DePaolo named chancellor of UNCW
Ryan Schomber
Issue date: 3/28/03 Section: Campus News
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"I adore Georgia College & State University, but I do think it was the right move at the right time," said DePaolo.
DePaolo was named president of GC&SU Aug. 1, 1997. During her six-year tenure as GC&SU's chief executive officer, DePaolo has been credited with leading the institution through several changes, including the adoption of a new mission that accompanied its designation as Georgia's public liberal arts university. Under her leadership, the university has also begun nearly $100 million in major construction and renovation projects.
"President DePaolo is the best boss I've ever had, and I've had many during my 26 years of employment. She is extremely bright, articulate and quite personable," said Max Allen, University Relations. "She is such a joy to watch as she inspires faculty, staff, students on our campus, as well as impress legislators, business leaders and the community in general about her passion for education and this university."
Some could question DePaolo's resignation while all of the construction on the GC&SU campus has not been completed.
"I do feel that this was a good time to go. All of the construction has already been started and will get completed," said DePaolo. "Things are on there way now to getting accomplished and will still get done on schedule, everything will work out."
Students on campus are upset that DePaolo will not be here next semester.
"I am very sad that she is leaving. Not only was she an excellent president but an inspiration to me," said Leah Blashingame, SGA secretary. "Over the last four years she has accomplished so much and made so many changes. This worries me that when she leaves, she will also take the energy with her."
UNCW was founded in 1947 as Wilmington College, then a two-year institution, the UNCW was authorized to grant four-year degrees in 1963 and was brought under the umbrella of the University of North Carolina in 1969. Over the past decade, enrollment at UNC-Wilmington has grown by nearly 25 percent, rising from 8,800 in 1992 to 10,900 last fall.
Now GC&SU goes on the job hunt - looking for a new president.
"This job will attract so many candidates because of the foundation that has been set here," said DePaolo.
"I know many students on this campus love President DePaolo and will hate to see her leave," said Allen.
