The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub at UNC Pembroke has welcomed in Elizabeth “Beth” Wilkerson as its new Executive Director. 

A Robeson County native and graduate of UNCP herself, Wilkerson has been active with the University for years, starting in December of 2007 in the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) until May of 2018. After which, she transitioned to Fayetteville State University where she served as the Regional Director of the SBTDC until she returned to UNCP in June of 2023.

“I worked at the HUB when I was here at UNC Pembroke until I left to go to Fayetteville State. I've been affiliated with the Hub since they opened, so it was a good fit for me, a great opportunity,” shared Wilkerson. “I was still living in Robeson County. The regional office for this area is based at Fayetteville State and then they have a satellite office here at UNC Pembroke. So I was helping cover both of those offices while I was there.”

Wilkerson shared that she was raised in a family of small business owners, and has a background in insurance and customer service along with her more than four years working with the SBTDC. 

Along with continuing to help guide the Hub’s mission to provide resources and education to small business owners and startups, she shared that the Hub is collaborating with the Thomas College of Business and Economics to create the first ever strategic plan for the Hub to set goals for the future. 

“I think the Hub has done a really great job of providing resources and networking opportunities. Our goal is to help as many startups as we can possibly help get started and to help those in business stay in business,” said Wilkerson. “ I’m just really grateful to the James a Thomas family and everything they've done to support our university and community. This Hub is a prime example of their commitment to our community. We're so grateful to them. We're looking to really offer resources to businesses, potential startups as well as existing businesses, we’re here. I hope business owners realize that there are resources out there for them,” concluded Wilkerson. 

Learn more about the Hub and the resources they offer online here.