The James B. Chavis Award recognizes one Student Affairs employee who exemplifies character, professionalism and commitment to the mission of the Division of Student Affairs at UNCP.  This individual should demonstrate exceptional service to student Affairs and be a passionate advocate for the welfare of all students.  The nominee should be a full-time Student Affairs professional with at least three years of service in the Division of Student Affairs at UNCP. This award is named in honor of Dr. James B. Chavis, who served as an administrator at UNC Pembroke for 35 years. During his tenure, he served as director of the student union, Financial Aid officer, administrative assistant to President English Jones, director of admissions and registration and dean of Student Affairs. In 1977, he took a year leave of absence to serve as the state’s chief ombudsman for Governor Jim Hunt. Dr. Chavis returned to the university and was named vice chancellor for Student Affairs in 1978. In recognition of his dedication to education, the Board of Trustees named the University Center in his honor in 1987. Dr. Chavis believes that what matters most in this world is what we do for others.

The Partner of Distinction Award recognizes an individual or group, outside of the Division of Student Affairs, who has made outstanding and/or sustained contributions to a program, department, or the mission and vision of the division. This individual or group should demonstrate a commitment to developing reciprocal partnerships with the Division of Student Affairs that support student success.

The Brave Idea Award recognizes a Student Affairs employee who has shown innovation and creativity in the workplace and has brought forth new ideas, programs, initiatives, or processes that make the division more efficient and effective in meeting our mission.

The Brave Experience Ambassador Award is given to a Student Affairs employee who clearly demonstrates excellence in all four domains of the Brave Experience: belonging, community, learning, and well-being. This person’s work should support student development, learning, and success through the implementation of engaging experiences, opportunities, and initiatives that inform and promote leadership, active and responsible citizenship, career and academic exploration, and safe and inclusive communities. 

The BraveNation Award recognizes an employee who celebrates and embraces the importance of building effective relationships and collaboration within and across the division and institution as a whole. This individual should demonstrate a commitment to collaboration by cultivating new and nurturing existing relationships to support sustainable programs, initiatives, policies, or operations that positively impact BraveNation.

The Brave Experience Student Ambassador Award is given to a student leader who clearly demonstrates excellence in all four domains of the Brave Experience: belonging, community, learning, and well-being. This person’s work should support student development, learning, and success through the implementation of engaging experiences, opportunities, and initiatives that inform and promote leadership, active and responsible citizenship, career and academic exploration, and safe and inclusive communities.