Dr. Rosemary DePaolo was the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington from 2003-2011. During her tenure as Chancellor of UNCW, she oversaw $250 million in construction projects. At the time of her retirement, more than 40 percent of students lived on campus. SAT entry scores and enrollment numbers rose considerably. Graduation rates exceeded the national average by more than 12 percent. In 2010 for the first time ever, US News and World Report ranked UNCW in the top 5 of public master's universities in the South. The Princeton Review listed the Cameron School of Business as one of its featured 300 in the "Best Business Schools" guidebook edition. UNCW was also named one of the nation's "most military friendly" schools for the second year in a row by G.I. Jobs. Dr. DePaolo previously served at Georgia Southern University, Western Carolina University, and then as president of Georgia College and State University. She holds a doctorate in 18th Century English literature. The Long Island native is married to a retired English professor.

Note written by Kara Deadmon. Sources: Wilmington Star-News and UNCW.