• I'm Jonathan Falk, I am a 2012 graduate of UNC Pembroke, and I have served as an active duty Officer in the Army for the last twelve years. The psychology degree I received from UNC Pembroke provided me an extremely valuable knowledge base that has progressed my career in the Army far beyond what I would have initially assumed was possible. I have used concepts learned in nearly every course I took, from statistics to introduction to clinical counseling, to amplify the skillsets required to perform as an Army Officer. I would like to thank Dr. William Collier for not only humanizing his courses with his incredible sense of humor but also for providing an example of how to lead with expertise and how to translate knowledge-based concepts into practical application. You and the faculty of UNC Pembroke have done more than you know to shape the future of this country.

• As a psychology major Amber Jolly at UNC-Pembroke, you truly can go anywhere. I served a tutor for Intro to Psychology along with Cognitive Psychology while earning my undergraduate degree. I felt engaged and supported by professors who truly ensured I was prepared to enter a graduate program without missing a beat. I couldn't have done it without the support of Dr. Regan, Dr. Collier, and Dr. Tracy! All of whose classes quickly became by favorites! My Bachelors in Psychology took me into a graduate program in Higher Education Administration where I quickly found a passion for adult development. Today, I serve as the program manager for Early Talent at a chemical manufacturing company where I'm still able to put those developmental psychology skills to good use in designing curriculum and programming for engineering and corporate interns. 

My name is Norwood Glaspie a 3rd year Doctoral Student at the University of Minnesota'sInstitue of Child Development. At the U of Minnesota, I work in the Early Language and Experience lab under Dr. Melissa Koenig, where I specialize in cognitive development, social learning, and cognition. Before coming here I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2018 with a BS in psychology. My journey to the U of M wouldn't have been possible without UNCP. I want to give a special thank you to Dr. William Collier and Dr.Rachel Morrison for the support to get to where I am now. 

Professional bio: JaSarah Baldwin is a UNCP graduate, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. JaSarah is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. She received a Play therapy certification from UNCP in 2023. JaSarah is currently an Outpatient Therapist working with adults and children. She is passionate about what she does as a therapist and in her community as she is a member of a nonprofit organization named Triumph Team. JaSarah is the mother of two children and in her free time loves spending time with her family. 

Personal Bio: While I didn’t start my journey at UNCP, I transferred in 2014 and remember one of my first psychology classes was with Dr. Charlton. This is when I knew psychology was going to be my major. While at UNCP, I always felt like the psychology department was a family. During my time at UNCP, I was able to be one of Dr. Regan’s research assistants my senior year as well as a teaching assistant to Dr. Allen. I even had Dr. Morrison as an amazing advisor who helped me a lot with taking the steps to apply for graduate school. After graduating in 2017, I returned to UNCP and in 2020 graduated with a Master of Arts in Education Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. Because of my love for UNCP I came back again and obtained my Play therapy certification in 2023. I am currently an Outpatient Therapist working with adults and children. I am passionate about what I do as a therapist and for my community as I am also a member of a nonprofit organization named Triumph Team. UNCP and its psychology department played a vital role in the person I am now, and I am forever grateful for my journey there. 

Hello! My name is Isabella Locklear, and I am a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Currently, I am a senior at UNCP with a major in Psychology. After my graduation in May, I will be moving to Rhode Island to attend the University of Rhode Island in Kingston to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. As a minority woman living in Pembroke almost all of my life, I never knew that attaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology would ever be in the cards for me, much less a reality that I would be living. I am grateful and honored to have a loving support system with great friends and family that have helped me so much along my journey. It is also a pleasure to have such great mentors, Dr. Morrison and Dr. Regan, without them I cannot say if I would have gotten into the program of my dreams. I say all this to tell you that you can do it! I’m not going to say it was easy because trust me it is not but even the application process is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. Pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology and working to heal not only myself, but my indigenous communities is my passion and my life's work; I know that's a bit strange coming from a 21-year-old but it's the truth! Initially I was going to become a Psychiatrist and am so happy I made the decision to become a Clinical Psychologist so I could actually talk to people. I am so happy to be writing this now and I am grateful to be able to sit here and say that you can do it too!! Make sure to do what fulfills you most in this world, regardless of the form it may take!

Good medicine to all of you and thank you for reading this little snippet!

My name is DeMoni, and I am currently in my final semester here at UNCP! I was born and raised on the island of Jamaica and developed a love for psychology after moving here. I transferred from Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia and joined the Braves family in my junior year in the fall of 2022. Since becoming a student here, I have also become part of Tau Sigma, Alpha Chi and Psi Chi honor societies. I also served as a voting member on the Electoral Commission in this semester’s Student Government Association election.

My passion within Psychology lies in making considerable contributions in underserved and marginalized communities. Working with children as a Clinical Psychologist is my ultimate goal. Until then, I will be attending graduate school in the fall to pursue my master’s in school psychology in the hopes of becoming a valuable addition to a sect of practitioners who work to give students a fighting chance at attaining their education.

I Deshay Becton am currently a Campus Recruiter for Novant Health. My primary function is to recruit for our Coastal Market Region (Wilmington) to staff all units and departments with New Graduate Nurses from accredited nursing programs. I am responsible for coordinating classroom presentations, attending job fairs, and sourcing for candidates that may not be local to our facilities.

I graduated from UNCP in 2014 with a Psychology degree. Prior to accepting the role as Campus Recruiter at Novant Health, I worked in Career Services and Employment Counseling. In my professional career, the most rewarding feeling I've experienced in extending offers to newly graduated college students to help them jump start their careers. Hearing the excitement in their voices is something that will never be forgotten.

