UNC Pembroke: William Howard Dean Graduate School

The William Howard Dean Graduate School and the School of Education at UNCP, proudly celebrates Dr. Jonathan Ricks on his recent recognition by the North Carolina House of Representatives.

On July 3, 2026, Representative Ronald Pierce honored Dr. Ricks on the floor of the North Carolina House through a proclamation recognizing his receipt of the Humanistic Counselor Educator/Supervisor Award from the Association for Humanistic Counseling.

This distinguished honor reflects Dr. Ricks' exceptional dedication to counselor education, leadership, mentorship, and service. His achievements exemplify the excellence of our faculty and the meaningful impact they continue to make across North Carolina and beyond.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ricks on this well-deserved recognition and for bringing continued distinction to UNC Pembroke, the School of Education, and our graduate community.

👏 Congratulations, Dr. Ricks! We are proud to celebrate your accomplishments.

https://www.uncp.edu/news/2026/jonathan-ricks-honored-for-impact-on-future-counselors.html

UNCP's Jonathan Ricks Honored for Impact on Future Counselors Dr. Jonathan Ricks, associate professor and program director at UNC Pembroke, has received the Humanistic Counselor Educator/Supervisor Award from the Association for Humanistic Counseling for his impact on future counselors.

Graduate Education Day – Raleigh, NC

UNC Pembroke participated in the NC Council of Graduate Schools’ Graduate Education Day in Raleigh on Tuesday, joining institutions from across the state in discussions with legislators about the value and impact of graduate education in North Carolina.

UNCP representatives engaged in meaningful conversations with legislators and legislative liaisons, emphasizing how graduate programs contribute to workforce development, strengthen community growth, and support the long-term future of the state. The event offered an important opportunity for advocacy, collaboration, and connection.

We appreciate the opportunity to take part in this event and recognize the professionalism, adaptability, and commitment shown by everyone who represented UNCP. Their participation helped increase awareness of our institution and reinforce the importance of graduate education across North Carolina.

Thank you to the following students who traveled to Raleigh to participate:

Sarah Tibbetts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

Leone van Rooyen – Professional School Counseling (PSC)

Nicholas Oxendine – MBA (Finance, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, and Forensic Accounting)

What is Grad Ed day? Learn more here, https://ncgradschools.org/links/gradweek.html

Spring 2026 Commencement Gallery Just Dropped 📸🎓

View and download more photos at the links below ⤵️

- Undergraduate: https://bit.ly/3ReC67j

- Graduate: https://bit.ly/4dRyZec

More than 500 graduate students crossed the stage at UNC Pembroke’s William Howard Dean Graduate School Commencement, each carrying a story of perseverance, purpose and service. 🎓

From military veterans and healthcare leaders to educators and business professionals, this year’s graduates balanced careers, personal challenges and life responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.

Commencement speaker Dr. John Herrington — former NASA astronaut and the first enrolled citizen of a Native American tribe to fly in space — encouraged graduates to embrace resilience and purpose, reminding them: “The future begins with you.”

Congratulations UNC Pembroke Grad School Class of 2026! Reaching higher, we'll miss our graduating masters and doctors but we're excited for their next steps!Go Beyond at UNC Pembroke!Follow for more BraveNation l...