Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Gary L. Miller, the fourth chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, officially began his term Friday, July 1 in the university's top administrative role. One of his first actions was to appoint a Chancellor's Transition Committee, to ensure that the leadership transition takes place in an organized and efficient manner.

"I am thrilled to begin my term as chancellor of UNCW, and to work with its brilliant and dedicated faculty, staff and students to take the university to its next level of achievement," Miller said. "It is very important to my wife, Georgia, and me that we interact with as many members of the university community, Wilmington and the surrounding area as possible during our first months here. The transition is also an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on the record of success you already have achieved and the promising future of UNCW."

The Chancellor's Transition Committee will:
• Assist the Board of Trustees and university leadership in introducing Gary and Georgia Miller to the university and Wilmington communities and the state of North Carolina;
• Provide an avenue for the university and the community to reflect on the future of UNCW as a prelude to the development of a new strategic vision;
• Plan and execute university activities surrounding the official installation of Chancellor Miller in spring 2012.

Specific committee duties will be to recommend activities for the Millers for the first six months of his term, to recommend important introductions to various constituent groups, to develop and execute a process to survey faculty, staff, students and alumni about the university's strengths and weaknesses in preparation for further strategic planning, and to organize, schedule and execute campus events on and surrounding the occasion of the chancellor's installation.

Chief of Staff Max Allen will chair the committee, working in close collaboration with Provost Cathy Barlow, the UNCW Board of Trustees and Chancellor Miller.

"I want the broadest possible involvement and input for this committee," Miller said. "With that in mind, members will include two faculty members, two staff members and two students, in addition to university leaders from across the campus. One of the committee's first duties will be to survey faculty, staff and students because I want to hear their ideas, concerns, issues and suggestions so that we move forward with a common purpose."

The campus and the local community will receive updates on the work of the Transition Committee through a committee website, which is currently in development. The term of the committee begins immediately and will run through the installment of Chancellor Miller in spring 2012.

"The work of this committee will be critical to garnering community interaction and interest in future plans for UNCW," said committee chair Max Allen. "Chancellor Miller wants to be visible, accessible and engaged in this community, region and state. Our charge is to work judiciously within the constraints of time and budget to help him meet with key external groups such as alumni, donors, prospective students and parents, current parents, legislators, business and community leaders, organizations, state officials and media representatives to help him gain input for the future direction of our university."

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu