UNC Pembroke News

UNCP building with no. 15 top pubic schools ranking from U.S. News and World Report
September 23

UNCP a Top 15 Public Regional University and Among Best for Military-Affiliated Students

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of the top 15 public regional universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges Rankings, which were released today.

(L-R) Trustee Chairman Ed Brooks, Sheila Cummings, Dr. Anna Clark, Colonel (Ret.) Carlos E. Berdecia, John Squier, Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings and District Court Judge Daniel Locklear
July 25

Sheila Cummings, Carlos Berdecia, Dr. Anna Clark, John Squier Appointed to Board of Trustees at UNC Pembroke

UNC Pembroke has welcomed four distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees: Sheila Cummings and Colonel (Ret.) Carlos E. Berdecia, appointed by the UNC Board of Governors, and Dr. Anna O. Clark, appointed by North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger. John Squier, Student Government Association president, also joins the board as an ex officio member for the 2025-26 academic year.

Shirsendu Mondal
July 25

UNC Pembroke Computer Science Student Earns NASA Recognition for Cybersecurity Discovery

NASA recently recognized a UNC Pembroke computer science student for his exceptional cybersecurity skills. Shirsendu Mondal received a formal letter of appreciation from the agency's Vulnerability Disclosure Program for identifying and responsibly reporting a security vulnerability in one of NASA's digital systems.

Alumna Magally Ortiz-Roja
July 07

Alumna Magally Ortiz-Rojas selected as UNC System Presidential Scholar

Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a recent UNC Pembroke graduate, has been selected as a presidential scholar for the UNC System's prestigious 2025–2026 academic year cohort — an elite honor reserved for some of the most accomplished and promising young leaders across North Carolina's public universities.

Dr. Elizabeth Wyles, Associate Dean of the College of Optometric Medicine
July 07

Dr. Elizabeth Wyles named Associate Dean of the College of Optometric Medicine

As UNC Pembroke prepares to launch its new Doctor of Optometry program, the university has named Dr. Elizabeth Wyles as associate dean of the College of Optometric Medicine. A nationally respected educator, clinician and leader in optometric education, Dr. Wyles brings over two decades of experience shaping the future of eye care.

Collage of photos featuring Dr. Ash Walker
June 27

Professor Ash Walker Elected to National Board for Clinical Exercise Physiology

Dr. Ash Walker, assistant professor of exercise and sport science at UNC Pembroke, has been elected treasurer and member of the Board of Directors of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), a national organization affiliated with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Thomas Tyner
June 26

Thomas Tyner Awarded Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Opportunity in France

Thomas Tyner, associate vice chancellor for Global Engagement at UNC Pembroke, has been selected for the Fulbright U.S. International Education Administrators (IEA) Program in France for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Robert Schneider
June 18

Retired Professor Bob Schneider named Top Scholar by ScholarGPS

Retired UNC Pembroke professor Dr. Robert (Bob) Schneider has been named a 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS, a data analytics platform that analyzes global research output and ranks scholars based on productivity, impact and collaboration in specific fields.

Dr. Ashley B. Allen and the NC ACE Women's Network
June 12

Dr. Ashley B. Allen named chair of NC ACE Women’s Network

UNC Pembroke Associate Dean Dr. Ashley Batts Allen has been named chair of the North Carolina ACE Women’s Network, a state-level affiliate of the American Council on Education dedicated to advancing women in higher education.

UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings (left) and UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts join Dean Richard Gay (standing) and Dean Janet Guthmiller at a signing event establishing the Early Assurance Admission initiative
May 16

UNCP Launches Direct Pathway to UNC Adams School of Dentistry

UNC Pembroke and the UNC Adams School of Dentistry (ASOD) have formalized an agreement to create a pathway for aspiring dentists through an Early Assurance Admission initiative. The initiative will offer high-achieving students admission to one of the nation’s top-ranked dental programs