Our Vision, Mission, and Purpose

Vision

The Upperman Center will serve as a resource center for UNCW students, faculty, and staff, the State of North Carolina, the Region and the Nation.

Mission

The Upperman African American Cultural Center (UAACC) provides UNCW students, faculty, staff and the greater Wilmington community a central location from which they can experience the rich heritage of African Americans through print and visual media, workshops, presentations, exhibits, and cultural performances. The Center provides a welcoming atmosphere for all UNCW students.

Purpose

The purpose of the Upperman Center is to serve the African American student population by promoting a learning environment that supports the university’s academic mission and recognizes the importance of learning inside and outside of the classroom.

Dr. Leroy Upperman

Born in Jersey City, NJ, Leroy Upperman received his B.S. degree from Lincoln University in 1934 and his M.D. from Howard University in 1938.  He then served as house physician of Community Hospital in Wilmington from 1939 to 1941.

For the next fifty years, Dr. Upperman operated a private practice in general medicine and surgery in Wilmington and was also a member of the surgical staff at what is now known as New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  Dr. Upperman, or “Uppie” as friends affectionately called him, was very active in the Wilmington community. 

He was a founding member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and served on the boards of the Community Boys and Girls Club, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, New Hanover County Human Relations Commission, United Way, and Wilmington Redevelopment Commission.  Dr. Upperman was also a lifetime member of the NAACP.