Tuesday, October 24, 2017

UNC System President Margaret Spellings and members of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors visited UNCW on Oct. 24 to learn more about its campus, signature programs and how the university continues to excel by providing a high-quality, affordable education that meets critical needs in southeastern North Carolina and the state.

“Through presentations and a tour of our beautiful campus, members of the Board of Governors had many opportunities to learn more about UNCW’s firm commitment to academic excellence, applied learning, critical-workforce development, groundbreaking research and collaborations that benefit the greater community, as outlined in our Strategic Plan,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli.

The visit was part of a statewide tour of UNC system campuses designed especially for the benefit of new BOG members; other members of the UNC General Administration staff also attended. One recent BOG appointee in attendance was Wendy Murphy ’93, a past chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees and co-chair of the search committee that brought Chancellor Sartarelli to the university.

The tour began at the Center for Marine Science, where Chancellor Sartarelli gave a broad overview of UNCW’s history, accomplishments and future needs. The BOG also heard presentations about UNCW’s signature coastal and marine science programs and research capabilities. 

During a brief stop near the University Apartments, the board learned about plans to add more student housing to accommodate a growing student body.

At McNeill Hall, they saw plans for the new Allied Health Building and learned how UNCW is preparing future healthcare workers with a focus on improving the health and quality of life of North Carolina residents, especially in underserved rural counties. A stop at the Computer Information Systems Building provided an overview of the university’s business and computer science programs.

A presentation at Watson College of Education covered partnerships between UNCW and the New Hanover County Schools, including efforts to open a K-8 lab school at what is now D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy (grades 6-8) and to establish the Future Teachers Academy at Isaac Bear Early College High School.

BOG member Harry Smith was impressed by UNCW’s attention to cost-efficiency while growing at a rapid pace and adding programs. “It’s just a very financially well-run university,” he said.

The BOG will return to UNCW to hold its March 2018 meeting on campus.

-- Tricia Vance

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(l to r): Wendy Murphy (past UNCW Board of Trustees chair and current BOG member), Chancellor Sartarelli, Wilma Daniels (current UNCW Board of Trustees chair)

Chancellor Sartarelli and UNC System President Margaret Spellings sign UNCW's performance agreement, which outlines strategic goals for UNCW and metrics to measure success.

See more images in the Board of Governors Campus Tour photo gallery.