Former UNCW Chancellor Restores Historic Brazilian School | Jose Sartarelli
Ribeirão Bonito, Brazil – Former University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli is leading an effort to restore a historic schoolhouse in his rural Brazilian hometown, a project he views as a deeply personal commitment to education and community development. The Escola Municipal Coronel Pinto Ferraz, affectionately known as “the Coronel,” served as the primary school for generations of residents in Ribeirão Bonito, a town where, according to Sartarelli, over 95% of the population attended classes within its walls.
Sartarelli, who served as UNCW’s sixth chancellor from to , retired from the position and has now turned his attention to revitalizing the 1909 building. The Coronel is one of 123 architecturally significant schools constructed across the state of São Paulo in the early 20th century, built with the explicit goal of expanding literacy throughout the region.
The restoration project holds particular significance for Sartarelli, who himself was a student at the Coronel during his second, third, and fourth grade years. He describes the school as a symbol of the town’s enduring belief in the power of education and opportunity. “This project is an example of giving back to my birthplace,” Sartarelli said. “The Coronel represents a community’s belief in literacy and opportunity.”
The initiative is a collaborative effort, involving local leaders, residents, and alumni, all working together to breathe new life into the historic site. The plan is to transform the restored building into a middle school capable of accommodating over 500 students. The restoration team has recently submitted a proposal to the state’s heritage preservation authority, with the hope of commencing work immediately upon approval. Completion is currently anticipated by mid-.
Sartarelli’s commitment to education extends beyond this personal project. During his tenure at UNCW, he championed programs and partnerships focused on community engagement, applied learning, and global connections. Under his leadership, the university achieved record-breaking enrollment and philanthropic contributions. He also oversaw the development of a comprehensive campus master plan, strengthened partnerships with the local community, military, and international institutions, and expanded online educational offerings. In , UNCW earned the designation of “doctoral university with high research activity,” a distinction awarded to only 139 institutions nationwide.
The former chancellor’s leadership at UNCW also focused on academic expansion, with the addition of several new programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the wider community. He consistently emphasized the importance of fostering a learning environment that prepared students for success in a globalized world.
Sartarelli’s career path is notable for its breadth, spanning both the corporate world and higher education. Prior to his appointment at UNCW, he held management and leadership positions with global companies including Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly. He released a book in titled Giving Flight to Imagination: Leadership, Imagination, and Excellence, drawing on his experiences in both sectors. He presented the book at the 30th Anniversary of the LA Times Festival of Books in , where he spoke about the importance of imagination and courage in pursuing opportunities.
The restoration of the Escola Municipal Coronel Pinto Ferraz is not simply a preservation of a historical building, but a reaffirmation of the values that shaped Sartarelli’s life and career. “When we honor the places that shaped us, we help the next generation imagine what’s possible,” he stated. “Giving back is how we keep the doors of opportunity open for every student who will follow.”
The project website, restaurocoronel.com.br, offers further information and is available in both Portuguese and English, catering to a broad audience interested in supporting the restoration efforts. The initiative underscores a commitment to investing in the future by honoring the past, a principle that has guided Sartarelli throughout his distinguished career.