Campus mourns loss of international student, retired professor

By Kayloni Wyatt
Managing Editor
January 28, 2010

The UNCP community is mourning the deaths of an international student and a retired history professor.

Yifei Chen
Yifei “Peter” Chen, a student at UNCP, was found dead in his apartment on Jan. 24.

Chen was an international student from China majoring in business. He lived in University Courtyard Apartments.

The official cause of death has not been determined, yet.

A statement issued by Chancellor Charles R. Jenkins by e-mail reads: “The University was informed by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday regarding the death of student Chen, Yifei. Based on the information we received from the sheriff’s department, foul play is not suspected. The University has made counseling services available for the campus community if needed. The death of this student is very unfortunate and the University mourns for the family’s and UNCP’s loss.”

Loren Butler
Professor Emeritus of History Loren Butler, II, died Jan. 16.

Butler taught at UNCP for 28 years before his retirement.

The 84-year-old Lumberton native was also an Army veteran.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Loren L. Butler II History Scholarship Award.

Butler’s wife, Mary Lou Meachum Butler, died Oct. 13, 2008.