麻豆原创 (NCWU) is embracing artificial intelligence in a creative, hands-on way through its AI for Professionals Honors Class, taught by Dr. Jackie Lewis. Made up of a mix of sophomores and juniors from a wide variety of majors, the course encourages students to explore AI in ways that are both innovative and practical.
Dr. Lewis was inspired by the platform , a secure, FERPA-compliant, and collaborative AI tool that provides access to multiple AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. She felt confident bringing it into the classroom because it allows her to set clear restrictions and boundaries for student use. Students shared that working with the platform has helped them better understand both the power and the limitations of AI, learning that while it offers endless possibilities, it also requires careful evaluation and responsible use.
With about 15 students in the class, creativity has been at the center of every project. Each student built their own AI 鈥渞obot鈥 for a specific purpose based on their personal goals, academic needs, or interests. In addition, the class worked in teams of four to design a unique class mascot. Students combined the traits they felt represented their group, entered those ideas into AI, and refined prompts until they generated images that truly captured their vision. The mascots ranged from a strong butterfly in a business suit and heels, symbolizing growth and empowerment, to a pack of fierce wolves, representing teamwork, strength, knowledge, and confidence.
Throughout the semester, students have taken their projects even further by collaborating one-on-one with professors within their majors to make their bots more customized and effective. Their inspirations have varied widely. Some were motivated by dietary restrictions, others by fitness goals, and many connected their projects to their academic field such as IT, physics, marketing, or athletics. Others created bots based on personal hobbies like murder mystery games, hiking, climbing, or cars.
One student, Ksenia Goncharuk, works with NCWU鈥檚 Residence Life Office and designed her bot to simplify manuals and student handbook information. By uploading Residence Life documents into her bot鈥檚 knowledge base, she can ask questions such as, 鈥淲hat is allowed versus not allowed in the dorms?鈥 She is also working to make it bilingual to better support Spanish-speaking students.
Val Disano created a bot called 鈥淐ollege Sous-Chef,鈥 which helps generate dorm-friendly recipes that fit her dairy-free diet. The bot is also trained to break down measurements and cooking terms to make recipes easier to follow.
Taking a fun and imaginative approach, Grace Walls built a bot that generates an interactive murder mystery game. The bot creates scenic locations, multiple characters to interview, and even includes red herrings to challenge the player. Once the user believes they鈥檝e solved the case, they can prompt the bot with 鈥淚 want to arrest this person,鈥 and it will walk them through the clues and reveal whether they were correct.
Makenzie Thornton designed her bot to help her loved one who suffers from severe allergies. The bot can generate allergy-safe recipes and even pull from standard recipe PDFs to substitute ingredients that would make meals safe to eat.
To support organization and academic success, Caleb Allen created a bot that helps students manage a full course load. It can build sample syllabi, create calendars, assist with study planning, and even help students understand how their grades are weighted and how to best use their free time.
Joaquin Goldman, a soccer player, created a motivational bot inspired by coaching advice. The bot is restricted from giving medical guidance but can recommend foods, exercises, and routines to help users reach goals such as weight loss or muscle gain, all while keeping an encouraging tone.
Davis Wells, a Computer Information Systems major, built a bot designed to simplify coding language by breaking down acronyms, defining technical terms, and explaining concepts in beginner-friendly ways. Davis emphasized that the process requires constant reviewing and correcting to ensure the bot is accurately interpreting the data.
Zachariah Johnson, a Business Administration major, developed a bot to simplify the car-buying process for high school and college students. Unlike a traditional pushy salesman approach, his bot uses a welcoming and supportive tone. It asks questions about budget, seating needs, and whether the buyer wants a new or used vehicle, then generates options with explanations for why they may be a good fit.
Ivy Chelagat, a Physics student, worked closely with Dr. Allen to create a tutoring-style bot, especially helpful since the program currently has no tutors. The bot pulls strictly from uploaded course notes and is designed to guide students through problems using hints and questions before giving the final answer鈥攈elping students learn without being misled by inaccurate outside information.
Yubraj Bhandari, who named his bot 鈥淢ount Everest,鈥 is using it to support his personal goal of climbing Mount Everest before turning 40. His bot analyzes research and advice from experienced climbers, including common mistakes and dangerous areas of the climb. His inspiration comes from his passion for hiking and climbing in his home country, Nepal.
Alex Rodriguez created a bot to assist with identifying coding errors for his Senior Seminar. His bot uses a Claude-based database and focuses on clear explanations and defining acronyms.
Arlando Neal, a marketing major, designed a bot that reads consumer reports and marketing databases to generate SWOT analyses, comparisons, charts, and written summaries, helping marketers better understand audience behavior and preferences.
