UNCW Welcomes Scalise, Waddell to Board of Trustees

New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise and City of Wilmington Councilman Luke Waddell Sr. have been appointed to serve four-year terms on the UNCW Board of Trustees.  Starting their terms in July, Waddell and Scalise were appointed by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors on May 15.

Their roles in local government position Scalise and Waddell to bring diverse perspectives and enhanced collaboration with the city and county to the Board of Trustees. The new trustees will be instrumental in advocating for the university and fostering strong relationships between the university and local communities, said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety.  Their engagement with various stakeholders will contribute to UNCW’s strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with local and regional workforce development and economic goals.

“City Councilman Waddell and Commissioner Scalise will bring distinctive community connections to their board roles at UNCW,” added Volety. “Their dedication to public service and investment in the Cape Fear Region will help the university align our goals with local and regional development, enhancing our mission to transform lives through education and community engagement."

“UNC Wilmington is a vital part of our community’s economic and cultural life, and a beacon to our state and nation’s future leaders,” said Woody White, a UNC Board of Governors member. “With the additions of Commissioner Scalise and Councilman Waddell to the UNCW Board of Trustees, the strong ties of this great university with the city and county in which it is rooted, add dimension and scale to a shared vision for the future, and on behalf of the UNC System Board, I am thrilled over their appointment.” 

Commissioner Dane Scalise

Scalise has demonstrated commitment to public service through various roles and initiatives. Appointed to the New Hanover Board of Commissioners in April 2023, he was elected in 2024 to serve a four-year term until December 2028.

His experience includes serving as deputy commissioner of the North Carolina Industrial Commission from 2016 to 2020 and participating in prestigious programs such as the American Council of Young Political Leaders and the North Carolina Leadership Forum. Scalise is also dedicated to pro bono service, volunteering with numerous organizations like the Community Legal Project and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, he has held significant board and committee positions across the county. Scalise is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina School of Law.  Visit the New Hanover County government site to learn more about his service.

“In my role as commissioner, I see every day the impact this university has on our community. It drives economic growth, educates future leaders, and strengthens our workforce,” he said. “I look forward to supporting UNCW’s continued success and working to deepen the partnership between the university and our county in the years ahead.”

Councilman Luke Waddell Sr.

Waddell is recognized for his commitment to public service and community development. He was elected to the Wilmington City Council in November 2021. As the CEO, founder and principal broker of Cadence Realty Corp., he brings extensive expertise in the real estate industry. His active involvement in community organizations includes serving on boards such as the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Board. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Citadel. Visit the City of Wilmington government site for additional information about his service.

 “This appointment creates a valuable conduit between the City of Wilmington and the university; helping to ensure that as UNCW grows, it continues to do so with the support of the community it calls home,” he said. “I look forward to supporting the students, faculty, and staff, and to working alongside my fellow trustees to advance the mission of this incredible institution.”

In addition, the Board of Governors reappointed Frances “Perry” Chappell and Jeffrey D. Clark ’85 to the UNCW Board of Trustees.