UNC Pembroke honors founders on 135-year anniversary
Beaming with pride and wearing a big smile, Betty Oxendine Mangum proudly posed for photos in front of a black and gold backdrop honoring the names of UNC Pembroke’s seven founders. The commemorative backdrop was positioned in front of the steps of Old Main as part of a Founders’ Day event marking the 135th anniversary of its founding on Monday. Mangum placed her palm on the display near the sixth name–John J. Oxendine–her great grandfather. A farmer from the Red Banks community, Oxendine was one of the university’s seven founding trustees.
UNC Pembroke earns highest Military Friendly distinction
Regarded as one of the top military-friendly universities in the country, UNC Pembroke is once again being recognized for its commitment to veterans, military service members and their families. G.I. Jobs Magazine has recognized UNCP as a Military Friendly School for 2022-2023. While the university has earned the designation every year since 2010, UNCP retained its gold status and increased its standing to third among the Top 10 Military Friendly Schools for small public institutions nationwide. The ranking represents the highest designation in university history.
Bestselling author Angeline Boulley to speak at UNC Pembroke
Indigenous educator and New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley will speak at UNC Pembroke on March 28. Boulley, author of Firekeeper's Daughter, will be the final guest in the 2021-2022 Distinguished Speaker Series. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Upchurch Auditorium located in James A. Thomas Hall.
UNCP receives First-Gen Forward national designation
UNC Pembroke was among 53 institutions nationwide selected by the Center for First-Generation Student Success 2022-2023 First-Gen Forward cohort. First Gen-Forward is the nation's first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their demonstrated commitment to first-generation student success. UNCP is being recognized for improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center's research and resources.
UNCP’s Maya Grimes accepted to ECU Dental Program
Maya Grimes gave fans reasons to smile as a four-year starter and standout defender on UNC Pembroke’s women’s soccer team. Soon, the aspiring dentist will be perfecting the smiles of her patients. The senior UNCP biology student and Chancellor’s Ambassador has been accepted to East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. While most children have a fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, Grimes couldn’t wait for her next checkup. “I loved going to the dentist,” she said. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever.”
UNCP awarded $500,000 grant to address racial disparities in maternal, infant health
UNC Pembroke has been awarded a three-year, $500,000 grant to reduce racial disparities for expecting and parenting mothers in rural southeastern North Carolina. The grant was awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina as part of the company’s effort to decrease racial disparities in maternal and child health care in North Carolina by 50 % in five years. Funding will support the Health Equity Project, which is designed to improve maternal health through service provider education.
Gabe Eszterhas named vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UNCP
Gabe Eszterhas, CPA, a senior-level finance and accounting executive with 20 years of higher education experience and a proven track of success in central offices and academic divisions, has been named vice chancellor for Finance and Administration at UNC Pembroke after a nationwide search. Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings made the announcement on Friday following the unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees supporting the recommendation by Cummings and a search committee led by Dick Christy, director of Athletics.
UNCP's Jayla Locklear crowned Miss Indian North Carolina
Jayla Locklear, a sophomore biology major at UNC Pembroke, was recently crowned Miss Indian North Carolina. The virtual pageant, hosted by United Tribes, was held on Feb. 12. Locklear resides in Robeson County and is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. "I am so blessed to have the opportunity to represent all eight tribes of North Carolina and the four urban Indian organizations," Locklear said. "During my reign, I will promote my platform "Speak up, Speak Loud, Stand up against Bullying."
UNCP Celebrates Black History Month
The Office of Student Inclusion & Diversity and the Black History Month Committee at UNC Pembroke recently announced events for Black History Month.
Volleyball team honors Biology faculty trio
Biology faculty Crystal Walline, Meg Zets, and Nicolas Negrin Pereira are making a big difference in the classroom. Last fall, student athletes in their classes honored them during the UNCP volleyball team’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation night. The September 28th event recognized 15 faculty and staff across the campus who made positive impacts on the lives of student athletes. Students who bestowed certificates of appreciation on Biology faculty were Taylor Osborne (Dr. Walline), Abby ("Abigail") Spencer (Prof. Zets), and Kaitlyn Pressley (Dr. Negrin Pereira).