Through this course, NCWU students are not only learning how to use AI, but they are also learning how to build with it, question it, refine it, and apply it responsibly. Their creativity and drive have turned the classroom into a space where innovation is thriving, and where students are preparing for the future in a truly hands-on way.
NC Wesleyan MPH Gains CEPH Applicant Status
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is pleased to announce that its Master of Public Health (MPH) program has received approval of its initial application for accreditation from the the nationally recognized accrediting body for schools and programs of public health.
The application was reviewed and approved during CEPH鈥檚 April meeting, granting the NCWU MPH program official applicant status. This designation authorizes the program to advance to the next stage of the accreditation process, which includes completion of a comprehensive self-study aligned with CEPH accreditation criteria.
CEPH accreditation is widely recognized as a national mark of quality and serves as an assurance that public health programs meet rigorous educational and professional standards. Receiving applicant status represents an important milestone toward full accreditation and reflects the program鈥檚 progress in meeting CEPH eligibility requirements and demonstrating readiness for comprehensive evaluation.
鈥淭his is an exciting step forward for our MPH program and for 麻豆原创,鈥 said Dr. Shannon Crowley, Professor of Public Health and MPH Program Director. 鈥淎chieving CEPH applicant status demonstrates the strength of our program and our commitment to preparing future public health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in their communities.鈥
NCWU鈥檚 Master of Public Health program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in public health principles, leadership, research, and applied practice. The program offers specialized concentrations in Physical Activity and Health and Social Epidemiology, distinguishing NCWU as the only institution in North Carolina to offer these MPH focus areas,Accreditationand aligns with the university鈥檚 mission to address critical health challenges through high鈥憅uality, community鈥慺ocused graduate education.
The MPH program will now begin the formal self-study process and continue progressing through CEPH鈥檚 multi-step accreditation pathway.
For more information about NCWU鈥檚 Master of Public Health program, visit /academics/graduate-programs/master-of-public-health/.
NCWU Recognized for Wellness by ACSM鈥檚 EIM庐 Program
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is one of only 200 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on its campus. Faculty/Staff Personal Training, Wesleyan Wellness initiatives, the Walk with the President, the Health and Movement Science Club Pickleball Tournament, the Lunch and Learn Series for Health, and other physical activity events conducted by the NCWU Health and Movement Science Club helped NCWU earn a Silver-level designation from the program. Exercise is Medicine is a community-impact initiative of the American College of Sports Medicine.
鈥淭his is truly a team effort! The success of our Exercise Science program at NCWU is built on the strong and sustained support of the administration, particularly Dr. Duff; the leadership and engagement of the Health and Movement Science Club under Presidents Ava Lowry and Sam Colesano; the Lunch and Learn lecture series launched by Dr. Shannon Crowley; and the faculty and staff personal training program and Wesleyan Wellness program led by Kimla Brandt,鈥 said Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and聽Inaugural Souza聽Professor of Exercise Science聽and advisor to the Exercise is Medicine on Campus program.鈥
All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on May 29 at the EIM recognition ceremony at ACSM鈥檚 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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.
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.
This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to the health of our university community. We believe that an active lifestyle is vital to our students鈥 success and overall well-being and together, students, faculty, and staff we foster a culture that prioritizes health, fitness and wellness.
麻豆原创 Exercise Is Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched 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 for additional information.
麻豆原创 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 .
OnlineMasters.com Ranks 麻豆原创 Among Best in the U.S.
a trusted resource for accredited online graduate education, has recognized 麻豆原创 (NCWU) in its annual rankings, naming the University among the Best Online Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice Programs for 2026.
This distinction reflects NCWU鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, career-focused graduate education, particularly for adult learners balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities while pursuing advanced degrees.
Unlike traditional ranking systems, uses a data-driven methodology designed to provide prospective graduate students with practical insights into academic quality, affordability, graduation outcomes, and student support. Institutions are evaluated using a proprietary scoring model that incorporates national data sources such as the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, and institutional disclosures, as well as benchmarking indicators from organizations including U.S. News & World Report.
NCWU鈥檚 Criminal Justice program stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and emphasis on real-world preparation. The program is designed with the adult learner in mind, providing a supportive, engaging online environment that allows students to advance professionally while continuing to meet the demands of everyday life.
鈥淎t North Carolina Wesleyan, we understand that many of our graduate students are working professionals already serving in their communities,鈥 said Katie Farrell, Dean of Adult & Professional Studies. 鈥淥ur online programs are built to meet students where they are, providing flexibility, individualized support, and coursework that directly connects to career advancement in the criminal justice field.鈥
NCWU鈥檚 Master of Criminal Justice program equips students with advanced knowledge in criminal justice leadership, policy, ethics, and contemporary challenges in law enforcement and public safety. Graduates leave the program prepared to pursue higher-level roles in corrections, law enforcement administration, investigative services, homeland security, and other related fields.
