UNCP partners with NCDPI to increase mental health providers in schools
UNC Pembroke is collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to increase the number of school-based mental health providers. NCDPI was recently awarded a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help bolster the pipeline of school counselors, social workers and mental health clinicians.

UNCP awards 1,181 degrees at Fall Commencement
Eric Perez Velazques was beaming with pride moments after crossing the stage during Fall Commencement at UNC Pembroke on Saturday. Velazques became the first in his family to earn a college degree, a reality he thought unattainable while growing up in neighboring Columbus County.

UNCP biology students recognized at international conference
Three biology students at UNC Pembroke were recognized for their independent research at the joint annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Entomological Society of Canada, and Entomological Society of British Columbia. The conference was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, November 13-16. The theme for the event was ‘Entomology as Inspiration: Insects through art, science, and culture.’
Best Practices in Advising First-Year Students: Identifying and Addressing the Needs of the At-Risk First-Year Student Population
Dr. Crystal Walline, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Abstract In February of 2022, over 125 members of the Advising First-Year Students (AFYS) Advising Community gathered to discuss best practices in advising first-year students. During the discussion, the needs of three different student populations were considered:

UNCP sophomore earns statewide leadership award
UNC Pembroke sophomore Magally Ortiz-Rojas has been selected for outstanding leadership and service by North Carolina Campus Engagement, a statewide network of colleges and universities committed to preparing students for civic and social responsibility.
UNCP’s Kamren Lewis receives Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award
UNC Pembroke senior Kamren Lewis has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the John H. Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award. Since 2011, North Carolina Campus Engagement (NCCE) has presented the award annually to one college student in the state who demonstrates innovation in civic engagement, works to integrate their service into campus structures, inspires others to serve, and makes a meaningful impact on campus or in the community.

Biology Students win Awards for Presentations at International Conference
Students Kinsley Adams (Biology, Senior), Erika Rivera (Environmental Science, Junior), and Hunter Ivey (Biology, Sophomore) traveled to Vancouver, Canada, to present their independent research at the Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Entomological Society of Canada, and Entomological Society of British Columbia in November 2022. This was the first time any of the students had presented their work at a major conference, let alone an international conference.

UNCP offers seamless path to NCSU vet school
Allyson Chavis and Allyson Lane met four years ago while working at a local animal hospital. It didn’t take long to discover they shared more in common than their name. Topping the list is a passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine. They chose to turn their passion into a degree at UNC Pembroke after learning about the pathway program with the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C. State University.

Ph.D. candidate Garrett Chavis returns to alma mater, offers advice to UNCP undergraduates
UNC Pembroke graduate Garrett Chavis admits he was unsure how his academic credentials would stack up to that of other first-year Ph.D. students at the University of Michigan Medical School––home to one of the top research medical programs in the country. “I was extremely intimidated, coming from a smaller institute to a world-wide recognized institute where there are the top scientists in their field,” he said.
Creative Writing Workshop a Success
Sigma Tau Delta hosted a creative writing workshop on Wednesday, November 2nd, from 4:00-5:00 PM in Dial 123 for interested students. Members of the English honors society as well as non-members attended, and students responded to various writing prompts in their preferred medium.