Regional Initiatives

Our commitment to community goes beyond the classroom. Regional Initiatives drives our mission forward by connecting the university's resources with the region's needs — through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, workforce development and impactful professional development opportunities.

Professional Development

community members sitting around a table at a symposium on the campus of UNC Pembroke

Continued Education

We proudly offer customized training, off-campus and online courses as well as community-focused events designed to meet the educational, cultural and economic development needs of the diverse communities we serve. Programs such as seminars, workshops and custom-designed courses that align with these goals may qualify as public service or extended education events and must be coordinated or co-sponsored with Regional Initiatives.

Whether you're part of a university department or an external organization, we're here to help bring your ideas to life.

adult male sitting in a classroom

Advance Your Career

UNC Pembroke, in partnership with ed2go, offers affordable, online programs designed to help you gain the skills needed for today's most in-demand careers. Whether you're looking to start a new profession or advance in your current role, our open enrollment courses make it easy to learn at your own pace — from anywhere.


Each program is developed by industry experts and supported by experienced instructors who are there to answer your questions, keep you motivated and guide you every step of the way. Start your journey today and build the future you want.

Business Visions

The Business Visions Awards is an annual event dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievements within our university and the broader business community. This event honors exceptional business students, regional businesses and individuals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities.

business visions three students UNCP
Business Visions award winners in front of a UNCP backdrop

The Empowerment Summit: Leading with Legacy and Vision

UNCP’s Empowerment Summit: Leading with Legacy and Vision is designed to inspire and equip those to lead with purpose, honor their legacy and create a bold vision for the future. The event will feature an engaging panel discussion with influential leaders, interactive breakout sessions focused on personal and professional growth and a creative vision board activity to help participants visualize and manifest their goals. This empowering experience fosters connection, collaboration and clarity for those ready to lead with impact. The event concludes with a lunch hosted at the First Lady’s residence.

Location: James A. Thomas Hall
Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Attendees can expect to enjoy the following agenda:

Panel - “Leading From Where You Stand”
This powerful session brings together panelists from diverse backgrounds who are leading with purpose, resilience and authenticity. Through open conversation and personal storytelling, panelists will reflect on the pivotal moments, challenges and victories that shaped their leadership journeys.

Breakout session - “Define Your Leadership Legacy”
A reflective workshop guiding participants to define the values, strengths and contributions they want to be remembered for. Learn tools to lead with purpose and influence. Strengthen confidence and presence. This portion invites participants to choose a session and explore what it means to lead from a beginner-level, mid-level or advanced-level while building a legacy that uplifts others and creates lasting impact.

Vision Boards – “Manifesting the Future You”
An interactive, reflective workshop designed to help participants envision and intentionally shape the life they want to create. Through guided activities, attendees will clarify their personal values and long‑term goals, explore how their individual strengths support their desired future and translate their aspirations into a visual roadmap. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a personalized vision board that reflects a legacy‑aligned path forward and serves as daily inspiration for manifesting the future they imagine.

Lunch - UNCP First Lady’s Residence (inclement weather location will be Thomas Hall)
Register Now


women's empowerment summit unc pembroke
Women's Empowerment Summit at UNC Pembroke