鈥淥ur goal is to ensure students are not only earning a degree, but also gaining the confidence and expertise needed to take the next step in their careers,鈥 said Dr. Gail Marsal, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Program Coordinator. 鈥淭his program supports students as they transition into leadership roles and expand their impact within the criminal justice system.鈥
OnlineMasters.com鈥檚 rankings are focused exclusively on accredited, nonprofit institutions offering online and hybrid master鈥檚 programs. Each school is assigned an Online Master鈥檚 Score ranging from 0 to 100, measuring overall performance across the criteria most predictive of graduate student success.
NCWU鈥檚 recognition in the 2026 rankings reinforces the University鈥檚 growing reputation for providing adult learners with innovative graduate opportunities that lead to meaningful career outcomes.
To view the complete ranking, visit:
麻豆原创 麻豆原创
麻豆原创 (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.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on , , and .
麻豆原创 ONLINEMASTERS.COM
OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to helping students identify high-quality online master鈥檚 programs. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates separately from editorial and marketing functions to preserve objectivity and methodological integrity.
Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. Its mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education.
To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com.
NCWU Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
麻豆原创 (NCWU) hosted its annual Education Pinning Ceremony on March 30 in The Dunn Center, recognizing students as they officially entered the University鈥檚 Teacher Education Program. The ceremony marked an important milestone in each candidate鈥檚 academic journey as they received education pins and certificates symbolizing their commitment to the teaching profession.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as a meaningful rite of passage for future educators and highlights the high standards required for admission into the program. Candidates must successfully complete several requirements prior to being pinned, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, earning two positive recommendations, and submitting a written essay.
The ceremony included remarks and presentations from faculty, students, and special guests. Jordan Contreras delivered the invocation and shared brief remarks about NCWU鈥檚 award-winning Afterschool Program. Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, Dean of Traditional Enrollment, welcomed attendees, followed by an occasion address from Alexis Williams-Jackson, President of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Additional performances included 鈥淕od is My Everything鈥 presented by Willenscia Richardson-Hardy and a heartfelt poem titled Teaching Matters delivered by Ivy Chelagat.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas McGeachy, the 2025 Principal of the Year for Nash Early College and Nash County Schools.
The ceremony also included recognition of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship Foundation, established and sponsored by Glinda Williams in honor of her daughter, Taunja Cox. The foundation supports students majoring in special education at NCWU while also promoting extracurricular opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Lenoir County. The scholarship award totals $1,500 and is presented annually to one selected student. This year鈥檚 recipient of the scholarship was Willenscia Richardson-Hardy, a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer delivered by Alijah Battle.
The 2026 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
Ella Barfield, Dana Barlow, Brianna Clemons, Geovanni Dixon, Whitley Griffin, Emily Mason, Uniqua McDowell, Amiyah Murphy, Jermonta Powell, Shaylee Price, Bethany Tant, Krystal Taybron, Lashaniqua Vines, Felicia Wilkerson, and Alexis Jackson Williams.
These candidates represent the next generation of educators鈥攑repared to serve with dedication, compassion, and purpose. 麻豆原创 is proud to support these future teachers as they begin a profession that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lifelong learning.
University Celebrates 2026 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC 鈥 April 2, 2026 鈥 麻豆原创 proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
- School of Business & Professional Studies: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Health Sciences: Recognized excellence in fields like Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, Sports Science and more.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
麻豆原创 remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To view entire 2026 honors list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Dr. Katrina Sweet Awarded Jefferson-Pilot Award
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce that Dr. Katrina Sweet has been selected as the 2025鈥2026 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship, the University鈥檚 highest and most distinguished faculty honor. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in scholarship, teaching excellence, and dedicated service to both the campus and the greater community.
Established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company, the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award granted annually to a tenured faculty member who exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence. The recipient is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff. Honorees are recognized not only for mastery of their discipline and contributions to academic knowledge, but also for their unwavering commitment to student development and meaningful engagement in the life of the University.
Dr. Sweet, a respected educator and leader within the Wesleyan community, has consistently demonstrated the values embodied by this award through her work in the classroom, her scholarship, and her ongoing service initiatives.
鈥淚 was honored to be selected as the 2025鈥2026 Jefferson Pilot Faculty Member,鈥 said Dr. Sweet. 鈥淭his recognition made me proud to be a Bishop and grateful for the work I am called to do鈥攑reparing students to lead, serve, and transform their communities.鈥
For Dr. Sweet, the recognition is also deeply personal. She reflected on the influence of her family and the foundation they instilled in her long before she stepped into higher education.
