UNC Pembroke News

Kelvin and Karen Sampson with family

Kelvin and Karen L. Sampson Champion the Next Generation of Braves

Even while leading one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent college basketball history, University of Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson and his wife, UNCP Trustee Karen L. Sampson, made time to give back to their roots.

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August 29

UNCP Hosts Emmy Award-Winning Alumnus Newy Scruggs

UNC Pembroke alumnus Newy Scruggs,’94, is returning to his alma mater to inspire the next generation of leaders, sharing how his experiences at UNCP helped launch a broadcasting career that has earned him 18 Emmy Awards and national recognition.

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August 29 Chad Locklear

Braves Got Talent Showcase debuts at Homecoming 2025

UNC Pembroke is rolling out the gold carpet for the first-ever Braves Got Talent showcase, a highlight of this year’s Homecoming celebration.

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August 28 Chad Locklear

UNCP Announces 2025 Homecoming Schedule: A Celebration of Spirit, Pride and Tradition

UNC Pembroke invites you to mark your calendar for UNCP Homecoming 2025, taking place October 8 – 11, with a lineup of events designed to unite alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community in celebration of Black & Gold pride.

Brad Allen
August 25 Mark Locklear

Alumnus, NFL Referee Brad Allen Joins NCHSAA Hall of Fame

Though his journey has led from Lumberton’s ballfields to the NFL spotlight, Brad Allen has never lost sight of where it all began. A proud Robeson County native and UNC Pembroke alumnus, Allen’s rise from teenage umpire to NFL referee was celebrated last week with his induction into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

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.

From Cadet to Commander: Col. Chad Mixon Inspires the Next Generation
June 04

From Cadet to Commander: Col. Chad Mixon Inspires the Next Generation

As garrison commander of Fort Bragg – the largest military installation in the world - Col. Chad Mixon oversees operations that impact more than 264,000 people. But this spring, his mission brought him home to UNC Pembroke, where his journey as a leader began.

Tamara Locklear
June 02

Tamara Locklear: Strength, Faith and Determination Define Her Path to Graduation

When Tamara Locklear crossed the stage at UNC Pembroke last month to receive her master’s degree in social work, it was a moment of triumph over some of life’s most profound challenges.

Alumnus Eja Hagwood (left) and Micheal Passamuntu
May 29

Michael Passamuntu: A Passion for Wellness, a Future in Leadership

As he crossed the graduation stage once more earlier this month, Michael Passamuntu celebrated the completion of his Master of Arts in sports administration at UNC Pembroke but also years of deep involvement, leadership and transformation within the campus recreation community he’s helped shape.

Brandon and Madison Swallow attend Commencement
May 10

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.