Friday, January 11, 2019

The UNCW community is saddened to share news of the passing of former Provost Marvin K. Moss, who was instrumental in the growth of marine science research at UNCW, on Jan. 9, 2019.
 
“Dr. Moss epitomized the Seahawk values of commitment, dedication and service. His work as both an administrator and a faculty researcher helped pave the way for the growth of the Center for Marine Science into the internationally recognized program it is today,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “We were sorry to learn of his passing, and we are keeping his family in our thoughts.”
 
Moss served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs from 1992-99 under former Chancellor James Leutze. Under Moss’ leadership, UNCW emphasized growth in academic disciplines and research, as well as expansion of CMS and faculty recruitment. The university implemented numerous undergraduate and graduate programs and more than 30 minors during that time.
 
Construction on the marine science building at Myrtle Grove began during Moss’ tenure as provost and was completed in 2000. He remained at UNCW as a professor in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography and also taught environmental studies courses.
 
The road leading to the CREST Research Park, which now includes the CMS building, the Shellfish Research Hatchery and MARBIONC, was named Marvin K. Moss Lane in his honor. His research as a professor earned him a spot in UNCW’s Ten Million Dollar Club, based on the funding his work brought to the university.
 
Moss earned his M.S. in physics and nuclear engineering and a Ph.D. in physics from North Carolina State University. He completed his undergraduate degree in physics at Elon College, now Elon University.
 
Before coming to UNCW, he was deputy director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and associate vice chancellor for marine sciences at the University of California San Diego. He also served in several agencies of the federal government, including the Office of Naval Research, where he served as director; the Department of Energy; and the State Department, where he was a special advisor on nuclear disarmament. He began his career as a member of the physics faculty at NC State.
 
Moss retired from UNCW in 2006.
 
-- Tricia Vance
 
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