Dr. Cherry Maynor Beasley Celebrated at Retirement Event at UNCP

On Friday, the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. joined in the celebrations of a public servant who has given so much to the health of our tribal territory. Congratulations to

from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The university and the community turned out at UNCP to celebrate her. Dr. Beasley is retiring as the Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at UNC Pembroke. There were many standing ovations as attendees showed their appreciation.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery presented Dr. Beasley with an eagle feather and a proclamation for her work, leadership and vision over the past five decades to improve the health of citizens across North Carolina and the Lumbee Tribe. UNCP Chancellor Dr. Robin Cummings presented Dr. Beasley with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper's Office for her service to the State of N.C.

Dr. Beasley is a nationally and internationally recognized public health expert, who has touched the lives of countless patients as she inspired hundreds of nursing students as a professor, nurse educator and the founding member of UNC Pembroke’s Department of Nursing. She also became the first member of the Lumbee Tribe to receive a BSN, MS and PhD in Nursing. Dr. Beasley also served as a Captain and Major in the US Army Reserve Nurse Corp.

Dr. Beasley’s dedication and advocacy to health and education has brought her many accolades including the UNC Southeastern Lifetime Service Award, the UNC Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching, and most recently the Governor James Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. Dr. Beasley is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest recognitions in Nursing.

Dr. Cherry Beasley is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of N.C. We thank her for dedication and wish her the very best in her next journey.