[6] The educational institution that developed into UNC Pembroke has its origins in the circumstances of the post-Civil War South.

This school was a part of the effort of the Lumbee Nation in North Carolina to preserve their unique identity.

Access and authority over their own educational system were understood to be of key importance to retaining Lumbee culture, instilling a sense of pride, and improving the group's economic and social conditions.

Croatan Normal School was created by the General Assembly on March 7, 1887, in response to a local petition, sponsored by North Carolina Representative Hamilton McMillan of Robeson County.

[7][8] This event occurred in the context of competition for support between the Democratic and Republican parties in North Carolina.

Hamilton MacMillan's support for the school was connected to his personal interest and research on Native American history and culture.

The creation of a centralized training school for teachers was thought to be the best method of addressing this problem in the given circumstances.

A change of name to Pembroke State College in 1949 presaged the admission of white students, which was approved in 1953 for up to forty percent of total enrollment.

The Brown v. Board of Education ruling the following year by the United States Supreme Court ended race restrictions at the college.

GPAC hosts numerous Broadway shows, orchestras, shows geared towards children, and also hosts the "Distinguished Speaker Series," in cooperation with the Association of Campus Entertainment, which has brought in notable people such as Cory Booker, Bill Nye, Jodi Sweetin, Patch Adams, Gabby Douglas and Hill Harper, among many others.

Upon becoming a member institution of the University of North Carolina system, the title was changed to Chancellor.