About Our Mission

James A. Thomas Hall

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Thomas College of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke!

Whether you are a prospective student, a proud parent, a supportive spouse or partner, or a member of our extended community, I am delighted that you are exploring all that our college has to offer.

At the Thomas College of Business and Economics, we are committed to preparing tomorrow’s leaders through academic excellence, applied learning and community engagement. We proudly serve as both a primary educational institution and a dynamic engine for economic growth — creating transformative impact in southeastern North Carolina and well beyond. Our students graduate not only with the skills to succeed, but with the values and vision to make a difference wherever they go.

Named in honor of Pembroke native James A. “Jim” Thomas — an accomplished real estate developer and the founder of Thomas Properties Group Inc. — the college embodies Mr. Thomas’ entrepreneurial spirit. In that tradition, the Thomas HUB for Entrepreneurship and our wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to inspire innovation and cultivate talent. Each year, we serve more than 2,000 students across a nine-county region and far-reaching global networks.

We are proud to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide. This prestigious accreditation reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, impact and engagement. Whether through faculty-led research, hands-on business experiences, internships, service-learning, or our vibrant student organizations, we strive to create meaningful, real-world opportunities for every student.

Our faculty and staff are deeply invested in your success. We believe in a personalized, inclusive approach to education — where every voice matters and every goal is achievable. From the classroom to the community, from your first day on campus to your career and beyond, we are here to support your journey.

We invite you to become part of a college where excellence meets opportunity. Thank you for considering the Thomas College of Business and Economics as your academic and professional home.

Warm regards,

W. Stewart Thomas, PhD, CPA.CGMA
Dean, Thomas College of Business and Economics
University of North Carolina at Pembroke

students in fnancial planning class at UNCP

Mission

We transform the lives of our diverse student body by providing an affordable, personalized, high-quality business education that emphasizes experiential learning and leadership. Through professional and community engagement, we support the economic development of our region. We honor our institution's American Indian legacy in our scholarship, teaching and service.
student in front of Thomas Hall at UNCP

Vision

The Thomas College of Business and Economics aspires to become the college of choice for the Southeastern United States and an engine of economic growth for our region and beyond.
business class presentations

Strategic Priorities

  • Promote a high value proposition for the College of Business and Economics

  • Deliver/Maintain a robust, career ready curriculum

  • Promote faculty and student engagement with community by leveraging resources at the Thomas Entrepreneurship HUB and the Small Business Technology and Development Center

  • Improve stakeholder engagement

faculty and business students in class

Strategic Goals

  • Recruit, retain and graduate a diverse body of high-quality students.
  • Build and grow partnerships and communication between TCOBE and the regional, national and international academic and business communities to promote economic development of the region and to provide students with a global perspective. 
  • Embrace and nurture the institutional diversity of faculty, students and staff at UNCP to enhance learning and the UNCP experience.
  • Obtain additional non-state revenue to support student scholarships and faculty development. 
  • Promote and support experiential learning, career readiness, scholarship and service with high public value. 

Leading the Way


UNC Pembroke’s Thomas College of Business and Economics is proud to be among just 15 business schools in North Carolina accredited by AACSB International — an honor held by fewer than 25% of graduate business programs nationwide.

Of the more than 1,300 graduate business programs across the country, only 454 meet this gold standard of excellence. UNCP received its latest five-year AACSB re-accreditation in 2023, reaffirming our commitment to delivering a world-class business education.
student in blue shirt walkin across the floor of the business college at UNCP

Globally Recognized

The Thomas College of Business & Economics is proudly accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This prestigious accreditation places us among the top six percent of business schools worldwide — a mark of excellence recognized for its high standards of quality, academic rigor and industry relevance. AACSB accreditation means our programs deliver an exceptional and impactful business education.
AACSB logo
Only 6%

of business schools worldwide meet AACSB’s rigorous standards

Top 100

best online undergrad business programs by U.S. News & World Report

Read About Our Rankings