Monday, November 15, 2021

Dear UNCW Community:

The UNCW Chancellor Search Committee held its first meeting Nov. 1, and we are eager to move forward with recruiting the strongest candidates for such a significant role. We are facing new and exciting times in higher education overall and at UNCW specifically. Next year, we will celebrate our 75th anniversary. Just think about how far our university has come from 238 students in 1947 to more than 18,000 today! 

Your participation and support will be essential to the success of our efforts. We invite your participation in the process and appreciate your input on the skills and abilities that UNCW seeks in our next chancellor.  

The committee is holding several open forums for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. We are collaborating with the Faculty Senate, the Staff Senate, the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to host forums. Virtual options also are planned. Several dates are listed below and the full schedule is available on the Chancellor Search website. 

Chancellor Search Forums 

November 

• Staff Forum as part of Staff Senate Meeting – held Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.
• Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Virtual Forum – Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m.
• Student Forum in Lumina Theater – Friday, Nov. 19, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Faculty Forum in Lumina Theater – Friday, Nov. 19, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

December 

• A virtual forum will be scheduled the first week of December - Date and time TBD (information will be shared at a later date)
• Alumni/Community Forum with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce – Monday, Dec. 6, 6-7 p.m.
• Staff Forum as part of Staff Senate Meeting – Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.

If you are unable to attend a forum, you may also share your thoughts via a survey at uncw.edu/chancellor-search or by emailing chancellorsearch@uncw.edu. Please know that responses are subject to the N.C. Public Records law. 

Your input will help the search committee create a leadership statement to use when recruiting candidates. The leadership statement will reflect the university’s mission and vision, the charge from UNC System President Peter Hans, your feedback, and the search committee members’ contributions to the process.  

All of us are part of a great community at UNCW, and your voices matter to the search committee and to me. Please share your thoughts and opinions by participating in this important effort. Thank you for your commitment to UNCW and its future. 

In Seahawk Spirit, 
Gidget Kidd ’91 
Chair, Chancellor Search Committee 
Chair, UNCW Board of Trustees