Sujit D Chemburkar

Sujit is an accomplished leader in higher education, currently serving as the Director of Space Planning and Management at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). With a career spanning over two decades, Sujit has built a reputation for strategic planning, collaborative leadership, and innovative solutions that enhance the campus experience for students, faculty, and staff.

In his role at UNCW, Sujit oversees the effective utilization of campus spaces, ensuring they align with the university's mission and evolving needs. He works closely with campus leadership, academic departments, and various departments to develop and implement projects that support student success and institutional growth. His work reflects a deep commitment to creating environments that foster learning, collaboration, and community engagement.

Sujit is known for his ability to build strong relationships across campus, fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility.

Prior to his role at UNCW, Sujit held leadership positions in higher education, where he led initiatives focused on campus development, student engagement, and operational excellence. He is passionate about creating inclusive and dynamic spaces that empower individuals and enrich the campus experience.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Sujit enjoys connecting with colleagues, mentoring emerging leaders, and contributing to initiatives that strengthen the higher education community. His dedication to excellence continues to shape the future of UNCW and the broader academic landscape.

Education

MS in College Student Personnel Administration
Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO

BA in Psychology
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Professional Service

Sujit has an extensive history of professional service, leadership, and committee involvement across higher education institutions. At the University of North Carolina Charlotte, he chaired the Demonstration Activity Resource Team, facilitated First Amendment activities, and served on the Facilities Management Advisory Committee, Space Planning Advisory Committee, and the Incident Management Team for emergency response. He also contributed to the University Health and Safety Committee, the 49er Democracy Experience Campus Committee, and the Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Policy Group.

His commitment to student well-being is evident through his Mental Health First Aid and Green Dot Violence Prevention certifications. Sujit has also been a primary advisor for the Student Activity Fee Commission, allocating $1.3 million annually, and has managed the Esports Committee and Student Affairs Staff Development initiatives.

Nationally, he has engaged with the Association of College Unions International (ACU-I), the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS), and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), presenting at conferences and serving as an external review chair for the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Campus Center.

Sujit's certifications include Eckerd Conflict Dynamic Profile mediation, Federal Emergency Management Incident Command System (ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800), and Title IX hearing officer training. He also serves as a board member for Gigi’s Playhouse Charlotte, supporting families living with Down Syndrome. Recognized for his contributions, he has earned the Staff Council Golden Nugget Award and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society induction.

Community Engagement

Sujit has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community engagement throughout his career in higher education and civic involvement. At the University of North Carolina Charlotte, he co-chaired the Charlotte Faculty and Staff Giving Green Campaign, encouraging philanthropic contributions to support campus initiatives. He also served as a board member for Gigi’s Playhouse Charlotte, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families living with Down Syndrome.

Sujit’s community-focused efforts extend to student advocacy and leadership development. He led the Student Activity Fee Commission, overseeing the allocation of $1.3 million annually to support student organizations and programming. As Chair of the Demonstration Activity Resource Team, he promoted free speech expression while ensuring respectful and safe dialogue on campus.

His engagement also includes contributions to health and well-being initiatives, such as the Mobilizing the Dream Team, which supports Black student needs, and his leadership in securing $127K in COVID Mental Health/HEERF funds to install sleep pods across campus, promoting student wellness.

Further demonstrating his commitment to the broader community, Sujit has participated in campus diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including serving on the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Policy Group. His leadership has consistently fostered inclusive, supportive environments both on and off campus.

Honors & Awards

Sujit has been recognized throughout his career for outstanding contributions to higher education, student affairs, and community engagement. He was honored with the Staff Council Golden Nugget Award at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in June 2022, celebrating his dedication to going above and beyond in service to the university community.

In 2023, Sujit was inducted into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the nation’s oldest and most selective academic honor society, recognizing his leadership, service, and academic excellence.

His commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student support has also been acknowledged through multiple certifications, including Green Dot Certified Trainer and Presenter (2022) for violence prevention and Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults (2023), demonstrating his commitment to creating safer, more supportive environments for students and colleagues. Recently Sujit completed the QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certificate (2024).

Sujit’s leadership extends beyond the university, as evidenced by his selection as a Board Member for Gigi’s Playhouse Charlotte (2023), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families living with Down Syndrome.

He has also been a Charlotte 49ers Athletic Foundation Green Jacket Level Donor, showcasing his support for student-athletes and university programs.