Wesleyan Works Program Expands to Johnston Community College


North Carolina Wesleyan University partners with JCC to expand student transfer options and employee educational benefits

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – March 2024–North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Johnston Community College (JCC) have signed an agreement which expands the educational opportunities of students who graduate with an Associate Degree through the Wesleyan Works program.

Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NCWU. Students who earn an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation (AATS), Associate of Engineering (AE), Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Nursing (ADN) will have generous transfer credit of 75 hours and a clear definition of the courses that are transferrable from JCC to NCWU.  

These students will also have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NCWU. Students also have the option to participate in an accelerated Associate to Master’s degree program.

“Transfer programs are critical to our mission here at JCC and are the pathway to an accessible four-year degree for many students,” says JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist.

“We are look forward to the opportunities this partnership opens up for our students and employees.” Lindquist adds.

“North Carolina Wesleyan University has had a long-standing focus on supporting community college students further their education. Because Johnston Community College seeks only the best opportunities to benefit their students and alumni, partnering with them made sense. We both value pathways to support student’s educational journeys that is affordable, practical, and purpose-driven,” says NCWU President Dr. Evan Duff.

The agreement also extends discounted tuition to employees of Johnston Community College who would like to pursue an advanced degree.

Exercise Science Team Attend 2024 SEACSM Conference


Zach Marquis, Victoria Farji, and Gustavo Rivas (left to right), represented the university at the 2024 SEACSM Student Bowl

On February 21 and 22, three NC Wesleyan’s Exercise Science faculty members, Dr. Meir Magal, Dr. Tim Dornemann, and Coach Vanessa Batchelor, and eight students attended the American College of Sports Medicine regional conference (SEACSM) in Greenville, SC. The students and faculty members attended presentations and tutorials on exercise science, sports science-related data analytics, physical therapy, and athletic training. Further, three students, Zach Marquis, Victoria Farji, and Gustavo Rivas (left to right), represented the university at the 2024 SEACSM Student Bowl.

The 2024 Annual Meeting had over 470 presentations including 6 invited speakers, 2 preconference sessions with 8 presentations, 17 tutorials, 15 symposia, 35 oral presentations, 48 thematic posters, 299 poster presentations, 24 posters in the Student Award session, and 9 lectures and 9 case presentations in the Sports Medicine Physician Track program. The event had close to 1,000 attendees again this year, the majority of whom are students, many attending their first conference or making their first presentation.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks NC Wesleyan Among Best Online MBA Programs


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been ranked among the 2024 Best Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News assessed schools in the Best Online MBA Programs category based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, as well as services and technologies. According to their website, NC Wesleyan University was among more than 1,800 programs surveyed and only regionally accredited institution whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated.

Professor Dr. Paul Ewell, Program Coordinator for the MBA program states, “Our MBA is more than a degree. It’s a gateway to the future of business.

“You’ll learn from the best and brightest in the field, and apply your skills to real-world challenges. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of a program that fits your lifestyle and goals”, stated Ewell.

NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration program is one of the most popular graduate programs at the University and was recently is one of the only private, non-profit universities currently offering an online MBA degree in the eastern NC region. The program is very affordable and offers many benefits including: rolling admissions with 100% online classes starting every eight weeks, finish in as little as 12 months, one-on-one mentoring, supportive faculty who have real-world experience offering applied assignments and career assistance. The program offers concentrations in Information Security, Executive Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. The program was also named by Forbes as One of the 10 Best Online MBA Programs of 2023! To learn more about admission requirements and curriculum information, visit ncwu.edu/mba.

Prospective students can see how NCWU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

New Single Released Through NCWU’s 301 North Records


Raleigh area band, Soul Chatter (featuring artist Lonely Boarders) released their newest single titled, “Mr. Inside” through 301 North Records today! Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at NC Wesleyan University helped with production and worked as the mixing and mastering engineer on the project. The single is now available on all streaming services including Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, iTunes and many others. 

