Pat Leonard is the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UNC Wilmington. Her role includes 12 different departments through which she is responsible for creating a culture and sense of community that helps students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

 “I hope that we create a culture here that allows students to feel involved, connected, and like people care about them individually,” said Leonard. “You probably would not be doing as well in the classroom if you did not feel welcome. When students graduate, we hope that they have created experiences for life. Those experiences will help with employment after graduating.”

 At the beginning of her career at UNCW, Leonard was the Dean of Students. Chancellor Leutze, then current chancellor, recognized Leonard’s work, and asked her to become the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Leonard was honored to move up in the division.

 Leonard is passionate about the UNCW community. Her favorite part of being the Vice Chancellor is having the opportunity to meet students and watch them grow throughout their journey at UNCW.

 “I get to meet a lot of new freshmen when they come in,” said Leonard, “and I have the opportunity to see them get involved and develop, becoming a whole different type of person—the person they want to be. I love to see students explore and try new, important things and learn new things about themselves. I love to see them come back as alumni and recall fond memories of their time here.”

 Leonard loves being involved in the UNCW community. The students, faculty, and staff are all important to her, and she is proud of the encouraging nature that is shared among members of all groups.

 Furthermore, she makes sure to interact with everybody on UNCW’s campus—students, faculty, and staff. She makes a point to eat at on-campus dining options such as Wagoner Hall and Hawk’s Nest. She also walks around campus and visits the student-centered areas. She consults with the faculty to get advice on different matters, and acknowledges their successes with students.

 “UNCW used to be a campus of 4,000 students and it was a tight-knit community,” said Leonard . “Even though we have grown over the years, we haven’t changed how we care about students, staff, and faculty. Everybody cares about each other and supports one another. It is a true sense of community here.”

 As UNCW searches for a new chancellor, Leonard hopes that the supportive, caring community is maintained. She wants the new leader to recognize that UNCW is a true community. In addition, she hopes the new leader believes in the importance of a strongly connected community.

 “We have a beautiful campus, high quality students,” said Leonard, “and I hope we have a leader who continues on that trajectory.”

 When Leonard is not focused on her role as vice chancellor—which she feels she does 24/7—she enjoys taking her dog, Charlie, for walks, working out, going to the beachand reading.

 Leonard loves UNCW, itscommunity and her role within the university. 

“I love this university; I’ve been here for a long time,” said Leonard. “I have stayed because I believe that we are here for the right reasons. I love my job; I love working with the students here. I don’t think UNCW is about the students being a number. We all care about each other, and that’s what makes a difference. If I’m not here to work with you or anyone else, then what are we doing?”