SCC signs BraveNation Advantage guaranteed admissions agreement with UNCP

Southeastern Community College partnered with UNC Pembroke in the BraveNation Advantage Guaranteed Admissions Pathway program. SCC President Dr. Chris English and UNCP Chancellor Dr. Robin Gary Cummings signed a memo of agreement in the Cartrette Building lobby on Nov. 7 to forge a seamless transfer path for SCC students to UNCP.  

“It’s always a great day to celebrate partnerships and especially this partnership with UNCP,” English said. “We know that our students traditionally transfer to UNCP, and this signing is another tool in the toolbox for our students to take advantage of.” 

English commended UNCP for its past partnership efforts in cyber security and teacher prep. He thanked Elizabeth High, Dean of Student Learning and Innovation, for coordinating the signing event and SCC’s leadership team consisting of Dr. Brandon Jenkins, Ibreta Jackson and Angie Ransom.  

“From the day I started here, it has been Dr. Cummings and UNCP that has stepped up to the plate every time,” English said. “I appreciate that, and that means a lot for Columbus County and our students.” 

Jamee Freeman, UNCP’s Director of Undergraduate Admissions, emphasized the importance of UNCP’s and SCC’s shared mission of student success. She said that after many hours of meetings and planning, that BraveNation Advantage came into fruition.     

The terms of the agreement state that SCC students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing, intend to complete an associate’s degree, achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, submit an application for admission to UNCP and enroll at UNCP within one academic year of completing their associate’s degree at SCC.  

SCC will be responsible for student support, advising and promotion of the program to eligible students. UNCP will provide guaranteed admission to SCC students who meet their program’s requirements, pre-transfer support in advising, access to academic resources, engagement opportunities in the UNCP community and facilitate transfer students through orientation.  

“The agreement will allow for joint advising, co-curricular experiences and campus life opportunities where students can be a part of BraveNation from day one as they step into the door,” Freeman said. “Mr. Chris Hunt, who serves as our Associate Director of Transfer, will be active in this partnership.” 

Chancellor Cummings, now in his 11th year at UNCP, said that he keeps coming back to serve each year because the “students never cease to inspire me and amaze me.” He was humbled to know that his service is helping “pay it forward” for student success. Cummings praised English for his student success testimony as an auto mechanic who went back to school to earn his doctorate degree.  

“When you look at his life and what he has accomplished,” Cummings said. “And now he’s Dr. Chris English. That’s what student success is all about.” 

Reiterating Freeman’s message of student success, Cummings said that he views UNCP as “the university for southeast North Carolina.” He correlated many similarities between UNCP and SCC in having small class sizes, affordable tuition and a personalized experience where the faculty knows a student’s name.  

“Please take advantage of this pathway,” Cummings said. “This is something we’re serious about because you provide that foundation here at SCC. You teach them, you love them, you give them that confidence and then you send them to us. I promise we will continue what you started here.” 

The signed agreement states that the BraveNation Advantage Guaranteed Admission Pathway program became effective on Nov. 7, 2025. The agreement will be reviewed and revised, at a minimum, every three years by UNCP’s Director of Undergraduate Admissions. 

“BraveNation Advantage is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to work toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Julia Roberts, SCC Student Counselor and Advisor. “It provides financial savings with lower tuition costs, waived application fees and access to university resources while staying close to home. With academic advising from both SCC and UNCP advisors, the transfer process is easier than ever.” 

For more information about the BraveNation Advantage, direct your questions to Julia Roberts at 910-788-6327 or [email protected]. Spring semester registration is now open at SCC! SCC will navigate advising until the student is accepted at UNCP.