Winebrake Appointed President of Coastal Carolina University 

Dr. James J. Winebrake, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, has accepted the position of president at Coastal Carolina University. He will begin his role July 7, Coastal Carolina announced today. 

Coastal Carolina University is a leading sea-grant and space-grant institution dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience through research, experiential learning and academic support. The university enrolls more than 11,000 students and features seven academic colleges offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.  

“Provost Winebrake’s steadfast leadership, innovative problem-solving, and deep commitment to academic excellence will make him a tremendous asset to Coastal Carolina,” Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. “He leaves a lasting legacy at UNCW, and we wish him continued success in this new role. Once a Seahawk, always a Seahawk—soar high, soar far, soar together!”  

Winebrake arrived at UNCW in July 2020, immediately focused on leading the division’s response to the pandemic in partnership with university leaders. In the nearly five years since, his leadership of the Provost’s Cabinet prioritized an impressive range of efforts to advance the university mission, with notable results: establishing two new colleges emerging from the former College of Arts and Sciences; achieving record enrollment growth and retention rates; evolving as a newly designated R2 institution, with record sponsored research and two new strategic research hubs; and, ushering in numerous new academic program approvals, including: doctorates in applied coastal and ocean sciences, pharmaceutical chemistry and physical therapy; master’s in supply chain management and recently approved physician assistant studies; bachelor's in cybersecurity, intelligent systems engineering, workforce learning and development, biochemistry, software engineering and public policy and administration. Winebrake also co-led the Strategic Planning Steering Committee which established the university’s new 10-year Strategic Plan: Soar Higher in 2023.  

 “Although I am excited to join the great community at Coastal Carolina University, I know I am going to miss what makes UNCW such a special place—its people,” said Winebrake. “I am entering my 30th year in higher education, and the faculty, staff and senior leaders at UNCW are some of the best colleagues I have ever had. I am deeply appreciative of Chancellor Volety and his support, and I know that UNCW will continue to soar high under his leadership.”   

UNCW will announce next steps in the process to fill the role of provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, including appointment of an interim, as soon as possible.