UNCP History

Established in 1887 as a result of legislation focused on training American Indian teachers, UNCP has since grown significantly. What started as a clapboard, two-story building that was home to just 15 students has grown into a staple North Carolina institution for thousands of graduates from diverse backgrounds. Today, it stands as a campus brimming with a rich UNCP history.

Early 1900s

1905 - First diploma awarded

1909 - Campus moved to Pembroke, the center of the Indian community

1911 - Name changed to the Indian Normal School of Robeson County

1913 - Name changed to Cherokee Indian Normal School of Robeson County

1926 - A two-year postsecondary teacher training program was instituted

Mid-Century

1933 - Two-year college coursework added

1939 - Four-year college coursework added

1940 - First four-year degrees conferred

1941 - Name changed to Pembroke State College for Indians

1943 - Non-teaching baccalaureate degrees added

1945 - College opened to all federally recognized Indian groups

Late 1900s

1953 - Admission of up to 40% white students approved

1954 - Admission of people of all races approved

1969 - Name changed to Pembroke State University

1972 - Established as a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina

1978 - Master of Arts in Education program established

1996 - Officially named the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Across campus, students can be found lounging near historical landmarks, studying by stunning water fixtures or listening to the alma mater from the central bell tower.

In the center of the Quad stands the Lowry Bell Tower, a landmark dedicated in 1981 in honor of the late Ira Pate Lowry (1906-1992) and his wife Reba Millsaps Lowry (1906-1980), who contributed $20,000 for the carillon bells. Mrs. Lowry was a foreign language professor, advisor to the Indianhead, the first Dean of Women and the director of the Pembroke Players and Women’s basketball coach. Mr. Lowry served as chair of the Music Department from 1935 to 1957. The Lowrys wrote the music and lyrics to “Hail to UNCP,” the school’s alma mater, which plays from the bell tower at noon and 6 p.m. daily.

Constructed in 1923 and later restored after a 1973 fire, Old Main is the oldest brick building on campus — and the most recognizable symbol of UNCP. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Main houses several offices: the WNCP television station, the Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center and a number of academic departments.

Erected in 1933, Arrowhead is a stone-and-mortar monument designed to bring public sentiment to bear on state legislators to improve road quality. It’s one 358 of J. Hampton Rich’s activist monuments and features a Sequoia tablet on the south face and a buffalo marker on the north face. The monument, which serves as a core piece of the history of UNCP, was moved and rebuilt in 1985 and now resides in front of Old Main.

After just four days of standing tall, basketball player Chavis Rachel climbed the rock to touch the hawk for good luck before the 1999 homecoming game. A Fayetteville Observer photographer snapped a picture, Rachel scored the game-winning three-pointer and a legend was born. Today, the life-size bronze statue sits in front of the James B. Chavis University Center. Weighing 150 pounds and featuring a red-tailed hawk with a 57-inch wingspan, the statue is still frequented by students wishing for a bit of luck.

The water feature, amphitheater and bridge were dedicated on February 16, 2002, and quickly became a focal point of student interest. It’s located on one acre next to Lowry Bell Tower.

Bert's Cafe

Named in honor of Bertine Oxendine Prine (1923-2000), who served as executive secretary to five chancellors over 48 years, Bert’s is located in the James B. Chavis Student Center. The restaurant honors Prine’s position as the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Award winner and currently serves as a popular student hangout.

Font Sculpture

A central part of UNCP history, Font is a black, six-and-a-half-foot tall terrazzo sculpture created by artist Kenneth Matsumoto. Located in Lumbee Hall, the sculpture symbolizes the Lumbee River and its indigenous plant life. It features bronze leaves and a water-like opening at the top. As Matsumoto describes, the sculpture encapsulates our bodies as “vessel for our spiritual souls.”

Heritage Oak

Located in the Quad, the Heritage Oak serves as a lasting tribute to UNCP’s 125th anniversary. Donated by Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, the oak was planted in 2013 with a stone marker at its base.

Hamilton McMillan Statue

In 1885, Representative Hamilton McMillan (1937-1916) introduced legislation that gave the Indians of Robeson County a legal identity and schools of their own. On March 7, 1887, legislation was enacted to create the Croatan Normal School, now UNCP. A century later, during UNCP’s 100th anniversary, McMillan’s statue — which was sculpted by art professor Paul Van Zandt — was unveiled.

The Quad

The Quad is the oldest part of campus and unites the Old Main and Livermore Library. It’s a frequent site for students to study, play a game of frisbee or hang out with friends.

Since 2000, UNCP has added numerous baccalaureate and master's programs, including geo-environmental studies, Spanish, and a doctoral program and more. Today, “North Carolina’s Historically American Indian University” serves over 7,600 students across 150 degree programs and carries century-long traditions.

Spring Undergraduate Commencement Hannah Evington

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Alumni in North Carolina

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