University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Encyclopedia
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), also known as UNC Pembroke, is a public, co-educational, historically American Indian
liberal arts university
in the town of Pembroke
in Robeson County, North Carolina
.
UNC Pembroke is a master's level degree-granting university and one of 17 schools that comprise the University of North Carolina
system.
Croatan Normal School was created by the General Assembly on March 7, 1887 in response to a local petition, sponsored by NC Representative
Hamilton McMillian of Robeson County.
Fifteen students and one teacher composed the initial complement. With the goal of educating Native American teachers, enrollment was limited to the Native American Indians of Robeson County
.
In 1909, the school moved to its present location, about a mile east of the original site. The name was changed in 1911 to the Indian Normal School of Robeson County, and again in 1913 to the Cherokee Indian Normal School of Robeson County. In 1926 the school became a two-year post-secondary normal school
; until then it had provided only primary and secondary instruction.
In 1939 it became a four-year institution, a change followed in 1941 by a new name: Pembroke State College for Indians. The next year, the school began to offer bachelor's degrees in disciplines other than teaching. In 1945 the college was opened to members of all federally recognized tribes. A change of name to Pembroke State College in 1949 presaged the admission of white students, which was approved in 1953 up to forty percent of total enrollment; the Brown v. Board of Education
decision of the following year eliminated all race restrictions.
In 1969 the college became Pembroke State University, a regional university that was incorporated into the University of North Carolina
system in 1972. The first master's degree program was implemented in 1978. On July 1, 1996, Pembroke State University became the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
In recent years, the university's profile and attention has increased recently as the result of a statewide advertising campaign, in which billboards
, radio, and television advertisements have touted UNCP as a place "where learning gets personal," due to small class sizes, among other factors.
The University's campus is situated just north of Pembroke, located directly behind N.C. Highway 711. U.S. Highway 74
is located just minutes from campus, as is Interstate 95
. The center of campus is considered to be the Chavis University Center (often referred to as the University Center, or the UC). Students can bowl
, play pool and related games, or just hang out in the lounge. The dining hall, as well as Bert's Cafe, which houses the newly opened Wild Wings cafe and wingery, as well as SubConnection, are located in the UC.
The UC lawn, an open grass area in front of the UC, is where students play amateur sports, read on benches, or use the area for free speech
. Faculty Row, a thoroughfare for university traffic, essentially divides the campus into east and west sections. The eastern side of campus includes the Livermore Library, Oxendine Science Building, Old Main, and Wellons Hall, among other buildings. The campus on the west side has the Business Administration Building, Education Center, and most of the residence hall communities. Lumbee Hall, the Dial Humanities building, the Sampson building, Auxiliary building, and the Jones Athletic Center make up most of the north end of campus.
New to campus is Oak Hall, a residence hall, as well as the UC Annex, opened in September 2007. Many additions and renovations have taken place on campus beginning in 2000, when an education bond was passed. Construction is set to continue on campus past 2007.
The Givens Performing Arts Center hosts numerous Broadway shows, orchestras, shows geared towards children, and also hosts the "Distinguished Speaker Series," in cooperation with the Association of Campus Entertainment, which has brought in notable people such as Nancy Grace
, Pat Buchanan
, Nikki Giovanni
, and Mo Rocca
, among many others.
system, the title was changed to Chancellor.
UNC Pembroke offers 41 bachelor's and 17 master's degrees, and is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences along with the Schools of Business, Education, and Graduate Studies.
College of Arts and Sciences
School of Business
School of Education
School of Graduate Studies
s. There are no classes on campus taught by graduate assistants. This is where the University's motto "Where learning gets personal" comes from. In spring 2009, the school had an enrollment of 6,433 students; of these, 5,699 students were undergraduate, and 734 were graduate students. The school also has 326 full-time faculty.
