The passing of Wills Citty, Director of Communications for the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services at UNC Charlotte, has left the university and the broader community deeply saddened.
Wills, who tragically passed away, was more than just a communications professional; he was a friend, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the power of clear, effective messaging in shaping public perception and advancing important causes.
His unexpected death has caused an outpouring of grief, with those who knew him reflecting on his remarkable career and his dedication to the UNC Charlotte community.
As Director of Communications, Wills played an integral role in crafting and executing the public relations, marketing, and communications strategies for the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.
He was a trusted leader who worked tirelessly to elevate the visibility of both colleges, ensuring that their groundbreaking work in education and health care was communicated to a wide audience.
His role involved managing a variety of projects, including overseeing digital content, developing promotional materials, and handling media relations. His creative approach to communications helped bring a spotlight to the achievements of the colleges and the people within them.
Wills’ expertise was not limited to traditional communication methods; he was a master of social media and digital platforms, using these tools to engage with the university’s audiences and to promote the values and mission of the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.
Whether it was publishing content on the colleges’ websites, creating dynamic social media campaigns, or leading promotional efforts for university events, Wills was a driving force behind the communication strategies that kept the university at the forefront of public attention.
His passion for communication extended beyond his work at UNC Charlotte. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in broadcast journalism, Wills went on to earn a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he concentrated on media law and the First Amendment.
His legal education complemented his career in communications, and it was clear that he had a deep understanding of the importance of protecting the freedoms that allowed him to do his work.
Throughout his career, he remained a strong advocate for media rights, and his work in communications was always underpinned by a strong ethical foundation. Prior to joining UNC Charlotte, Wills had a varied and impressive career in the media industry.
He had worked in both television and radio news, where he anchored and produced a local edition of NPR’s “All Things Considered” at WUFT-TV in Gainesville. His background in journalism helped shape his professional approach—he was meticulous, thorough, and always seeking the truth in every story he told.
During his time in law school, he worked in digital communications for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), where he wrote about the organization’s efforts to preserve vital constitutional rights, especially the rights of journalists to report the news freely and without interference.
Despite his legal background, Wills chose to pursue his passion for communications, and this decision ultimately brought him to UNC Charlotte. Once there, he quickly became an invaluable part of the university’s communications team.
His colleagues admired his professionalism, dedication, and his ability to connect with people. Wills’ role at UNC Charlotte allowed him to combine his love for communications with his desire to contribute to the success of the university.
He worked on numerous projects to highlight the important work being done in the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services, always ensuring that the stories of students, faculty, and staff were told in a way that resonated with the wider community.
Wills’ legacy will be felt not only through his work in communications but also through the relationships he built with those around him. He was known for his warm personality, his willingness to collaborate, and his commitment to making a difference.
He was a friend and mentor to many, offering guidance and support to students, colleagues, and others who sought his expertise. Wills was more than just a professional; he was someone who genuinely cared about the people he worked with and the mission of the institutions he served.
In his passing, the UNC Charlotte community has lost a dedicated and passionate leader. Wills’ contributions to the university, especially in the fields of communications, marketing, and public relations, have left an indelible mark.
His commitment to excellence, his dedication to the university’s values, and his passion for storytelling will continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by his family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom will remember him for his generosity, his drive, and his unwavering commitment to communication and advocacy.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life and legacy, where the university and the broader community will come together to honor Wills Citty’s memory. His contributions to UNC Charlotte and his profession will not be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the stories he told, the relationships he nurtured, and the work he accomplished.
May his memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
