The Black & Gold

May 1, 2021 | Issue 27 | Black & Gold 2021

Alumni & friends,

Welcome to the Black & Gold, a weekly digest of UNC Pembroke news and information! Our faculty, staff, students and nearly 30,000 alumni all over the world never cease to amaze us with stories of resilience, determination and commitment to make their world a better place.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter to learn more about how UNCP, along with our alumni and friends, is making a difference on campus and in the communities we serve.

Your support and friendship make that possible and sustain our university into the future. Thank you for all you do for this university and the students.

Sincerely,

Robin Gary Cummings, MD

Chancellor

Changing Lives Through Education

UNCP establishes Dr. Adolph L. Dial Endowed Professorship of American Indian Studies

Dr. Adolph L. Dial was once described as “a man for all seasons” largely due to his vast and varied life experiences which he readily shared with both students at UNC Pembroke and his community. His goal was always to inspire and make his world better than he found it.

A key figure in the history of the university and Lumbee Tribe, Dial founded the American Indian Studies department and served 30 years as a faculty member directly influencing generations of students—an impact evidenced in the region’s leaders of today who called him a mentor, teacher and scholar.

More than two decades since his passing, Dial’s legacy is being honored once again at UNC Pembroke with the naming of the Dr. Adolph L. Dial Endowed Professorship of American Indian Studies.

HAPPENING ON CAMPUS

UNCP pair admitted to School of Veterinary Medicine at NC State

Alexis High is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a veterinarian. High will become the first graduate of UNCP’s Veterinary Education Access Scholars Program, a pathway initiative formed four years ago granting a select number of biology students guaranteed acceptance into N.C. State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine program. She is on track to complete her biology degree in May and begin the veterinary program this summer.

Sonya Goveo will be joining High at N.C. State this summer. Though she didn’t participate in the early admission program, Goveo said her UNCP experience has fully prepared her to be successful. After earning her biology degree in 2018, Goveo worked at Southeastern Veterinary Hospital before joining the staff at Raleigh Community Veterinary Hospital.

A career practicing veterinary medicine has been a lifelong goal for Goveo, whose passion for caring for animals began at a young age during trips to visit family in Puerto Rico.

UNCP research scientist Ben Bahr earns top mentoring award

UNC Pembroke neuroscientist Ben Bahr has received the 2021 Outstanding Mentor Award from the health sciences division of the Council on Undergraduate Research.

The award is a testament to Dr. Bahr’s passion for teaching the next generation of scientists and researchers. The award honors exceptional mentoring and advising by higher education faculty across all subdivisions of health sciences. Bahr joined the UNCP faculty in 2009 as the William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

“I hope I have been making an impact for preparing the next generation of biomedical researchers who will be needed to face tomorrow’s public health challenges, to guarantee the outlook for healthy living and healthy aging,” Bahr said.

Alumni Spotlight: Shelli Brewington '99

Dr. Shelli Brewington, a Lumbee native of Pembroke, is a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon who is currently in solo private practice at MISSION Foot & Ankle, PLLC in Lumberton, NC.

An alumnus of UNC-Pembroke, Dr. Brewington graduated with an undergraduate dual degree in Biology and Biology Education. She completed 4 years of postgraduate medical education at Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine/ Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Dr. Brewington served her internship year at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, followed by a comprehensive 3 year surgical residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX with an emphasis in diabetic limb reconstruction and lower extremity trauma.

Dr. Brewington has a special interest in traumatic foot and ankle injuries, deformity correction, sports medicine injuries, and diabetic limb reconstruction. She is a fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Brewington is available for consultation at MISSION Foot & Ankle, PLLC.

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UNCP Students Have Talent!

UNCP students recently participated in a virtual talent show. Congratulations to each of these talented students and thanks to the Division of Student Affairs and the Pembroke Activities Council for planning a great way to show creativity and talent!