Joel Lowry is the GEAR UP Success Coach at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Joel’s focus as a Success Coach at UNCP is to provide a smooth transition from the high school to the college atmosphere for the new generation of college students. He creates relationships with students and makes them feel welcome at the university. He also assists with on-campus events through the relationships he has built with various departments across campus. In 2022, Joel became an alum of the institution when he earned a B.A degree in History. After graduating Joel started teaching at South Robeson Middle School. He spent his days teaching social studies to grades 6,7, and 8. After school, Joel would spend time coaching the middle school teams alongside his co-workers. This taught Joel life lessons that benefitted him and his new position at UNCP. Being a local Native American from Pembroke, NC Joel understands what it takes to overcome obstacles. His goal is to help students overcome and outgrow obstacles, to help them succeed and thrive on UNCP’s campus.