Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Wilmington, N.C. - The Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina (FoR ENC) announced today the appointment of Dr. Rosemary DePaolo to its board of directors. Dr. DePaolo became the third chancellor and sixth leader of the University of North Carolina Wilmington in July 2003.

Under DePaolo's leadership, the University of North Carolina Wilmington continues to rise in academic quality and popularity. The university is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best American public comprehensive universities in the South, and Kiplinger's magazine ranks UNCW 35th among the top 100 best buys for higher education in the country.

Since her arrival, Dr. DePaolo has engaged the university community in a pivotal benchmarking and strategic planning initiative to further enhance the overall educational experience for students, faculty and staff. She is actively involved in several projects to improve the university's partnership efforts with the city of Wilmington, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and various southeastern North Carolina counties.

A nationally recognized humanities scholar and leader in higher education, Dr. DePaolo serves on the boards of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Southern Center for International Studies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College of the City University of New York and a Master of Arts and Doctorate in 18th century English literature from Rutgers University.

"I am honored to serve this fine organization," said Dr. DePaolo. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the FoR ENC board as we develop fresh ideas and strategies to ensure that entrepreneurial efforts prosper across Eastern North Carolina."

"Dr. Rosemary DePaolo represents the very best and brightest in higher education," said FoR ENC President Phillip Horne. "She brings to the FoR ENC table impeccable credentials, unique vision and an extraordinary energy. Eastern North Carolina is fortunate indeed to have such a leader as Dr. DePaolo."

The Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina (FoR ENC) is a private, not-for-profit corporation designed to serve as a catalyst for economic, entrepreneurial and cultural growth in Eastern North Carolina.

For more information, please contact Frank Dooley, Director of Communications, FoR ENC, at 252/756-0176, or by email at fdooley@forenc.com.