UNCW prepares its students to spread their wings and take flight beyond the nest. As Seahawks, we take pride in celebrating our alumni who continue to make an impact at UNCW as well as in their local, regional, national, and international communities. Through active involvement and engagement with the UNCW Alumni Association — as well as attending events; networking with students and alumni; and giving back with their time, talents, and treasures — the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are no exception.
Join the UNCW Alumni Association in honoring our 2025 award honorees, including Robert Abbotts '85, Distinguished Alumnus; Lauren Shackelton Hillen Engel '14, Distinguished Young Alumna; Mary Claire (MC) Curran '11, Distinguished Citizen; and John Scholz '84, Distinguished Diversity and Inclusion honoree.
Explore below to learn more about our Distinguished Alumnus honoree Robert Abbotts '85.
Robert T. Abbotts is currently enjoying retirement after a career in public service and government relations. He most recently served as a partner and senior advisor in government relations at Hoyt, Kisling, & McDowell, where he provided strategic advice and advocacy for various clients. Previously, Abbotts dedicated 28 years to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, significantly contributing to the state Medicaid program. He earned the Distinguished Political Science Alumni Award in spring 2018.
Abbotts has served on the State Employees' Credit Union Advisory Board for 10 years. His dedication to his alma mater is evident through his numerous leadership roles, including president of the Charlotte alumni chapter, member of the UNCW Board of Visitors, UNCW Alumni Board of Directors, Seahawk Club Board of Directors and the UNCW Parents Council. He is also a proud member of the Clocktower Society.
Earning a bachelor’s in political science in 1985, he credits his success to the mentorship and guidance of UNCW faculty members whose teachings in research and investigative techniques have been instrumental in his career.
“When I think of UNCW, I harken back to a quote by Loren Eiseley," said Abbotts. "‘If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.’ Our university, surrounded as it is by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River — there’s definitely a magic here.”
Abbotts shares his Seahawk spirit with his daughter, Gloria A. Abbotts '18, '20M, and his daughter, Mary M. Abbotts, who plans to graduate in 2025.
Learn more about all 2025 honorees, qualifications for awards, and more at alumni.uncw.edu/awards. The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Reception will be hosted on Saturday, June 7, as part of the second annual Weekend in Wilmington — registration is now open.