Date Opened: 1989

Abbreviation: WA

Namesake:
William Hampton Wagoner (1927-1999) &
Madeline Hodges Wagoner (1931-2000)

Building History

This structure opened to students in 1989 as the second campus dining hall (Westside was the first.) The Wagoner Dining Hall features food service with special events catering in the Madeline Suite. The General College was housed in Wagoner until its move to Westside following Westside's renovation.

Namesake

Dr. William Wagoner was the last president of Wilmington College (1968) and the first Chancellor of University of North Carolina Wilmington (1969-1990). He was a 1945 graduate of Washington High School and served in the US Navy 1945-46. He earned his bachelor of science degree in physics and chemistry from Wake Forest University in 1949. From there he went on to receive his masters in history from East Carolina University (1953) and his doctorate in educational administration from UNC-Chapel Hill (1959). Dr. Wagoner taught in the North Carolina public school system, which lead to becoming principal from 1953-1956. He later served as the Superintendent of Elizabeth City Schools. In 1961, Dr. Wagoner arrived in Wilmington to assume Superintendent of New Hanover County Schools. In 1968, he took on the job of president of Wilmington College, which upon becoming part of the UNC academic system, he became the first Chancellor of UNCW. During his tenure Dr. Wagoner set-up a recognition system for donors via plaques in classrooms and laboratories. He also established the basic university system currently in place with the formation of Cameron School of Business, Watson School of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing and the Graduate School. Wagoner Hall stands in tribute to his accomplishments in education during a forty year career. Behind every successful man is a woman, in Dr. Wagoner's case it was his wife, Madeline Hodges Wagoner. She was not only an active partner in university endeavors but from 1980 until 1997 she was the organist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. As first lady of the school UNCW benefited from her "leadership, warmth and dignity." Madeline Suite is named in her honor for 21 years of service this campus.