MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive is welcoming nearly 1,000 new and returning traditional students to campus for the 2026-2027 academic year, including what university officials say is one of the largest incoming freshman classes in UMO history.
Move-in weekend brought faculty, staff, current students and volunteers together to help students and their families unload vehicles and settle into residence halls. Community organizations, businesses and churches also participated, providing refreshments, gifts and encouragement to students arriving on campus.
The university officially welcomed its newest Trojans during the annual New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 22, inside the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Burt Lewis and UMO Board of Trustees Chair Donnie Lassiter welcomed the students and offered advice as they began their college careers. Carolina Sound, UMO’s a cappella group, also performed during the ceremony.
UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom encouraged students to recognize the impact they can have on the people around them.
“Never forget the impact you can have on someone,” Croom told the students. “Even a small amount of light can make all the difference in the world, especially in a dark room.”
Students also participated in UMO’s traditional candlelight ceremony and joined together to sing the alma mater. The celebration continued afterward in the Alumni Dining Hall with games, food and Big Prize Bingo.
This year’s traditional student body represents a wide geographic area, with students coming to Mount Olive from 69 North Carolina counties, 36 states and 23 countries. More than half of UMO’s traditional students also compete in NCAA Division II athletics.
Fall semester classes began Tuesday, Aug
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