UNCP Welcomes Second Cohort of Exceptional BRAVES Leaders
At UNC Pembroke, professional growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s built into the culture. That’s why Branan Dennard, director of Development for Advancement, jumped at the chance to join the second cohort of the Exceptional BRAVES Leader Program, a university initiative designed to prepare faculty and staff for greater leadership roles.
Dennard, who joined UNCP in 2022, saw the program as an opportunity to sharpen his leadership skills and connect with colleagues across campus.
I’m always looking to grow and advance professionally. When this opportunity came up, I wasn’t sure if I qualified, but I knew it would be a valuable way to learn from leaders across the university and gain new perspectives.
Dennard was among the 19 faculty and staff members selected for the program. The first session featured Dr. Ashley Allen, associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, who spoke on handling failure from a psychological perspective — insights Dennard found “very helpful.”
“We are thrilled to launch the second cohort of the Exceptional BRAVES Leader Program,” said Angela Revels, assistant vice chancellor for Human Resources and program co-facilitator. “Building on the success of our inaugural year, this program continues to empower our faculty and staff with the skills, confidence and connections they need to lead effectively and make a lasting impact on UNC Pembroke’s future.”
Dennard is eager to continue learning from the program’s speakers and his fellow participants. “The camaraderie within the group is exciting. It’s campuswide, so you hear from people from all backgrounds, walks of life and areas of expertise. Those shared experiences make the program even more impactful.”
Developed in response to UNC System Employee Engagement Survey results, the program offers faculty and staff professional development and leadership resources to thrive in their roles and advance, underscoring UNCP’s dedication to its employees’ growth.
Like Dennard, Dr. Kamina Fitzgerald is excited to gain new insights from the program.
“I am a lifelong learner, so when I saw an opportunity to participate in a training program that would help build leadership skills and strengthen networking and partnerships across campus, I was immediately drawn to it,” said Fitzgerald, director of University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice in the School of Education.
Now in her second year at UNCP, Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience from the K-12 education sector. “I’m excited about connecting with people in departments across campus. Higher education is new for me, so being accepted into a program where I can learn from others and build relationships is particularly meaningful,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald also praised the program’s creation, noting, “I’m glad Human Resources took the initiative to create this program. It will be a great opportunity for all participants and help develop their employees.”
The 2025-2026 cohort is:
- Gordon Byrd, Office of General Counsel
- Gabe Campbell, Division of Information Technology
- Laurel Collins, Counseling and Psychological Services
- Amy Cox, Counseling and Psychological Services
- Liz Cummings, IT Support Services
- Branan Dennard, Advancement
- Kamina Fitzgerald, School of Education
- Jenna Freeman, Academic Resources
- Francis Kozub, Department of Kinesiology
- Shania McMillan, Leadership, Learning and Community
- Shelby Newsome, Community Engagement
- Kara Oxendine, Livermore Library
- Nicole Snipes, Human Resources
- Keri Sullivan, School of Education
- Craymon Strickland, Facilities, Planning and Construction
- Kevin Whitmore, Facilities, Planning and Construction
- Jennifer Whittington, School of Education
- Ashleigh Windley, Advancement
- Krystin Woodell, Undergraduate Admissions