Leaders from North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and the Town of Nashville (Nashville) signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the town. The partnership allows employees and their immediate families to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“We take pride in the ability to provide our community the education, experience and learning environments necessary to for our community partners with their most valuable resource—an educated workforce. We look forward to continuing and facilitating this partnership for the benefit for our community and the Town of Nashville’s employees,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment.
This partnership allows NC Wesleyan to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each Nashville employee during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and a Public Health Graduate Certificate that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000.
Mutually benefitting all parties, this partnership allows Nashville employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the school system will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the Town of Nashville will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Nashville employees must remain employed with the school system in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
NCWU Extends Educational Opportunities to Nash County Public Schools
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) recently signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of NCPS. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“Employees of the Nash County Public School System serve a vital role educating the next generation of young professionals in our region. At NCWU, we’re proud to offer their employees the resources they need to increase their skillset and pursue their educational goals,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment
This partnership allows NC Wesleyan to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each NCPS employee during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and a Public Health Graduate Certificate that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
“We’re excited to join forces with NCWU to empower our employees through educational opportunities and foster their professional growth. This partnership highlights our dedication to nurturing a talented and skilled workforce for the benefit of our students and community,” noted Nash County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Steve Ellis.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000.
Mutually benefitting all parties, this partnership allows NCPS employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the school system will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, NCPS will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. NCPS employees must remain employed with the school system in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
NCWU Embraces New Freshman Class
North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 67th annual New Student Convocation today in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. President Dr. Evan D. Duff gave a warm welcome to over 300 new students who are embarking on their college experience, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey. The newest class of Bishops make up a diverse group of students with 196 hailing from North Carolina, 63 of which are from the local region, and 45 international students from 24 different countries. The top five majors that this cohort will be pursuing include Business Administration, Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, Biomedical Science and Computer Information Systems.
“During your time here, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life. Those include communication, collaboration, how to effectively make decisions, being self-aware and information technology skills. Your success in life is our success and we look forward to being an important part of your journey,” stated Duff.
This year’s guest speaker was Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, a 1988 Mathematics alumna and founder of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER), which she is currently actively involved in. WISER is the first think tank to focus solely on the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of women of color. Sharpe was born in New York City, but raised in Virginia. After graduating from NC Wesleyan, she obtained three master’s degrees: Applied Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University (1992); Operations Research from Stanford University (1994); and Economics from Claremont Graduate University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Economics/Mathematics in 1998, also from Claremont Graduate University.
Sharpe has taught at a number of colleges and universities, including Barnard College, Bucknell University, Columbia University, Duke University and the University of Vermont. She is also the co-founder of the Diversity Initiative for Tenure in Economics (DITE), which she served as Associate Director from 2008 until 2014.
While addressing the new class of Bishops, Sharpe stressed the importance of not letting your past dictate your future.
“To the Class of 2027, I say to you: whatever your high school experience—whether you excelled or you had challenges—that was your past. Your future began when you stepped on this campus.” stated Sharpe. She went on to offer several tips for being successful over the next four years: be proactive, get to know your faculty, don’t be afraid to speak up in class even if you’re not always right, embrace and exchange ideas, acknowledge and appreciate those who maintain and clean your spaces, ask for help early and commit to look out for your fellow Bishop.
Throughout her address, Sharpe acknowledged multiple reasons why Wesleyan was a great educational choice for her. She closed by reiterating this sentiment, saying “Whether North Carolina Wesleyan was your first choice, your only choice, or your safe choice, as an alumna, I wish for you an educational experience that makes you feel like it was your best choice. It was for me.”
Afterwards, students exited The Dunn Center greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of NC Wesleyan forming a time-honored tradition— the Bishop Tunnel. As they continued through the tunnel to enter the annual Rock the Mount event, they were each welcomed by President Duff and his wife, Marcy. Rock the Mount is a tradition at NCWU of welcoming new students to campus and to the community. Each year, it takes place the day before the University’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Organizations come out to support and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, almost 110 community organizations lined the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan’s Class of 2027. There were a variety of food options provided by food trucks CP3 Catering & Food Trailer, Integrity BBQ, 3Boys Smoke Pit & Catering, Webby’s, Minnie Amazing Foods and Thingz, and Dewberrys Fruit Smoothies were on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment was provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band “Blind Joy” and DJ 3two1.
Come Rock the Mount at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rock the Mount is an annual tradition held each fall at North Carolina Wesleyan University to celebrate and welcome new students to campus, as well as to the local community. Each year, Rock the Mount is held the day before students’ first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. This semester, the event is sponsored by Southern Bank and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15. Business owners, churches and other nonprofits are invited to come promote their organization and gain exposure with NCWU students.
That day, hundreds of students take their rite of passage through a time-honored tradition—the Bishop Tunnel—formed by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. As they pass through the tunnel, they are met with a warm welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff and wife, Marcy. They then proceed down the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to help the Bishop family welcome these new students to Wesleyan, Rocky Mount and the surrounding community. Businesses and organizations are set up with tents and booth displays that decorate the street and Southern Bank Green, creating a runway for students to stop and browse their products and services.
