WILMINGTON — The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will be getting a new chief of staff next week, a former alumnus of the school.
2006 graduate Bradley Ballou will be returning to UNCW from the UNC System Office, where he served as vice president for executive leadership and management, under UNC System President Peter Hans. Ballou previously served UNC as chief of staff for nine years. He is set to transition into his new role at UNCW on Feb. 23.
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“Returning to UNCW feels both meaningful and motivating,” Ballou said. “The insights I gained working across the UNC System have strengthened my understanding of our state’s higher education landscape, and I look forward to bringing those broader perspectives home to UNCW as I rejoin my alma mater in this important role.”
Previously in the role was Michael Wilhelm, who passed away on Feb. 3, shortly after announcing his retirement on Jan. 22. He served as chief of staff since June 2025 and was formerly associate provost for Global Partnerships and International Education.
The chief of staff works as a strategic advisor to the chancellor, helping manage day-to-day operations within the Chancellor’s Office. Chancellor Answani Volety wrote about Wilhelm, upon his retirement announcement, that he brought great insight and a collaborative spirit to the role.
“His leadership has left a bright and lasting mark on the university and its global engagement efforts,” Volety stated.
Ballou added he was aware of the big footsteps he would be filling, noting he, too, worked with Wilhelm for a decade.
“Over that time he became both a trusted colleague and a friend,” Ballou said. “His generosity, calm leadership and commitment to others left a lasting mark, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on his enduring impact.”
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