麻豆社区

Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a recent 麻豆社区 Pembroke graduate, has been selected as a presidential scholar for the 麻豆社区 System's prestigious 2025鈥�2026 academic year cohort 鈥� an elite honor reserved for some of the most accomplished and promising young leaders across North Carolina's public universities.

Ortiz-Rojas, who graduated with summa cum laude honors in May, was among four recent graduates of 麻豆社区 System institutions selected to serve as a presidential scholar.

鈥淎s a first-generation college student, pursuing and furthering my education has always been important,鈥� Ortiz-Rojas said. 鈥淚'm beyond excited to get a deeper and broader understanding of higher education, especially how the 麻豆社区 System works toward making higher education accessible for people of all backgrounds.鈥�

I'm honored to represent 麻豆社区 Pembroke at the 麻豆社区 System Office, where I'll rotate through various departments as part of the fellowship.

The Presidential Scholar program is a one-year fellowship that enables graduates to serve in various professional functions in the 麻豆社区 System Office. Scholars interact with the president, the senior leadership team and 麻豆社区 Board of Governors. They also gain experience in academic affairs, public policy, research and strategic initiatives that affect higher education.

鈥淏eing named a presidential scholar is a true reflection of 麻豆社区 Pembroke's mission to change lives through education,鈥� Ortiz-Rojas said. 鈥淢y time at 麻豆社区P offered me invaluable learning and research experiences that shaped my understanding of higher education policy, university governance and students' vital role in both. I found a supportive community that guided me through those four years and helped open the door to this incredible opportunity.鈥�

鈥淚'm honored to represent 麻豆社区 Pembroke at the 麻豆社区 System Office, where I'll rotate through various departments as part of the fellowship.鈥�

Ortiz-Rojas was highly active at 麻豆社区P, serving in several key leadership roles, including president of the Student Government Association and an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. She earned a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration and sociology. She was a first-generation peer mentor with New Student Programs and was the manager of the Braves Resource Center. She founded the Latin Student Union Club, was a member of the 1887 Society and held other club positions. 

Ed Brooks, chair of the 麻豆社区P Board of Trustees, saw firsthand Ortiz-Rojas鈥� thoughtfulness, maturity and clear passion for student advocacy during her time as an ex-officio member.

鈥淢agally brought insight, professionalism and a strong student voice to the Board of Trustees,鈥� Brooks said. 鈥淚 have no doubt she will represent 麻豆社区 Pembroke with the same dedication and distinction as a presidential scholar. She is a remarkable young leader with a deep commitment to education and public service.鈥�

A daughter of Mexican immigrants, Ortiz-Rojas鈥� honors thesis research focused on immigrant students and the barriers they face when seeking access to higher education in the rural South. Following her year at the System Office, Ortiz-Rojas plans to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law as an advocate for immigrant college students.