UNCW Chancellor talks growth

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the start of the fall semester less than a month away, the UNCW Board of Trustees talked a lot about the future at today’s meeting.

“I think the vision for the university is for us to be recognized as a center for excellence in everything we do,” said Chancellor Zito Sartarelli. “To be recognized for our global mindset and also for our engagement in the community and the state and the world.”

Sartarelli said he has five strategic priorities.

“One is to attract and retain great students, great faculty, great staff,” said Sartarelli.

His priorities also include making sure a great education is provided to students, engaging in the community, and helping students find jobs after graduation.

“We’re spending a lot of time on reinforcing and expanding our career services,” Sartarelli said.

He said the final part of his plan is finding funding to support it all.

“This past year we had an all-time record in fundraising, $14.9 million,” Sartarelli said.

With the passing of the NC Connect Bond, UNCW is going to continue to expand, building a $66 million Health and Human Services building.