Monday, December 21, 2015

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has named Martin Posey director of the Center for Marine Science (CMS), the university announced today. He will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2016.
 
Posey, associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate studies, has held a variety of leadership roles at UNCW, including coordinator for estuarine and coastal systems, chair of the Department of Biology and Marine Biology, university accreditation coordinator and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) liaison, overseeing UNCW’s reaffirmation for reaccreditation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from UNC Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Oregon.
 
“Dr. Posey’s in-depth experience as an administrator, researcher and faculty leader makes him an ideal choice for this important role,” said Interim Provost Marilyn Sheerer. “As CMS director, Dr. Posey will coordinate marine science research at UNCW, strengthen the university’s connections among local, state and federal research and funding partners, and develop national and international collaborations with other marine science institutions.”
 
CMS is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art marine research facilities that support a multidisciplinary application to questions in basic marine research and education. The mission of the center is to promote basic and applied research in the fields of oceanography, coastal and wetland studies, marine biomedical and environmental physiology, and marine biotechnology and aquaculture. Posey and the leadership team at CMS will work together to ensure that the center’s research and outreach initiatives align with Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli’s strategic plan, which is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
 
In his new role, Posey will report to Aswani Volety, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The university plans to conduct an internal search to fill Posey’s current position, and he will continue to work with the Office of Academic Affairs during the transition.
 
“I am excited about the opportunity for continued growth and excellence in marine sciences at UNCW, and I look forward to being a part of that process,” Posey said.
 
An expert on coastal ecology and restoration, Posey has served as the principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on more than $10 million in grants and contracts since coming to UNCW in 1989. His accolades include receiving the UNCW Faculty Scholarship Award, UNCW Graduate Mentor Award and recognition as a member of the university’s $10 Million Dollar Club for research funding.

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