UNC Pembroke News

Donavin Hansberry
May 20 Mark Locklear

UNCP’s Donavin Hansberry Turns Personal Wake-Up Call into Mission to Improve Mental Health Literacy

For Donavin Hansberry, a senior mass communication major at University of North Carolina Pembroke, a life-changing moment in 2024 reshaped his path.

A group of six UNC Pembroke REACH participants pose and wave beside a koala exhibit during a trip to Australia

UNCP REACH Fellows Turn Research into Career Pathways and Community Impact

UNC Pembroke REACH Fellows are using archives, oral histories and community storytelling to preserve overlooked histories while opening doors to graduate school, national internships and careers in public humanities.

University of North Carolina Pembroke mace depicting a red tail hawk in flight

UNCP announces Chancellor’s, Honors list for Spring 2026

The University of North Carolina Pembroke has released the Chancellor's list and Honors list for Spring 2026.

Art Department Faculty & Staff

UNCP A.D. Gallery to Present 2026 Art Department Faculty & Staff Exhibition

The University of North Carolina Pembroke’s A.D. Gallery will open the 2026-27 academic year with its biennial Art Department Faculty & Staff Exhibition, showcasing the creative work of UNCP’s distinguished faculty and staff artists.

Justice Locklear stands in graduation regalia, wearing a black cap and gown with a gold stole, smiling for a portrait.

Justice Locklear Turns Setback into Purpose, Preparing for Path Toward Law

After a setback nearly ended his time at UNC Pembroke, Justice Locklear returned with a renewed sense of discipline and purpose. Now, the business administration graduate is preparing for a path toward law rooted in service to his Lumbee community.

Faculty and Staff Retiree Celebration
May 15 Mark Locklear

UNCP Honors Retirees for Decades of Service, Lasting Impact

When retiring theatre professor Holden Hansen reflects on his 29 years at UNC Pembroke, one thought rises above all others. “UNCP gave me my career,” Hansen said emotionally. “Twenty-nine years is a lifetime. I will never forget it.”

Donors raise their paddles during the Fund-a-Cause portion of the annual Braves Club Cash Bash inside the English E. Jones Center. The event raised a record-breaking $221,017 in support of scholarship opportunities.
May 12 Chad Locklear

Cash Bash brings community together to support UNCP student-athletes

UNC Pembroke’s annual Braves Club Cash Bash brought together donors, alumni, coaches and student-athletes for a record-breaking evening in support of scholarships and athletic opportunity. The event raised more than $221,000, marking the second consecutive year of record fundraising for UNCP Athletics.

UNCP Spring Commencement
May 09 Mark Locklear

UNCP Celebrates Spring Commencement, Highlighted by Stories of Resilience and Achievement

Nearly three decades after beginning her college journey, Melanie Locklear Duckstein returned to UNC Pembroke on Saturday to finish what she started.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings shakes a graduate's hand  during  the 2026 UNCP William Howard Dean Graduate School commencement ceremony.

Graduate Commencement Celebrates Purpose and Perseverance

The 517 graduates who crossed the stage Friday night at UNC Pembroke did not arrive there by chance. They came from hospital floors, classrooms, military service, leadership offices and communities where earning a graduate degree means more than adding another line to a resume. For many, the walk across the stage was a promise kept.

UNCP student Shelley Chavis stands in front of her poster.

UNCP Students Find Inspiration and Opportunity at Glaxo Conference

For decades, the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation has touched the lives of women across the state by encouraging outstanding scholarship and professional development and by providing one-on-one mentoring to navigate careers. Glaxo's Women in Science Scholars are selected from among the best and brightest students at 30 universities across the state. UNC Pembroke's Shelley Chavis, a biology major, and Kathryn Bering, a chemistry major, joined dozens of women during the annual scholars' conferences last October and April.