Professors that played an intricate part in my time at UNCP in the Psychology department included Dr. Regan and Dr. Collier. You both challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and use my critical thinking skills. I appreciate all that you did and that you continue to do for your students.  

I Bobbi Fields am a double alumna from UNCP. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2016 and Master of Social Work in 2018. I am currently enrolled in the Doctor of Social Work program at the University of St. Thomas.  I absolutely loved my experience at UNCP, and I attribute that to the Esther G. Maynor Honors College, my professors, coursework, and practicum experience. Due to a thesis requirement for the honors college, I served as a research assistant for Dr. Allen, and this was one of the most valuable experiences that I had at UNCP. As a research assistant, I presented at several symposiums and conferences and was awarded first place for the poster competition twice. My experience with Dr. Allen inspired me to pursue a doctoral degree and I am a first-year doctoral student at the University of St. Thomas. Additionally, my practicum experience in the MSW program allowed me to put my knowledge into practice and gain valuable skills that benefited me post-graduation. I have served in foster care, clinical community enhanced services, and in the school system and my experience in the MSW program prepared me for all three practice areas. My connections with my professors truly made the difference for me at UNCP and I will always be thankful for those relationships. I will always be grateful to UNCP for supporting me throughout my academic experience and I am proud to be a brave!

Kayla Benson graduated from UNC-Pembroke in 2019 with a degree in psychology and additional studies in music. She found her love for research while working under the mentorship of Dr. Ashley Batts Allen conducting research with hurricane survivors following Hurricane Florence in 2018. Shortly after her time at UNC-Pembroke, she moved to Detroit, Michigan to pursue graduate studies in experimental psychology at Oakland University, studying post-traumatic growth under the direction of Dr. Kanako Taku. In 2023, Kayla began her career in clinical research, working at the patient level to test new medications for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as working one-on-one with patients to provide education for managing their health. When not at the clinic, Kayla enjoys hiking and exploring the Great Lake State with her girlfriend and their two dogs. 

Who I Am –

Tracy Ferry (she/her) is currently serving as the Administrative Support Specialist at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) LGBTQ Pride Center within their Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.

Tracy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Psychology with a Minor in Substance Abuse. While at UNCP, she was involved in the Psychology department Psi Chi Honors Society as Treasurer, as well as the President of the Active Minds organization for mental health awareness. She also has worked as a research assistant with Dr. Morrison.

As an alum of UNCP, she has used her knowledge to help underserved populations thrive and find wellness and joy in everyday life. Her daily work at NC State now involves centering students by encouraging their growth, supporting the development and implementation of educational (and fun!) programming within the unit, conducting and assisting with workshops, and facilitating outreach efforts.

Tracy operates under the foundation of giving back to the community that fostered her growth and being an intentional positive influence on those who need support.

I Tiffany Bonnagio graduated from the University of North Carolina Pembroke (UNCP) in December of 2019 with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology. While at UNCP I was vice-president of Psi Chi, and had the opportunity to work in Dr. Charlton’s lab. Under her tutelage, I discovered my love of experimental research. She truly set me up for success, as it was the research experience I gained in her lab that set me on my path. After graduation, I was accepted into the Experimental Psychology PhD program at East Tennessee State University under Dr. Eric W. Sellers. I work in the Brain Computer Interface Lab and use electroencephalogram (EEG) to research event related potentials (ERPs). I just celebrated my first peer-reviewed publication in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews and won the Dr. Chris Dula Department of Psychology Excellence in Teaching Award for Teaching Associates. I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am and doing what I love. I wouldn’t be here without Dr. Charlton, Dr. Morrison, Dr. Regan, Dr. Smith and Dr. Allen. Tiffany A. Bonnagio

As a former undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, I Angela Napoli am delighted to provide a favorable review of the psychology department. My experience at UNCP has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey, particularly with the CAPSTONE and statistics courses and through other research opportunities.

I’m Julie Shirah and I’m a 2018 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.  UNCP taught me what “family” means. As a first-generation college student, I found it challenging to pursue higher education due to barriers such as family support and cost. After graduating from Johnston Community College in 2016, I transferred to UNCP and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2018. I knew I wanted to ultimately pursue a graduate program in Psychology, but never thought I would be able to do so. With the help of Dr. William Collier, I was able to actualize my dream and was accepted into a graduate program in experimental psychology at the University of Kentucky!

Dr. Collier went above and beyond to provide mentorship in my academic and life journey. I began as a research assistant in his lab by collecting data for a research project on mindfulness and went on to complete an independent research project with him after I graduated. These experiences in his lab allowed me to gain insight into how research studies are designed and implemented in a real-world setting. If it were not for Dr. Collier, I would not have gotten a Master’s in Experimental Psychology from the University of Kentucky.

The excellent mentorship I experienced at UNCP and University of Kentucky inspired me to pursue a career in data analytics. I mastered out of the PhD program, and I am currently a Senior Data Analyst at an education-related company. The rigorous training in psychological research design and statistics prepared me to implement research in a business setting to provide data-driven insights to stakeholders’ questions.

I Lamont Taylor my time at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke was one of the most indluential periods in my life. I enrolled in college later in life, after time in the military, so I was extremely nervous and unsure of myself. But UNCP instilled the confidence in me that I was more than adequately prepared to further my academic goals after graduation and could achieve greatness professionally. Our Psychology Department was a close knit group and my home away from home. We were one big happy family. Everyone knew everyone and we were always there to support one another. Classmates and I still stay in touch to this day and talk about the fun we had in classes with instructors like Dr. William Collier. Now that I'm at the finish line of my Doctoral Degree, completed my college time with all straight A's, and my daughter will be starting at UNCP in the fall, I'm extremely thankful and blessed that I had the opportunity to attend THE University of North Carolina at Pembroke.