As we begin the fall semester, my Seahawk heart is full of hope for a great semester. We started the year off strong with a successful Move-In and Convocation featuring a keynote address by Dr. Brian Arbogast, UNCW’s recipient of the 2022 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. Overall, 5,000 new students are beginning their classes this month – today (Aug. 24) on our traditional fall calendar and next Monday (Aug. 29) for our online accelerated programs.
My first Move-In and Convocation as Chancellor reminded me of just how special UNCW is. About 5,000 Seahawks live on campus now – a record for UNCW. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and volunteers helped our newest students get settled into their residence halls last weekend.
The Move-In crew refused to let Friday’s rainy weather shake their Seahawk spirits and, by Saturday, our campus was rocking with the excitement that new students generate. Check out the photo gallery here for snapshots from Move-In and Convocation and this fun video featuring the weekend’s highlights. Be sure to visit UNCWelcome for more information about upcoming events and activities.
Since starting my role as UNCW Chancellor on July 1, I have talked with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and many partners about the university’s future. I have already learned a lot from the Seahawk community, and I intend to continue listening and learning as long as I have the privilege of serving as your chancellor.
I believe in putting students first – a hallmark of the UNCW experience. I value collaboration, clear communication, and connections. Reach out to me via email at chancellor@uncw.edu or call my office at 910.962.3030. Interact with me online using the UNCW Chancellor social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Stop and chat when we meet on campus.
I also encourage you to communicate with student, faculty and staff representatives, including Student Body President Hannah Horowitz, Faculty Senate President Nathan Grove (Department of Chemistry), and Staff Senate Chair Susan Smith (Student Affairs). I look forward to working closely with these leaders this year.
I am proud to say that Seahawks like you have high expectations of UNCW. You want the university to continue offering a learning experience like no other. You expect our campus community to be a warm, welcoming, and student-centered place where each person matters. You want even more advising, mentoring, internships, research opportunities and other experiences that prepare students to succeed in their careers and lives for years to come.
You also want the university to increase support for students and employees as well as the programs and services we now offer. The health and well-being of the individuals who make up our community must remain a priority. As an anchor institution in one of North Carolina’s fastest growing regions, you want to strategically map the direction of UNCW’s future growth while giving more back to the community that has supported the university since its founding 75 years ago.
These ideas – and many more – deserve to be carefully considered as UNCW develops its next strategic plan. The university will host town halls this fall to gather input for the plan. Please check your campus inbox and other UNCW communication channels for more information about participating in this important process.
For now, enjoy the energy and excitement of starting a new year at one of the best public universities in the country. There are a lot of great arts, athletics and community engagement events coming up this fall. Check out the details online and invest your time and talents in the life of the university.
Best wishes for a great semester!
P.S: UNCW will continue to review and update its COVID-19 health and safety protocols as conditions warrant throughout the year. Please reach out to Student Health via coronavirus@uncw.edu or visit the Student Health website for guidance and information.
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