UNC Pembroke News

Alumnus Newy Scruggs offers advice to students during a keynote talk on September 2, 2025
September 08 Mark Locklear

Alumnus Newy Scruggs Returns to Share Lessons on Success, Resilience, Giving Back

When Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Newy Scruggs stepped back onto the campus of UNC Pembroke on Tuesday, it wasn’t just a homecoming — it was a chance to pour into the next generation.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings speaks to the Class of 2029 during the traditional Brave Walk, which marked the beginning of their college journey.
September 05

Enrollment Surges Past 8,000 with Record Graduate and Transfer Students, Honors College at All-Time High

UNC Pembroke is entering the fall 2025 semester with historic momentum. Total enrollment has surged past 8,000 students — the university’s largest since before the pandemic — with record-setting growth in graduate and transfer populations and an all-time high in the Honors College.

Chancellor Robin Cummings, Dr. Sean Smolenyak and Dr. Rich Castillo
September 04 Mark Locklear

UNCP Hosts NC Optometric Society District Meeting as Optometry Program Advances

UNC Pembroke recently welcomed North Carolina Optometric Society (NCOS) members for a district meeting highlighting the university’s progress toward launching the state’s first public Doctor of Optometry program.

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.

Kelvin and Karen Sampson with family

Kelvin and Karen L. Sampson Champion the Next Generation of Braves

Even while leading one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent college basketball history, University of Houston Head Coach Kelvin Sampson and his wife, UNCP Trustee Karen L. Sampson, made time to give back to their roots.

Dr. Matt Hassett

Criminal Justice Professor Matt Hassett Earns UNC System Teaching Award

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

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August 29

UNCP Hosts Emmy Award-Winning Alumnus Newy Scruggs

UNC Pembroke alumnus Newy Scruggs,’94, is returning to his alma mater to inspire the next generation of leaders, sharing how his experiences at UNCP helped launch a broadcasting career that has earned him 18 Emmy Awards and national recognition.

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August 29 Chad Locklear

Braves Got Talent Showcase debuts at Homecoming 2025

UNC Pembroke is rolling out the gold carpet for the first-ever Braves Got Talent showcase, a highlight of this year’s Homecoming celebration.

John Squier
August 29

Service, Leadership at the Core of SGA President John Squier’s Vision

UNC Pembroke senior John Squier has stepped into the Student Government Association president role with a mission to bridge the gap between students and administration while boosting campus engagement.

Men's Basketball team photo

Built on Grit: UNCP’s Chamipionship Culture Takes Center Stage

The BraveNation men’s basketball team proudly posed behind the outstretched 2025 Conference Carolinas “CHAMPIONS” banner after overpowering Emmanuel College in a high-scoring title rematch inside Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.