Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
History
By 1938, three year diplomas were being awarded by the college. By 1940, a fourth year had been added and the first class to graduate at Pembroke State University was in 1940. Three students studying mathematics were among those from the Class of 1940:
- Mr. Dorsey V. Lowry, Major: Science, Mathematics and History
- Mr. Conard Oxendine, Major: Science and Mathematics
- Mr. Joseph Sampson, Major: History and Mathematics
The first computer science course at Pembroke State University was offered in 1969. By 1979, a computer science track had been developed and approved. In 1982, the Mathematics Department was renamed the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. And a B.S. in Computer Science was offered beginning in 1986.
In 1985, Pembroke State University became the second school in the state to offer
a Master's Degree in Mathematics Education.
Resources & Opportunities
Cyber Defense Education Center
The Cyber Defense Education Center serves as a hub for advancing cybersecurity education, research and workforce readiness. We connect UNCP with industry, government and research partners — equipping our community with competencies to drive cybersecurity innovation and strengthen national security.
Internships
Math Placement Test
The UNCP Math Department is now offering a Mathematics Placement Test. Want to ensure that you are in the correct math course? Interested in placing in
a higher-level math course? Contact Hillary Sessions via email to sign up for an ONLINE Math Placement Test today!
Clubs
The ACMSC is for anyone who has an interest in computers and technology. Joining the ACMSC will help its members stay connected to the world and provide up-to-date information regarding modern and future technologies. During our meetings, members will get a chance to meet fellow UNCP students who have the same interests and share a space to collaborate on coding challenges, practice interviews, partake in robotic projects, listen to speakers and more!
Contact Information:
If you’d like more information regarding ACM, please contact the executive team:
- Allyson Taylor, president, at0080@bravemail.uncp.edu
- Ezequiel Delgado Diaz, vice president, ed0031@bravemail.uncp.edu
- Eniola Osunsanya, secretary, eao010@bravemail.uncp.edu
The goal of the club is to carve out some time and space for math enthusiasts to come together and enjoy all things math-related. We are open to majors and non-majors alike!
Contact Information:
For more information about the UNCP Math Club, email Dr. Elliott Hollifield at elliott.hollifield@uncp.edu. We'd love to hear from you!
AI@UNCP is a dynamic, student-led organization at UNC Pembroke, dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and fostering practical, real-world applications through hands-on projects and collaborative efforts. The club provides a platform for students from various disciplines to explore the rapidly evolving field of AI, working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of machine learning, data science and intelligent systems.
AI@UNCP encourages peer-to-peer learning, hosts workshops and facilitates networking
opportunities with professionals in the AI industry, ensuring that members stay at
the forefront of technological developments. By promoting creativity, critical thinking
and problem-solving, the organization seeks to cultivate a community of AI enthusiasts
who are passionate about applying artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges.
Through its various initiatives and events, AI@UNCP not only enriches the academic
experience of its members but also contributes to the broader AI ecosystem by promoting
knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical deployment of
AI solutions.
Learn More
The ACMSC is for anyone who has an interest in computers and technology. Joining the ACMSC will help its members stay connected to the world and provide up-to-date information regarding modern and future technologies. During our meetings, members will get a chance to meet fellow UNCP students who have the same interests and share a space to collaborate on coding challenges, practice interviews, partake in robotic projects, listen to speakers and more!
Contact Information:
If you’d like more information regarding ACM, please contact the executive team:
- Allyson Taylor, president, at0080@bravemail.uncp.edu
- Ezequiel Delgado Diaz, vice president, ed0031@bravemail.uncp.edu
- Eniola Osunsanya, secretary, eao010@bravemail.uncp.edu
The goal of the club is to carve out some time and space for math enthusiasts to come together and enjoy all things math-related. We are open to majors and non-majors alike!
Contact Information:
For more information about the UNCP Math Club, email Dr. Elliott Hollifield at elliott.hollifield@uncp.edu. We'd love to hear from you!
AI@UNCP is a dynamic, student-led organization at UNC Pembroke, dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and fostering practical, real-world applications through hands-on projects and collaborative efforts. The club provides a platform for students from various disciplines to explore the rapidly evolving field of AI, working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of machine learning, data science and intelligent systems.
AI@UNCP encourages peer-to-peer learning, hosts workshops and facilitates networking
opportunities with professionals in the AI industry, ensuring that members stay at
the forefront of technological developments. By promoting creativity, critical thinking
and problem-solving, the organization seeks to cultivate a community of AI enthusiasts
who are passionate about applying artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges.
