University Advancement
The Division for University Advancement offers alumni, donors, friends, corporations and foundations numerous opportunities to get involved with UNCW. Many of the university’s volunteer leadership organizations – including the Alumni Association, UNCW Foundation, Board of Visitors and the Friends of UNCW – work closely with the Advancement staff to provide support for scholarships, faculty and programs at UNCW. University Advancement raises funds from the private sector to support the university's mission of excellence in teaching, research and public service. Visit the Advancement Web site to learn more about how to become a UNCW donor and volunteer. You may also contact the University Advancement office at 910.962.3751.
- Board of Trustees
The UNCW Board of Trustees consists of the student body president and 12 individuals appointed for renewable four-year terms to draft policy, set fees, and provide university oversight, ensuring adherence to its mission. Eight trustees are selected by the UNC Board of Governors, four are appointed by the governor, and the elected president of the student body serves ex-officio. The trustees operate through a committee structure including an External Affairs Committee, which reviews development efforts and policies, and recommends to the full board permanent naming opportunities.
- UNCW Board of Visitors
The UNCW Board of Visitors consists of over 60 volunteers appointed by the chancellor. The mission of this group is to provide the chancellor guidance in legislative relations, parent/student recruitment and resource development. A focus of this group is to expand UNCW's audience and influence across the state, particularly in metropolitan areas of Charlotte, the Triad, and the Triangle.
- UNCW Alumni Association
The Alumni Association is led by a volunteer board of 39, who serve renewable 3-year terms. Their mission is to promote and encourage involvement among alumni, students and friends. While the association does have some fund-raising projects and is a 501(C)(3) organization, its focus is evolving into "friend-raising," creating affinity toward the university, which ultimately leads to financial support. This board plans and directs all alumni programming both on and off the campus.
- Friends of UNCW
The Friends of UNCW are in their 32nd year of supporting departmental and student needs on campus by providing grants from the membership gifts. The group is led by a volunteer board of 22. They typically give 15-20 gifts a year in the range of $250-$1000 each to requests on campus that are not normally funded by the university. It is a non-university-controlled 501(C)(3) organization that has a lifetime giving total of $221,000.
- UNCW Foundation
The purpose of the UNCW Foundation, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, is to assist the university in soliciting and receiving private gifts to further educational programs and scholarship opportunities for students. In addition, as an independent agency, the foundation can accept and liquidate non-cash gifts for the university that it may not be able to do on its own as well as acquire property on the university’s behalf. The board of directors consists of 27 members who serve renewable three-year terms. They are elected through a board-generated nominating process.
- Seahawk Club
The Seahawk Club is led by a volunteer board of 30 who serve renewable three-year terms. This 501(c) (3) organization strives to raise funds for scholarship support for UNCW student athletes, as well as capital projects to benefit the Athletic Department. Basic annual membership is $50. If you are interested in joining the Seahawk Club or serving on the board of directors, contact the Athletic Department at (910) 962-4292.
