
UNCP selects first Early Assurance scholars at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
UNC Pembroke’s Sean Musselwhite and Madison Deese are the first-ever recipients of the Early Assurance Partnership with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, which guarantees the junior duo admission to the nation’s top-ranked pharmacy program. Established in fall 2022, the initiative offers a seamless route for qualified students pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy.

First-gen students find success, sense of belonging at UNCP
When Armani Jones-Elliott came to UNC Pembroke as a freshman three years ago, she felt alone and overwhelmed with insecurity. Though academically gifted, Jones-Elliott doubted her abilities, which is common among first-generation college students. “As a freshman, you are scared,” she said. “But as a first-generation student, it’s on another level because you don’t have anyone with (college) experience who can advise you.”

Broadway Musical Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Comes to GPAC
Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley are together again to celebrate the holidays in the “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas.” The heartwarming holiday musical is set to play at Givens Performing Arts Center on the campus of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on Monday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. as part of an 18-city national tour. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the GPAC Ticket Office (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) by calling 910.521.6361 or online at uncp.edu/gpac.

UNCP Trustee, alumnus James Lockemy honored at U.S. Supreme Court
UNC Pembroke Trustee James Lockemy is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fourth Circuit. Lockemy, a UNCP alumnus, was recognized during a black-tie event at the United States Supreme Court on Saturday, October 28. Having retired from his role as chief judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals in 2021 after 32 years on the bench, Lockemy serves as an active retired judge of the South Carolina Court of Appeals and is occasionally assigned to sit as an associate justice on the Supreme Court of South Carolina.
ETWL Student Kayla Wingfield Discusses Her REACH Project
Kayla Wingfield is one of three English, Theatre, and World Languages students who is a fellow in the 2023-2024 cohort of REACH. Established in 2019, thanks to a $950,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, REACH—“Research. Engagement. Action. Community. Humanities”—is an opportunity for qualified students who have a sincere interest in pursuing graduate work and a career in academia.

UNCP honors distinguished alumni, Hall of Fame inductees
The achievements of outstanding alumni and former elite student-athletes at UNC Pembroke were on full display at the 55th Annual Alumni Awards and Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony on October 27. The event was part of the university’s Homecoming Week festivities, which featured a parade, concert and throwback party. The celebrations continue Saturday as the Braves match up with Glenville State at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

UNCP announces 1887 Society Award inductees
UNC Pembroke has announced the newest 1887 Society Award inductees. They are Gabe Hall, Ranya Johnson, Cara Martin, Magally Ortiz-Rojas, Whitney Peck, Shelby Perry and Madison Schwenneker. The 1887 Society Award recognizes outstanding students committed to the university’s values––service, learning, engagement, leadership, integrity, school spirit and courage. The seven values honor the university’s seven founders.

UNCP animal science professor attends Biltmore Estate Fall Field Day
Dr. Nicolas “Nico” Negrin Pereira, assistant professor of biology at UNC Pembroke, attended the Angus Cattle and Dorper Sheep Sale and Field Day at Biltmore Estate on September 30. The event––hosted by the Angus Cattle Breeders Society of North Carolina–– featured several speakers and information about cattle and sheep production. There was also an auction of yearling bulls, elite females and pairs and white dorper sheep.

UNCP alumnus Capt. Scottie Chavis graduates from FBI Academy
UNC Pembroke alumnus Scottie Chavis has joined an elite group of the country’s law enforcement officers after graduating from the FBI National Academy. Chavis, a North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) captain, graduated as a member of the 287th session on September 14 in Quantico, Virginia. Fewer than one percent of the country’s law enforcement officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

UNCP student, mother navigates classes while battling cancer
** Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlight** Laura Arnold’s path to a college degree began more than a decade ago, but life got in the way and her plans were put on hold. In August 2022, Arnold––a wife, full-time data specialist and mother of five––finally got the chance to resume her college career at UNC Pembroke. This time, she was determined not to let anything derail her dreams. Not even cancer. Doctors discovered a lump during a routine physical in November. A biopsy revealed early stages of breast cancer.