UNC Pembroke News

Sayeed Kabir and Marijo Wilkes
May 09

Wilkes, Kabir Turn Graduation into a Launchpad for Medicine

Their journeys to the commencement stage at UNC Pembroke couldn’t have been more different. Still, Marijo Wilkes and Sayeed Kabir share a remarkable distinction: both soon-to-be graduates are set to continue their academic journeys at two of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools.

UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings (left) signs the BraveNation Advantage Transfer program initiative at Richmond Community College with President Brent Barbee
April 23

UNC Pembroke, Richmond Community College Launch Guaranteed Transfer Program

In a move to expand access to four-year degrees and ease the path for local students, UNC Pembroke has announced a new guaranteed transfer initiative in partnership with Richmond Community College (RCC).

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings (right) presents Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin with a Lumbee pinecone patchwork artwork during his visit to UNCP
April 17

Richmond Fed President Engages with Local Voices at UNCP

In a rare visit to Robeson County, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond met with local business owners and community leaders to gain firsthand insight into the economic challenges facing rural America.

Walid Kadi Hamman discusses his research at the 19th annual PURC Symposium held on April 9, 2025.
April 16

Student Researchers Shine at PURC Symposium

When UNC Pembroke junior Jessie Williams began studying biology, she already had a personal mission—to better understand the disease that changed her family’s life.

Dr. Shreerekha Pillai, new Dean of Arts and Sciences at UNCP.
April 04

Dr. Shreerekha Pillai Named Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Shreerekha Pillai, a scholar, educator and leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing academic excellence and empowering students, has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC Pembroke.

Dr. Johnny Smith and Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings
March 28

UNCP, Robeson Community College Strengthen Transfer Pathway with BraveNation Advantage

Robeson Community College (RCC) graduates now have an even more straightforward path to earning a four-year degree at UNC Pembroke, thanks to the new BraveNation Advantage program.

students stand around a laptop in a business classroom at UNC Pembroke
March 23

HackUNCP: Building the Future, One AI Agent at a Time

On Saturday, March 22, college students from across the state gathered, laptops and caffeinated beverages in hand, to attend HackUNCP 2025, the university’s first-ever hackathon. At fast-paced events like this one, creative minds come together to solve real-world problems, often competing in teams to build software or hardware projects within a short time frame. It’s an intense environment where creativity, collaboration and coding skills are put to the test.

Dr. Josiah Marineau
March 21

Professor’s Field Research in Tbilisi, Georgia to Enrich Political Science Studies

This summer, Dr. Josiah Marineau will walk the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, immersing himself in the country’s political and cultural landscape — not just as a scholar but as a storyteller for his students at UNC Pembroke. Armed with a prestigious fellowship through UNC Chapel Hill, Marineau is set to bring the world to his political science classroom in a way no textbook ever could.

Dr. Matt Hassett in the classroom
March 11

Professor Matt Hassett Honored with UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Matt Hassett's classroom is more than just a place of learning — it's a space where students find inspiration, mentorship and the confidence to challenge the world around them.

Debbie Antonelli speaks with broadcasting students
March 07

Sports Analyst Debbie Antonelli Inspires, Empowers Broadcasting Students

For UNC Pembroke broadcasting students, learning from one of the industry’s most recognizable stars doesn’t come every day. But when legendary sports analyst Debbie Antonelli stepped onto campus, she delivered more than career advice — she ignited ambition and possibility.