Dr. Zoe Locklear awarded as UNCP’s first Provost Emeritus
After 32 years of extraordinary service to UNC Pembroke in various leadership roles, interim Provost Dr. Zoe Locklear retires –– for a second time –– with lifelong friends and countless memories. One of her most cherished memories is of a warm summer day in August 1988—the day she was interviewed by then Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Jenkins to become one of the first special education professors at her alma mater. “I was a nervous wreck,” Locklear said.
Maria Santisteban Wins Undergraduate Research Mentor Award
Dr. Maria Santisteban, longtime UNCP biology professor and NSF COMPASS director, was honored with the 2022 Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for her outstanding guidance and commitment to student researchers—helping launch their STEM journeys through conferences, workshops, and cutting‑edge lab experiences.
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.
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.
UNCP’s Stewart Thomas wins BOG Excellence in Teaching Award
Joe Williams acquired the skills at UNC Pembroke he needed to become a pharmacist and a multi-business owner. However, the self-confidence he gained after forming what would eventually become a lifelong bond with his business professor, Dr. Stewart Thomas, led him on the path to success. Williams went on to earn a pharmacy degree and today owns three pharmacies, two businesses, a property management company and a consulting firm.
Gabe Eszterhas named vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UNCP
Gabe Eszterhas, CPA, a senior-level finance and accounting executive with 20 years of higher education experience and a proven track of success in central offices and academic divisions, has been named vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UNC Pembroke after a nationwide search. Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings made the announcement on Friday following the unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees supporting the recommendation by Cummings and a search committee led by Dick Christy, director of Athletics.
Volleyball team honors Biology faculty trio
Biology faculty Crystal Walline, Meg Zets, and Nicolas Negrin Pereira are making a big difference in the classroom. Last fall, student athletes in their classes honored them during the UNCP volleyball team’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation night. The September 28th event recognized 15 faculty and staff across the campus who made positive impacts on the lives of student athletes. Students who bestowed certificates of appreciation on Biology faculty were Taylor Osborne (Dr. Walline), Abby ("Abigail") Spencer (Prof. Zets), and Kaitlyn Pressley (Dr. Negrin Pereira).
Discussion: The Innovators (with Dr. Bryan Sales)
PBS NC’s Deborah Holt Noel sits downs with Dr. Kimbro and Kenisha Webb who talk about their work in the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical and Biotechnical Research Institute at NCCU. Dr. Bryan Sales discusses innovative agricultural science breakthroughs at UNC Pembroke. NC A&T State doctoral student, Nyteisha Bookert, explains using math and computer science to combat cybercrime. Click here to watch the video.
UNCP celebrates the First-Gen experience
UNC Pembroke is celebrating our first-generation Braves Nov. 8-11 with events, workshops, resources and a “Voices of First-gen” exhibit in the University Center showcasing our first-gen faculty and staff. “As a first-generation student myself, I am excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our first-generation students and I’m so proud of them and all their successes,” Dalton Hoffer, assistant director for Transition Programs, shared.
Biology Faculty Collaborate with Utah State in Smart Foodscapes Research Project
Biology faculty members Drs. Rita Hagevik and Kaitlin Campbell are co-PIs on a AFRI-USDA grant for 6.8 million dollars with Utah State University, using Smart Foodscapes to raise sustainable beef. Click here to read about the project.