UNCW board of trustees talk future plans

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With sports programs cut and school leaders heading to other universities, there are a lot of questions about the future of UNCW. The board of trustees met today to discuss that future and highlight some of the good things happening at the school.

“Everyday on this campus there are probably a thousand transactions,” said Michael Shivar, Chair of Board of Trustees. “There are a lot of good things going on everyday. Anytime there’s success on a university campus, that’s to be celebrated.”

Leaders say this is a transition period for the school.

“Higher education is in transition, and we obviously want people to understand that and in some ways it gives us an opportunity to tell our story,” said Eddie Stuart, Vice Chancellor.

That story focuses on the many successes of the school and its students and faculty. They say it also highlights new progress for the future.

“Right now we’re in a situation where we’re searching for various deans and other positions it just gives us great opportunity,” said Shivar.

But they say it doesn’t stop there. Coach Kevin Keats has been turning the basketball program around and raising school spirit through the athletics department and other teams are getting positive attention as well.

“There was a million dollar donation to the baseball program,” said Shivar.

University leaders are hopeful there are more good things to come in the future for the school, even with the road bumps they’ve encountered along the way.

Leaders say they hope to have the chancellor position filled by the summer.