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UNCP celebrates opening of James A. Thomas HallApril 28, 2022 The new building––home to the Thomas School of Business––will drive the university’s efforts to continue building an educated workforce in southeastern North Carolina.Former dean of the School of Business, Dr. Barry O’Brien, pointed to the School’s recent enrollment growth during his remarks, specifically the MBA program, noting the university will produce 600 MBA graduates this academic year (2021-22). “They will graduate, raise families and find jobs, and 95% of them will live in North Carolina,” O’Brien said.Gov. Roy Cooper, who helped cut the ribbon on the $38 million facility on Wednesday, said the James A. Thomas Hall is a shining example of a public-private partnership.“North Carolina is taking off. We are creating record numbers of jobs in our state. With all these jobs coming, what keeps me up at night is making sure we have the well-trained, educated, diverse workforce to fill all of these jobs that these CEOs want,” Cooper said.“This School of Business building is a reality because of those here today, and indeed many others, working toward a common vision because they believe in the promise, the power and the potential of a UNCP education to change lives,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Garry Cummings said.The 64,000 square-foot building, which opened to students in January, features offices, classrooms, a business career center, a 300-seat auditorium, an interactive market-style trading room, student discussion areas and an eatery.“I’m so proud to see what is happening here because of this facility and the continued investment. The graduates coming out of this university are not just great for today––this is going to pay dividends for decades to come,” House Speaker Tim Moore added.During the ceremony, each speaker offered a special thanks to Jim and his wife Sally for their steadfast support of the university and the community. The Thomases kicked off the fundraising campaign with a record $7 million in 2017. The remaining funds were provided by the Connect NC Bond, state funds, private donors and a multi-million grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.“Jim’s generosity has made a lasting impact on UNC Pembroke, its students and the larger community in Robeson County and the state of North Carolina,” Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger said. “That impact will continue to grow with this building.”https://www.uncp.edu/news/uncp-celebrates-opening-james-thomas-hall