$1 Million Gift Launches Oxendine Scholars Program

UNC Pembroke alumni Ronnie and Tina Oxendine have committed $1 million to establish the Ronnie and Tina Oxendine Scholars Program. This prestigious and renewable scholarship provides full financial support to high-achieving students.

The Oxendine Scholars Program covers tuition, fees, room and board and includes funding for additional experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad or leadership development. The program launched this fall with its first two recipients: nursing major Jordan Winans of Cameron, N.C., and computer science major Julian Caverte, originally from New York and most recently Delaware.

“We are deeply grateful to Ronnie and Tina for this extraordinary gift, which will transform the lives of future Braves,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “The support this scholarship provides will empower students to focus fully on their education and achieve their goals. Ronnie and Tina are planting seeds of hope and opportunity that will have an immediate and lasting impact on UNC Pembroke and its students for years to come.”

For Ronnie and Tina, education was a family priority from a young age.

“From the time I was about seven or eight years old, sitting at the breakfast table with my sister, I was always told, ‘You’re going to college,’” Ronnie recalled. “I don’t even know if I knew what college was at the time, but that was instilled in us very early.”

When his father, Conrad Oxendine, a member of UNCP’s first four-year graduating class of 1940, could afford to send only one child to school, Ronnie decided to put himself through college. He completed his degree in biology in just two and a half years, graduating with honors before launching a 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by success as a defense contractor and business owner.

“This scholarship is our way of giving back to the university that opened so many doors for us. We want to help others succeed the way UNCP helped us.”

One of Ronnie’s favorite stories illustrates the lasting impact of his UNCP education. Years after graduation, while working as a defense consultant, he was offered a high-level missile defense project that required a specialized qualification.

“I told them I had a biology degree from Pembroke, but they said that wouldn’t work,” he said with a laugh. “So, I called UNCP and sent over my transcript. A week later, they told me, ‘Mr. Oxendine, did you know your alma mater started a nursing program? Because of that, you’re now qualified to do the work we need.’ That led to an $8 million contract. So, if you don’t think your university will impact your life long after graduation — it does.”

Tina earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNCP and built a career in education inspired by her mother, the late Emma Lee Locklear, a 1962 graduate who helped establish the Class of 1962 Endowed Scholarship.

“My mother taught us that education isn’t just about books, but it’s about humanity and the ability to make a positive impact,” Tina said. “Every child she helped blossom became her child, too. She gave her time, her praise and her wisdom. That’s the example we carry forward.”

The Oxendines’ deep affection for UNCP is reflected not only in this new scholars program but also in previous gifts, including an endowed scholarship and a memorial bench honoring both the Oxendines’ parents.

“UNCP is not just a university to us; it’s our home,” Ronnie said. “We’re proud to see how much it has grown and to play a part in its future.”

For Jordan Winans, the scholarship is a connection to the place she’s also called home since childhood.

“My dad works at Pembroke, so I’ve grown up on campus my whole life. It just feels like a second home,” Winans said. “When I found out I’d been selected, I started jumping up and down. To see alumni giving back to what was once part of their life and carrying on that legacy — it’s really special and important.”

Winans plans to pursue a career in nursing, with interests in both emergency and labor and delivery care. 

Julian Caverte, who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2021, said the scholarship has allowed him to pursue his passion for technology without financial worry.

“I was just shocked when I got the call. I couldn’t believe I’d been selected for such a prestigious award,” Caverte said. “This scholarship takes the weight of costs off my shoulders and allows me to explore all my options. I’d like the Oxendines to know their generosity won’t go to waste.”

Caverte plans to work as a software engineer for a leading tech company.

The Oxendines worked closely with Branan Dennard, director of development, to shape their vision for the scholarship and bring the program to life.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Ronnie and Tina since I started at UNC Pembroke, and being a small part of bringing their vision to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Dennard. “Their generosity and love for this university are genuine and inspiring.”

The Oxendine Scholars Program supports UNCP’s mission to expand access and opportunity while attracting top-performing students. Recipients are selected through a competitive process.

“Ronnie and Tina Oxendine exemplify what it means to give back with purpose,” said vice chancellor for Advancement Anita Stallings. “Their gift immediately changes students’ lives — removing financial barriers, fostering leadership and empowering success. It’s an inspiring example of alumni using their own UNCP experience to open doors for others.”

To learn more about how you can make a transformational difference through a major or planned gift to UNC Pembroke, contact University Advancement at 910.521.6184, or visit uncp.edu/advancement.