Friday, May 24, 2002

WILMINGTON, NC – Dr. John C. Cavanaugh, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, was named president of the University of West Florida (UWF) today.

“While UNC Wilmington will be sorry to see him go and we will miss his visionary leadership, we are all very pleased for John that he has been picked for the presidency of the University of West Florida,” said UNCW Chancellor James R. Leutze. “His selection for this prestigious position validates the attributes that we saw in him when we named him provost. The university wishes him and Patrice the very best in their new endeavor.”

Cavanaugh said he was privileged to have had the opportunity to be at UNCW for the past three years.

“UNCW is an excellent university, and I have been very fortunate to have worked with the many individuals who shaped and created it,” said Cavanaugh. “The faculty and staff are world class, and the university will certainly remain in fine hands with so many wonderful people. I will keep a close eye on future developments as UNCW continues to lead other southern comprehensive universities.”

The Florida Board of Education must authorize Cavanaugh’s selection, which was approved by the UWF Board of Trustees. Cavanaugh, who expects to assume his new duties July 1, will continue as provost until an interim successor is named. UNCW plans to conduct a nationwide search to hire a permanent replacement.

Dr. Cavanaugh can be reached at 910/962-3389 for comment. To contact Dr. Leutze, call 910/962-3030.