’s Family Weekend. From the Legacy Pinning ceremony and family brunch to sightseeing tours, challenge courses and the SGA Vintage Market, the schedule was packed with fun experiences. The Seahawk community has many more opportunities to engage with UNCW through our exciting arts and athletics programs.
As I look ahead, I am energized by what we are accomplishing together at UNCW. The recent topping-out ceremony held during construction of our new residence hall, Hammerhead Hall, symbolizes continued success on our horizon. I am confident that this will be another extraordinary year for UNCW. Thank you for all you do to help our university soar.
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