Last year, Rock the Mount brought nearly 80 vendors to campus; this year, NC Wesleyan aims to have even more businesses and organizations on campus to make the event even more of a success. Are you the owner of a restaurant or coffee shop? Students love to eat and run on coffee! Do you have an automotive shop? Unlike many colleges and universities, NCWU allows students to bring their cars their freshman year, so they too will need oil changes and tire rotations. Are you part of a local church? Use this opportunity to connect with students looking for a local, faith-based family to join. By celebrating the start of another exciting school year with Wesleyan, you form a bond with new students who could potentially become customers, interns and even future employees. Come make a great first impression as NCWU welcomes the Class of 2027.
Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment will be provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band “Blind Joy” and DJ 3two1. Those interested in participating should bring a six-foot tablecloth—NCWU will provide the table. A tent is not required, but it’s August in North Carolina so you may appreciate the shade— just keep it 10’x10’ or less. Also, giveaways are completely optional, but they are a great way to stand out from the rest and maybe even become the crowd favorite!
Participation is free, but display spaces are limited. The registration deadline is Monday, July 31; however, businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible at bit.ly/RockTheMount23. For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
NCWU Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
North Carolina Wesleyan University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2023 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students. This year, Phi Theta Kappa has named 208 colleges and universities to its 2023 Transfer Honor Roll. NC Wesleyan was selected as being among the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation, which was determined by its Transfer Profile in PTK Connect. The profile includes information about NC Wesleyan’s admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and student reviews. The result is a Transfer-Friendly Rating that allows prospective community college transfer students to find the university that best meets their unique needs. Learn more on Phi Theta Kappa’s website.
Alumnus to Serve as New NCWU Board Chair
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has announced his plan to hand over the reins to Vice Chairman, Paul Bauer, after serving in the capacity since 2018. Mr. Bauer will begin his tenure as Board Chair on June 1 with Dr. Crocker remaining an active board member.
Mr. Bauer is no stranger to Wesleyan, as his father Dr. Raymond “Moe” Bauer, served NC Wesleyan for over 33 years in a variety of roles such as Head Baseball Coach, Director of Athletics and professor of both education and physical education. You may also recognize the name from NCWU’s baseball facility, Bauer Field, dedicated in memory of his father in 2005.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity to help lead the University in the coming years. Dr. Crocker has always led by example and paved the way for a successful transition,” stated Bauer. “With the history that Wesleyan holds for me and my family, I’m excited to see my alma mater continue to flourish over the coming years.”
Bauer is a 1986 graduate of NC Wesleyan who majored in History and Political Science. He is a Senior Client Executive with JHA Risk Management in Rocky Mount. In this role, he develops customer relationships and specializes in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance sales.
“I’m thankful for the leadership and generosity that Dr. Crocker has provided to the University and our Board of Trustees. During his tenure, NC Wesleyan has experienced numerous enhancements and growth,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. “I look forward to continuing to work with him as an active member of the Board and maintaining this momentum with the appointment of Mr. Bauer.”
Dr. Crocker has served on the Board of Trustees since 1997 and was Vice Chairman from 2016 until 2018. He and his wife, Brenda, have been avid supporters of NC Wesleyan throughout the years creating multiple scholarships, mentoring students and beautifying campus with Brenda’s gardening talents. In appreciation for their selfless contributions, the board has established an endowed scholarship fund in their name. With Dr. Crocker’s passion for higher education and nursing, the scholarship will go to benefit NCWU nursing students.
“Witnessing the success of North Carolina Wesleyan University is a passion of mine and I have full confidence that Paul will continue to lead this University to new heights,” stated Dr. Crocker. “I’m proud of the accomplishments that we’ve been a part of and I look forward to continuing to work with this talented group of board members.”
Bauer has served on the Board of Trustees since 2014 and as Vice Chair since 2018. As Board Chair, he will lead 20 others from a variety of backgrounds and industries who serve on the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
NCWU Building a Strong Incoming Class
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has always been a leader in providing quality education to thousands of deserving students and this coming fall will be no exception. A local student, Natalie Messer, and a legacy, Brayden Blue, are two academically gifted students who will join the incoming Class of 2027 this fall as they embark on their educational journey at NCWU.
Natalie Messer, from Rocky Mount, has accepted the President and Founder’s Scholarships. She plans to major in Biomedical Science: Pre-Veterinary, with intentions to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. A senior at Southern Nash High School, Natalie has a 4.22 weighted GPA and is actively involved in various organizations, including Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Winter Guard.
When describing her impression of North Carolina Wesleyan, Natalie stated, “…after my first visit to campus, I was known personally, which made me feel right at home. I fell in love with the beautiful campus which is small, but grand at the same time.”
Natalie attributes the community feel of NCWU to making the impact on her college decision. “Their smaller class sizes with more one-on-one instructional time will help me grow as a person, continue to strengthen my foundation and guide me to my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.” She will receive $104,000 worth of University awards over the next four years from North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Coming from Kannapolis, Brayden Blue will be a second-generation Wesleyan student joining the University in the fall. With both parents being alumni of NCWU, Brayden’s father, Bradley Blue, was inducted into the North Carolina Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Brayden, graduating from Concord High School, is a talented basketball player and an accomplished student. Choosing to further his academic and athletic career at NCWU, he will follow his father’s footsteps as a member of the men’s basketball team.
