Dear Campus Community,
As we soar into 2025 together, I want to recognize our students, faculty and staff for the energy and ideas you bring to the UNCW community. Your efforts inspire the university’s robust engagement in academic programs, research endeavors, the arts and cultural activities, athletics and community service, driving a $3.2 billion economic impact across North Carolina.
Strong Start, Bright Future
The new year is off to a strong start at UNCW. New opportunities for students include local partnerships, like the innovative “Try Teal” program with Cape Fear Community College to address nursing shortages. We also offer students many national and international experiences, including a new collaboration with Colorado State that empowers UNCW’s intelligent systems engineering and computer science students to more easily pursue doctorates in these high-demand fields. Our students and faculty continue to pursue research endeavors that reflect the breadth and depth of humans’ quest for knowledge and experience, bringing in $14.5 million in year-to-date funding as of December.
In 2025, UNCW will start working on construction and renovation plans to support many areas. With the campus strategic and master plans as our guides, UNCW will take steps to expand Cameron Hall, renovate Kenan Auditorium and construct a new welcome center, hotel and conference center and student housing, with more projects to come in the future. The university will also enhance programs in healthcare, education and other critical workforce areas. We will continue to invest in the arts, athletics and other activities that bring the university and our larger community together.
February Lecture with National Leader
In February, UNCW will welcome a ground-breaking national leader to campus as the keynote speaker for our annual MLK Celebration Lecture coordinated by the Upperman African American Cultural Center within the Department of Campus Life. Admiral Michelle J. Howard, USN (Retired), the first female, four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy, will share insights from more than three decades on the frontlines and at the highest levels of national defense. Howard, the first African American woman to command a ship in the Navy, was the first female to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice-chief of naval operations. Tickets are free for students, faculty, staff and the community.
Want to reserve seats? Visit the UNCW Kenan Auditorium Box Office online.
Homecoming 2025
Mark your calendars now for Homecoming 2025. Planned events will bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends together for brunches, basketball games, TEALgate, fun runs and much more from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16. Make unforgettable memories while celebrating the Seahawk spirit that connects us.
Stop and Chat
One of the best parts of my day involves meeting students, faculty and staff during my near-daily walks around campus. Please feel free to stop and chat if you see me getting in my steps along Chancellor’s Walk, dining at campus eateries or cheering for the Seahawks at sports events. You can also email me at chancellor@uncw.edu or call 910.962.3030. Connect online using the UNCW Chancellor social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Support
A new year brings both excitement and stress. The university offers students, faculty and staff many programs to support health, mental health and well-being. Please take advantage of these resources as you need them.
For students
For faculty and staff
Through UNCW, we share a common connection, a commitment to living, learning and working at a university on the rise, where every day brings us new opportunities for discovery, innovation and growth. Have a safe and successful semester, Seahawks!
Yours in Seahawk Service,
Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor
