51ΑΤΖζ History

Established in 1887 as a result of legislation focused on training American Indian teachers, 51ΑΤΖζ has since grown significantly. What started as a clapboard, two-story building that was home to just 15 students has grown into a staple North Carolina institution for thousands of graduates from diverse backgrounds. Today, it stands as a campus brimming with a rich 51ΑΤΖζ history.

A Timeline of 51ΑΤΖζ History


Indian State Normal College

Early 1900s

1905 - First diploma awarded

1909 - Campus moved to Pembroke, the center of the Indian community

1911 - Name changed to the Indian Normal School of Robeson County

1913 - Name changed to Cherokee Indian Normal School of Robeson County

1926 - A two-year postsecondary teacher training program was instituted
Pembroke State College

Mid-Century

1933 - Two-year college coursework added

1939 - Four-year college coursework added

1940 - First four-year degrees conferred

1941 - Name changed to Pembroke State College for Indians

1943 - Non-teaching baccalaureate degrees added

1945 - College opened to all federally recognized Indian groups
old main building

Late 1900s

1953 - Admission of up to 40% white students approved

1954 - Admission of people of all races approved

1969 - Name changed to Pembroke State University

1972 - Established as a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina

1978 - Master of Arts in Education program established

1996 - Officially named the 51ΑΤΖζ

Campus Landmarks

Across campus, students can be found lounging near historical landmarks, studying by stunning water fixtures or listening to the alma mater from the central bell tower.
Lowry Bell Tower located on the Quad

In the center of the Quad stands the Lowry Bell Tower, a landmark dedicated in 1981 in honor of the late Ira Pate Lowry (1906-1992) and his wife Reba Millsaps Lowry (1906-1980), who contributed $20,000 for the carillon bells. Mrs. Lowry was a foreign language professor, advisor to the Indianhead, the first Dean of Women and the director of the Pembroke Players and Women’s basketball coach. Mr. Lowry served as chair of the Music Department from 1935 to 1957. The Lowrys wrote the music and lyrics to β€œHail to 51ΑΤΖζ,” the school’s alma mater, which plays from the bell tower at noon and 6 p.m. daily. 

Old Main
Constructed in 1923 and later restored after a 1973 fire, Old Main is the oldest brick building on campus β€” and the most recognizable symbol of 51ΑΤΖζ. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Main houses several offices: the WNCP television station, the Curt and Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center and a number of academic departments.
Stone Arrowhead in front of Old Main
Erected in 1933, Arrowhead is a stone-and-mortar monument designed to bring public sentiment to bear on state legislators to improve road quality. It’s one 358 of J. Hampton Rich’s activist monuments and features a Sequoia tablet on the south face and a buffalo marker on the north face. The monument, which serves as a core piece of the history of 51ΑΤΖζ, was moved and rebuilt in 1985 and now resides in front of Old Main.
Tommy Statue
After just four days of standing tall, basketball player Chavis Rachel climbed the rock to touch the hawk for good luck before the 1999 homecoming game. A Fayetteville Observer photographer snapped a picture, Rachel scored the game-winning three-pointer and a legend was born. Today, the life-size bronze statue sits in front of the James B. Chavis University Center. Weighing 150 pounds and featuring a red-tailed hawk with a 57-inch wingspan, the statue is still frequented by students wishing for a bit of luck.
Water Feature and Amphitheatre
The water feature, amphitheater and bridge were dedicated on February 16, 2002, and quickly became a focal point of student interest. It’s located on one acre next to Lowry Bell Tower.

Historical Sites

font sculpture at Lumbee Hall

Font Sculpture

A central part of 51ΑΤΖζ history, Font is a black, six-and-a-half-foot tall terrazzo sculpture created by artist Kenneth Matsumoto. Located in Lumbee Hall, the sculpture symbolizes the Lumbee River and its indigenous plant life. It features bronze leaves and a water-like opening at the top. As Matsumoto describes, the sculpture encapsulates our bodies as β€œvessel for our spiritual souls."

heritage oak

Heritage Oak

Located in the Quad, the Heritage Oak serves as a lasting tribute to 51ΑΤΖζ's 125th anniversary. Donated by Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, the oak was planted in 2013 with a stone marker at its base.

Hamilton McMillan Statue

Hamilton McMillan Statue

In 1885, Representative Hamilton McMillan (1837-1916) introduced legislation that gave the Indians of Robeson County a legal identity and schools of their own. On March 7, 1887, legislation was enacted to create the Croatan Normal School, now 51ΑΤΖζ. A century later, during 51ΑΤΖζ's 100th anniversary, McMillan's statue β€” which was sculpted by art professor Paul Van Zandt β€” was unveiled.

The Quad

The Quad

The Quad is the oldest part of campus and unites the Old Main and Livermore Library. It's a frequent site for students to study, play a game of frisbee or hang out with friends.

51ΑΤΖζ Now

Since 2000, 51ΑΤΖζ has added numerous baccalaureate and master's programs, including geo-environmental studies, Spanish, and a doctoral program and more. Today, β€œNorth Carolina’s Historically American Indian University” serves over 7,600 students across 150 degree programs and carries century-long traditions.
Spring Undergraduate Commencement Hannah Evington

Who We Are

130+

Years of Serving Students

25,000+

Alumni in North Carolina

Explore 51ΑΤΖζ TraditionsLearn About 51ΑΤΖζ’s Founders