UNC Pembroke News

Paula Mukau and her brother, Sam, at his graduation ceremony at UNCP in 2021
May 01

UNCP graduate student finds strength after family tragedy

Paula Mukau gently stroked the heart-shaped tattoo permanently inked across her lower forearm, which reads ‘forever in my heart’ followed by ‘February 20, 2022.’ A constant reminder of the day Sam — her younger brother and the glue that held their family together — lost his battle with cancer.

Jon Clifton, Gallup CEO
April 23

Gallup CEO Jon Clifton to deliver UNCP spring commencement address

Gallup CEO Jon Clifton will be the keynote speaker at the spring commencement at UNC Pembroke.

UNCP
December 09

UNC Pembroke awards 983 degrees at Winter Commencement

When Anthony Guerra decided to leave his job as a detective to pursue a college degree, he convinced his wife, Blanca, to further her education, too. “I was scared at first because we have two small kids and I was working full time — but we did it!” said Blanca, flashing a huge smile and gripping her UNC Pembroke diploma.

Dr. Jerry McGee
December 07

McGee, Haladay to deliver Winter Commencement address

Dr. Jerry McGee, president emeritus of Wingate University and longtime American Indian studies professor Dr. Jane Haladay, will give the Winter Commencement address at UNC Pembroke this weekend. Haladay will speak at The Graduate School ceremony on Friday, December 8. McGee is the keynote speaker at the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, December 9.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings presents Laura Arnold with the Silver Scholar Award at the 7th Annual Pembroke Scholars Achievement Ceremony.
October 06

UNCP student, mother navigates classes while battling cancer

** Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlight** Laura Arnold’s path to a college degree began more than a decade ago, but life got in the way and her plans were put on hold. In August 2022, Arnold––a wife, full-time data specialist and mother of five––finally got the chance to resume her college career at UNC Pembroke. This time, she was determined not to let anything derail her dreams. Not even cancer. Doctors discovered a lump during a routine physical in November. A biopsy revealed early stages of breast cancer.

Undergraduate Commencement Graduates
June 26

UNCP announces its Spring 2023 graduates

PEMBROKE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina at Pembroke announces its Spring 2023 graduates.  Undergraduate Alamance                      Burlington: Michael Bowens Jr, Aiyana Lynch, Khalid Richardson Elon: Tyler Small Graham: Seth Norris Liberty: Tasha Herbin

Cindy Paul at Spring Commencement
May 06

UNC Pembroke awards 1,117 degrees at Spring Commencement

Cindy Paul first started her college journey in 1985 — around the same year the parents of most of her UNC Pembroke classmates were born. At the time, she aspired to be a math teacher but went through a divorce, and her life took another turn.

Janett Nunez-Meza and her son Jan Alvarez Nunez
May 04

Family affairs: Mother, son and husband, wife to cross UNCP stage together

Janett Nunez-Meza didn’t speak English when she immigrated to North Carolina from Nicaragua 16 years ago with her husband and five-year-old son. Her husband was hired by Smithfield Foods. Janett worked in fast food and picked blueberries before landing a job in the migrant education department with Bladen County Schools. She worked up to the state level but always dreamed of becoming a college graduate.

 Cecilia Holden giving the keynote speech during Fall Commencement
December 10

UNCP awards 1,181 degrees at Fall Commencement

Eric Perez Velazques was beaming with pride moments after crossing the stage during Fall Commencement at UNC Pembroke on Saturday. Velazques became the first in his family to earn a college degree, a reality he thought unattainable while growing up in neighboring Columbus County.

July 08

UNC Pembroke announces its Spring 2022 graduates

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke announces its Spring 2022 graduates.  Undergraduate Alamance Burlington: Mary Elizabeth Ingram, Joseph William Kincer, Miah Bre’nae Tedder Elon: Rodney James Gibsonville: Carl J. Turner Graham: Michael Rhodes Councilman, Kari L. Rios-Dixon Haw River: William D. Andrews, Ryan M. Donaldson Snow Camp: Brenda Smith Branchaud            Alexander