Graduate Student Organization

What do we do?

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) at UNCP is dedicated to enhancing the graduate student experience through various initiatives:

Enhancing Graduate Education and Student Life: The GSO organizes services and social events aimed at improving the overall graduate experience.
Providing a Communication Platform: It serves as a forum for graduate students to voice concerns and suggestions, fostering open dialogue within the university community.
Representing Graduate Student Interests: The GSO actively participates in key campus meetings to advocate for graduate student perspectives.
Facilitating Connections: Through social media and other channels, the GSO helps graduate students connect, share information, and build a supportive network.
Informing About Campus Services: It provides information on various campus services available to graduate students, ensuring they are well-informed and supported.

All graduate students are encouraged to attend GSO events and contribute ideas and feedback—no formal membership is required.

Spring 2025 GSO Graduates

	"I'm proud to share that I’ll be graduating with my Master’s in Business Administration! It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning and perseverance—and I’m excited for what comes next." Lakeesha Eisma (MBA) \| GSO Ambassador
	"Graduating with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as a 2 time alumni of the dynamic UNCP! I served as the Secretary of Chi Sigma Iota National Honor Society of Counseling for 2 years. Additionally, I was a part of the 2023-2024 Child Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Graduate Student Fellowship. I am also a recipient of the 2024-2025 UNCP OPTIMISE Rural NC Program Grant. My plans for after graduation include completing my Play Therapy Certification and working full-time as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with the intention of becoming a Supervisor as well! UNCP has granted me a range of networking opportunities through instructors, advisors and students as well as the ability to take risks with my practice! I appreciate everything that UNCP has given me. I would encourage anyone who is considering getting their master’s in Counseling to do it…through UNCP!! Go Braves!!” Tyra Jerald (CMHC) \| Public Relations & GSO Ambassador
	"As a first-generation graduate, this accomplishment represents more than personal success—it marks the beginning of a legacy and a testament to the resilience, hope and determination that carried me here. " Jasmine Toles (CMHC) \| GSO Secretary
	Andres Silva, student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, is set to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration in 2025. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Andres migrated to Maryland at age two, growing up in Frederick and graduating from Urbana High School. He earned a marketing degree from Shepherd University in 2020, where he played football, before joining UNCP’s vibrant community. At UNCP, Andres has excelled as a student-athlete on the wrestling team under coach Othello Johnson, served as a student intern in the Office of Advancement under BreAnna Branch, and worked as a graduate assistant in the Thomas College of Business and Economics under Cecelia Locklear and now Ms. Diana Stapleton. His achievements include the 2024 MBA Student of the Year Award, the 2025 MBA Research Award and the NCAA 2023/24 Athletic Director Academic Award. A first-generation student, Andres is deeply engaged as a member of UNCP’s Swim Club, Investra Club and the Graduate Student Organization’s public relations executive, as well as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) executive board (2023/2024) and member (2024/2025). He also contributes to UNCP’s Leadership Learning and Community’s 100 volunteer-hour student club, embodying the university’s spirit of service and leadership. Andres Silva Vodniza (MBA) \| GSO Public Relations

	"I'm proud to share that I’ll be graduating with my Master’s in Business Administration! It’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning and perseverance—and I’m excited for what comes next." Lakeesha Eisma (MBA) \| GSO Ambassador
	"Graduating with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as a 2 time alumni of the dynamic UNCP! I served as the Secretary of Chi Sigma Iota National Honor Society of Counseling for 2 years. Additionally, I was a part of the 2023-2024 Child Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Graduate Student Fellowship. I am also a recipient of the 2024-2025 UNCP OPTIMISE Rural NC Program Grant. My plans for after graduation include completing my Play Therapy Certification and working full-time as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with the intention of becoming a Supervisor as well! UNCP has granted me a range of networking opportunities through instructors, advisors and students as well as the ability to take risks with my practice! I appreciate everything that UNCP has given me. I would encourage anyone who is considering getting their master’s in Counseling to do it…through UNCP!! Go Braves!!” Tyra Jerald (CMHC) \| Public Relations & GSO Ambassador
	"As a first-generation graduate, this accomplishment represents more than personal success—it marks the beginning of a legacy and a testament to the resilience, hope and determination that carried me here. " Jasmine Toles (CMHC) \| GSO Secretary
	Andres Silva, student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, is set to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration in 2025. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Andres migrated to Maryland at age two, growing up in Frederick and graduating from Urbana High School. He earned a marketing degree from Shepherd University in 2020, where he played football, before joining UNCP’s vibrant community. At UNCP, Andres has excelled as a student-athlete on the wrestling team under coach Othello Johnson, served as a student intern in the Office of Advancement under BreAnna Branch, and worked as a graduate assistant in the Thomas College of Business and Economics under Cecelia Locklear and now Ms. Diana Stapleton. His achievements include the 2024 MBA Student of the Year Award, the 2025 MBA Research Award and the NCAA 2023/24 Athletic Director Academic Award. A first-generation student, Andres is deeply engaged as a member of UNCP’s Swim Club, Investra Club and the Graduate Student Organization’s public relations executive, as well as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) executive board (2023/2024) and member (2024/2025). He also contributes to UNCP’s Leadership Learning and Community’s 100 volunteer-hour student club, embodying the university’s spirit of service and leadership. Andres Silva Vodniza (MBA) \| GSO Public Relations