301 North Records is the record label of NC Wesleyan University. Please visit the 301 North Records playlists on Spotify and YouTube Music to hear all our artists’ music.

soul chatter man in suit sitting in chair

NC Wesleyan Placing Students’ Finances First


outdoor classroom with students sitting

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is proactively addressing FAFSA financial aid setbacks to meet the needs of our students and families. The University has announced it is moving forward and investing in its students in the midst of the continued federal delays.

“It is our commitment to provide students with a transparent and affordable financial aid package shortly after they are accepted. To uphold this commitment, we have developed a plan to help bridge the gap” stated President Duff.

The U.S. Department of Education announced, “The Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information—known as the Institutional Student Information Record or ISIR—to these colleges in the first half of March.”

In an effort to be proactive, North Carolina Wesleyan University will be providing estimated financial aid and award packages starting in February. This initiative will streamline tuition and award packages, providing students assurance to financing their education, so they can make informed decisions. If students qualify for additional aid once the FAFSA is finalized, NCWU will adjust those student’s packages accordingly. 

Visit the Department of Education website for more details: studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support

Information for students that have already been accepted and deposited

If you have already committed to attending NC Wesleyan, complete our 2024-2025 SAI Information Form to apply. You’ll need your NCWU Student ID to complete the form. An email will be sent from the Office of Financial Aid within 48 hours of receipt of your completed form.  An estimated award letter will be emailed starting mid-February.

Information for prospective students

For prospective students who are considering NC Wesleyan, APPLY TODAY and take advantage of this financial aid opportunity. Don’t wait on FAFSA, choose the University that takes care of their students NOW!

NC Wesleyan University Honors List 2023


North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Fall 2023 President’s Honor List and President’s List are issued at the end of the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for inclusion, a student must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours on the “A-F” grading system, with no grades of “INC.” A student must attain a 3.75 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s Honor List and a 3.25 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s List for the semester. Congratulations to these students for an outstanding academic year!

