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Meet the Admissions Staff

Lela Clark

Lela Clark, Director of Admissions

"Having worked at and attended a number of colleges, I've seen first-hand what makes UNC Pembroke special. Our small classes and reasonable tuition allow students to receive a high quality, private school experience at a public school price. I am fortunate to work for an institution that offers opportunity for so many to pursue their dreams. A UNCP education can take you wherever you want to go. All you have to do is join us for the ride."

  • Responsible for providing the leadership in recruiting and admitting undergraduate new students to the university. Areas of special responsibility include oversight of support staff operations and recruitment publications coordinator.
  • Lela Clark is a 2004 graduate of Old Dominion University with a Master's in Higher Education Administration. Lela joined the admissions team in February 2003.
  • Email: lela.clark@uncp.edu
   
Natalya Freeman

Natalya Freeman Locklear, Associate Director

"History and tradition resound in my thoughts of UNC Pembroke. Beginning at a young age, it was instilled in me to pursue higher education. I know of the success and quality of graduates UNCP produces since my parents and grandparents are alumni. By attending a large university and taking summer courses at UNC Pembroke, I had the best of both worlds. It's amazing to see our slogan 'Where learning gets personal' come alive! You really can receive the personal attention you desire. Your success and dreams are endless here at UNCP. There's a little something for everyone! We look forward to you joining the Braves family!"

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Cumberland
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Travel Coordinator, Supervisor of Recruit Staff, CACRAO Liaison.
  • Natalya Freeman Locklear is a 2003 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Psychology. She joined the admissions team in September 2003.
  • Email: natalya.freeman@uncp.edu
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Jessica Mellet, Assistant Director

"Growing up just north of Robeson County, I always knew attending UNC Pembroke was an option while selecting a college my senior year in high school. Little did I know at the time that UNC Pembroke was the perfect fit for me. Here at UNC Pembroke we value personal attention, and that sets us apart from other four-year public universities. Students here are able to stand out, and not be just another face in the crowd. UNC Pembroke is just the place where you can receive an excellent education, get involved on campus, and make friends that will last a lifetime. I look forward to meeting you and showing you what UNC Pembroke can offer you!"

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Bladen, Caswell, Cherokee, Columbus, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lenoir, Nash, Pitt, Sampson, Swain, Warren, Wayne, Wilson
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Student Telecounseling Co-Advisor.
  • Jessica Mellet is a 2008 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications. She joined the admissions team in May 2008.
  • Email: jessica.mellet@uncp.edu
Brian O'Neil

Brian O'Neil, Assistant Director

"Finding the right fit for college can be a complex process. Having recently moved to the area, I understand the difficulties behind coming to a new location and starting a new chapter in your life. UNCP is a welcoming campus community which will allow you to grow academically and socially. Visiting the campus can provide you with a first-hand look into your future as a UNCP student. I look forward to meeting and assisting you in the college and admissions process."

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania.
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Student Ambassador Co-Advisor.
  • Brian is a 2007 graduate of Old Dominion University with a Master's in Higher Education Administration. He received his Bachelor's in Communications from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1999. Brian joined the admissions team in August 2008.
  • Email: boneil@uncp.edu
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Charly Lowry, Assistant Director

"As a four-year public institution, UNC Pembroke goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide students with an excellent education, preparing them to become active leaders of our ever-changing society. As a graduate of a much larger school and a native of Pembroke, I traveled full circle in order to realize that a quality education was 10 minutes away, rather than 2 hours. With a campus as diverse as any other within the UNC system, UNC Pembroke connects individuals from various cultures and walks of life. This diversity creates a sense of community and fosters the grounds for higher learning."

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Anson, Avery, Cabarrus, Graham, Madison, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Rowan, Scotland, Stanley, Union, Watauga, Yancey.
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Co-Advisor, Student Telecounselors.
  • Charly Lowry is a 2006 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Communication Studies. She joined the admissions team in August 2007.
  • Email: charly.lowry@uncp.edu
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Judd Sanders, Associate Director for International Recruitment

"Growing up in Robeson County, I have seen UNC Pembroke transform throughout the years. I have always been drawn to international travels and experiences. My senior year in high school I studied abroad in Venezuela to learn Spanish and wasn't really concentrating on where I wanted to go to college. All I knew was that I wanted to continue experiencing other cultures and learn more languages while studying in a University. I decided to come to UNC Pembroke without exactly knowing all the opportunities that would be available. During my freshman year I started planning to study abroad in France, and one of the professors here decided to teach me French one on one. I was able to study in France a year and learn French and then study in Brazil to learn Portuguese. I never would have had these opportunities at another university. Learning truly does get personal here at UNC Pembroke, where there is a world of opportunities waiting to be explored!!!"

