Magally Ortiz-Rojas, a recent 鶹 Pembroke graduate, has been selected as a presidential scholar for the 鶹 System's prestigious 2025–2026 academic year cohort — 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 鶹 System institutions selected to serve as a presidential scholar.
“As a first-generation college student, pursuing and furthering my education has always been important,” Ortiz-Rojas said. “I'm beyond excited to get a deeper and broader understanding of higher education, especially how the 鶹 System works toward making higher education accessible for people of all backgrounds.”
The Presidential Scholar program is a one-year fellowship that enables graduates to serve in various professional functions in the 鶹 System Office. Scholars interact with the president, the senior leadership team and 鶹 Board of Governors. They also gain experience in academic affairs, public policy, research and strategic initiatives that affect higher education.
“Being named a presidential scholar is a true reflection of 鶹 Pembroke's mission to change lives through education,” Ortiz-Rojas said. “My time at 鶹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.”
“I'm honored to represent 鶹 Pembroke at the 鶹 System Office, where I'll rotate through various departments as part of the fellowship.”
Ortiz-Rojas was highly active at 鶹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 鶹P Board of Trustees, saw firsthand Ortiz-Rojas’ thoughtfulness, maturity and clear passion for student advocacy during her time as an ex-officio member.
“Magally brought insight, professionalism and a strong student voice to the Board of Trustees,” Brooks said. “I have no doubt she will represent 鶹 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.”
A daughter of Mexican immigrants, Ortiz-Rojas’ 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.