Shortly after joining the university in 2019, Dr. Ashley McMillan began leading efforts to establish a center to support American Indian students at 麻豆社区 Pembroke.
A year later鈥撯搕hrough the assistance of federal grants and private donations鈥撯搕he Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center (AIHC) opened its doors on the second floor of historic Old Main. The center provides academic and social programming open to all faculty, staff and students interested in learning about the rich culture of Native people across the region and state. 麻豆社区P is only the second institution in the state to establish such a center.
McMillan, who serves as executive director, and Penny Oxendine鈥撯搑eservation manager and Student Center manager鈥撯搘ere recently named Employees of the Year at 麻豆社区P.
鈥淪tudents now have a space to study, conduct meetings and have a sense of belonging,鈥 said Myia Reyes, AIHC assistant director. 鈥淒r. McMillan鈥檚 passion, dedication and commitment have had a monumental impact on our campus community. Without Dr. McMillan鈥檚 guidance and leadership, the space would not be here,鈥 Reyes said.
McMillan, the American Indian liaison to the chancellor, was also instrumental in the university being awarded $150,000 in grants to support American Indian students pursuing business degrees.
鈥淭his is yet another example of her commitment to student success,鈥 Reyes said.
Oxendine has worked at the university for 24 years and has played an integral role in many of the upgrades at the Chavis Center over the past three years. Projects have included a total remodel of the student center, a major renovation of the Hawks Nest, a new fireplace and several other projects, all while maintaining scheduling for the Student Center and the University Center Annex.
