New UNCW chancellor plans to fundraise, students hope for stability

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW students hope for stability as their new chancellor plans to bring the school more money.

Today the UNC Board of Governors named Zito Sartarelli as UNCW’s new chancellor. After almost one year since their former chancellor Gary Miller left, students and faculty welcome Sartarelli to take over.

“I think it’s important that he’s here, so that he can become part of the community, become part of the Seahawk country if you will,” Senior Austin Peck said.

Peck says they need a sense of community, because for the past 3 years they’ve had chancellors coming and going.

“It’s really hard to get to know them and really feel connected with them and be able to see them around campus,” Peck said. Whereas, if he’s able to stay here, we can really put a face to it and really be able to get behind him as he gets behind us.”

Peck was just one of hundreds that stood behind Alderman Hall waiting for Sartarelli to take his first step through the door.

Sartarelli says with a number of goals in his vision he plans to focus on fundraising.

“One thing I’m going to be spending a lot of time on is convincing, as we develop our vision, that this university is worth investing in,” Sartarelli said.

He says it’s important to use that investment to help get these students jobs.

“There is nothing more noble than educating and preparing for life and for citizenship young minds,” Saratarelli said.

Goals that Peck is looking forward to as long as the new chancellor and Michigan State Alumni is here to stay.

“I think that means a lot especially if he’s going to be able to stay here and be here,” Peck said. “It helps that he comes from such a large institution at Michigan State that having him here maybe will invoke some of our alumni to give back and really be able to raise that money and make a difference.”

Sartarelli officially begins as chancellor on July 1.