Sandy Jacobs, director of Community and Civic Engagement at UNC Pembroke, has been honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence. The award acknowledges employees for their accomplishments beyond their regular duties.

Since joining UNCP in 2015, Jacobs has expanded service-learning opportunities and strengthened community partnerships to help support academic engagement. In the community, he is a staunch advocate for foster care and has impacted the lives of countless youth as a longtime baseball coach.  

“In his role at UNCP, in the community and as a person, Sandy is an advocate for people,” said Dr. Christie Poteet, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs, in a press release. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition and celebration. Sandy embodies what it means to be a servant leader and demonstrates this in his work on our campus and throughout our community.” 

Jacobs’ ties with UNCP began in 2001 during his days as a student-athlete and later assistant baseball coach. He helped facilitate experiential learning opportunities with college students in his former role with Pembroke Housing Authority. At UNCP, he has been an avid supporter of the Special Olympics and helped establish a sports empowerment program for youth with special needs. 

“Sandy embodies the true meaning of servant leadership––one of the core values our institution was founded on,” UNCP Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said in a press release. “Sandy has a genuine desire to improve the lives of others in his community, especially children. Through his tireless efforts of advocating for others, he serves as a role model for our students, the community and citizens across the state.” 

Off campus, Jacobs and his wife, Jordan, are equally passionate about the most vulnerable population––children, especially those without stable homes. They have fostered several children––three of whom they adopted.  

The Jacobses host interest meetings to educate others interested in becoming foster parents. Sandy shares his expertise through foster care committees with the Department of Social Services and the Lumbee Tribe.  

Additionally, Jacobs gives back to area youth through his service on an advisory committee for the recently established Old Main Stream Academy charter school. 

“I couldn’t have done this alone,” Jacobs said in a press release. “It takes others supporting me. This recognition is for everyone who has supported me––the time, love and care they instilled in me and what they’ve helped mold and develop. It’s a celebration of us all.”