Former UNCW Chancellor Jim Leutze remembered for lasting legacy

August 21, 2026

Kinsey Rothenberger,

Friends, family and members of the UNCW community gathered Friday at Lumina Theater to honor the life and legacy of former Chancellor Jim Leutze. (Photo: WWAY/Kinsey Rothenberger)

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former UNCW chancellor who left a lasting mark on the university and the surrounding community was remembered Friday during a celebration of life on campus.

Friends, family, former colleagues, students, and members of the UNCW community gathered at Lumina Theater to share memories and honor the life and legacy of Jim Leutze.

“I wanted to tell a couple of stories about my dad,” said son Jay Leutze during Friday’s ceremony.

Leutze’s son spoke about his father’s passion for making a positive difference in the lives of everyone he encountered. He said hearing the stories shared during the ceremony and seeing the people who came to celebrate his father served as a reminder of his impact.

“From every conversation, every interaction, and over the years, Dad touched tens of thousands of students’ lives. Dad, across this state, touched a lot of people.”

Leutze served as UNCW’s chancellor from 1990 to 2003, helping lead the university through a period of significant growth and development.

“He was my Chancellor, he became my colleague, and finally, I consider him to be my friend,” said Ty Rowell, Leutze’s former colleague.

Rowell worked with Leutze for several years and says Leutze’s legacy can still be seen and heard across campus.

“I think of him when I hear that watch tower, that clock tower, sounds off bells,” said Rowell.

Current UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety also shared remarks during the ceremony, saying Leutze’s influence extended well beyond the university campus.

“The legacy of Chancellor Leutze cannot be underestimated. As you look at the programs, as you look at the buildings, as you look at the people that came to participate in the celebration of his life, it’s a testament to how many lives he’s touched, not just on campus, but in the community and region as well,” said Volety.

Leutze is remembered as an inspiring leader and an accomplished historian whose influence continues to be felt throughout UNCW and the wider community.