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. The 1994 graduate, who has built a nationally recognized career in sports broadcasting, returned to his alma mater to share hard-earned lessons, encouragement and the inspiration that first took root during his days as a Brave.

Scruggs challenged students to believe in their goals, build strong relationships with professors, and write down and persistently pursue their dreams.

“For so many of the students here right now, this is where success starts,” Scruggs said. “This place is special to me and can be special to you if you allow it.”

Senior Jayden Strickland sat purposefully in the front row, jotting down notes throughout Scruggs’ talk. His attentive and eager presence reflected a deep respect for the advice being shared and a precise determination to apply those lessons to his future in broadcasting.

“I felt as if he was speaking directly to me,” Strickland said. “Having (Newy) as an example of what’s possible is very important — it’s reassurance that you can do it."

It’s great to see (Newy) give back to this university. By coming back to speak … he could be the inspiration that a student needs.

Scruggs’ visit included a full day of inspiration and mentorship hosted by the Thomas College of Business and Economics. The Fayetteville native led workshops on personal branding, networking and goal setting before delivering his keynote address, “From Pembroke to Prime Time,” where he reflected on how his experiences at UNCP helped launch his three-decade career in sports media. A household name in the Dallas/Fort Worth sports community, Scruggs has anchored NBC 5’s sports desk since 2000.

During his talk, Scruggs became emotional as he recalled how mentors like former basketball coach and athletics director Dan Kenney and classmate Abdul Ghaffar — both of whom were in the audience — shaped his path at UNCP.

“You live life, and you’ll find yourself in tough moments. Dan Kenney found me in a tough moment,” Scruggs said. “He didn’t have to, but he let me broadcast games. I’ve never forgotten that.”

He credited UNCP’s hands-on TV program for preparing him to excel immediately in professional internships and setting him apart in the industry.

Junior accounting major Alicia McCrimmon described Scruggs’ talk as motivating and reassuring. McCrimmon added that his advice on networking and persistence resonated deeply, while philosophy and religion major Rayvone Johnson admired Scruggs’ consistency and resilience.

Kenney, who first gave Scruggs opportunities as a student, said he was not surprised by his success.

“UNC Pembroke invests in people. There are many success stories here, but he is one of the best,” Kenney said.

Scruggs, who has given back through scholarships and service on the UNCP Board of Trustees, left students with a lasting charge: “Always give back to your alma mater. We can’t improve our university if we don’t have people who succeed and invest in it.”