🌱 UNCW Splitting College Into Two + Wilmington Ranks High On List

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Wilmington Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. In today's issue, we'll cover these three stories and more...

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 77 Low: 50.
• Saturday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 53 Low: 46.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Wilmington? Partner with the Wilmington Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. As of Jul. 1, the University of North Carolina Wilmington College of Arts and Sciences will be splitting into two separate colleges, creating a firmer foundation for each program. An announcement was made on Apr. 6 that one of the colleges will be for social sciences and humanities and the arts while the other will be focused on computing, engineering, and sciences. Although the change will require finding new deans and staffing, the university says it will function as normal and that all new staff will be ready by Jul. 1. (WECT)
2. Wilmington resident Desmond Jermal Mays has been charged with two counts of indecent exposure, along with several other charges. Mays reportedly exposed himself to women at two different locations on both Market Street and Castle Street on Jan. 18. He was caught by the police after the second incident in the Hillcrest housing community on a bicycle. In addition to indecent exposure, Mays was charged with resisting an officer and an account of second-degree trespassing for a previous incident. (WECT)
3. A recent study shows that Wilmington ranks as the sixth top location for attracting more older adults than they lose. The list is composed of 146 of the largest cities in the country where data could be attained and focused on those 60 and older. Wilmington also received praise for being the No. 1 city people flocked to in 2022. (Durham Herald Sun)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Wilmington Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Wilmington Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Friday, April 7

• Good Friday - No School - Emsley A Laney High (All Day)
• Lukas Nelson And Promise Of The Real - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater (7:00 PM)
• Wreckless Abandon Returns! - Just Mike’s At JM’s Place - Seafood And Grocery (8:00 PM)

Saturday, April 8

• Azalea Festival Official Art Show & Sale - 120 S. 2nd Street (10:00 AM)
• Comedian Sophie Buddle - Dead Crow Comedy Room (7:00 PM)
• Cinderella Theatre - Historic Thalian Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Porters Neck Elementary School earlier this week invited the community to witness the "Leader in Me" program, where leadership qualities were instilled in the students. This student-led and hosted program gave stakeholders and staff an opportunity to hear how students utilized the seven habits of highly effective children. (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• Volunteers (and their kayaks if possible) are needed to assist the Cape Fear River Watch and Keep New Hanover Beautiful tomorrow morning. The organizations are trying to clear out some of the litter at Squash Branch. Visit the link for more details. (City of Wilmington, NC Government via Facebook)

As a heads-up, the Patch staff will take some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.