UNC Pembroke alumna Kennedi Henry recently passed the North Carolina State Dental Board examination and will soon begin her residency at East Carolina University.

Henry earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 2016 before earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the ECU School of Dental Medicine in May. She is set to begin a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at ECU this month.

"When I reflect on my time at UNCP, I have concluded that deciding to attend the university for my undergraduate training was the best decision that I have ever made," said Dr. Henry, a Richmond County native.

"During my time in the chemistry department, I was offered multiple opportunities to conduct research and be taught in small class settings with excellent faculty. The faculty, staff and advisors at UNCP helped me become who I am today, and I know that I would not have succeeded without their guidance and willingness to teach.

"I truly believe that I am a testament to UNCP's motto of 'get there from here.' This university paved the way for a small-town girl from Hamlet, N.C., to become a doctor of dental medicine, and, for that, I am forever grateful. UNCP will always be my home."

Following her residency, Henry plans to pursue an associateship at a practice in a rural community.