Kimberly Nguyen, Student Government Association Vice President
UNC Pembroke's athletic teams are known as the Braves. Due to its heritage as an institution founded for the benefit of Native Americans and support from the Lumbee
Tribe of North Carolina, the school has largely been immune to the ongoing controversies
related to Native American-themed nicknames and mascots.
The school is a member of the NCAA's
Division II and competes in the Peach Belt Conference
, with the exceptions of football and wrestling, in which it competes as an independent
. The school fields 16 varsity sports teams.
Braves and the Red-tailed Hawk
Fight Song
Alma Mater: "Hail to UNCP"
To see a complete list of alumni visit this site.
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
liberal arts university
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
in the town of Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Pembroke is a town in Robeson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,399, at the 2000 census, 89% of which is Native American...
in Robeson County, North Carolina
Robeson County, North Carolina
Robeson County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010 it had a population of 134,168. Since then, it has been one of the 10% of United States counties that were majority-minority; its combined population of American Indian, African American and Latino residents comprise over...
.
UNC Pembroke is a master's level degree-granting university and one of 17 schools that comprise the University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina
Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century...
system.
History
North Carolina House of Representatives
The North Carolina House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the North Carolina General Assembly. The House is a 120-member body led by a Speaker of the House, who holds powers similar to those of the President pro-tem in the state senate....
Hamilton McMillian of Robeson County.
Fifteen students and one teacher composed the initial complement. With the goal of educating Native American teachers, enrollment was limited to the Native American Indians of Robeson County
Robeson County, North Carolina
Robeson County is a county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010 it had a population of 134,168. Since then, it has been one of the 10% of United States counties that were majority-minority; its combined population of American Indian, African American and Latino residents comprise over...
.
In 1909, the school moved to its present location, about a mile east of the original site. The name was changed in 1911 to the Indian Normal School of Robeson County, and again in 1913 to the Cherokee Indian Normal School of Robeson County. In 1926 the school became a two-year post-secondary normal school
Normal school
A normal school is a school created to train high school graduates to be teachers. Its purpose is to establish teaching standards or norms, hence its name...
; until then it had provided only primary and secondary instruction.
In 1939 it became a four-year institution, a change followed in 1941 by a new name: Pembroke State College for Indians. The next year, the school began to offer bachelor's degrees in disciplines other than teaching. In 1945 the college was opened to members of all federally recognized tribes. A change of name to Pembroke State College in 1949 presaged the admission of white students, which was approved in 1953 up to forty percent of total enrollment; the Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 , was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. The decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896 which...
decision of the following year eliminated all race restrictions.
In 1969 the college became Pembroke State University, a regional university that was incorporated into the University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina
Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century...
system in 1972. The first master's degree program was implemented in 1978. On July 1, 1996, Pembroke State University became the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
In recent years, the university's profile and attention has increased recently as the result of a statewide advertising campaign, in which billboards
Billboard (advertising)
A billboard is a large outdoor advertising structure , typically found in high traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertisements to passing pedestrians and drivers...
, radio, and television advertisements have touted UNCP as a place "where learning gets personal," due to small class sizes, among other factors.
Campus
U.S. Route 74
U.S. Route 74 is an east–west United States highway that runs for from Cleveland, Tennessee to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.-Tennessee:Established in 1987, US-74 western terminus is exit 20 on I-75 in Cleveland...
is located just minutes from campus, as is Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in North Carolina
Interstate 95 is a major Interstate Highway, running along the East Coast of the United States from Florida to Maine. In North Carolina, I-95 runs diagonally across the eastern third of the state, from Rowland in the southwest to Roanoke Rapids in the northeast of the Inner Banks.-Route...
. The center of campus is considered to be the Chavis University Center (often referred to as the University Center, or the UC). Students can bowl
Bowling
Bowling Bowling Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule Bowling (1375–1425; late Middle English bowle, variant of boule...
, play pool and related games, or just hang out in the lounge. The dining hall, as well as Bert's Cafe, which houses the newly opened Wild Wings cafe and wingery, as well as SubConnection, are located in the UC.
