UNC Pembroke News

Rhyane Jacobs (left) and Ellie McPherson are finalists for the NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year Award.
January 23 Chad Locklear

UNCP Graduates Named Finalists for NCCAT Award

Two recent UNC Pembroke School of Education graduates have been named finalists for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Beginning Teacher of the Year Award, a statewide honor for exceptional early-career educators.

Dr. Ben Bahr with members of his research team
January 22 Mark Locklear

UNC Pembroke Research Published in World’s Leading Alzheimer’s Journal

A research team led by Dr. Ben Bahr, the William C. Friday Chair and Distinguished Professor at UNC Pembroke, has achieved a significant milestone in Alzheimer’s disease research with a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and selective journals in the field.

A portrait of the Reese family in front of Old Main and an American Indian graduate
January 21 Chad Locklear

Susan Bird Reese makes $100,000 gift to UNC Pembroke

UNC Pembroke alumna Susan Bird Reese ’79 has made a $100,000 gift to her alma mater in loving memory of her late husband, Arthur “Randy” Ray Reese ’77.

Kelvin Sampson
January 05 Morgan Sheehan

UNCP Alumnus Kelvin Sampson to be Inducted into the NC Sports Hall of Fame

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 induction class. The new members, listed alphabetically, are Chip Beck, Heather Bergsma, Louis Breeden, Leonard Hamilton, Tyler Hansbrough, Richard Huntley, John Isner, Norvell Lee, Eddie Pope, Kelvin Sampson and Jerry Winterton

Howard McCleod ’75 and his daughter, Beverly Williams Dockery, celebrate her graduation at UNC Pembroke.
December 17 Chad Locklear

Carrying Forward a UNCP Legacy

A trailblazing alumnus and his daughter share a full-circle moment that spans generations at UNC Pembroke.

Miss Lumbee Taylor Davis stands in front of the UNCP letters while holding the head of the mascot, Brave Hawk
November 25 Chad Locklear

From BraveHawk to Miss Lumbee: Taylor Davis Finds Strength in Heritage and Hope

From BraveHawk mascot to Miss Lumbee 2025, Taylor Davis has never stopped finding strength in her voice—and her culture. A cancer survivor and proud UNC Pembroke alumna, she shares how heritage, healing and a little sparkle helped her rise.

Winter Commencement

UNCP Announces Keynote Speakers for Historic Winter Commencement

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will make history next month as it confers the institution’s first-ever doctoral degrees during Winter Commencement

Ned Sampson Jersey Retirement
November 06 Morgan Sheehan

UNCP Announces Retirement of Basketball Legend Ned Sampson’s Jersey

Per the UNCP Hall of Fame committee's unanimous recommendation during their summer meeting, officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced on Tuesday the planned retirement of former basketball player and coach John W. "Ned" Sampson's No. 12 basketball jersey.

Ronnie and Tina Oxendine's $1 Million gift launches the Oxendine Scholars Program
November 04 Chad Locklear

$1 Million Gift Launches Oxendine Scholars Program

UNC Pembroke alumni Ronnie and Tina Oxendine have committed $1 million to establish the Ronnie and Tina Oxendine Scholars Program. This prestigious and renewable scholarship provides full financial support to high-achieving students

First Lady Rebecca Cummings boxing meals

No Brave Left Behind: A First Lady’s Mission to Keep Students Enrolled

When First Lady Rebecca Cummings learned that more than 200 UNC Pembroke students were at risk of being dropped due to small outstanding balances, she knew she had to act.