Fall 2023 President’s Honor List

Molly A. Alejandrino
Bander S. Alrahimi
Jacob M. Anderson
Jocelyn Andrews
Thomas Ashworth-Bradford
Morgan B. Aycock
Kaley W. Bailey
Cameron D. Baker
Allison Bargoil
Kismet C. Bass
Brandy D. Begley
Nayra A. Bernacki
Yubraj Bhandari
Mark A. Bieber
Alvaro Blanco Toro
Matteo V. Bontempo
Kristin L. Booher-Myatt
Anna M. Brake
Ishna Branch
Zoe R. Branstetter
Jehnnisa D. Braswell
Constance J. Bunch
Mary A. Butler
Joaquin Cabello
Sean M. Canary
Agustin Cardaci
Leopoldo Cardelli
Tiffany M. Cassell
Christen B. Caudill
Francesco Cavicchia
Shequanna B. Chambers
Kennedy R. Clark
Shantique S. Clark
Francisco Cobo
Lexie M. Collins
Delfina Conde Latini
Candela Conde Latini
Anthony R. Conner
Adam S. Conte
Tanya R. Cooke
Pablo Jesus Cornejo Jimenez
Ryan E. Cornelius
Cassidy Crain
Ashley N. Cuozzo
Cullen N. Davis
Carleesa A. Davis
Danielle L. Davis
Marion G. Denny
Lisa D. Dew
Harjot S. Dharni
Luz Dibar
Nirrasha D. Dingle
Vendela M. Dolsenius
Dawn Drew
Olivia R. Dyjewski
Benjamin Eckell
Tiffany D. Edmond
Justo Esponda Neuss
Carson M. Evans
Baileigh A. Evans
Leigh A. Evans
Andrea Fanzaga
David L. Fate
Fabio Felli
Maria C. Fernandez Laurita
Miranda N. Ferrell
Brittan D. Fox
Dayana Garcia Cruz
Katie Gutierrez-Rayo
James M. Gwaltney
Anthony L. Hale
Frances E. Hanshew
Blaire M. Harley
Gavin L. Harrell
Ciara L. Harrington
Rose I. Hernandez
Juan M. Herrera Lanzi
Thato K. Holmes
Mariah Hooper
Braden Humphrey
Justin Q. Huynh
Maxima A. Iglesias
Sarah E. Ingram
Alessandro Iriu
LaShanda Jacobs
Felix L. Jenkins
Ashley Johnson
Sherika N. Jones
Layali S. Kasem
Alexis N. Keegan
Veronica Kent
Zion E. King
Bria S. King
Tierra L. Lane
Noah T. Larkin
Theodora J. Lee
McKaylah A. Lee
Dirk W. Lehman
Pierre Leo
Ashley N. Leturgez
Branson B. Long
Elizabeth L. Lopez
Luca Lucidi
Elisa Mariotti
Ethan Marobela
Brandy M. Massey
Lawrence J. Mattingly
Morgan E. May
Tiffany L. McCabe
Hannah G. McGee
Timothy J. McGraw
Wilson P. McMinn
Aurora P. Melo
Bernardo Mendia Messineo
Shabria K. Merchinson
Christopher S. Mitchell
Amanda C. Modlin
Lilian A. Monroy
Makayla R. Moore
Kevin O. Moreno
Tshepo Mosarwa
Kirsten L. Myers
Gianluca Nanni
Connor J. Newell
Nu T. Nguyen
Linda T. Nhiwatiwa
Kiley R. Nielsen
Shafiq J. Nuijts
Yamila Ordo
Kelsi K. Oyer
Quincey L. Packer II
Emily G. Patton
Yann Penvern
Ignacio Perco
Julian Pfefferman
Juan M. Pielach
Ashia L. Pierce
Disheika C. Powell
Michael R. Pullen
Jamir E. Pulley
Markia Purvis
Adrian Racedo Perdomo
Catalina Ramella
Laura G. Ramsaroop
Francesco Raparo
Anna E. Ray
Mary K. Raynor
Alexis M. Reinert
Agustina Requejo
Robert H. Rice
Tabitha S. Richardson
Ashley R. Riley
Juan Agustin Rivas Cappielo
Khalil E. Robertson
Alberto Robinelli
Susanne Rose
Isaiah L. Rowe
Claudemir J. Ruthes
Maria Gabriela Salazar Villasmil
Seraj D. Salim
Matthew C. Sampson Jr.
Nicolas L. Sautua
Delfina Scarpinelli Jardel
Julie M. Schoormans
Cassie T. Scott
Victoria Seggiaro Parma
Daniella K. Sehannie
Benjamin C. Sellers
Shella Senecharles
Cole S. Sheehan
Sagun K. Simha Thakuri
Nadia J. Simmons
Jonathan L. Skinner
Landon C. Smith
Dalma S. Smith
Mathilda J. Smith
Macy N. Smith
Kenneth J. Snowden
Franco Sorella
Fatin A. Soufan
Deonna A. Starks
Emma C. Stone
Noah J. Strange
Sarah F. Strickland
Key A. Strickland
Anaya S. Sule
Charlene A. Tabron
Kelsey M. Tackett
Simiyon F. Tamang
Eunice F. Tant
Allyson Taylor
Daija R. Temple
Makenzie A. Thornton
Shanice R. Tillery
Abby N. Todd
Crystal N. Twiddy
Nicholas V. Vick
Desiree Walker
Grayson P. Wallace
Morgan L. Waters
Jacie J. Webb
Moses J. West
Sonya G. Wester
Ethan S. Wheeless
Alexis P. Whitfield
Cecil Whitt
Keturah S. Wicks
Kentwan T. Williams
Jessica Y. Williams
Edward J. Williams
Kaitlin E. Williams
Michala J. Winstead
Samantha E. Winstead
Isabel J. Wooten
Preston C. Workman
Isaiah B. Zaino
Alfonso Zerpa
Bohdan Zhylchuk

