Former UNCW colleagues remember Chancellor Jim Leutze’s lasting legacy

55 minutes ago

Kinsey Rothenberger,

Former UNCW Chancellor James "Jim" Leutze, who led the university from 1990 to 2003. Leutze is remembered for his leadership, vision and lasting impact on the campus and the people he inspired. (Photo: UNCW)

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The UNCW community is continuing to remember former Chancellor James “Jim” Leutze, whose leadership transformed the university and left a lasting impression on the people who knew him.

Leutze served as UNCW’s chancellor from 1990 to 2003, overseeing a period of significant growth and campus beautification. His vision helped shape many of the university’s most recognizable landmarks, including Leutze Hall, the campus lakes and the iconic clock tower that has become a symbol of UNCW.

Those who worked alongside Leutze say his influence extended far beyond the buildings and landscapes he helped create.

Tom Rabon, who served on the UNCW Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1997, remembered Leutze as a humble leader, gifted teacher and close friend whose impact reached generations of students, faculty and staff.

“Jim Leutze was one of a kind. When I think of him, I think of much more than his many accomplishments; I think of him being a remarkable human being, someone who had the ability to make others around him even better,” said Rabon.

Hannah Gage, who served on the UNCW Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2001 before spending 16 years on the UNC System Board of Governors, said Leutze encouraged those around him to dream big and pursue ambitious goals.

“He was a visionary with a capital V, and I don’t think you’d find anybody that would say anything different. I think what I take from him is to explore the possibilities and think and dream big, and even if you have to scale it back, you usually achieve something remarkable, and I think that walking across the campus you see that,” said Gage.

Leutze died Friday, July 17, at the age of 90. While his name lives on through Leutze Hall and other lasting reminders across campus, those who knew him best say his greatest legacy is the people he inspired and the university he helped shape.