The University of North Carolina at Pembroke has established a Board of Visitors tasked with advising the chancellor and serving as ambassadors for the university.

The 23-member board, appointed by Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, is comprised of alumni and non-alumni members from across the region and state. They represent major stakeholders in education, legal, health services, industry, and public sector.

Michelle Ingram was named board chair during its first business meeting on April 6. A UNCP alumna, Ingram is an administrator with Brunswick County Superior Court.

“As a proud graduate of UNC Pembroke, I am honored to be extended an opportunity to serve in the capacity as chairwoman for the Board of Visitors,” Ingram said.

“The halls of this great institution of higher learning generously gave me an education second to none. My numerous career opportunities and experiences have prepared me to return and put my shoulder to the wheel.”

Attorney Jessica Locklear was named vice chairperson and David Sumner, vice president of Corporate Services with Southeastern Health, will serve as secretary.

The Board of Visitors will assist in communicating the university’s message, increasing community and corporate engagement, assisting with philanthropic support, recruiting high-quality students, and bringing visibility and contacts to the campus from across the region.

“UNC Pembroke’s inaugural Board of Visitors is an impressive slate of accomplished individuals representing a wide variety of industries and areas of public service,” said Chancellor Cummings.

“We appreciate their eagerness to share the UNCP story and advance our mission. The efforts of this board will be instrumental as we grow UNC Pembroke to serve the needs of southeastern North Carolina, expand academic offerings, and look forward to the results from our most recent study on a possible College of Health Sciences.”

Other functions of the board include enhancing UNCP’s reputation among universities in the southeast and beyond; assisting in sharing the university’s mission and accomplishments; and advocating for its educational aspirations to the people of the region.

During their April 6 meeting, board members accepted committee assignments and worked with university administrators to assist with advancing the recruitment and development goals of the university.

Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Mark Gogal, enthusiastically supports the creation of the board and knows it will support the university’s engagement with both individual and corporate donors.  

“Having ambassadors in the community will enhance the university’s ability to strengthen our relationships, ultimately increasing the support of the university in meaningful and significant ways,” said Gogal

Ingram is confident her board is ready to step up to the challenge.

“I eagerly welcome, along with my fellow board members, representing UNC Pembroke and its status as a university of distinction.”