UNC Pembroke News

Dr. Jonathan Drahos Receives URTA Award in Undergraduate Training in Acting
September 22 Mark Locklear

Prepared for the Stage and Beyond: Dr. Jonathan Drahos Receives URTA Award in Undergraduate Training in Acting

When Cameron Holder arrived at graduate school, she was ready. Confident, disciplined and equipped with the tools to thrive, she credits her preparation to the rigorous theatre arts training she received under Dr. Jonathan Drahos at UNC Pembroke.

Newy Scruggs (left) Dr. Sandra Locklear, Dr. Alexandria Pilot Chambers
September 04 Chad Locklear

UNC Pembroke Announces 2025 Alumni Award Recipients

UNC Pembroke will honor three distinguished alumni for their outstanding accomplishments and service at the 57th Annual Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center Annex.

Dr. James Hudson
July 09

Professor James Hudson Named 2025–26 Faculty Fellow with Carolina Asia Center, UNC Institute

Dr. James Hudson, associate professor of history at UNC Pembroke, has been selected as a Minority-Serving Institutions Faculty Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship, a joint initiative of the Carolina Asia Center and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at UNC Chapel Hill, supports faculty at minority-serving institutions pursuing research related to Asia.

Dr. Robert Schneider
June 18

Retired Professor Bob Schneider named Top Scholar by ScholarGPS

Retired UNC Pembroke professor Dr. Robert (Bob) Schneider has been named a 2024 Top Scholar by ScholarGPS, a data analytics platform that analyzes global research output and ranks scholars based on productivity, impact and collaboration in specific fields.

ROTC students sitting in a classroom at UNCP
April 25

UNCP Earns Top Rankings in Military Friendly School Designations

UNC Pembroke continues to build on its commitment to supporting military service members, veterans and their families, earning top honors in the newly released 2025-2026 Military Friendly rankings.

Ray Brayboy honored at UNCP jersey retirement ceremony.
April 10

Ray Brayboy’s No. 13 Jersey Retired at UNC Pembroke

A legacy that transcends generations — UNC Pembroke honored Ray Brayboy, a trailblazing student-athlete and proud Lumbee alumnus, by retiring his iconic No. 13 basketball jersey. The emotional ceremony celebrated his contributions on and off the court, marking a historic moment in UNCP athletics and Lumbee heritage.

Dr. Matt Hassett in the classroom
March 11

Professor Matt Hassett Honored with UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Matt Hassett's classroom is more than just a place of learning — it's a space where students find inspiration, mentorship and the confidence to challenge the world around them.

Presentation at the Women's Empowerment Summit
March 10

Annual Women’s Empowerment Summit Returns

UNC Pembroke is excited to host its annual Women’s Empowerment Summit, an inspiring event dedicated to fostering leadership, resilience and success among women across various fields.

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March 03

Dean of Optometric Medicine Honored with National Award

Dr. Rich Castillo, founding dean of the College of Optometric Medicine at UNC Pembroke, has been honored with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress’ (HOAECC) 2025 Vision Service Award for his outstanding dedication and service to the field of optometry.

Dr. Richard Vela and Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings
February 14

A Legacy in the Lecture Hall: Dr. Richard Vela’s 53 Years of Impact at UNCP

For more than five decades, the sound of Dr. Richard Vela’s voice has echoed through the classrooms of UNC Pembroke, guiding students through the depths of literature, theatre and film. His presence wasn’t just about lectures — it was about igniting curiosity, challenging perspectives and shaping futures.