For more than three decades, Gale Sampson has played a vital role in shaping the student experience at 91福利导航. In her role as a research operations manager in the Department of Biology, she has coordinated lab supplies, ensured safety compliance and cultivated a learning environment that has helped countless students thrive.
On Tuesday, Sampson, a two-time graduate and former adjunct professor, was among 105 employees honored at UNC Pembroke鈥檚 annual Excellence in Service Awards, a ceremony recognizing the commitment and impact of faculty and staff members who have dedicated years to the university.
A Legacy of Service
Like Sampson, Amelia Elk has spent 30 years making a difference at UNCP. A familiar face in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Elk finds joy in guiding students through their academic journey.
鈥淚 love helping students,鈥 Elk shared. 鈥淓ncouragement can make all the difference in someone鈥檚 life, and I always try to be that support for them.鈥
The importance of service was echoed throughout the ceremony, particularly in the remarks of Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.
鈥淥ur students' success is the real legacy of UNC Pembroke,鈥 Cummings said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e maintaining our beautiful campus, managing finances, supporting athletics or mentoring students, your work has a profound impact. Without you, UNCP wouldn鈥檛 be the special place it is鈥攁 place that transforms lives and uplifts our region.鈥
More Than Just a Job
For Janetta Cheek, who has served UNCP for 30 years, the university is more than a workplace鈥攊t鈥檚 family.
鈥淯NCP is like one big family,鈥 said Cheek, a special assistant to the dean of The Graduate School. 鈥淏ut what keeps me coming back is the students. I love seeing their transformation and watching them grow throughout their journey here."
Dr. Richard Gay, who joined the faculty as a history professor in 2004 and now serves as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, reflected on his years at the university.
鈥淭he greatest thing about working at UNCP is the people and the students,鈥 Gay said. 鈥淭he university鈥檚 mission aligns with my values and has provided me with so many opportunities. It鈥檚 been a win-win for me.鈥
Recognizing Years of Commitment
Employees were honored for reaching significant milestones in their service to the university:
Five Years 鈥撯 KaTonya Alford, Krystin Woodell, Emilee Jacobs, Morgan Sheehan, Ronnie Strickland, Courtney Walters, Sherry Boney, Christopher Locklear, Timmy Locklear, Ro鈥橠arius Mack, Daniel Oxendine, Deidre Powell, Mitch Bryant, Bret Locklear, Malachi Locklear, Rocky Locklear, BreAnna Branch, Christina Chow, Lamar Courmon, Grover Hunt, Rhonda Locklear, Donald Bohannon, Craiganna Ellis, Tabi Cain, Ashley Hunt, Jaelyn Wynn, Hillary Locklear, Steven Locklear, Tamala Lewis, Denna Locklear, Shakisha Davis, Matthew Greene, Sarah Hunt, Enka Oxendine, Bryan Partner, Dana Locklear and Kara Oxendine.
10 Years 鈥撯 Andrea Locklear, Winter Locklear, Christopher Summers, John Carter, Erica Little, Mary Beth Locklear, David McQueen, James Crouch, Allison Cummings, Sandy Jacobs, Betty Locklear, Thomas Lowery, Evelyn McNeill, LeAnn Melvin, Chrissie Oxendine, Terry Smith, Ashley Allen, Peter Ormsby, Melinda Locklear, Ray Buehne, Durell Hurst, John Brayboy, Michael Dimery, Phillip McArn, Ronnie Strickland and Kristy Emanuel.
15 Years 鈥撯 Mark Hunt, Amber Harris, Christopher Bowyer, William Deese, Cheryl Harris and Chad Locklear.
20 Years 鈥撯 Justin Winans, Nicky Bullard, Shawnda Cummings, Stephanie Hunt-Smiling, Rhonda Chavis, Joey Locklear, Richard Gay, Edwin Mensah, Kimberly Hunt, Billie Jones, James Lewis, Terry Locklear, Charles Kearney, Gary Locklear, James Rogers, Terry Scott, Channing Alred and Tawanna Locklear.
25 Years 鈥撯 Bryan Hunt, Kimberly Locklear, Mark Vesley, Amber Dial, David Young, Edward Wittenberg, Wendy Sweat, Liz Cummings and Frank Britt.
30 Years 鈥撯 Valarie Deese, Gralin Locklear, Janetta Cheek, Sharlene Oxendine, Amelia Elk and Michael Parnell.
35 Years 鈥撯 Gale Sampson.
