Chancellor Selected as 2025 WilmingtonBiz Power Player

UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety is among several Seahawk faculty, staff and alumni making a lasting impact in southeastern North Carolina, according to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.  

Each year, the journal releases the Wilmington 100 list to recognize the area’s top 100 Power Players, Influencers, Innovators, Connectors and Rising Stars. Volety is featured in the Power Players category.  

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized in the WilmingtonBiz 100," he said. "There are so many people who work to make this university and this region better for all, some of whom are recognized on this list, and I am humbled to be featured among them. As UNCW's leader, I remain committed to providing unparalleled opportunities for the campus community and pursuing innovative new ways to serve the needs of the state, as well as the needs of our local and global communities." 

The Seahawks featured include: 

The Power Players — “the business people and officials having the greatest impact on the region’s business and economic landscape”  

• Jim Morton ’88 
• Aswani Volety, Chancellor 
• Laurie Whalin ’01 
• Shannon Winslow ’01M 

The Influencers — “the changemakers, in front of or behind the scenes” 

• Shane Fernando ’01, ’08M 
• Jim Hundley Jr. ’00M 
• Yousry & Linda Sayed ’78, ’85M  
• Roger Shew ’76, College of Science and Engineering 
• Kenneth Waldroup ’25M 
• Jack Watson, College of Health and Human Services 

The Connectors — “the real-world networkers who bring together people and resources to get things done” 

• Andy Almeter ’05, ’09M 
• Rob Burrus, Interim Provost 
• Chris Capone ’11, ’12M  
• Travis Corpening ’00, ’07M  
• Beau Gunn ’05  
• Christina Haley ’10 
• Velva Jenkins ’80 
• Sheri Leavens ’28 Ed.D, College of Health and Human Services 
• Cameron Moore ’00 
• Heather McWhorter, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
• Yolanda Pollard, Swain Center 
• Leneice Rice, Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship 
• Scott Satterfield ’89  
• Barnes Sutton ’15, ’17M 
• Meade Van Pelt ’06M 
• Heather Wilson ’05M 

The Innovators — “the disruptors shaking things up and getting the region to see things in a different way” 

• Alison Baringer ’04 
• Brett Caines ’07M 
• Drew Harrison ’02  

The Rising Stars — “the next generation of leaders who are already making waves (limited to those 35 years old and younger)” 

• Travis Henley ’18M 

The WilmingtonBiz 100 will be featured in the December issue of WilmingtonBiz Magazine.