For me, a new year offers the opportunity to look ahead with a fresh perspective. I know which goals were met the previous year, and I know which ones I want to focus on first in the year ahead.
For UNCW, my first priorities always will be students and enhancing the quality of the student experience, which means supporting our faculty and staff, who make that experience possible. Many important goals are interwoven in those priorities, from development of academic programs and support for mentoring and research opportunities to health and wellness initiatives, strengthening athletics, the arts and other community engagement efforts, and much more.
UNCW already stands on a sturdy foundation, thanks to 75 years of growth and success. The questions for us are – where do we want to go from here? How do we want to get there? And how will we measure our success in meaningful ways? The Strategic Design and Planning Steering Committee is working diligently to draft a plan to address those questions. I encourage you to get involved with the process, which works best when many voices are included.
If your schedule permits, I also hope you will attend my installation ceremony at 10 a.m., Friday, March 31, in Trask Coliseum, followed by a celebration in Burney Center. It is an honor and a privilege to lead the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and I look forward to sharing this special day with my family and the Seahawk community.
My first semester on campus included many opportunities to engage with students, faculty and staff. I connect frequently with Student Body President Hannah Horowitz, Faculty Senate President Nathan Grove (Department of Chemistry), and Staff Senate Chair Susan Smith (Student Affairs). These leaders have provided me with a lot of support so far, and I will continue to count on them for insight.
I also encourage you to 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. In-person, informal conversations with you mean a lot to me, so I hope you will stop and chat if we meet walking on campus, eating in the dining areas, or cheering for the Seahawks in Trask.
Resources for Your Continued Success
Even though we are moving into a new year, I want to remain mindful of the challenging times we all have faced in recent years. Please remember that the university has many resources to help students, faculty and staff thrive now and in the future. Links to some resources are provided below, and others are available. I encourage you to access your benefits when you need them.
For Students
For Faculty and Staff
We are fortunate to live, learn and work in a top destination known for its history, natural beauty and expanding opportunities. UNCW has been, and will continue to be, an important part of shaping this region and its future. Enjoy all that our community has to offer this spring and have a safe and successful semester!
This article has the following tags: Engagement Chancellor Chancellor Message