| Tell us about your city (founding year, notable events/history, festivals, notable residents, etc.) |
The Town of Pembroke is home to UNC Pembroke, located in Pembroke, N.C. and is part of Robeson County.
With over 130,000 residents, Robeson County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation. This is the political and cultural center of North Carolina’s largest American Indian tribe - the Lumbees - since the 1700s, making this a historic and culturally rich place to study. Learn more about the Lumbee Tribe.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is consistently one of the most diverse campuses in the state and nation.
In part because of its small community setting, it is also one of the safest campuses in the nation. The location - just off Interstate 95 and the mid-point between Boston and Miami - is convenient to all major metro areas of the Carolinas as well as world famous beaches and resorts.
The university plays a huge role on the town as campus is home to Lumbee Homecoming. Every July, a week long festival celebrates the rich history of the Lumbee Indians. There are pow-wows on campus and the whole town comes together to celebrate. |
| What are your school's unique traditions? |
Rub the Tommy Statue, located between the James B. Chavis University Center and the English E. Jones Athletic Center, for good luck!
According to the "Legend of the Rock," the Tommy Statue was in place for just four days when its legend took hold at UNCP. Senior Braves basketball player Chavis Rachel was photographed by a passing Fayetteville Observer photographer climbing the rock to touch the hawk for good luck before the Homecoming game on February 13, 1999. With the Braves down by two points, Rachel made a desperation three-point attempt that – perhaps guided by an unseen hand -- found nothing but net to win the game. Rachel's visit with the hawk was not revealed until the following Thursday when the photograph was published by the newspaper. |
| Tell us about your school's founding and history. |
UNC Pembroke was founded in 1887 and was originally the Croatan Normal School. The school was established to educate American Indian teachers. The school became Pembroke State College for Indians in 1941, but was shortened to Pembroke State College in 1949. During that time, it was the only state-supported four-year college for Indians in the nation.
In 1969, The General Assembly changed the name to Pembroke State University. ON July 1, 1996, Pembroke State University officially became The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. |
| What is your school's mascot? What was it originally (if different). What is the history of the mascots you have had? |
BraveHawk - A Rail-Tailed Hawk
UNC Pembroke’s athletic nickname is the Braves while its mascot is the red-tailed hawk. Athletic teams have had the nickname Braves - a term that echoes our American Indian heritage - since 1946. The red-tailed hawk was added as a companion to the Brave in 1992. It is indigenous to North America and can be seen soaring high above or perching in the pine trees surrounding campus. American Indian traditions teach that animals were sent by the Great Creator to serve as guardians and teachers for humans; they are endowed with certain sacred qualities and powers that can be imparted to humans. The powers of specific animals are invoked by adding symbols and images on clothing and personal belongings. The Braves’ athletic uniforms and other campus symbols are adorned with the mascot to invoke the qualities of the red-tailed hawk – speed, keen sight, focus, power, hunting ability and good luck. |
| What awards or recognition has your school received? |
NACMA - 3 Gold, 3 Silver, and 8 Bronze awards over the last three years.
2019 Best For Veterans College/University by the Military Times
2019-2020 Military Friendly Institution by Military Families
Nursing - COVID-19 Antibody Testing and Research - The UNC Board of Governors partnered with the NC Policy Collaboratory at UNC-Chapel Hill to award six million dollars in COVID-19 funding to the UNC system’s six historically minority-serving institutions for research and campus needs.
School of Business AASCB Accreditation
Wrestling Super Regional Champion 2019-2020
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| What notable alumni has the school had? |
Brad Allen - Class of 1991(NFL Referee)
Pardon Ndhlovu - Class of 2013 - (Olympic Athlete - competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro)
Kelvin Sampson - Class of 1978 (Houston Men's Basketball Coach) |
| What is the mission of your institution? |
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke now serves a distinctly diverse student body and encourages inclusion and appreciation for the values of all people. UNC Pembroke exists to promote excellence in teaching and learning, at the master’s and undergraduate levels, in an environment of free inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rigorous intellectual standards.
Our diversity and our commitment to personalized teaching uniquely prepare our students for rewarding careers, postgraduate education, leadership roles, and fulfilling lives. We cultivate an international perspective, rooted in our service to and appreciation of our multi-ethnic regional society, which prepares citizens for engagement in global society. Students are encouraged to participate in activities that develop their intellectual curiosity and mold them into responsible stewards of the world.
UNCP faculty and staff are dedicated to active student learning, engaged scholarship, high academic standards, creative activity, and public service. We celebrate our heritage as we enhance the intellectual, cultural, economic, and social life of the region. |
| What kind of community engagement activities has your school and athletic department conducted? |
Braves Buddies - Athletic teams rotate and visit Pembroke Elementary School and read to the first grade classes.
MLK Day of Service
Autism Awareness Softball Series
Dr. Seuss Read Across America
Military Appreciation Initiatives |
| Any other fun facts about your school or athletic department you want to share? |
On July 5, 2005, North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley signed into law Session Law 2005-153, declaring The University of North Carolina at Pembroke as "North Carolina's Historically American Indian University."
Between March 2012 and May 2013, the university celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding.
Four teams captured conference championships for UNCP during the 2019-20 athletic season, while the wrestling team also brought home just the second NCAA region title in the NCAA Division II history of the department. Only five other NCAA Division II schools accomplished that feat in 2019-20. |
| What are your social media accounts? |
@UNCP_Sports on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok.
#BraveNation |