Through its various initiatives and events, AI@UNCP not only enriches the academic
experience of its members but also contributes to the broader AI ecosystem by promoting
knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical deployment of
AI solutions.
Learn More
Faculty Research
Dr. Haitao Zhao’s research interests focus on Bioinformatics, Machine Learning and Data Analytics. He is interested in developing and applying Machine Learning algorithms to the interdisciplinary fields to mine interesting patterns from data. Currently, he participates in the project of the rapid thrombogenesis prediction in the carotid artery with Corvid Technologies.
Dr. Prashanth Reddy's research focuses on cryptography and security of emerging technologies, including vehicular cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems security, digital identities security and AI-driven cyber threat intelligence. His current work explores cryptographically secure random number generators, lightweight and post-quantum cryptographic solutions and improvements in the architecture and authentication mechanisms of digital identities.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science 
Prashanth Busi Reddy Gari
910.521.6415
Dr. Xin Zhang's research interests include knowledge discovery in databases, complex medical data mining, web intelligence, data visualization and music information retrieval. Her research has been published in journals and books including Journal of Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Assisted Mechanics and Engineering Sciences Journal, Fundamenta Informaticae Journal, Intelligent Information Systems, Data Mining and Medical Knowledge Management: Cases and Applications and Encyclopedia of Data Warehousing and Mining. Her research has been presented at international conferences including IEEE/ICDM/MCD, IEEE CS/MUE, IEEE/WIC/ACM, IEEE GrC, ECML/PKDD/MCD, ISMIS and RSEISP. Her recent work funded by NSF (subcontract) focuses on a data visualization application of GeoScience data.
Dr. Ali Tosun’s research is on systems in general with a focus on network security. He has research experience in databases, multimedia systems, storage systems, networking and security. His current research directions include security of Internet-of-Things devices in IoT-Cloud and IoT-Edge-Cloud models, security of self-driving networks that aims to automate networking tasks and secure edge computing using containers for IoT devices. He is currently PI of an NSF grant to teach secure self-driving networks course to undergraduate students.
Dr. Selvarajah Mohanarajah's research focuses on fairness and privacy in ML systems, container-based learning objects, and fix-and-play games for teaching first programming language. As ML technologies become more pervasive in society, the need for reliable, secure and unbiased ML models becomes critical. His research explores the interconnections between privacy and fairness in machine learning (ML) algorithms. Mohanarajah's research has been published in several journals and conference proceedings such as ACM-SIGCSE, AIED and ITS. Currently, he is leading a research project funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Selvarajah Mohanarajah
Chair and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
selvarajah.mohanarajah@uncp.edu910.521.6318
Opportunities
Scholarships
UNC Pembroke’ Criminal Justice and Sociology offers a range of scholarships to help
make college more affordable. These awards recognize academic excellence, leadership
and a strong commitment to serving others. It’s one of the many ways we invest in
your success — both in the classroom and beyond. We encourage prospective students
to explore these opportunities and see how UNCP can support your goals and your future.
Students in Action
Hackathon 2025 HackUNCP Students
Cybersecurity Class at UNC Pembroke
UNC Pembroke Melissa Edwards' Math Class
Hackathon UNC Pembroke
Cybersecurity Student Coding in Class
Department Chair
Selvarajah Mohanarajah
Chair and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science
selvarajah.mohanarajah@uncp.edu910.521.6318
Connect With Us
Oxendine Science Building, Room 1233
PO Box 1510
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6244
Fax: 910.522.5755
Latest News
Aug 20
Museum of the Southeast American Indian to host annual 9/9 Native South Art Show
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian invites the public to immerse themselves in the vibrant creativity of American Indian artists at the 4th annual 9|9 Native South Art Show, on display from September 9, 2025, through February 27, 2026.
Aug 19
Former UNCP Professor Champions ALS Awareness Through Annual Walk in North Myrtle Beach
On September 27, walkers from across the region will gather in North Myrtle Beach to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS — a cause close to the heart of former UNC Pembroke professor Dr. Tim Ritter.
Aug 18
UNCP Welcomes Second Cohort of Exceptional BRAVES Leaders
UNC Pembroke welcomed 19 faculty and staff into the 2025-26 cohort of the Exceptional BRAVES Leader Program, a leadership development initiative inspired by UNC System Employee Engagement Survey results. The program equips participants with the skills, confidence, and campuswide connections needed to lead effectively. Among this year’s cohort are Branan Dennard, director of Development for Advancement, and Dr. Kamina Fitzgerald, director of University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice. Both see the program as a valuable opportunity to learn from colleagues, build relationships, and continue their professional growth.