UNCW is Open for Business. Count on it.
UNCW is committed to using its resources to stimulate and support a healthy regional economy. With that commitment is the delivery of quality, flexible and relevant programs that respond to the needs of area businesses, industries, government agencies, the military and the greater Wilmington community
Responsive to the Needs of Business
UNCW – helping business compete while educating students to become leaders in the 21st century global economy
UNCW asks…then listens…and responds to requests for our university’s resources and research capabilities. By doing so, we are able to develop unique and innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of the area:
- When the growing biopharmaceutical industry needed highly-skilled clinical researchers for its rigorous clinical drug trials, UNCW’s School of Nursing partnered with PPD to develop a unique Clinical Research program.
- When the area’s film industry and EUE Screen Gems Studios, NC needed creative talent and film-oriented business leaders, UNCW’s College of Arts and Sciences responded by collaborating with Frank Capra Jr. to develop a baccalaureate degree in film studies.
- When aaiPharma requested special on-site training for its chemists, UNCW responded with a master of science in chemistry. And, when several companies believed that on-line chemistry training would help their businesses, UNCW responded with a unique, fully on-line master of chemistry program. Working students are able to complete the research component at their company, while under the supervision of a senior scientist AND a UNCW faculty member.
- In response to consumer demand for fresh seafood, UNCW’s innovative mariculture research is nearing the point where farmers anywhere in the state can grow black sea bass or summer flounder on farms.
- When area public agencies needed leaders who understood the unique aspects of coastal and environmental management, UNCW responded by developing a master of public administration degree with this special focus.
- When the state’s 3,500 boating industry and trades requested confidential business services, the Small Business and Technology Development Center responded by offering the Boating Industry Services program.
- The Cameron School of Business responded to the needs of regional businesses by:
- Creating the MBA Learning Alliance, where first year MBA students work on teams to solve problems for eight to 10 regional businesses per year.
- Creating a master of science in computer science and information systems degree to support IT needs in the region.
- Partnered with five European schools to create an International MBA with emphasis in international finance and link to $1 million BB&T Student Managed Investment Fund.
UNCW – a major resource to help business prosper
UNCW offers a wide array of resources to help business achieve their economic goals:
- Training – Professional and Executive Education
- Certificate Programs
- Executive Training Courses
- Career Center
- Identifies interns, posts job openings and holds job fairs
- Degree Programs
- 73 bachelor’s degree programs
- 30 master’s programs
- 2 doctoral programs
- On-site classes
- On-line courses
- Student Interns
Workforce Development
In providing student interns to area business, students receive valuable, hands-on experience while helping area businesses address some of the issues that confront them.
MBA Learning Alliance
MBA Practicum
Other Services
- HUB Resource Center
- Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
- Center for Business and Economic Services (CBES)
Monitors, analyzes and forecasts business and economic trends. Data and analysis provided by CBES are useful to both local economic development organizations and to firms considering new or expanded operations. Public officials considering publicly funded incentives for new or expanded development benefit from an economic impact model that estimates such items as the impact on employment and labor income. The data also provide information to the firm or organization being recruited on local labor market conditions to include unemployment rates, labor availability, and types of occupations.
- UNCW’s CREST
The Campus for Research, Entrepreneurship, Service and Teaching offers an opportunity for business partners to co-locate on UNCW’s campus and allows business entrepreneurs to partner with university researchers to take applied research to the marketplace. The result -- new businesses that serve the region while enhancing the educational programs needed in the area.
- Variety of Meeting Facilities
- Passport Office
Provides services to businesses that are at least 51 percent owned and operated by minorities, women or disabled individuals.
Provides financial counseling services and training events
In addition, the university can host your events – from a small meeting to a major conference. The Computer Information Systems Building and trading room is a great environment for economic development meetings and announcements.
UNCW - fostering research and innovation
UNCW uses its intellectual capital to address our coastal region’s needs:
- The Center for Business and Economic Services, located at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business, maintains a 25-year-old database that monitors, analyzes and forecasts business and economic trends and conditions in the region.
- CBES provides economic impact studies and offers consultancies with the Film Industry
- UNCW’s marine biotechnology research focuses on developing pharmaceuticals from the sea
UNCW - enhancing the quality of life in the region
UNCW is a magnet for people who want to participate in stimulating intellectual, cultural athletic venues.
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers compelling lectures, seminars and cultural events
- UNCW’s Cultural Arts provides numerous musical, dance, theatrical, art and film programs as well as a variety of lecturers and local and visiting authors.
- UNCW’s Seahawk Athletics offers fan-friendly competition with its 19 NCAA Division I varsity teams.
- UNCW is the summer home to the renowned Carolina Ballet.
Don’t Take Our Word for it. Listen to What Others have to say…
"The attributes UNCW provides make our area much more attractive to those individuals who are driving economic growth, and establishes UNCW as a key player in our Cape Fear Future Initiative."
- Connie Majure-Rhett, CCE, President and CEO, Greater Wilmington
Chamber of Commerce
"The university is a wonderful and great resource in this city, and I believe our studio is too. There is a natural connection between the two."
- Frank Capra Jr., President, EUE/Screen Gems Studios
"As graduates, UNCW students are bringing fresh ideas and state-of-the art management skills into our small coastal communities, providing the professional leadership necessary for our region to compete in the global economy while retaining the southern charm and casual elegance that make the lower Cape Fear unique."
- Chris May, Executive Director, Cape Fear Council of Governments
"North Carolina’s Southeast has long relied on the leadership, expertise and public-spiritedness of our partners at UNCW. The institution is doubtless a central andmulti-faceted economic development asset for our entire region."
- Jane W. Smith, Chair, North Carolina’s Southeast
"In today’s knowledge-driven economy, it is essential to partner with a research-driven university in order to elevate our competitive posture."
- Scott Satterfield, CEO, Wilmington Industrial Development
To partner with the university, contact...
Stephen Demski, Vice Chancellor
910.962.7766 (ph)
910.962.7240 (fx)
demskis@uncw.edu (email)
