Monday, September 14, 2015

Wilmington, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) has received $390,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation to develop a program dedicated to clinical research and economic development in southeastern North Carolina, the university announced today.

“The College of Health and Human Services is dedicated to advocating for programs and resources that will improve the community’s overall health,” said Charles Hardy, dean of CHHS. “This grant will give us an opportunity to expand our existing programs to develop a stronger workforce and create jobs so that our graduates can stay in the region and continue contributing to its quality of life. I want to thank Duke Energy for their support, and I want to congratulate our interdisciplinary team from CHHS, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Cameron School of Business, the Southeastern NC Biotechnology Center, and the clinical research and healthcare industries for their outstanding proposal.”

With the funding, CHHS will develop new educational and enhancement programs specific to biostatistics and clinical operations.

"By supporting UNCW's Clinical Research Workforce Development program, the Duke Energy Foundation has made a significant investment in our students, faculty and staff," said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli.  "UNCW appreciates the foundation's generous gift, which the College of Health and Human Services will use to energize additional community collaborations."

Central to the program will be a collaborative workspace in which industry partners, faculty and students can come together to learn from one another through delivery of these programs and services. The program features three key components: curriculum enhancement for the UNCW clinical research and statistics degree programs; a student fellowship program to place students side-by-side with industry partners; and delivery of continuing education and other programming to equip industry employees with the knowledge and skills needed to support their companies and advance in the industry. The program will be housed in the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and will begin in the spring of 2016.

“It is clear that UNC Wilmington is equipping its students with the skills needed to compete in today’s rapidly evolving, global economy,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We’re pleased to work with the university to provide training to help fuel our state’s economic growth.”

The grant is part of Duke Energy Foundation’s $2 million investment in workforce development with six UNC system schools. As part of its commitment to attracting and retaining businesses within its service territories, Duke Energy provides funding to workforce development initiatives to help prepare the next generation for successful careers. These initiatives advance economic development and increase employment opportunities.

About UNCW
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. A public institution with over 14,000 students, the university is widely acknowledged for its superb faculty and staff and a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship. With an array of high-quality programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and doctoral programs in marine biology and educational leadership, UNCW is continuously recognized at a national level for academic excellence and affordability. UNCW is dedicated to offering a community rich in diversity and inclusion, global perspectives, and enriching the quality of life through scholarly community engagement in such areas as health, education, the economy, the environment, marine and coastal issues, and the arts.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of our communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy.

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