University Of North Carolina Wilmington

This strategic plan outlines the University of North Carolina Wilmington's direction for the next ten years, structured around four pillars: Unparalleled Opportunities, Nationally Prominent Programs, Community Commitment, and World-Class Operations and Infrastructure. Key focus areas include increasing student access, success, and career readiness; becoming a destination employer; establishing national leadership in interdisciplinary teaching and high-demand academic programs, especially in coastal and health sciences research; strengthening community engagement and global partnerships; modernizing operations, infrastructure, and data management; and diversifying revenue streams. The plan aims to foster an environment where all members can flourish, contribute to regional and global needs, and achieve long-term institutional goals.

The Board of Trustees convened in a special called meeting to address personnel matters. The session included a closed portion focused on negotiations regarding employment contracts, the evaluation of qualifications and performance of potential or current public officers or employees, and consultations with legal counsel. Upon returning to open session, the Board successfully moved to approve the discussed personnel recommendation.

The board reviewed reports from various standing committees, including updates on internal audits, enterprise risk management, and financial audits. Business affairs included the approval of planning funds for a new parking deck and commissioning services for energy recovery system repairs, alongside discussions on budget planning and financial statements. Educational planning featured reports on commencement, student affairs strategic planning, and academic affairs initiatives. External affairs highlighted fundraising results and alumni programming. The Chancellor provided updates on campus events, student and staff senate activities, and community engagement. Additionally, the board held a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters, which resulted in the approval of various personnel recommendations upon reconvening.

The meeting included reports from standing committees. The Audit, Risk, and Compliance committee received updates on the Office of Internal Audit and the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The Business Affairs committee addressed approvals for design firms for multiple capital projects (Parking Deck 111, Welcome Center, Cameron Renovation/Expansion, and Kenan Auditorium Renovation/Expansion), advanced planning for the Hurst-Riegel Connector Roadway ($750,000 maximum), and requested approval to delegate authority for non-general fund capital projects under $750,000 to the Chancellor. Business Affairs also approved the re-appointment of Ms. Donis Smith to the Endowment Fund Board and reviewed tuition and fee planning for FY2026. The Educational Planning and Programs committee received divisional updates from Academic Affairs, an enrollment update, and a presentation on career development initiatives. The External Affairs committee reviewed University Advancement highlights and received a preview of the 2024-2025 Basketball Season. The Chancellor highlighted Fall campus events and an Economic Impact Report. Following reports from the Student Government Association and Staff Senate, the Board convened in closed session to discuss personnel matters, compensation negotiations, and privileged information. Upon returning to open session, the Board approved Academic Affairs personnel recommendations and a non-salary compensation recommendation. The Board also approved proposed updates to UNCW Policy 08.350 regarding non-salary and deferred compensation.

The Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee reviewed and approved the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Charter, the Internal Audit Charter, and revisions to the FY26 Internal Audit Plan. Updates were provided on the FY25 Annual Report and audit findings statuses, along with the 2025 Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Reports. The Business Affairs committee approved prioritized lists of construction manager at risk firms for the Integrated Science and Technology project, professional design firms for the MARBIONC Energy Recovery Systems Repairs project, and professional firms for commissioning services for the Student Housing Village Phase Ill project. Presentations covered UNC System Campus-Initiated Tuition and Fee Instructions for AY 2026-2027 and updates on Alcohol Sales at FY25 Athletic Events. The Educational Planning and Programs committee received updates on Faculty Senate activities, including the new Principal Lecturer rank, and an Academic Affairs update. A presentation was made regarding UNCW's research related to the Blue Economy. The Student Affairs report covered welcome activities and a financial literacy program update. The External Affairs committee approved the establishment of a quasi-endowment in the College of Science and Engineering. Updates were provided on the Fall 2025 athletics season, including reports from the Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball Head Coaches. The Subcommittee on Equality Policy Compliance reported on its work addressing personnel realignments, training efforts, curriculum reviews, and scholarship evaluations to ensure compliance with the Equality Policy, including key recommendations made. The Chancellor reported on updates from SGA and Staff Senate, enrollment highlights, recent campus challenges, and highlighted campus events and Strategic Plan updates. During the closed session, topics included an honorary award/scholarship, privileged information, personnel qualifications, attorney-client consultation, and real property contract negotiation. Following the closed session, Academic Affairs personnel recommendations, a posthumous degree recommendation, a philanthropic naming recommendation, and three disposition/lease/ground lease recommendations were unanimously approved.