Fall 2023 President’s List

Sophia G. Adame
Deonna G. Adams
Trinity G. Adams
Adefisayo T. Adebimpe
Donald G. Alligood
Pablo Aranguren Pelaez
Jayden J. Armstrong
Nickki L. Austin
Karen V. Aviles
Seth O. Badders
Sujata Bajagain
Tyyeest S. Baker
Jalen Baldwin
Sarah R. Banks
Kimberley S. Barker
Joyce W. Barron
Julian Barros Gonzalez
Philly Barungi
Tyson P. Bass
Asia Z. Battle
Jomanda Battle
Juana M. Baudrix
Gregor M. Baum
Lillie T. Baumbach
Destiney S. Bell
Yutaka S. Bell Jr.
Blake C. Bennett
Aquiles Bernal
Lucas Bernard
Sheniya M. Bethea
Orri F. Bjornsson
Angela S. Bland
Haden L. Blanks
Paula Boero Gonçalves
Facundo M. Boismoreau Darquier
Garrett O. Bolden
Sianna K. Boulden
Comaggio J. Brady
Bennie W. Brake III
Brody A. Brice
Catherine N. Briley
Colebrin A. Brinkley
Andrew M. Brown
Amari B. Brown
Aden L. Brown
Alexander A. Bruno
Caitlyn D. Butler
Tomas Cabrera
Martin J. Cardestig
Hannah M. Carter
Sheila M. Casiano
Kylee J. Casola
Santiago Castilla Sastre
Ernesto J. Castillo-Platero
Sindy Chavez-Pullman
Ashanti T. Clanton
Rue E. Coley
Kayla L. Collins
Brandi N. Collins
Matthew B. Coltren
Maria A. Contreras
Alby S. Corona Alvarez
Cameron L. Crew
Charissa N. Cuozzo-Edwards
Osei K. Darko
Justin W. Davis
Carmilus M. Davis
Matias De Miguel
Hattley Deans
Asiaa L. Deas
Bastien Dechamps
Brad Deeren
Santiago Del Valle Vicedo
Jose A. Del Vecchio
Jaydon T. Denmark
Joshua C. Denton
Candela M. Diaz Babilani
Jasmine G. Dozier
Christian B. Drumgoole
Landon Duff
Evan T. Easton
Alexis G. Edgerton
Regina S. Edmondson
Latoya Edwards
Fiona A. Egan
Andrea Elaez Miranda
Wessel J. Eldering
Caleb J. Elias
Virginia Ellis
Wanza L. Epps
Janeth Escobar-Vasquez
Marquis J. Eskew
Finlay J. Evans
Victoria Farji
Mckayla J. Farrow
Tiago Feler
Mason C. Fischer
Bethan N. Fothergill
Wendy D. Franks
Linster N. Frazier
Jonathan M. Frye
Sakeena Frye
Travis J. Gamache
David S. Gamble
Julian E. Gamboa
Briyith V. Garcia
Eduardo Garcia Rubio
Elijah M. Garner
Montevious Garrett
Alexus D. George
Anthony German Jr.
Thiago E. Gianico
Trinity A. Gibbons
Braxtyn C. Green
Niana A. Gunter
Melanie A. Guzman Gonzalez
Jaycie D. Hadnott
Tessie E. Harper
Aidan C. Harrington
Ashley M. Harris
Charles B. Harry II
Silas Hartkaemper
Shasetyn R. Hartley
Jessica A. Hatfield
Monica P. Highsmith
Samantha K. Hill
