UNC Pembroke associate professor Dr. Kelly Ficklin is the 2023 Outstanding Allyship Award recipient.

For the past three years, the Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center has honored a faculty or staff member who does not identify as American Indian but shows outstanding support to American Indian students.

Dr. Ficklin was recognized at the American Indian Graduation ceremony on December 5. Sharon Blue, the new student orientation coordinator, was presented with the Outstanding Student Support Award, which goes to an American Indian faculty or staff member.  

Ficklin, who serves as elementary education graduate program director, joined the School of Education faculty in 2009.

“Dr. Ficklin is the true epitome of a selfless individual who dedicates her life to the success of her students,” according to one of her students. “She has a way of holding her students accountable that makes them grow as individuals and educators.”

Another student remarked, “Dr. Ficklin's efforts in advancing our graduate education programs have elevated academic standards and inspired countless aspiring educators.”