The UC lawn, an open grass area in front of the UC, is where students play amateur sports, read on benches, or use the area for free speech
Freedom of speech
Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship. The term freedom of expression is sometimes used synonymously, but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used...
. Faculty Row, a thoroughfare for university traffic, essentially divides the campus into east and west sections. The eastern side of campus includes the Livermore Library, Oxendine Science Building, Old Main, and Wellons Hall, among other buildings. The campus on the west side has the Business Administration Building, Education Center, and most of the residence hall communities. Lumbee Hall, the Dial Humanities building, the Sampson building, Auxiliary building, and the Jones Athletic Center make up most of the north end of campus.
New to campus is Oak Hall, a residence hall, as well as the UC Annex, opened in September 2007. Many additions and renovations have taken place on campus beginning in 2000, when an education bond was passed. Construction is set to continue on campus past 2007.
The Givens Performing Arts Center hosts numerous Broadway shows, orchestras, shows geared towards children, and also hosts the "Distinguished Speaker Series," in cooperation with the Association of Campus Entertainment, which has brought in notable people such as Nancy Grace
Nancy Grace
Nancy Ann Grace is an American legal commentator, television host, television journalist, and former prosecutor. She frequently discusses issues from what she describes as a victims' rights standpoint, with an outspoken style that has won her both praise and condemnation...
, Pat Buchanan
Pat Buchanan
Patrick Joseph "Pat" Buchanan is an American paleoconservative political commentator, author, syndicated columnist, politician and broadcaster. Buchanan was a senior adviser to American Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan, and was an original host on CNN's Crossfire. He sought...
, Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni
Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni is an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Her primary focus is on the individual and the power one has to make a difference in oneself and in the lives of others. Giovanni’s poetry expresses strong racial pride, respect for family, and her...
, and Mo Rocca
Mo Rocca
Maurice Alberto "Mo" Rocca is an American writer, comedian and political satirist.-Early life and work:...
, among many others.
Organization
The title of Principal or Superintendent was used prior to 1940. After 1940, when UNC Pembroke became a collegiate-level institution, the title of President was used. Upon becoming a member institution of the University of North CarolinaUniversity of North Carolina
Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina was one of the first public universities in the United States and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century...
system, the title was changed to Chancellor.
Presidents
- Dr. O.H. Browne (1940–1942)
- Dr. Ralph D. Wellons (1942–1956)
- Dr. Walter J. Gale (1956–1962)
- Dr. English E. Jones (1962–1972)
Chancellors
- Dr. English E. Jones (1972–1979)
- Dr. Paul R. Givens (1979–1989)
- Dr. Joseph P. Oxendine (1989–1999)
- Dr. Allen C. Meadors (1999-2009)
- Dr. Charles R. Jenkins (2009–2010)
- Dr. Kyle R. Carter (2010–Present)
Academics
College of Arts and Sciences
- American Indian Studies
- Art
- Biology
- Chemistry and Physics
- English and Theatre
- Foreign Languages
- Geology and Geography
- History
- Mass Communications
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Music
- Nursing
- Philosophy and Religion
- Political Science
- Psychology and Counseling
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Sociology and Criminal Justice
School of Business
- Accounting and Information Technology
- Economics, Finance and Decision Sciences
- Management, Marketing and International Business
School of Education
- Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC)
- Education Specialties
- Elementary Education
- Health, Physical Education and Recreation
- Military Science (Army ROTC)
- Professional Pedagogy and Research
- School Administration and Counseling
- Teacher Education Program
School of Graduate Studies
- Art Education
- Business Administration
- Elementary Education
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Middle Grades Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education
- Public Administration
- Reading Education
- School Administration
- School Counseling
- Science Education
- Service Agency Counseling
- Social Studies Education
- Social Work
- Teaching
Students and faculty
UNCP offers small class sizes; the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and classes average 20 students. In addition, classes are taught exclusively by professorProfessor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
s. There are no classes on campus taught by graduate assistants. This is where the University's motto "Where learning gets personal" comes from. In spring 2009, the school had an enrollment of 6,433 students; of these, 5,699 students were undergraduate, and 734 were graduate students. The school also has 326 full-time faculty.