Shakei U. Hines
Drake D. Hobgood
Skylar B. Huey
Nevaeh A. Johnson
William S. Jones
Aleah Jones
Chaz’sandra M. Jones
Taylor R. Kelly
Sydney L. Ketchum
Mackenzie E. Landers
Santiago Larumbe
Ariellah C. Layton
Leho Le Louarn
Ava E. Lowry
Haleigh C. Lugg
Ethan T. Maness
Austin R. Manley
Caleb M. Mann
David M. Marney
Zachary D. Marquis
Ethan S. Martin
Lauren E. Martin
Myles A. Martin
Alex M. Mason
Justin S. McDonald
Savonte M. McKeithan
Jeanaa L. McNeil
Juan B. Melillo
Cristina A. Mendoza Romero
Renato Menezes de Barros
Gano C. Merius
Kristalyn A. Minchew
Giavonne T. Minns
Mckinley E. Moore
Keivione D. Moore
Latasha J. Moore
Madison P. Morrison
Aisha M. Motta
Jordan A. Murphy
Tamesha M. Newell
Shori Nishizoe
Karon M. Nowell
Tomas Ochoa Vizcaino
Brendan M. Ortega
Víctor Otin O’Callaghan
Miguelina Paiva
Nicholas H. Parrish
Quintrel T. Pearson
Tyler B. Pegram
Adriano Pelloni Angriman
Lucas S. Perez Souts
David K. Pesce
Amber L. Pierce
Jenna J. Pilkenton
Chandani Pokhrel
Daan L. Post
Ethyn T. Prevette
Aiden M. Priestley-Koch
Jaylen M. Pryor
Dunya B. Qasem
Valentina Rabino
Miranda F. Reddish
Na’Shecia Z. Richardson
Gustavo A. Rivas Ramirez
Andrea B. Rizzo
Anthony E. Robinson
Anthony J. Robinson
Alex L. Rodriguez
Hannah R. Rubino
Chase B. Salter
Clarence A. Sanderford
Yuhi Sato
Malissa Saunders
Chance M. Savage
Mia I. Scherber
Zachary B. Scott
Ajla Selimovic
Hooria Shah
James L. Shaw III
Davide Simonini
Albert N. Sitwell
Gerald E. Smith
Alina M. Smith
Wesley C. Smith
Amanda D. Smith
Terrance L. Smith
Jaden Spruill
Mackenzie N. Stalfire
Jillian A. Stine
Makaela Stokes
Logan Stoltz
Amarai Suarez
Andrinah L. Sweet
Justin P. Szczypinski
Bethany L. Tant
Lamont A. Taylor
Michael D. Taylor
Conner J. Thomas
Jackson B. Thompson
Quiana L. Tilghman
Matthew T. Tiller
Maliyah A. Tomlinson
Ivanna Torres Inurreta
Brandon S. Turner
Noah K. Tyson
Roberta N. Vulcano
Gracie K. Wade
William C. Wardius
William H. Waters
Sarah M. Waters
Luke S. Watson
Farai E. Webster
Camron L. Webster
Rafael Weinberg
ReShanti Wheat
Dareus J. Whitaker
Eden G. Whiteside
Antwan M. Wilkins
Laura J. Williams
Jessica M. Williams
Tracey S. Wilson
Donna Wilson-Johnson
Kayla G. Wilson-Ruffin
Molly D. Winstead
Ahman J. Winston
Jacob R. Yankosky
Anna C. Yeakey
Jeremiah J. Young
Benjamin I. Young

