Friday, July 22, 2016

The University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees elected a new chair for 2016-17, Wilmington businesswoman and renowned community leader Wilma W. Daniels, a member of the board since 2008.

She succeeds Michael B. Shivar, who served as board chair for two years. Mrs. Daniels is founder and chief executive officer of Daniels Development LLC, as well as founder and property manager of William Hooper Apartments, and serves on a number of community boards.

“I deeply believe in the mission of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve humanity with humility,” Mrs. Daniels said. “I look forward to working with my fellow officers and board members to continue advancing the university's vision. UNCW makes so many contributions to the quality of life in our community, and its commitment to excellence, integrity, diversity, innovation and globalization is increasingly important in today's world.”

Chair Wilma W. Daniels (center), immediate past Chair Michael B. Shivar and Trustee Gidget Kidd

Ronald McNeill, vice president and chief financial officer of Liberty Healthcare Services and a board member since 2011, was elected vice chair. In 2011, McNeill, his brother John “Sandy” McNeill and their spouses gave the largest gift in UNCW history to date to support nursing and healthcare programs that are housed in McNeill Hall, which was named in their honor.

Elected as secretary was Henry L. “Hal” Kitchin Jr., who has served since 2013. Mr. Kitchin is a partner in the McGuireWoods law firm and is a former chair of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

“As we thank Chair Shivar for his unwavering support and service during the past two years of the university's transition and growth, we are fortunate to welcome another outstanding leader in Mrs. Daniels,” commented Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Wilma's constant presence at campus events is just one indicator of her enthusiasm for our academic and athletic programs, and I am confident that her leadership of this board will be equally beneficial to UNCW and our students, faculty and staff.”

The elections were held July 22 during the trustees’ quarterly meeting.

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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. Guided by our strategic plan, the university is committed to nurturing a campus culture that reflects its values of diversity and globalization, ethics and integrity, and excellence and innovation. A public institution with more than 15,000 students, the university is focused on supporting and enhancing the student-centered learning experience that has been a hallmark since its founding in 1947. UNCW offers an array of programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and doctoral programs in marine biology, educational leadership, psychology and nursing practice.