Inaugural Chancellor's Leadership Institute Welcomes 18 Seahawks

UNCW is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of the Chancellor’s Leadership Institute (CLI), a new leadership development program designed to cultivate and support the next generation of university leaders.

The Chancellor’s Leadership Institute provides participants with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, expand their understanding of university operations, engage with senior leaders and build meaningful connections across campus. Through a combination of in-person sessions, collaborative learning experiences and professional development opportunities, CLI participants will explore leadership practices that support UNCW’s mission and strategic priorities.

"UNCW is filled with talented faculty and staff whose leadership strengthens every part of our university," Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. "I am proud to welcome the inaugural Chancellor's Leadership Institute cohort and celebrate their commitment to serving our students, colleagues and community."

Following a competitive selection process, 18 faculty and staff members representing divisions across campus have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort. The cohort reflects the breadth of talent, expertise and commitment found across the UNCW community.

The inaugural Chancellor’s Leadership Institute cohort includes:

• Donesha Bradley - Academic Advisor, CHSSA

• Ulku Clark - Director, Center for Cyber Defense Education (CSB)

• Lance Cummings - Professor of English, Department of English (CHSSA)

• Melissa Duffield - Curriculum Support Specialist, Office of the Registrar

• Kelley Griffin - Records System Specialist, Office of the Registrar

• Candace Harke - Associate General Counsel, General Counsel’s Office

• Sara Hubbell - Assistant Director of Doctoral Programs, School of Nursing (CHHS)

• Andrea Ingle - Associate Director for Student Involvement, Campus Life

• Aaron King - Associate Director, Honors College

• Matthew Lastner - Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Marketing (CSB)

• Susanna Lopez-Legentil - Director of Faculty Development & Professor, Office of Faculty Affairs

• Colleen O’Neil - Director of Alumni Engagement Programming, Alumni Engagement

• Wesley Porter - Executive Assistant, Community Engagement and Health Equity (CHHS)

• Ginger Rhodes - Assistant Chair, Undergraduate Coordinator, and Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics (CSE)

• Mayra Robles - Center Coordinator, Centro Hispano-Campus Life

• Julie-Ann Scott Pollock - Professor, Communication Studies (CHSSA)

• Susan Smith - Assistant Director, Member Services, Campus Recreation

• Ryan Wennerlind - Director, Inclusive Futures Program

The CLI will begin in August 2026 and continue through May 2027. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a professional certificate recognizing their achievement and commitment to leadership development at UNCW.