Wilmington College opened its doors at 4 p.m. Sept. 4, 1947, to 238 students.
Community college status was granted in 1957.
Ground was broken for the College Road campus in 1961.

Education on the college level first came to Wilmington in 1946 when a college center was established under the direction of the North Carolina College Conference and under the administration of the Directorate of Extension of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1947, a tax levy was approved by the citizens of New Hanover County, and Wilmington College was brought into existence as a county institution under the control of the New Hanover County Board of Education. In 1948 Wilmington College was officially accredited by the North Carolina College Conference and became a member of the American Association of Junior Colleges.

On July 1, 1963, by an act of the General Assembly of North Carolina, Wilmington College became a senior college with a four-year curriculum, authorized to offer the bachelor's degree.

By vote of the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina in late 1968, with subsequent approval by the North Carolina Board of Higher Education, and by an act of the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1969, Wilmington College became, on July 1, 1969, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. More History of UNCW

Events for the Wilmington College Alumni Chapter

On the third Wednesday of each month, graduates of Wilmington College meet at Jackson's Big Oak BBQ for lunch at 11:30.

Graduates of Wilmington College Honor Dorothy P Marshall
On April 15 at Jackson's Big Oak BBQ the Wilmington College Alumni Chapter honored retired UNCW Faculty and Staff Member, Dorothy P. Marshall for her continued commitment to Wilmington College. Student Ambassador William Henley joined the event to share with the alumni a student's perspective of UNCW today.

 

 

For more information about how to get involved contact:
Lindsay Terry LeRoy
910.962.2684
leroyl@uncw.edu