UNCP Traditions

The many UNCP traditions help us connect to the past and forge the future. They’re the cultural customs that resonate with every student, teacher and staff member, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone on campus.

Why the Braves?

A Historical Team Nickname

UNCP’s athletic teams have carried the nickname “Braves” since 1946, and today they wear black-and-gold uniforms adorned with the red-tailed hawk. The term echoes and honors the university’s American Indian heritage.

Why the Red-Tailed Hawk?

Fierce and Honored Mascot

The red-tailed hawk, indigenous to North America, was added to the Braves in 1992. American Indian traditions teach that animals, endowed with sacred qualities, were sent by the Great Creator to serve as guardians and teachers. Today, our mascot symbolizes speed, focus, power and good luck.

Why the Rock?

A Lasting Campus Legend

After standing for just four days, the Tommy Statue garnered a legend that still exists today. Rachel Chavis was photographed climbing the rock to touch the hawk perched on top for good luck before a homecoming basketball game. After Rachel made the game-winning three-pointer, the legend was born. Rub the statue for a bit of good luck!

The fight song was written by Michael Raiber, a music education professor at the University of Oklahoma, in 2004. With its rousing beat and “Go, Braves, Go!” chant, the fight song brings the whole UNCP community together.

Written in 1954 by professors Ira Pate Lowry and Reba M. Lowry, “Hail to UNCP” is integral to the university’s culture. Mr. Lowry wrote the tune in 1941, and Mrs. Lowry won a lyric-writing contest to complete the song. The Lowry Bell Tower, named in their honor, plays the alma mater daily. View the sheet music.

BraveHawk fires up the whole community at every event. At 6 feet 4 inches and 225 pounds, our ferocious mascot keeps the energy high and the Braves Nation strong, serving in his favorite position: center of attention.

Born in September 1992 to Rufous and KittyHawk in a nest atop James B. Chavis University Center.

Hobbies: Skydiving, hang gliding, fishing, studying, and bird watching

Favorite Video Game: Angry Birds

Favorite Movies: “Red Tails” and “Black Hawk Down”

Favorite Foods: Fish tacos, squirrel pie, worm-ghetti, roadkill pizza, and ratatouille

Favorite Actor: Russell Crowe

Favorite Athletes: Larry Bird, Cheryl Swoopes, Tony Hawk, and Sue Bird

Inspirations: Steven Hawking and James Audubon

Favorite Book: “The Maltese Falcon”

Favorite Poem: “The Raven”

Favorite Music Groups: The Byrds and The Eagles

Favorite Songs: “Freebird”, “Fly Like an Eagle”, and “Wind Beneath My Wings”