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • Responsible for the recruitment and file evaluation of all international student prospects.
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Student Telecounseling Co-Advisor.
  • Judd Sanders is a 2004 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in Political Science. He is in the process of completing his thesis for his Master's in International Relations and Trade from Universidad de San Martin de Porres in Lima, Peru. Judd joined the admissions team in October 2008.
  • Email: judd.sanders@uncp.edu
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Andrea Patawaran-Hickman, Assistant Director

"What if I could be the first person in my family to graduate from college? What if I could find professors who would unleash my passion for the English Language, Education and British Literature? Professors who were willing to polish and hone my talents so I could shine as an individual. What if I could join a yearbook staff with no experience and become Editor in Chief? What if I could find people who would care about me and my family? What if I could change the course of my life forever?

In 2005 when I graduated from UNC Pembroke, I had accomplished all this and more. As a first generation college graduate, I ask you. Will you dare to dream, dream so you can achieve? In order to achieve any of our dreams, we must believe in our goals, in ourselves, and in our university. At UNCP you will find faculty and staff who will pave a road to your dream so that it may become a reality. Now it is my duty to share my dream while helping others discover and achieve their own."

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • All states other than North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. 
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Co-Advisor Student Telecounselors.
  • Andrea Patawaran-Hickman is a 2005 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in English. She joined the admissions team in September 2008.
  • Email: andrea.hickman@uncp.edu
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Jennifer McNeill, Assistant Director

"When searching for the right college, I knew I wanted to attend a four-year school that would offer me something different. Being a native of Robeson County, I was very aware of UNC Pembroke, but had never taken the time to really research the campus and actually see what it was all about. With the advice of my father, I attended an open house in the spring of my senior year and I was immediately drawn to the beauty of the campus. I actually saw and felt the school spirit that the ambassador had for UNCP! That was the moment when I realized I could receive a truly valuable college education at a reasonable cost within a few minutes of my home. I encourage all students to attend at least one open house and ACTUALLY SEE what UNCP has to offer first-hand."

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Student Telecounseling Co-Advisor.
  • Jennifer McNeill is a 2006 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. She joined the admissions team in September 2006.
  • Email: jennifer.mcneill@uncp.edu
   
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Adam Hardin, Assistant Director

"Growing up in Robeson County, I developed a strong sense of pride for UNC Pembroke. With an open-mind, I toured several college campuses during my high school tenure to explore not only what other institutions had to offer, but how they fit me as an individual student. It became pretty evident that none could compare to UNC Pembroke and the personal attention the professors apply to every single student. I made the decision to attend UNC Pembroke and it truly was an outstanding college choice. Our faculty literally go the extra mile to ensure not only your success but growth as an individual scholar through personal teaching. We can help you attain all of your goals in life, you just have to give us the opportunity! I invite you to visit our campus and see for yourself why we are the best kept secret in the southeast. GO BRAVES!!!"

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Hyde, Jones, Martin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Tyrell, Vance, Washington.
    • Out-of-state: Virginia, South Carolina
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Co-Advisor Student Ambassadors.
  • Adam Hardin is a 2006 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. He joined the admissions team in September 2007.
  • Email: adam.hardin@uncp.edu
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Amie Ward Graham, Senior Assistant Director

"Thank you for taking a look at UNC Pembroke. I am a proud 2002 graduate of UNCP and I'll speak to you from a personal perspective. We have a learning environment that will challenge you if you want it and one that will also give you a little help along the way if you need it. UNCP was everything I wanted and many things I didn't know I needed. It has only gotten better. But don't take my word for it, find out for yourself by visiting our campus. Trust me, you won't be sorry. After you tour UNCP, we can sit and talk like old friends about the things you're looking for in a university. I look forward to meeting you and seeing you around campus!"

  • Territory Responsibilities:
    • North Carolina Counties: Camden, Chatham, Chowan, Currituck, Durham, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Hertford, Lee, Northhampton, Orange, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Person, Randolph, Wake.
  • On-Campus Responsibilities: Student Telecounseling Co-Advisor.
  • Amie Ward is a 2002 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor's in Psychology. She joined the admissions team in September 2002.
  • Email: amie.ward@uncp.edu
   
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Sylvia Chavis, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 910.521.6263
Email: sylvia.chavis@uncp.edu

 

   
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Tracy Dial, Data Coordinator
Phone: 910.521.6621
Email: tracy.dial@uncp.edu

 

   
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Courtney Locklear, Application Data Processor 
Phone: 910.521.6356
Email: courtney.locklear@uncp.edu

 

 

   
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Nancia Smith, Data Processor
Phone: 910.521.6199
Email: nancia.smith@uncp.edu

   
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Rip Turner, University Switchboard Operator
Phone: 910.521.6000
Email: rip.turner@uncp.edu

   
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Nicole Beverly, Receptionist/Campus Visit Coordinator
Phone: 910.521.6262
Email: nicole.beverly@uncp.edu

 
       
 

© The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 • 800.949.UNCP (8627) • 910.521.6000

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