Fall 2023 Part-Time Student Honor List

Lakesha R. Alston
Jennifer M. Anderson
Stacey Araujo
Sumer L. Baldwin
La’Quanta Benthall
Denikee F. Davis
Traci J. Eley
Terrence A. Erkerd
Curtis T. Heath
Tara E. James
Shaquanta S. Jenkins
Lauren H. Johnston
Jacob T. Jones
Azhar Kassem
Shonda R. Lockett
Kirt L. Michael
Kelsey E. Mitchell
April M. Mowatt
Alexandru Nease
Hans N. Nettesheim
Thomas A. Olsen
Rebekah Pearce
Nina Richardson
Krista O. Rourk
Michael D. Squire
Lashonda Sykes
Anthony J. Taylor
Charlene R. Wilder
Reginald D. Wilkinson
Tangela Williams
Madison H. Woods

NCWU is the Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers


Research shows that pet ownership in the United States has significantly increased over the past three decades. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, “As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.” Personally, it comes as no surprise with everything that has occurred in the last several years: the pandemic, rise in mental health and rate of inflation. So, what about college-bound animal lovers who own a pet and are looking for a pet-friendly college?

In the fall of 2023, NC Wesleyan University announced its plan to turn one residence hall into pet-friendly housing, thanks to a new program the University is piloting. This initiative allows students to keep their furry friends with them while living on campus, offering them the ability to still have access to the traditional campus life experience. One pet per student is allowed.

dogs on campus

The unique program has proved to be popular among students, as spots in the residence hall filled up quickly with the announcement. NCWU plans to move forward in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year continuing to offer pet-friendly housing. The University’s pet-friendly housing policy is for dogs, cats and fish. Dogs must weigh under 40 pounds and have no history of aggressive behavior. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and other transmittable diseases and be on anti-parasite medication. No animals may roam the campus unattended. Fish tanks are limited to 5 gallons in volume.

In addition to the joy and companionship they bring, pets also teach time and obligation management. A great remedy for anxiety and homesickness, they provide many students more structure in their daily routine, including exercise and time outside. Not to mention they can be a great icebreaker for making new friends.

At NCWU, we are committed to providing a safe and well-maintained environment for all students residing in pet-friendly housing. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to protect the rights of all students, ensure a safe and healthy living and learning environment, as well as practice behaviors that support the upkeep of university facilities and beauty of the campus. Students who bring a pet to campus are responsible for understanding and abiding by the regulations of the pet policy. Every pet owner is encouraged to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the campus environment for their pet.

dogs pets on campus

By allowing resident students to bring their pet to live on campus, we aim to create a more balanced college experience and be the “Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers”. An environment that prioritizes health, wellness and connection.

If you’re a pet owner interested in college and can’t bear to leave your beloved animal companion behind, check out North Carolina Wesleyan University. The University’s Winter Open House is set for Saturday, February 3, 2024, and registration is underway. 

During Open House, students learn more about scholarships and financial aid, have the opportunity to speak with faculty and current students, gain information on the admissions process and can take a campus tour. You can learn more at ncwu.edu/admissions.

Magal Named Inaugural Souza Professor


In October 2023, Wayne Souza (Class of 1973) pledged a transformative gift to North Carolina Wesleyan University to advance the University’s nationally accredited program in Exercise Science. In 2021, the program moved into Wesleyan’s new Indoor Sports & Education Facility (ISEF) and recently has hired two new faculty members. The undergraduate degree in Exercise Science now accounts for NCWU’s second most popular major among traditional, incoming first-year students.

Dr. Meir Magal

“I have a passion to give back to my alma mater.  When presented this opportunity, it gave me a chance to not only give back and lend a hand, but to pull forward both NCWU students and boost an incredible program.” stated Wayne Souza in a recent interview.

This gift has allowed the University to launch a significant upgrade in equipment and facility. It also created the Wayne Souza Chair of Exercise Science. Dr. Meir Magal has been named the inaugural Souza Professor.

“I want to thank Mr. Souza for this very generous gift, I am honored to be named the Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science! This charitable donation has allowed the Exercise Science Department to equip ISEF with cutting-edge resistance training equipment, enabling our students to gain invaluable experiential learning and research opportunities and engage in strength training with the University’s athletic teams.” expressed Dr. Magal.

