Regional Initiatives
Professional Development
Learn More About 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.
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.



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)

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

