Museum of the Southeast American Indian to host annual 9/9 Native South Art Show
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian invites the public to immerse themselves in the vibrant creativity of American Indian artists at the 4th annual 9|9 Native South Art Show, on display from September 9, 2025, through February 27, 2026.
Former UNCP Professor Champions ALS Awareness Through Annual Walk in North Myrtle Beach
On September 27, walkers from across the region will gather in North Myrtle Beach to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS — a cause close to the heart of former UNC Pembroke professor Dr. Tim Ritter.
UNCP Welcomes Second Cohort of Exceptional BRAVES Leaders
UNC Pembroke welcomed 19 faculty and staff into the 2025-26 cohort of the Exceptional BRAVES Leader Program, a leadership development initiative inspired by UNC System Employee Engagement Survey results. The program equips participants with the skills, confidence, and campuswide connections needed to lead effectively. Among this year’s cohort are Branan Dennard, director of Development for Advancement, and Dr. Kamina Fitzgerald, director of University School Partnerships and Clinical Practice. Both see the program as a valuable opportunity to learn from colleagues, build relationships, and continue their professional growth.
UNCP Convocation Inspires New Braves to Share Their Stories, Chase Their Dreams
UNC Pembroke welcomed nearly 1,000 first-year students at New Student Convocation, marking the official start of their academic journey. Twin athletes David and Adam Rogers highlighted the diversity of stories among the Class of 2029, alongside students from across North Carolina and beyond. Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings assured students of the university’s commitment to their success, while keynote speaker Erin Locklear encouraged them to embrace the power of storytelling as a means of building connection and resilience.
UNCP Extends Evening Hours to Support Students, Families
UNC Pembroke is making it easier for students — and their families — to get the help they need outside of regular business hours. UNCP Business After 5 will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. in Lumbee Hall, August 18 through August 21. During the event, representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships representatives and the Center for Student Success will be available to answer questions and provide personalized support. Student Accounts representatives will be available until 6 p.m. each day
UNCP’s Teaching Fellows Program Experiencing Rapid Growth, Lasting Impact
After more than a decade in corporate banking, Bridget Speller-Purington made a bold move into a new profession — teaching. As a newcomer to the classroom, she leaned heavily on the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program at UNC Pembroke for support and guidance, saying she wouldn’t have been successful without it.
Pre-Vet Students Gain Wildlife Care Experience Abroad
For a pair of pre-vet students at UNC Pembroke, this summer meant long days feeding animals, cleaning enclosures and preparing injured wildlife for release — thousands of miles from home.
New Parking Policies Take Effect for Fall 2025 Semester
As students return to campus for the fall 2025 semester, UNC Pembroke is introducing several important updates to parking policies and procedures. These changes are intended to improve enforcement, align with recent property changes and ensure a smoother parking experience for students.
UNC Pembroke’s OPTIMISE Program Receives $2.3 Million Grant Renewal to Expand Rural Behavioral Health Workforce
The Department of Social Work at UNC Pembroke has secured a four-year, $2.3 million federal grant renewal to continue and expand the OPTIMISE program. The program trains graduate students to serve in integrated behavioral healthcare settings across rural North Carolina. The award comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program.
Sheila Cummings, Carlos Berdecia, Dr. Anna Clark, John Squier Appointed to Board of Trustees at UNC Pembroke
UNC Pembroke has welcomed four distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees: Sheila Cummings and Colonel (Ret.) Carlos E. Berdecia, appointed by the UNC Board of Governors, and Dr. Anna O. Clark, appointed by North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger. John Squier, Student Government Association president, also joins the board as an ex officio member for the 2025-26 academic year. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, military service and the aerospace engineering sector to support the university’s continued growth and mission.