When discussing his excitement about becoming a future Bishop, Brayden replied that he looked forward to “continuing to work on my basketball career while obtaining my degree.” Brayden is already accustomed to the family atmosphere that Wesleyan offers stating, “Coach Thompson is like family and he has followed my basketball career over the years through my parents.”
As students, Brayden’s dad played basketball for Coach John Thompson, while his mom worked as the student manager for the basketball team. Brayden explained his experience when visiting NCWU, “When I came for my first visit, the guys on the team made me feel like I was already part of the family.” Brayden is excited for the many opportunities that NCWU has to offer noting that he is “looking forward to making NCWU my home and seeing what the future holds.” He will receive $60,000 worth of University awards over the next four years.
Natalie and Brayden are only two examples of academically inclined students who have found their personal connection at North Carolina Wesleyan University and plan to join this fall. NCWU looks forward to welcoming such outstanding students into the Battling Bishop family!
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram and YouTube.
NCWU Professor is First Appalachian Headwaters Ecologist Resident
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Ami Thompson, Assistant Professor of Biology at NC Wesleyan University, will spend 10 weeks this summer as the very first Ecologist Resident hosted by nonprofit, Appalachian Headwaters. Based in Lewisburg, West Virginia, Appalachian Headwaters is a leader in environmental education and reforestation of mined land in central Appalachia.
The organization operates several environmental education projects including Camp Waldo (a summer camp for children), the Appalachian Pollinator Center (focused on education related to native habitat and pollinators) and the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective. During her residency, Dr. Thompson will live on-site near Lewisburg, WV and establish research and training programs that focuses on Appalachian citizen science, climate change and native pollinators. She will build a foundation for more academic resident participation in future years and use the organization’s new Appalachian Pollinator Center as a programmatic home base.
“I’m thrilled to spend my summer with the interns and staff at Appalachian Headwaters. This unique opportunity is a perfect fit for someone like me who has one foot rooted in academic ecology and the other in science education,” stated Dr. Thompson. “We will explore the relationship between native pollinators, like butterflies and bees, and the timing of local flower blooms. Changing climate conditions are altering the time of year when flowers bloom—some species are flowering earlier in the year, some later. The interns and I will explore how this change in bloom timing could impact the insects who pollinate those flowers. Can the pollinators and flowers still find each other when they need food or pollination services? Or will they become mismatched?”
Dr. Thompson studies the ecology of dragonflies and is a world expert on the common green darner. She’s been featured on PBS North Carolina for her exciting dragonfly research. In addition, Dr. Thompson has shared her dragonfly expertise on the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ “Science Tonight” program and created a series of weekly educational videos for the U.S. Forest Service’s Wings Across the America’s program during the summer of 2021. Formerly a National Park Service ranger, Dr. Thompson has also written guidebooks and education curricula on dragonflies that have been translated into two other languages.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Ranked Most Affordable Private University in NC by The New York Times
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – A March 2023 analysis by The New York Times ranked North Carolina Wesleyan University as one of the top ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina and the most affordable private, nonprofit university in the state. These rankings were based on net price—the price that students actually pay to attend after financial aid and other grants. The Times’ rankings included 26 colleges and universities in North Carolina, both public and private.
Learn more about these rankings and the value of an education at NC Wesleyan University.
NC Wesleyan Announces New Master’s in Strategic Leadership
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s faculty approved a new graduate program in strategic leadership. The Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) is a 30-hour graduate degree comprised of 10 courses. This fully online program is unique in that students have a choice of an accelerated option, taking two courses per term, to complete their degree in less than 12 months. The University has been actively growing its graduate degree programs, with this being its fourth masters in five years.
The mission of the MSSL program is to equip graduate students with the essential skills needed to prepare them for current or future leadership roles in a broad range of organizations. This program provides the knowledge students need to lead dynamic organizations to solve complex problems. Students will also gain the knowledge and skills necessary for team building and process efficiency.
“I’m excited that we are now launching our fourth master’s program at NCWU. Building off of the success of our MBA program, the varied curriculum will have a broad appeal to a variety of our undergraduate students, not just business majors,” stated Dr. Katrina Sweet, Associate Professor of Business Administration. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), there are a projected 807,000 new management jobs being added to the U.S. economy between now and 2026. NC Wesleyan is providing a purpose-driven approach to educating qualified graduates to fill these roles in the workforce.”
The MSSL program will require students to complete a research project that integrates the technical and scientific knowledge they have gained throughout the program. Additionally, the program will focus on leadership concepts with additional emphasis on strategic thinking and organizational strategy. Students can apply this skillset to a range of career fields including: senior positions in for-profit and nonprofit organizations, public administration, human resources, consulting, and federal or state agencies to name a few.
The University anticipates the first cohort of students in the new Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) program to start in fall 2023. Those who are interested in learning more can visit ncwu.edu/mssl or contact the Office of Adult Studies, at adultstudies@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
