Dr. William H. Wagoner Collection

William H. Wagoner was born in 1927 and grew up in Washington, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelors in Science from Wake Forest College in 1949, a Master of Arts from East Carolina University in 1953 and a Ph.D from the University of North Carolina in Education Administration and Political Science in 1959. Wagoner began his career as a high school chemistry, physics and public speaking teacher in Washington and worked in Elizabeth City public schools administration as Superintendent. In 1961, he became Superintendent of the New Hanover County school system. It is during this time, that he was was asked to become a part-time faculty member for Wilmington College, beginning a long tenure with the University. After the retirement of William Randall, Wagoner was elected President of Wilmington College. During his first year as president, the college was involved in negotiations to move into the consolidated University of North Carolina and ultimately joined in 1969. Wagoner was then elected Chancellor of the University of North Carolina system at Wilmington. Under his leadership, the basic organizational structure of the University was established with the formation of the Cameron School of Business, School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing and the Graduate school. UNCW's marine science program and cooperative Ph.D with NC State University was also begun under Wagoner's direction. During Wagoner's tenure, the campus grew tremendously to include such major structures as Trask Coliseum, Randall Library, the University Union and several residence halls. He also set the tone for conservation of environmentally sensitive portions of campus, reserving ten acres for the Bleuthenthal Wildflower Preserve. Wagoner and his family lived in Kenan House (donated to the University in 1969) throughout his career at UNCW. After his retirement in 1990, a road in front of campus and the maining dining hall were named in his honor.