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Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan
Soar Higher

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is poised to shape the future of our region and the state through purposeful investment, innovation and collaboration.

Under Chancellor Aswani K. Volety’s leadership, UNCW launched its Strategic Plan: Soar Higher in 2023–24. Over the next decade, UNCW will invest strategically in our people, programs and campus to ensure students graduate career-ready, prepared to lead, serve and make a meaningful difference in North Carolina and around the world.

Because Soar Higher is a living document, it will continue to evolve as new initiatives take shape and existing efforts move forward. Soar Higher is built around strategic pillars that provide a clear framework for aligning priorities, resources and outcomes in support of student success and long-term institutional strength. 

UNCW’s Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, integrates teaching and mentoring with research and service. UNCW’s commitment to student engagement, creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression, and civic responsibility defines the student experience. UNCW offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas of expertise that serve the needs of the state, as well as the needs of our local and global communities.

(Approved by UNC Board of Governors in November 2024)

Our Vision

UNCW transforms lives.

Key Strategic Plan Pillars

Unparalleled Opportunities
National Prominence
Community Commitment
World-Class Operations
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Unparalleled Opportunities

UNCW’s most important asset is its people. We provide unparalleled opportunities for faculty, staff and students to succeed. We are a community of learners who all believe in the power of education to make the world a better place.
Explore Unparalleled Opportunities
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National Prominence

As a doctoral university, UNCW’s high level of regionally relevant and globally important research will continue to expand, especially in areas of societal need and existing expertise, such as health programs and programs reflecting our coastal location.
Discover Our National Prominence
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Community Commitment

We will draw on UNCW’s demonstrated commitment to enhancing local and regional access and engagement, especially through the arts and athletics and on connecting Wilmington to the world through global perspectives and international partnerships.
See our Community Commitment
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World-Class Operations

We think of place not only as our coastal location, but also as the physical infrastructure and institutional operations that support our mission as well as our attitudes and approaches to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Explore Our World-Class Operations

Metrics at a Glance

Explore how UNCW is making progress on the four pillars of our strategic plan through clear, measurable goals. These metrics highlight where we are today and how we are improving as our campus and community continue to grow.

Explore the Metrics
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Soar High. Soar Far. Soar Together!