Student Leaders
Brian J. McCormick, Student Government Association PresidentKimberly Nguyen, Student Government Association Vice President
Ratings
In the U.S. News and World Report "America's Best Colleges and Universities 2008," UNCP finished 1st among North Carolina public universities for the percentage of classes under 20 students. UNCP also finished 1st among North Carolina's public universities for the percentage of international students enrolled in the university. For ethnic diversity, UNCP finished first in the South and in North Carolina for universities and tied for sixth among national universities. UNCP also finished fourth in terms of affordability. UNCP was also named on The Princeton Review "2008 Best Colleges: Region by Region" in the Southeastern region for the third consecutive year.Athletics
Lumbee
The Lumbee belong to a state recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina. The Lumbee are concentrated in Robeson County and named for the primary waterway traversing the county...
Tribe of North Carolina, the school has largely been immune to the ongoing controversies
Native American mascot controversy
The propriety of using Native American mascots and images in sports has been a topic of debate in the United States and Canada since the 1960s.Americans have had a history of drawing inspiration from native peoples and "playing Indian" that dates back at least to the 18th century...
related to Native American-themed nicknames and mascots.
The school is a member of the NCAA's
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Division II and competes in the Peach Belt Conference
Peach Belt Conference
The Peach Belt Conference is an intercollegiate college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA’s Division II. The PBC was formed in 1990 with seven charter universities as the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, and took its current name in 2000.-Current members:The league currently has 13 full...
, with the exceptions of football and wrestling, in which it competes as an independent
NCAA Division II independent schools
NCAA Division II independent schools are four-year institutions that field intercollegiate teams in football and other sports, but which are not formally affiliated with any athletic conference.-Full Division II member:...
. The school fields 16 varsity sports teams.
Clubs and Organizations
UNCP, as well as the Office of Student Life, offer a variety of extracurricular activities for students. From academic-based and service organizations, to minority organizations and Greek life, UNCP offers organizations geared towards the student's specific needs.Traditions
School Colors- Since the 1940’s, UNCP’s official colors have been black and gold, though the color gold has been associated with the school since the 1920’s.
Braves and the Red-tailed Hawk
- The UNC Pembroke athletics nickname is Braves while the mascot is the red-tailed hawk. UNCP’s athletic teams have had the nickname, Braves—a term, which echoes the institution's Native American past—since the 1940s. The red-tailed hawk was added as a companion to the brave in 1991. The red-tailed hawk is indigenous to Robeson County.
Fight Song
- The music to the UNCP fight song was written by Michael Raiber, Professor of Music Education, The University of Oklahoma, in 2004.
Alma Mater: "Hail to UNCP"
- The music and lyrics to "Hail to UNCP" were written by faculty members Reba and Ira Pate Lowry in 1941.
Notable alumni
- Kelvin SampsonKelvin SampsonKelvin Sampson is an assistant coach of the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. He previously was a men's college basketball coach at Montana Tech , Washington State University , the University of Oklahoma and Indiana University .-Early life and coaching:Sampson was born in the...
, NBA assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, former Washington State, University of Oklahoma and Indiana University head coach. - Derek BrunsonDerek BrunsonDerek Brunson is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter who currently fights for Strikeforce.-Background:...
, Brunson was a 3-time Division II All-American wrestler at Pembroke who is now an American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter currently fighting for Strikeforce.
To see a complete list of alumni visit this site.
Notable faculty
- Chester DunningChester DunningChester S.L. Dunning is an American professor of Russian and European history at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.-Biography:...
, specialist in history of RussiaRussiaRussia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
at Texas A&M UniversityTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
, was an assistant professor at Pembroke from 1977–1979