Message from Chancellor: UNCW Welcomes You

Dear Seahawks,

Welcome to a new academic year at UNCW! Over the past week, about 5,700 students moved into campus housing, bringing their excitement and energy to our campus. With enrollment expected to approach 20,000 this fall, there are a lot of new and returning Seahawks ready and eager to see what the year brings.

UNCWelcome is already giving students plenty of ways to jump into campus life. HawkFest and Rock the Rec were campus favorites once again, and many more activities are planned for the coming weeks. I encourage students to get out there, meet people, try something new and enjoy being part of this community. 

We have plenty happening beyond the start of classes, too. UNCW continues to make progress on plans for a proposed medical school to help address the need for more physicians in southeastern North Carolina. In September, we will welcome our new research vessel (a state-of-the-art ship roughly the size of a blue whale!) which will open new opportunities for our students and faculty in marine science and coastal research.

We also have new and returning leaders helping us move forward. Russia Naranjo will serve as student body president, Melissa Duffield as staff senate chair, and Dr. Colleen Reilly continues as faculty senate president. We are also launching the first Chancellor’s Leadership Institute, giving 18 faculty and staff members an opportunity to learn more about UNCW, connect across campus and grow as leaders.

UNCW begins this year in a strong position, with growing enrollment, sound financial management, talented faculty and staff, and tremendous support from our alumni and community, including $39.9 million in philanthropic giving over the past year. Higher education is changing quickly, and we will continue to adapt while staying focused on what matters most: creating opportunities for our students to learn, grow and succeed.

Throughout the year, you will see our new theme, “Where You Will,” around campus. I think it fits this moment well because a new academic year is full of possibilities. You never know where a class, conversation, friendship, research project, student organization or unexpected opportunity might lead. I hope you will make the most of all UNCW has to offer while having some fun along the way. I am glad all of you are here, and I look forward to a great year together.

Go Seahawks!

Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor