Published on May 15, 2025
Wilmington City Councilmember Luke Waddell, Sr. has been appointed to a four-year term on the University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees beginning in July.
The appointment was made during the May 15 meeting of the UNC System Board of Governors. The Board of Trustees includes 13 members: eight appointed by the Board of Governors, four by the North Carolina General Assembly, and one elected by the UNCW student body.
“I’m honored to have been appointed to the University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees,” Waddell said. “I have long recognized the vital role UNCW plays in shaping the future of our region. The university is a cornerstone of economic development and academic excellence in southeastern North Carolina and beyond. This appointment creates a valuable conduit between the City of Wilmington and the university, helping to ensure that as UNCW grows, it continues to do so with the support of the community it calls home. I look forward to supporting the students, faculty, and staff, and to working alongside my fellow trustees to advance the mission of this incredible institution.”
Waddell has served on Wilmington City Council since 2021 and is actively involved in regional leadership, representing the city on the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. Outside of public service, he is the founder and CEO of Cadence Realty Corp.
For more details on the appointment, visit the official release from the UNCW Board of Trustees.