UNC Pembroke News

Aspen Andersson
June 24

Alumnae selected as Presidential Scholar

Aspen Andersson, who graduated this spring from UNC Pembroke, has been selected as a Presidential Scholar for the UNC System for the 2024-25 academic year.

Michelle Bailey shakes Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings' hand after receiving her hard-earned sociology degree at UNC Pembroke Spring Commencement on Saturday May 4, 2024
May 04

UNCP’s Michelle Bailey: ‘A poster child for perseverance’

Michelle Bailey’s path to graduation wasn’t easy, but this was nothing new. Life has always been an uphill battle for this wife and mother of three, who underwent her first brain surgery when she was 16.

Paula Mukau and her brother, Sam, at his graduation ceremony at UNCP in 2021
May 01

UNCP graduate student finds strength after family tragedy

Paula Mukau gently stroked the heart-shaped tattoo permanently inked across her lower forearm, which reads ‘forever in my heart’ followed by ‘February 20, 2022.’ A constant reminder of the day Sam — her younger brother and the glue that held their family together — lost his battle with cancer.

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.

UNC Pembroke volleyball player signs professional contract while seated beside a smiling coach, with a screen in the background announcing the signing.
April 19

All-American Vanja Przulj signs with professional volleyball team in Finland

Vanja Przulj discovered a passion for volleyball growing up in Belgrade, Serbia. From an early age, her goal was to play professionally. However, she had to leave her family behind to achieve her dream.

Family photo (left to right): Zachary, wife Blair (holding son Luke), and son Ethan
March 21

Biology alumnus Zachary Lunn doubles as park ranger and writer

Today, Zachary Lunn (class of 2016) is a Park Ranger with Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, but his career path hasn’t been straightforward, nor is ranger the only "hat" he wears.

Dr. Cliff Mensah (right) conducts a fireside chat with Brigadier General Allen Jamerson (Ret.) as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series.
February 26

UNCP alumnus Brigadier Gen. Allen Jamerson featured in Distinguished Speaker Series

David Lewis knew Brigadier General Allen Jamerson (Ret.) was destined for greatness when they met 40 years ago as students at what was then known as Pembroke State University.

UNCP Trustee Allen Jamerson (left), Aldona Woś (center) Peace Ajirotutu (right)
January 12

UNCP strengthens partnership with the Institute of World Politics

Peace Ajirotutu's lifelong passion for politics was fueled by an internship with the North Carolina General Assembly while a student at UNC Pembroke.

Armani Jones-Elliott with Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings during a recent campus event
November 07

First-gen students find success, sense of belonging at UNCP

When Armani Jones-Elliott came to UNC Pembroke as a freshman three years ago, she felt alone and overwhelmed with insecurity. Though academically gifted, Jones-Elliott doubted her abilities, which is common among first-generation college students. “As a freshman, you are scared,” she said. “But as a first-generation student, it’s on another level because you don’t have anyone with (college) experience who can advise you.”

Trustee James Lockemy (left) and Trustee Chairman Allen Jamerson on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court
October 31

UNCP Trustee, alumnus James Lockemy honored at U.S. Supreme Court

UNC Pembroke Trustee James Lockemy is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fourth Circuit. Lockemy, a UNCP alumnus, was recognized during a black-tie event at the United States Supreme Court on Saturday, October 28.