The University of North Carolina Wilmington has announced James Winebrake as the new provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

According to a Tuesday press release, Winebrake was previously the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.

“Dr. Winebrake is known for his innovative approach to management, commitment to faculty research and scholarship and deep understanding of the value of liberal arts education,” Chancellor Jose Sartarelli said in the release. “UNCW has much to offer our faculty, students, staff and the State of North Carolina as one of the nation’s top public institutions, and he will fill a pivotal role in guiding our academic enterprise to even greater achievements in the years to come. He will also serve as a guiding light as we continue to navigate our transition to a doctoral high-research university.” 

In his new role, Winebrake will oversee all academic units of the university helping to advance teaching, scholarship, research, engagement and creative activity.

“UNCW is a fast-growing, dynamic and exciting coastal university that is on an amazing trajectory,” Winebrake said in the release. “UNCW provides the opportunity to advance integrative, interdisciplinary programs in new fields that combine areas related to business, education, health, liberal arts and STEM. Creating new programs that cross disciplinary boundaries is a passion of mine, and UNCW is extremely well-positioned to be a national leader in this area.”

Winebrake has a Ph.D. in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania. During his time at RIT he focused on integrating liberal arts and STEM, building and sustaining community partnerships, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, expanding the performing arts and advancing faculty scholarship, according to the release.

Winebrake assumes the position from Marilyn Sheerer, who will move to the Watson College of Education in May after serving in her provost and vice chancellor role for five years.

According to the release, Winebrake’s role starts on July 1. This news comes as UNCW staff are teleworking, and students are taking online/alternate courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What drew Winebrake to the role is the quality of the faculty at UNCW, the release stated.

“I believe UNCW faculty are some of the most committed I have seen — to their students, their community, and their disciplines,” Winebrake said in the release. “I am looking forward to working closely with the faculty to continue building a world-class educational experience for our students.”