UNCW community remembers former Chancellor James Leutze

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina Wilmington community is remembering former Chancellor James Leutze, whose leadership helped shape the university during a period of significant growth and transformation.

Leutze served as UNCW’s chancellor for 13 years, overseeing changes that reshaped the campus, including the removal of a parking lot in front of Randall Library to create the campus lakes and a more pedestrian-focused campus layout.

In a 2015 interview, Leutze reflected on the changes, saying he was pleased to see the campus become more accessible for walking, biking and other forms of transportation.

During his tenure, Leutze became a familiar presence at university events, graduations and student celebrations.

Shane Fernando, CEO of Thalian Hall and a former UNCW senior class president, worked with Leutze on the student-led clock tower project during the 1999-2000 academic year. Fernando said the project was unlike anything the university had seen before and remains one of the largest student-led gifts to a university.

Fernando said Leutze’s impact extended beyond campus projects.

“He’s going to be so missed by me personally, and by so many people in our community,” Fernando said. “He’s very special.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.