UNC Pembroke News

Brad Allen
August 25 Mark Locklear

Alumnus, NFL Referee Brad Allen Joins NCHSAA Hall of Fame

Though his journey has led from Lumberton’s ballfields to the NFL spotlight, Brad Allen has never lost sight of where it all began. A proud Robeson County native and UNC Pembroke alumnus, Allen’s rise from teenage umpire to NFL referee was celebrated last week with his induction into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Alumna Magally Ortiz-Roja
July 07

Alumna Magally Ortiz-Rojas selected as UNC System Presidential Scholar

Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a recent UNC Pembroke graduate, has been selected as a presidential scholar for the UNC System's prestigious 2025–2026 academic year cohort — an elite honor reserved for some of the most accomplished and promising young leaders across North Carolina's public universities.

From Cadet to Commander: Col. Chad Mixon Inspires the Next Generation
June 04

From Cadet to Commander: Col. Chad Mixon Inspires the Next Generation

As garrison commander of Fort Bragg – the largest military installation in the world - Col. Chad Mixon oversees operations that impact more than 264,000 people. But this spring, his mission brought him home to UNC Pembroke, where his journey as a leader began.

Tamara Locklear
June 02

Tamara Locklear: Strength, Faith and Determination Define Her Path to Graduation

When Tamara Locklear crossed the stage at UNC Pembroke last month to receive her master’s degree in social work, it was a moment of triumph over some of life’s most profound challenges.

Alumnus Eja Hagwood (left) and Micheal Passamuntu
May 29

Michael Passamuntu: A Passion for Wellness, a Future in Leadership

As he crossed the graduation stage once more earlier this month, Michael Passamuntu celebrated the completion of his Master of Arts in sports administration at UNC Pembroke but also years of deep involvement, leadership and transformation within the campus recreation community he’s helped shape.

Brandon and Madison Swallow attend Commencement
May 10

Graduates Celebrate Strength Resilience and New Beginnings

All his life, Brandon Swallow has refused to let his disabilities define him. He was born with cerebral palsy, hemiplegic dysplasia, and scoliosis and has a condition known as optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning he has low vision.

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.

Don and Mason Schwenneker
May 07

Father and son share spotlight at Spring Commencement

Don “Big Weather” Schwenneker has delivered forecasts for decades — predicting storms, sunshine and everything in between. But there was one life milestone he couldn’t predict: graduating from college side-by-side with his son, Mason.

Josh Berenbaum on the court
May 06

Josh Berenbaum to represent Team USA at Maccabiah Games

UNC Pembroke basketball standout Josh Berenbaum has earned the honor of a lifetime — a spot on Team USA for the upcoming Maccabiah Games in Israel, a global showcase of the world's top Jewish athletes.

Ron Oxendine and his wife, Tina sit on a bench dedicated to their parents.
May 06 Chad Locklear

A Legacy of Love and Learning: UNCP Alumni Honor Their Parents With Memorial Bench and Endowed Scholarship

On a quiet path near the Thomas College of Business and Economics, a new bench invites students and visitors alike to pause, reflect and take in the surroundings. However, for Ron and Tina Oxendine, both proud alumni of UNC Pembroke, that bench is much more than a place to sit.