UNC Pembroke News

Drs. Mabel Rivera, left, Summer Woodside, Cindy Locklear, Dean Loury Floyd, Serina Cinnamon and Gretchen Robinson
September 23

UNCP faculty selected for BRIDGES academic leadership program

Five UNC Pembroke leaders have been selected for the UNC System’s BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program for Women. It was the largest number selected from UNCP in the 30-year history of the program. A kickoff meeting was held September 9-10 at the Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill.

A UNCP basketball player posing with a young girl at a back to school event
August 19

UNCP's Javonte Waverly: Making a difference in his community

Javonte Waverly, a member of the men’s basketball team at UNC Pembroke, recently hosted a Back-to-School event that distributed school supplies to youth in his hometown of Henderson, North Carolina. The event was held on Saturday, August 13. JaQuaveon Venable, Waverly’s childhood friend, a former teammate at Henderson Collegiate and current UNCP student, also pitched in during the event. Venable will serve as a student manager for the men’s team this season.

Dr. Chrisite Poteet on stage delivering the keynote speech
August 18

UNCP welcomes first-year students during Convocation

UNC Pembroke freshman Zane Shafer feels at home––despite nearly 400 miles separating him from family and friends in Tacoma Park, Maryland. Shafer chose UNCP to pursue his passion for fitness, exercise and health. “I really like the exercise science program,” said Shafer, who has dreams of becoming a personal trainer and business owner. “UNCP a great school. Everyone is nice. I love the staff’s attitude and the diversity.”

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July 14

UNCP undergraduate researchers, faculty present at Alzheimer’s research symposium

UNC Pembroke faculty and undergraduate researchers presented at the first Symposium for Learning about Alzheimer’s disease-related Medical research at Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill (SLAM-DUNC) on June 24-25. The symposium was held at the Duke Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center. It was designed for researchers, clinicians and trainees from UNCP, Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University and East Carolina University.

Service Awards
May 03

UNCP faculty and staff recognized for years of service

For nearly 40 years, UNC Pembroke has been a second home for Donna Strickland. After earning her degree from UNCP in 1983, Strickland began working in the campus bookstore. However, much of her career has been spent as a vital member of the Office of Human Resources, where she has advanced to deputy chief HR officer.

Undergraduate researchers Minh Giang (left) and Ashton Tillett
April 30

Back in Person: PURC Symposium Draws a Crowd

The 16th Annual UNC Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity (PURC) symposium attracted a lively crowd to the Livermore Library, where students showcased their research and creative works. It was the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic that the PURC symposium was held in person. Dr. Brandon Sanderson (Interim Director of PURC) and Dr. Richard Gay (Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences) welcomed the audience to the symposium, which was held on April 20th.

From left: Sen. Pro Tempore Phi Berger, Sally Thomas, Jim Thomas, Gov. Roy Cooper, Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, First Lady Rebecca Cummings and House Speaker Tim Moore
April 28

UNCP celebrates opening of James A. Thomas Hall

Under a beautiful blue sky, nearly 400 guests, including dozens of local and state officials, celebrated the opening of the James A. Thomas Hall––a state-of-the-art facility where UNC Pembroke is preparing future business leaders of our region. The new building––home to the Thomas School of Business––will drive the university’s efforts to continue building an educated workforce in southeastern North Carolina.

Ribbon Cutting to be held Wednesday, April 27, 2022
April 21

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for James A. Thomas Hall at UNCP

UNC Pembroke will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly opened James A. Thomas Hall at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Governor Roy Cooper will be among hundreds of invitees attending the ceremony in front of the state-of-the-art, $38 million facility and home of the Thomas School of Business. Other guest speakers include North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger.

 (L-R) John Plaschke, wife, Jean, Adrienne, and granddaughters, Nadia and Sophia Plaschke
April 01

UNCP dedicates Joseph B. Oxendine Administrative Building

In all the 58 years former UNC Pembroke Chancellor Dr. Joseph and First Lady Adrienne Oxendine were married, she always planned something special for his birthday. Trips to the theatre. Fancy dinners. Surprise parties. "There were some wonderful celebrations," said Adrienne, overcome with emotion. "To have a building named for him, this has to top them all. It shows the appreciation for his efforts and his professional accomplishments. "You have recognized him in the most special way and I thank you from the bottom of my heart," she said.

Founders Day
March 09

UNC Pembroke honors founders on 135-year anniversary

Beaming with pride and wearing a big smile, Betty Oxendine Mangum proudly posed for photos in front of a black and gold backdrop honoring the names of UNC Pembroke’s seven founders. The commemorative backdrop was positioned in front of the steps of Old Main as part of a Founders’ Day event marking the 135th anniversary of its founding on Monday. Mangum placed her palm on the display near the sixth name–John J. Oxendine–her great grandfather. A farmer from the Red Banks community, Oxendine was one of the university’s seven founding trustees.