UNCP’s Teaching Fellows Program Experiencing Rapid Growth, Lasting Impact
After more than a decade in corporate banking, Bridget Speller-Purington made a bold move into a new profession — teaching. As a newcomer to the classroom, she leaned heavily on the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program at UNC Pembroke for support and guidance, saying she wouldn’t have been successful without it.
Meet Dr. Shreerekha Pillai: Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Shreerekha Pillai was appointed as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in July. A seasoned educator and leader, Pillai brings over 30 years of experience in advancing academic excellence and student empowerment
Exploring the World Through Art: How One Professor’s Travels Enrich Her Classroom
For many students, learning about art history means flipping through textbooks or viewing digital images. However, for students in Dr. Beata Niedzialkowska’s class at UNC Pembroke, art history comes alive through her firsthand experiences visiting some of the world’s most renowned museums.
Professor James Hudson Named 2025–26 Faculty Fellow with Carolina Asia Center, UNC Institute
Dr. James Hudson, associate professor of history at UNC Pembroke, has been selected as a Minority-Serving Institutions Faculty Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship, a joint initiative of the Carolina Asia Center and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at UNC Chapel Hill, supports faculty at minority-serving institutions pursuing research related to Asia.
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.
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. 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.
Graduates Celebrate Strength Resilience and New Beginnings
All his life, Brandon Swallow has refused to let his disabilities define him. He was born with cerebral palsy, hemiplegic dysplasia, and scoliosis and has a condition known as optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning he has low vision.
UNCP Recognizes 25 Retirees Who Helped Shape the University’s Future
The UNC Pembroke community came together recently to celebrate the careers and contributions of 25 dedicated employees whose combined decades of service helped shape the institution’s growth and success.
Dr. Shreerekha Pillai Named Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Shreerekha Pillai, a scholar, educator and leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing academic excellence and empowering students, has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC Pembroke.