Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli announced in an email to the UNC Wilmington (UNCW) community that the university has chosen the next vice chancellor for student affairs following the late Pat Leonard.

On March 12, it was announced that Lowell K. Davis will take on the role of UNCW’s new vice chancellor effective May 17.

Lowell previously served as the associate vice chancellor for student success at Western Carolina University. Additionally, he’s previously worked at University of Alabama, Indiana University and Hampton University.

Meanwhile, he received his doctorate in philosophy in education, leadership and policy studies from Indiana University and a masters from Hampton University in counseling with an emphasis in college student development.

“I have no doubt that Lowell will build on the legacy left by the former vice chancellor, the late Pat Leonard, and continue in the commitment that makes the division one of the most respected in the nation. Knowing that he has big shoes to fill, Lowell is humbled to follow in the footsteps of the beloved “VCPL,” and is eager to support and enhance the many ways we help students ‘create experiences for life,” Sartarelli wrote in his email.

As the new vice chancellor, Lowell will report to Sartarelli and the student affairs staff. 

“I trust he will be a watchful and supportive steward of the areas of housing and residence life; student extracurricular organizations; the Career Center; student physical and behavioral health; parent and family programs; transition programs, as well as the division’s $45 million budget and more than 1,000 staff and student employees,” Sartarelli wrote in his email.