Dr. Magal came to the United States from Israel to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where he played NCAA Division I Tennis and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science, as well as a Ph.D. in Human Performance. In 2002, Dr. Magal joined the faculty of North Carolina Wesleyan. In his 22 years at Wesleyan, Dr. Magal has won multiple awards including the Exemplary Teacher Award and the Jefferson Pilot Professorship. In 2011, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  

Dr. Magal has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles as well as numerous book chapters. He served as an Associate Editor on the 10th edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription and as Co-Editor of the 6th Edition of ACSM’s Fitness Assessment Manual. In addition, he also serves on the Editorial Board of ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal and ACSM’s open-access journal, Exercise, Sport, and Movement.  He has been particularly active in mentoring research with undergraduate students, serving as Chair for more than fifteen senior honors projects and a co-author with undergraduate students on multiple papers and conference presentations.

He currently serves as Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science and as Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences.

Dr. Joe Lane, Provost of North Carolina Wesleyan, noted, “Dr. Magal represents the epitome of the engaged teacher, scholar and advisor whom we want to develop and highlight on the North Carolina Wesleyan faculty.  We are proud to honor him as the inaugural Souza Chair, and we look forward to the incredible work that he and his colleagues will accomplish with our students in the years ahead.”  

University Awarded Funds to Expand Nursing BSN Program


NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser secured funding with the newly approved state budget for North Carolina Wesleyan University’s BSN Pre-Licensure program. On Monday evening, November 27, they visited the University’s campus to highlight this achievement with a $350,000 check presentation.

Senator Barnes endorsed the initiative, stating, “I fully support Wesleyan’s efforts to expand the BSN program, creating a pipeline for more nursing students to pursue their educational goals while providing well qualified healthcare staff to offset the shortages. It’s a win-win opportunity for our area.”

“Ensuring our community has access to high-quality healthcare workers will have positive impacts on the well-being of residents, as well as expanding access to quality local healthcare and creating local job opportunities,” said Representative Allen Chesser. “I am proud of the work Senator Barnes and I have been able to accomplish; to ensure valuable community partners such as NCWU so they can continue their great work for Nash County and our surrounding area.”

Both Representative Chesser and Senator Barnes are active in the districts they serve, which includes Nash County. They understand the positive impact a BSN Pre-Licensure will have on our community and they fully appreciate the significance North Carolina Wesleyan University has on our region.

NC Wesleyan currently offers a Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing through their online RN to BSN program, allowing a pathway for registered nurses with an associate degree to advance their professional role in the healthcare system. With this additional funding, the University will now be able to expand their offerings to include a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program. This will provide nursing students with the clinical skills necessary to deliver safe, evidence-based quality care, earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and sit for the NCLEX exam.  

“The nursing faculty and I are are extremely grateful for the monetary contribution that NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser have secured for NCWU’s prelicensure nursing program, as well as their support for nursing in our community. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and become more complex, it is imperative that we provide educational opportunities for students in our community and surrounding areas to enter the nursing profession and provide high-quality care to the residents in the rural communities that we serve. We look forward to growing the nursing program at NCWU and offering the prelicensure BSN option to our students,” stated Dr. Crystal Ostheim.

President Duff also acknowledged, “Dr. Dan and Brenda Crocker have also pledged $100,000 to our BSN Licensure program. As a retired physician from our community, Dr. Crocker understands the value and importance of having qualified nurses in our healthcare system. We are extremely grateful for this donation and their unwavering support of NC Wesleyan.”

Those in attendance included: Dr. Joe Lane, NCWU Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dan Bell, NCWU Board Member; Roger G. Taylor ’70, NCWU Board Member; Terri Sharpe, NCWU Board Member; Paul A. Bauer ’86, Chairman of the NCWU Board of Trustees; Allen Chesser ’19, NC Representative; Cindy Edwards, NCWU Senior Executive of Operations; Lisa Barnes, NC Senator; Mark Hinson, NCWU Senior Executive of Philanthropic Engagement; Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President; Suzanne Brackett ’87, NCWU Senior Vice President of Administration; Thomas Winstead, NCWU Board Member; and Dr. Daniel L. Crocker, NCWU Board Member.