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.

NCWU Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Creating Culture of Wellness on Campus


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 149 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Through personal training offered to faculty and staff, Wesleyan Wellness initiatives, Lunch and Learn Series on Health and physical activity events conducted by their Health and Movement Science Club, NCWU earned silver level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program.

Dr. Evan D. Duff walks with students, faculty and staff during NCWU’s annual Walk with the President.

“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”

“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the fourth year in a row! This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administration, who continue to promote the importance of physical activity and health on campus,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Exercise is Medicine on Campus® Program Advisor.

Of the 149 campuses recognized this year, 73 received gold, 55 silver and 21 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on June 1 as part of the 2023 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.

EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.

EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.

View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/eim-on-campus.

About Exercise Is Medicine®

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.

About the American College of Sports Medicine

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.

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.

NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Creating Culture of Wellness on Campus


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 156 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Activities such as Walk with the President, Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) mascot challenge, Lunch n’ Learn Series for Health and other campus wellness initiatives aided NCWC in earning silver level designation from the EIM-OC program.  

“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in healthcare.”

The silver level Exercise is Medicine® On Campus award was made possible through combined efforts of the College’s Exercise is Medicine® On Campus leadership team, the Health and Movement Science Club, Wesleyan Wellness and the campus community.

“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC silver distinction for the third year in a row! This illustrates the continued and substantial efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administration to cultivate a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Exercise is Medicine® On Campus program advisor.

Of the 156 campuses recognized this year, 73 received gold, 60 silver and 23 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on Wednesday, June 1 as part of the 2022 Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.

EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. Its recognition program launched in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools silver status by engaging students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and making movement part of the daily campus culture.

View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.

About Exercise Is Medicine

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.

About the American College of Sports Medicine

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.

NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 153 colleges and universities around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Programs and promotions such as the physically active, virtual scavenger hunt, the Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge and other campus wellness initiatives helped NCWC earn Silver level from the EIM-OC program for the second year in a row. NC Wesleyan also obtained EIM’s COVID Conqueror badge, a new honor given to campuses that demonstrated creative adaptations to physical activity programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

exercise is medicine badge

“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the second year in a row, and to be recognized with a ‘COVID Conqueror’ badge for adapting our physical activity promotion and programming to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This distinction illustrates the resolve of our students, faculty, staff and administration to continue to prioritize a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, EIM-OC advisor. 

Of the 153 campuses recognized this year, 73 received Gold, 59 Silver and 21 Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized in June as part of the 2021 virtual Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting. 

“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.” 

EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. 

EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess students’ physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture, while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity. 

View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/

About Exercise Is Medicine®
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information. 

About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.

North Carolina Wesleyan, Wake Tech Announce Degree Completion Program for Exercise Science Students


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University and Wake Technical Community College recently announced a new partnership allowing graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Health and Fitness to earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree from N.C. Wesleyan. The comprehensive agreement includes all college transfer degrees (AA/AS), as well as over 25 AAS programs.

Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President, said, “We are excited to enhance our long-term partnership with Wake Tech to expand the educational opportunities for their students. Our goal at Wesleyan is to align our mission and resources to meet the ever-changing needs of students in our communities. For Wake Tech students seeking a four-year degree, this program provides a clear path and seamless transition while maximizing each student’s financial investment in their education.”

Through this partnership, students complete Exercise Science coursework over the summer at Wake Tech’s Northern Campus or online and general education requirements during the fall and spring semesters at Wesleyan’s Durham campus or online. Wake Tech will provide 2-3 classrooms, along with access to their Exercise Science Laboratory at the Northern Campus, during summer terms.

“We are excited to expand our education partnership with NC Wesleyan through this agreement! This greatly impacts our student-body by providing students the opportunity to continue their education without leaving their city. Agreements like this improve the health and wellness industry in the triangle.” commented Chris Kacyon, Department Head of Health and Fitness Science at Wake Technical Community College.

Wesleyan also offers Wake Tech students the ability to transfer their associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Healthcare Business Informatics to Wesleyan’s bachelor degree programs in Logistics and Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Healthcare respectively.

Wesleyan’s Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest external, programmatic accrediting body of the health sciences professions. The accredited program is one of three in the entire state and one of 64 in the United States to receive such recognition. “There’s tremendous growth in the health sciences sector and Exercise Science is one of our most sought-after programs,” noted Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science. “Students have a wide array of career options in fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/health, personal training in public and corporate settings, corporate wellness and strength and conditioning. Our program also prepares our students for acceptance into physical therapy, occupational therapy and other graduate programs.”

Students & Faculty Attend American College of Sports Medicine Conference


American College of Sports Medicine conference
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 

On February 14th and 15th, Drs. Crowley, Henderson and Magal, and four students attended the regional conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Greenville, SC.

At the conference and under the direction of Dr. Crowley, Mehli Marcellus and Tyler Ricks presented a research project titled: “Factors Influencing Attitude Towards, and Participation in, Physical Activity in Eastern North Carolina”.

Also at the conference, Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science together with Mr. Francis Neric, Director of Certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine, has co-presented a tutorial titled: “Graduated Now What? Succeeding in the Exercise Profession”