UNC System Vice President Bradley Ballou to Serve as UNCW Chief of Staff 

Bradley Ballou ’06 will return to the University of North Carolina Wilmington as chief of staff, bringing with him extensive experience from his recent service as vice president for executive leadership and management with the University of North Carolina System Office, where he reported to UNC System President Peter Hans. Ballou, who previously served as chief of staff for nine years, will transition back home to UNCW on Feb. 23.

Ballou joined the system office in June 2024, where he led high‑level executive recruitment efforts and oversaw several major searches, including the successful appointment of new chancellors at Appalachian State, NC State and Elizabeth City State. He further advanced his expertise in developing consistent, strategic recruitment processes, collaborating with system office leadership on key initiatives and strengthening leadership development programs.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Bradley Ballou back to the nest at UNCW,” Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. “As a proud Seahawk, he returns with a statewide perspective, experience gained beyond campus that has broadened his leadership and strengthened collaborations across North Carolina. We’re grateful to welcome him back with that expanded lens. His deep understanding of UNCW, combined with the expertise he has built across the UNC System, will advance the university’s forward momentum.”

Ballou joined UNCW in November 2015 and served nearly nine years as chief of staff. He initially worked under former Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli and played an instrumental role in the leadership transition that brought Chancellor Volety to the university in 2022. As chief of staff, he supported major institutional initiatives, including the development of the university’s 10‑year strategic plan and a new campus master plan. He also managed daily operations in the chancellor’s office, including the divisional budget and personnel matters.

Ballou previously served as the director of federal relations for the University of North Carolina, acting as the primary liaison to the U.S. Congress for the 17-campus UNC System. His prior roles include working for former North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole and the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) as part of their federal relations team

“Returning to UNCW feels both meaningful and motivating,” Ballou said. “The insights I gained working across the UNC System have strengthened my understanding of our state’s higher education landscape, and I look forward to bringing those broader perspectives home to UNCW as I rejoin my alma mater in this important role. I am mindful that I am following in the footsteps of another dedicated Seahawk, the late Dr. Michael Wilhelm. I had the privilege of working with Michael for 10 years, and over that time he became both a trusted colleague and a friend. His generosity, calm leadership and commitment to others left a lasting mark, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on his enduring impact.”

Wilhelm, who passed away in early February, retired earlier this semester after more than a decade at UNCW. He served as chief of staff since June 2025 and, previously, as associate provost for Global Partnerships and International Education. 

Ballou’s Seahawk connections run deep. While earning his bachelor’s in political science from UNCW, with minors in English and international affairs, he served as student body president and was a voting member of the university’s Board of Trustees. He was honored with a Chancellor’s Award for service to the university and a Senior Medallion Award. In 2013, Ballou was named UNCW Young Alumnus of the Year for his successful alumni outreach initiatives in the Washington, D.C. area.

Additionally, Ballou holds a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. He is a graduate of Leadership North Carolina, Class XXVI, and the UNC System’s Executive Leadership Institute. In 2020, he was named one of the “40 under 40” by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and the Star News. Ballou and his wife Christin ’21MBA are proud parents to daughters Eleni and Athena.