UNC Pembroke News

Garrett Chavis
November 22

Ph.D. candidate Garrett Chavis returns to alma mater, offers advice to UNCP undergraduates

UNC Pembroke graduate Garrett Chavis admits he was unsure how his academic credentials would stack up to that of other first-year Ph.D. students at the University of Michigan Medical School––home to one of the top research medical programs in the country. “I was extremely intimidated, coming from a smaller institute to a world-wide recognized institute where there are the top scientists in their field,” he said.

Allyson
November 22

UNCP offers seamless path to NCSU vet school

Allyson Chavis and Allyson Lane met four years ago while working at a local animal hospital. It didn’t take long to discover they shared more in common than their name. Topping the list is a passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine. They chose to turn their passion into a degree at UNC Pembroke after learning about the pathway program with the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C. State University.

The family of Curt and Catherine Locklear cut the ribbon on the American Indian Heritage Center at UNCP during a ceremony on Tuesday, November 1.
November 02

UNCP celebrates opening of The Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center

Kaloni Walton felt a sense of belonging after meeting with the American Indian Heritage Center at UNC Pembroke as a high school senior two years ago. It was this unique connection that impacted her decision to enroll. Walton was among the guest speakers during the grand opening of The Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center before an overflow crowd in front of the steps of Old Main on Tuesday. Walton, now a sophomore, shared how the center has impacted her academic journey.

McLean Pait III (left) and Caleb Locklear, members of the 3+2 dual engineering degree program, pictured at the End-of-Summer RISE Symposium
September 20

UNC Pembroke’s 3+2 engineering program picking up steam

Since establishing a dual degree engineering program with N.C. State University, six years ago, UNC Pembroke’s 3+2 program has taken off. The rigorous program allows students to spend three years at UNCP, two years at NCSU and graduate with degrees in applied physics and mechanical, electrical, or civil and environmental engineering. Dana Lamberton, the program’s first graduate in 2021, is a manufacturing engineer for PCB Piezotronics, assisting in the design, production, and testing of custom high-precision sensors.

Sam Locklear
September 02

UNCP creates seamless path to ECU Brody School of Medicine

Freshman Samantha Locklear's path from UNC Pembroke to medical school has been prearranged thanks to hard work, dedication, and a unique partnership with UNCP and one of the top medical schools in the state. Locklear is the 2022 Early Assurance Scholar. Considered one of UNCP's prestigious four-year merit awards, the Early Assurance Program pays for tuition, books and room and board, but more importantly, guarantees acceptance to East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine.

Dr. Namyeon Lee
August 24

Overcoming Black Americans' Psychological and Cognitive Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation: Effects of News Framing and Exemplars

Dr. Namyeon Lee’s groundbreaking study shows that using race‑matched exemplars in news posts—especially when highlighting psychological obstacles—significantly boosts Black Americans’ intention to participate in clinical trials.

Dr. Chrisite Poteet on stage delivering the keynote speech
August 18

UNCP welcomes first-year students during Convocation

UNC Pembroke freshman Zane Shafer feels at home––despite nearly 400 miles separating him from family and friends in Tacoma Park, Maryland. Shafer chose UNCP to pursue his passion for fitness, exercise and health. “I really like the exercise science program,” said Shafer, who has dreams of becoming a personal trainer and business owner. “UNCP a great school. Everyone is nice. I love the staff’s attitude and the diversity.”

Diane Pfeifer was among the dozen Roadmap Scholars who participated in a residential summer program at the University of Virginia School of Law June 2-June 28
August 15

UNCP junior participates in UVA School of Law summer program

Diane Pfeifer experienced life as a law student during a four-week residential program at the University of Virginia School of Law this summer. Pfiefer, a student at UNC Pembroke, was among 12 rising juniors selected as part of the inaugural Roadmap Scholars Initiative which prepares first-generation and low-income undergraduates to become competitive applicants to the nation’s law schools.

School of Education Advisory Board posing for a group picture
July 26

UNCP School of Education advisory board outlines strategic plan

The UNC Pembroke School of Education advisory board discussed the school’s five-year strategic plan during its monthly meeting at James A. Thomas Hall.   The strategic plan initiative, led by associate professor Dr. Beth Holder, will provide direction to the School of Education in six distinct areas. During the meeting, the board focused on three of those topics: diversity, equity and social justice, curriculum redesign and public-school partnerships.

Duke-UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
July 02

Michael Fernandes de Almeida to give Presentation at ADRC

Michael Fernandes de Almeida, a research specialist in UNCP’s Bahr Lab, will present “The Role of Selected Natural Products in Triggering the Autophagy‑Lysosomal Pathway to Promote Brain Health” at the ADRD IDEAS Forum on July 28—advancing vital insights in Alzheimer’s disease research.