UNC Pembroke News

May 18

UNCP alumna selected for summer internship in Sarajevo

UNC Pembroke alumna Mia Baxley is making the most of our international relations degree. Baxley is a true globetrotter. Since her sophomore year at UNCP, Baxley has lived and taught English in China for seven weeks and in Seoul, Korea, for one year. Her visit to China was her second trip––the first coming while she was in high school. She also participated in a study abroad program in Thailand while in college, not to be outdone.

Jacob Worriax (seated with hat) surrounded by his parents UNCP alumni James and Jessica Worriax and several family members
May 11

UNCP's Hok Nosai rallies behind alumni's family

What began as a nagging cough four months ago turned into devastating news for UNC Pembroke alumni James and Jessica Worriax and their 16-year-old son, Jacob. Tests revealed a tumor in Jacob's chest. On New Year's Eve 2021, doctors diagnosed Jacob with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He spent nine days in the hospital, including several days in the intensive care unit. Jacob is undergoing chemotherapy, which resulted in significant weight loss. "Mentally, he is doing really well," James Worriax said. "He is handling it much better than I would have at his age."

Maddie Schwenneker, left, with her brother Mason Schwenneker
May 06

Brother, sister making an impact on residence life at UNCP

Maddie and Mason Schwenneker are getting the rare opportunity of experiencing college life at UNC Pembroke together. The Holly Springs siblings have immersed themselves in campus life, and they both go above and beyond as resident advisors (RA) to ensure housing residents, likewise, embrace the campus living experience. This week, their efforts were recognized when the pair was presented with the RA of the Year and New RA of the Year awards at the Housing & Residence Life’s end-of-the-year banquet.

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.

Nick
April 11

Alumnus Nick Courmon returns to emcee UNCP Talent Show

Twelve contestants, including two groups, will be vying for the top prize in Tuesday's 29th annual UNCP Talent Show. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at Givens Performing Arts Center.

Keyla Bell
March 25

UNCP alumna Keyla Bell breaking barriers in law enforcement

With her recent promotion, Maj. Keyla Bell is the highest-ranking female in the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The UNC Pembroke graduate is only the fourth female to rise to major since the North Carolina State Highway Patrol was founded in 1929. Bell is also the first American Indian to wear the gold oak leaf cluster shoulder patch.

Katina Oxendine
January 10

New agriscience program offers innovative career opportunities for UNCP students

After discovering UNC Pembroke’s emerging agriculture science program, Katina Oxendine was inspired to return to her alma mater—this time with hopes of transforming her passion for medicinal plant research into a career. UNCP first offered the new degree program to biology students during the 2019-2020 academic year. It was developed to prepare students to enter the agricultural industry at any level and emphasizes the importance of agriculture and connects students to the rich agricultural history of the community.

UNCP welcomes back alumni of 50 years during Homecoming
October 26

UNCP alumni relive memories during 50th reunion

Gary Locklear and Tim Brayboy enjoyed long and distinguished careers in the legal field and education, respectively. Locklear is a retired Robeson County Superior Court judge. Brayboy spent three decades with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Both credit UNC Pembroke for providing the foundation for their success. Locklear and Brayboy were among the guests who attended a luncheon as part of UNCP Homecoming at the chancellor’s residence in honor of those who graduated more than 50 years ago.

Spring 2021 Edition
September 16

UNC Pembroke alumni magazine wins state award

UNC Pembroke's alumni magazine was awarded the Award of Excellence at the North Carolina Public Relations Society of America's (NCPRSA) annual InSpire Awards ceremony. UNCP Today won the Bronze Award in the magazine category. The annual awards recognize the best public relations campaigns and tactics for the previous year in North Carolina.

Randall Jones
August 26

UNC Pembroke welcomes new members of the Board of Trustees

Four new members–Michelle Ingram, Randall Jones, Kenneth Robinette and Dana Hunt-Locklear–have joined the Board of Trustees at UNC Pembroke. Ingram was appointed by the North Carolina Senate president pro temp. The UNC Board of Governors appointed Jones and Robinette. Each has been appointed to a four-year term. Locklear, the Student Body President, will serve as an ex-officio member of the board for 2021-2022. “We are honored to welcome our four new members of the Board of Trustees,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.