May 29, 2026
Dear UNCW Community:
Commencement presents one of the most meaningful moments in the life of our university. This month, we celebrated more than 3,000 students who applied for graduation, including over 2,300 undergraduates and over 900 graduate students. The Class of 2026 has shown what it means to lead with purpose and determination, as seen in the “Featured Seahawk” profiles, and I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff whose teaching, mentoring and support have prepared these Seahawks to make a lasting impact in their careers and communities. As they prepare to soar into the next phase of their journey, we are proud to welcome them as the newest Seahawk alumni.
We are also looking ahead to the role UNCW can play in meeting the needs of our region and state. I am excited that the UNC Board of Governors has authorized UNCW to begin formal planning for a new medical school. This marks an important step in addressing a critical and growing shortage of physicians across North Carolina, particularly in southeastern communities. Our vision for the school is grounded in a community-based, collaborative approach to medical education. By partnering with hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers across the region, we aim to prepare highly skilled physicians who are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Research consistently shows that where students train influences where they practice, and we believe this model will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to care close to home.
This effort reflects the same community-driven spirit that has defined UNCW since its founding. We are grateful for the strong support we have received from healthcare partners, local leaders and community members, and we look forward to continuing this work as we move through the planning and accreditation process. While there is much to be done, this is an exciting and important step toward expanding opportunities for students and advancing the wellbeing of our region.
Across campus, our Seahawks continue to excel in many arenas. In athletics, we are proud to have Cameron Wright and Ivan Poag represent UNCW at the NCAA Track and Field Preliminaries. We are proud to have hosted the Coastal Athletic Association Baseball Championship with UNCW’s team continuing a remarkable streak as the only program in the conference to qualify for all 40 championship tournaments.
I also encourage you to explore the newest issue of UNCW Magazine, which was released this month. The magazine highlights the people, programs and partnerships that make our university distinctive, and it is a wonderful way to stay connected with the impact of UNCW across our region and beyond.
As we close another academic year, I want to thank each member of our Seahawk community — faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters and partners — for your continued commitment to our mission. The energy, dedication and collaboration that define UNCW are what make achievements like commencement and initiatives such as the proposed medical school possible. I hope you take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am honored to be part of this journey.
Yours in Seahawk spirit,
Aswani K. Volety
Chancellor
