Michael Fernandes de Almeida to give Presentation at ADRC
Michael Fernandes de Almeida, a research specialist in UNCP’s Bahr Lab, will present “The Role of Selected Natural Products in Triggering the Autophagy‑Lysosomal Pathway to Promote Brain Health” at the ADRD IDEAS Forum on July 28—advancing vital insights in Alzheimer’s disease research.
American Indian Heritage Center at UNCP named in honor of Curt and Catherine Locklear
The American Indian Heritage Center at UNC Pembroke will bear the name of Curt and Catherine Locklear, a couple with ties to the university that date back to the 1930s. As a young girl living at the Odum Home, Catherine would ride her bicycle to campus to deliver fresh milk to faculty and staff members. Curt played quarterback as a member of the school's first football team in the 1940s. While working his way through college, one of Curt Sr.’s jobs was planting the now historic oak trees along Old Main Drive with Grounds Superintendent Walter Pinchbeck.
UNCP alumnae earn white coats at Duke University's DPT program
UNC Pembroke alumnae Genna Locklear and Angelica McNair have advanced one step closer to achieving their dreams of becoming physical therapists. Locklear and McNair were among 91 students who donned their white coats at Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony on June 9. The ceremony marks the transition from the classroom to clinical experiences––a defining moment for first-year medical students. Locklear and McNair were classmates in the exercise and sports science program at UNCP before earning their degrees in 2019.
UNCP names inaugural Spirit of Old Main scholars
The American Indian Heritage Center has announced the recipients of the newly established Spirit of Old Main Scholarship at UNC Pembroke. The 2022-2023 recipients are Sydney Brooks, Asa Locklear, Faith Jacobs and Rakyah Jacobs. Brooks and Locklear graduated earlier this month from Purnell Swett High, while Faith Jacobs and Rakyah Jacobs are members of the 2022 graduating class at East Columbus High School.
UNCP welcomes new Board of Visitors members
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke recently announced five new members of the Board of Visitors. The appointees are Trey Allen, Faline Locklear Dial, Don Hall, Dr. Kennedi Henry, and Ramón Zepeda. The 26-member board, appointed by Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, is comprised of alumni and non-alumni members from across the region and state, representing major stakeholders in education, legal, health services, industry and public sector.
Undergraduate research scholars at UNCP benefit from advanced microscopy training
Student researchers at UNC Pembroke are benefiting from a unique opportunity this summer to experience advanced research through the lens of a state-of-the-art Structured Illumination Microscopy system, thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. The training program also received a small grant from BioImaging North America, a volunteer-based organization that supports bioimaging scientists in order to promote an inclusive and supportive community to share, advance and succeed together.
UNCP to offer Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a B.S in Cybersecurity
UNC Pembroke is expanding its academic landscape with the launch of two new degree programs––a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. UNCP will introduce the undergraduate degree in cybersecurity this fall. Students can apply for the MSOT program in the 2023-2024 academic year. Classes will be offered in fall 2024. Following a rigorous review process, the university received formal approval from the UNC System and the UNC Board of Governors.
Dr. Zoe Locklear awarded as UNCP’s first Provost Emeritus
After 32 years of extraordinary service to UNC Pembroke in various leadership roles, interim Provost Dr. Zoe Locklear retires –– for a second time –– with lifelong friends and countless memories. One of her most cherished memories is of a warm summer day in August 1988—the day she was interviewed by then Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Jenkins to become one of the first special education professors at her alma mater. “I was a nervous wreck,” Locklear said.
Maria Santisteban Wins Undergraduate Research Mentor Award
Dr. Maria Santisteban, longtime UNCP biology professor and NSF COMPASS director, was honored with the 2022 Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for her outstanding guidance and commitment to student researchers—helping launch their STEM journeys through conferences, workshops, and cutting‑edge lab experiences.
UNCP names Dr. Mohamed Djerdjouri dean of the Thomas School of Business
Dr. Mohamed Djerdjouri, a highly successful academic leader with more than three decades of experience in higher education, has been appointed dean of the Thomas School of Business at UNC Pembroke. Djerdjouri currently serves as dean of the Johnson College of Business and Economics at the University of South Carolina-Upstate. Provost Marsha Pollard made the announcement following a competitive national search. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the search committee.