Blue Economy Index Blends Academics, Science, Business
UNCW has introduced the Blue Economy Index, a pioneering stock index that tracks the economic activities of oceans and waterways, emphasizing high environmental, social, and governance scores. Developed through extensive collaboration, the index aims to raise awareness, drive sustainable practices, and position Wilmington as a Blue Economy hub.
UNCW students and departments came together for FlowILM, a free community art event that creatively examined the vital connections between humans and water through the innovative use of art and technology. Experience how FlowILM showcased the diverse living systems of the Cape Fear coastal region and celebrated the inspiring individuals committed to their preservation.
Undergraduates Step into Physics Research
UNCW undergraduates have the unique chance to engage in cutting-edge nuclear physics research at Jefferson Lab, thanks to Professor Liping Gan and the university’s Medium Energy Physics group. This decades-long collaboration provides students with hands-on experience using advanced equipment and contributes to significant scientific publications.
UNC Wilmington's economic impact study reveals a $3.2 billion contribution to the state's economy, highlighting the university's pivotal role in driving regional growth and prosperity. Key findings include significant job support, alumni income contributions, and a robust influence on the eight-county Cape Fear Region.
Hurricane Helene led to widespread devastation across multiple states, including western North Carolina, on September 26-27. Earlier in September, several communities near UNCW experienced significant flooding during an unnamed storm. The university has prepared a list of resources to help students, faculty and staff navigate the effects of these storms.
The iconic Soaring Seahawk sculpture, a cherished emblem of our university’s spirit and pride, embarked on a new chapter on Aug. 28. The sculpture has been relocated to a more prominent position on the historic Hoggard Hall lawn, offering it a larger space.
Originally opened in 1969 and last expanded in 1986, the enhancements from the expansion and renovation provide engaging and cutting-edge teaching, learning and library services to nearly 18,000 students and more than 2,500 faculty and staff.
Kenan Auditorium Presents 2024-25 season at UNCW showcases a vibrant array of performing arts, spotlighting everything from top national acts to local favorites. This year’s diverse lineup features captivating dance, compelling theatre, side-splitting comedy, and an exciting range of cultural programming.
As a Seahawk, your flight is your own. We each launch from communities that have shaped us, and we build new communities as we go—some right here on the UNCW campus. Hear from the fierce and generous individuals who are making our community stronger, more diverse, more unique.
Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D.
Maggie Bannon, '23 Ed.D., is a first-generation student who now directs academic advising for UNCW’s College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts. She is passionate about helping students, especially those from underserved populations, succeed and encourages them to make the most of their time at UNCW through various opportunities.
Lia Hudgins ’26, a driven first-generation student, identified a need for a community among students like herself. Taking the initiative, she is co-founder and president of UNCW’s First-Generation Student Organization.
Bryan Holman '25, the president of the Student Veterans Organization, is dedicated to supporting and representing student veterans on campus, and he brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to his role.
Nov. 4-8 is National First-Generation College Student Week. As a first-generation college student, higher education opened doors for me, introduced me to terrific mentors, and helped me transform my life and the lives of my family. It is my honor and privilege to work with the faculty and staff at UNCW to create learning opportunities for current and future students, inspiring them to know they belong and encouraging them to achieve their dreams, just as I did.
A project aimed at mitigating floodwater issues at the Battleship North Carolina site involves monitoring the challenging marsh environment. UNCW's Coastal and Estuarine Studies Lab is tracking physical and biological changes to address significant increases in flooding at the historic site.
Excavating Evidence of Early Agricultural Engineering
With the use of a side-scan sonar and positioning systems, researchers are searching for archaeological evidence of the rice fields once situated along the lower Cape Fear and Brunswick rivers’ banks.
UNCW researchers and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management are studying Frying Pan Shoals as a possible offshore sand source. The university will receive $2 million in funding for the four-year collaborative research project.
The North Carolina Ecosystem Technology project has been awarded $1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, to develop an economic engine that could rapidly improve the quality of life in rural coastal communities using ecosystem technology, or ecotech, an emerging branch of applied science.
UNCW stands out among the best universities in the UNC System, ranking near the Top 100 Public Universities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The UNCW experience integrates teaching and mentoring with research and service, preparing students to soar after graduation.
Whether it's teaching a child to read, pounding nails to build a new house or planting vegetables at a community farm, find a multitude of opportunities to connect to our community and support a thriving future for southeastern North Carolina, our surrounding region, the nation and the world.
International education is integral to global citizenship. At UNCW we offer education abroad programs for undergraduate and graduate students, nurture faculty and staff international professional development, host international students studying at UNCW and support on-campus extracurricular international programming.
You’ve earned your degree, spread your wings, taken flight and are soaring. And we all know that once a Seahawk, always a Seahawk! No matter where you are or what you’re doing, we’re here to connect and involve you – our alumni, students and friends – in the promotion and advancement of this great university.