Morgan Sheehan

The Vision 2031 strategic plan for UNC Pembroke establishes a clear direction, focusing on expanding access, elevating excellence, and preparing students for future success. Its main strategic pillars include Comprehensive Student Success, Academic Excellence and Innovation, Value, Accessibility and Efficiency, and Economic Impact and Community Engagement. The plan aims for UNC Pembroke to be recognized by 2031 as the regional university of choice, where tradition fuels belonging, innovation drives opportunity, and personal attention accelerates student success.

The meeting included an ethics announcement and the review of several committee reports. Key business items included the approval of the FY 2027 Audit Plan, the awarding of degrees for the 2026 Spring Commencement, and multiple authorizations for campus projects including the Jones Gym floor replacement and various designer selections. The Board also addressed the Facility and Program Naming Policy, updates to undergraduate admission standards, and the FY 2027 All Funds Budget. Additionally, consideration was given to the 2026-2027 Board meeting schedule, as well as faculty promotions, tenure, an honorary degree candidate, and candidates for Professor Emeritus.

The committee meeting focused on enrollment updates, including a request for approval regarding the update to undergraduate admission standards for applicants over the age of 21 and reviews of the Strategic Enrollment Plan concerning recruitment and student success. Additional agenda items included a strategic plan update covering KPI goals, the use of Elate, and real-time tracking, as well as a discussion regarding the committee charter for the 2026-2027 term.

The committee meeting agenda included an ethics announcement regarding conflicts of interest, updates to the 2025-2026 Audit Plan including a presentation on the Jensen Hughes recommendation report and compliance with UNC regulation 1300.7.3[R], and discussions regarding the 2026-2027 proposed audit plan, which covers audit productivity, risk assessment, and the final proposed audit plan.

The UNCP Strategic Plan Vision 2031, approved in February 2026, sets a strategic direction for UNC Pembroke focusing on five key pillars: student success, academic excellence and innovation, regional impact and workforce development, operational strength and institutional sustainability, and a culture of belonging and opportunity. The plan envisions UNC Pembroke as the regional university of choice, recognized for academic excellence, intentional affordability, and strong community partnerships, aiming to shape economic vitality and community progress across southeastern North Carolina and beyond. It serves as a framework for action, guiding investments and establishing measurable goals to expand access, elevate excellence, and prepare students.