UNC Pembroke News

Dr. Jose Rafols teaching
December 03

Dr. Jose Rafols appointed director of new graduate-level Occupational Therapy program

A founding director of three occupational therapy programs with four decades of leadership experience in clinical practice, education and military service, Dr. Jose Rafols has been tapped to lead UNC Pembroke’s new Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT).

The campus of UNC Pembroke with a clocktower in the background.
September 24

UNCP a top 20 public regional university in U.S. News & World Report rankings

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a top 20 public university in the South and ranks in the top 10 in the region for social mobility, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges Rankings.

Students walking out of the doors of the Weinstein Health Sciences building on the UNCP campus
June 06

UNCP to launch Master of Healthcare Administration program

Continuing its mission to support critical workforce needs, UNC Pembroke will launch a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program.

Alexis Little
May 01

UNCP builds on strong reputation of preparing students for healthcare careers

Alexis Little was moved to tears as she read an email from the graduate admissions office at Methodist University.

Elijah Cobb brings the crowd to their feet with a dunk against Young Harris
March 14

UNCP's Elijah Cobb emerges as a star after overcoming adversity

Elijah Cobb burst into tears as he hugged his coach midcourt moments after carrying his UNC Pembroke basketball team to an 82-81 overtime win in the Conference Carolinas Tournament championship.

UNCP students in the trading room at the Thomas College of Business
February 14

Thomas School of Business earns AACSB accreditation extension

The Thomas School of Business at UNC Pembroke has been granted an extension of accreditation of its undergraduate and graduate programs — a distinction obtained by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.

UNCP Logo
September 08

UNCP welcomes four new members to Board of Trustees

UNC Pembroke has announced the appointments of four new members of its Board of Trustees — Ron Gibson '74, Jim Hyler and Pat Willoughby '76.

March 24

UNCP to offer Doctor of Nursing Practice program

UNC Pembroke has received approval from the UNC Board of Governors to establish a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a population health focus. The innovative program — the university’s first-ever doctoral program — will help reverse the shortage of health care professionals in underserved areas of the state and improve population health, individual patient experiences and health outcomes.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz (left) signs the MOU agreement with UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings
September 28

UNCP, UNC-Chapel Hill establish assured admission program with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Current and incoming UNC Pembroke students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy may be eligible for guaranteed admission to UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, the nation’s top-ranked pharmacy program.   UNCP and UNC-Chapel Hill have established an Early Assurance Program partnership with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, creating a seamless pathway for pre-pharmacy students.

Nina Wiatrowski (left) De’Maurion Shelley
October 01

Shelley, Wiatrowski named 2021 Maynor Scholars

De’Maurion Shelley and Nina Wiatrowski have been named the 2021 Maynor Honors College scholars at UNC Pembroke. Recognized as UNCP’s most prestigious four-year scholarship, the Maynor Honors Scholarship pays tuition, fees, books, room and board. It is named for Esther Graham Maynor, a Pembroke native and one of the university’s most generous donors. Shelley, a freshman from Fayetteville studying history and social studies education, credits his former teachers with influencing his decision to pursue a career in the classroom.