Wesleyan Hires Professor for New Logistics Program


Dr. Melanie Townsend, professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the hiring of Dr. Melanie Townsend as a full-time visiting professor for its new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. In June, Wesleyan acknowledged plans for the new major to start in fall 2019. The degree will be offered on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online.

Dr. Townsend holds a B.S. in Management and Organizational Development, a M.S. in Operations Management and a Ph.D. in Human Services & Non-Profit Management. She brings to Wesleyan a wealth of logistics experience, working with FedEx, Randstad, Dupre’ Logistics and KM Logistics. She also has experience with Six Sigma Project Management, grant writing and fundraising.  

Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree will meet the needs of many organizations who rely on skilled professionals to serve their logistical needs. Dispatchers, warehouse managers, inventory specialists, supply chain analysts, operation managers and transportation supervisors are just a few of the careers that require this degree. Every industry requires logistics professionals and our program will prepare individuals for these jobs. Our degree program is also aligned with Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges’ related programs so that their graduates can easily apply their associate degree to our bachelor’s degree.”

In her spare time, Townsend volunteers with the Junior League of Raleigh and travels as much as possible. Her husband, Daniel, works as the Machining Director for the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant.

To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.  

Wesleyan Broadens Logistics Program


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the expansion of its Logistics and Supply Chain Management concentration into an official major. Starting this fall, Wesleyan will offer a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online. According to universities.com, the program will be one of two baccalaureate level institutions in the state to offer the degree, with Wesleyan being the only private college in the state providing the declared major.

In August 2018, the NC House Appropriations Committee awarded the College a grant to assist with the program expansion. John Check, Senior Advisor to the President together with Board Member Jeff Collins and Lt. Governor Dan Forest were instrumental in helping secure the grant. These funds enable Wesleyan to hire an admissions representative, a full-time faculty member, issue new classroom software and complete additional classroom enhancements. 

Alumna, Cheryl Barnhill joined Wesleyan’s team this past September as an Aspire Recruiter for the program and Dr. Zhaoqiong “Julie” Qin will come aboard in August 2019 as a full-time Assistant Professor of Logistics. Qin holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Management from Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master’s of Science in Logistics and Operations and Bachelors of Material Engineering from Southwest Jiaotong University of China.

With CSX and Triangle Tire both expected to break ground this quarter, Wesleyan’s new program comes at the ideal time for potential partnerships with the two. The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program allows residences of the community and surrounding areas access to a quality education with opportunities for employment right here in their hometown.

Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistic and Supply Chain Management degree builds upon NCC and ECC’s programs and provides students with coursework at the senior institution level, opening the door for middle and senior level management positions. In most cases, students from NCC and ECC can transfer in up to 60 hours from their AAS degree.” N.C. Wesleyan is leading the way with their commitment to providing students with the best quality programs in the state. To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.