鈥淚 could not help but think of my grandmother and grandfather,鈥 she shared. 鈥淚 believe I am a blend of the two of them. My grandmother was a nurturer鈥ull of quiet strength. My grandfather was an entrepreneur and a visionary. Their legacy still lives in me, and receiving this award makes me honor who they were and what they meant to my life. Their love, their resilience, and their example guide the way I teach, lead, and serve my students and community.鈥
Throughout her time at NC Wesleyan, Dr. Sweet has become known for her ability to create an environment where students are both challenged and supported鈥攁n educator who not only teaches content, but also inspires confidence, purpose, and personal growth.
When asked what moments have been most meaningful during her time at Wesleyan, Dr. Sweet pointed directly to the students who have shaped her journey as much as she has shaped theirs.
鈥淚f I had to choose what has meant the most, it would be the way my students have poured into my life and believed in me,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have had students speak prophetically over my life and see the best in me even in seasons when I struggled to see it myself鈥 I realized that God did not just place me here for my students, but He also placed my students here for me.鈥
Her approach to teaching is grounded in purpose and service, principles she hopes students carry with them long after graduation.
鈥淚 want my students to remember that service is important,鈥 said Dr. Sweet. 鈥淪erving and giving beyond oneself is something I try to model both in the classroom and in the community. Service shapes character, builds compassion, and reminds us that leadership is not about position, it is about impact.鈥
Dr. Sweet teaches Human Resource Management and has played a key role in strengthening student interest in the field. She shared that one of the clearest moments of realizing her impact came when students began shaping their career paths based on what they experienced in her courses.
鈥淚 absolutely enjoy teaching Human Resource Management because HR is truly the glue that holds an organization together,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 first realized the impact of my teaching when students who enrolled in my HR courses began sharing that they wanted to minor in HR and pursue careers in the field after graduation. Over time, I noticed a trend鈥攕tudents were entering the HR profession and then reaching back out to share their experiences, seek guidance, and continue the mentorship we built in the classroom.鈥
That continued connection with alumni is a reflection of Dr. Sweet鈥檚 commitment to long-term student success, and her belief that the Wesleyan experience extends far beyond the classroom.
鈥淚 get to blend my work as a practitioner with my role as an educator,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he field is evolving quickly, and bringing real world experience into the classroom helps students see how business concepts come alive in practice.鈥
As part of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship, Dr. Sweet will deliver a public lecture on Thursday, April 9, focused on nonprofit sustainability and community engagement. The lecture will highlight her work in building community partnerships, developing long-term organizational impact, and connecting students to hands-on learning experiences rooted in NC Wesleyan鈥檚 three pillars: Personal, Practical, and Purpose-Driven.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the University to confirm attendance and event details.
鈥淎ttendees can expect an engaging and insightful lecture focused on nonprofit sustainability and community engagement,鈥 Dr. Sweet said. 鈥淚 will share the work I have done in the community, the partnerships I have built, and the practical strategies that support long term organizational impact. I will also highlight how my students have been connected to this work and how these experiences have shaped their learning through our three pillars: Personal, Practical, and Purpose Driven.鈥
Dr. Sweet emphasized that the topic is especially relevant today, as students and communities alike seek meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.
鈥淭his topic matters to me because nonprofit sustainability and community engagement are at the heart of who I am as an educator, practitioner, and servant leader,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 believe deeply in the power of organizations that exist to uplift people, strengthen communities, and create long term impact. My work in this space allows me to live out my values while also giving my students real opportunities to learn, serve, and grow.鈥
Dr. Sweet鈥檚 selection as the 2025鈥2026 Jefferson-Pilot Professor reflects her exceptional contributions to the University and the lasting impact she continues to make on students, colleagues, and the broader community. Her work exemplifies the mission of 麻豆原创鈥攑reparing students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
NCWU Alumnus Releases New Single
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce that alumnus Jackson Nethercutt 鈥23 has released his latest single, 鈥淭hese Illustrations,鈥 which debuted March 28. The song is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and iTunes.
Following his graduation from Wesleyan in 2023, Nethercutt moved to Salt Lake City for a yearlong internship at the University of Utah. After completing the experience, he returned to North Carolina and began a new chapter as an elementary school music teacher near Wilmington in 2024. While the transition brought exciting opportunities, it also came with significant personal and professional adjustments.
鈥These Illustrations tells the story of how a relationship formed and blossomed from a friendship to a romance,鈥 said Nethercutt. 鈥淚t became an irreplicable interconnectedness created by shared hardship.鈥
Nethercutt shared that the first half of the song reflects his internal conflict about allowing love into his life during a time when he already felt emotionally overwhelmed. As the song progresses, it shifts toward the peace and warmth he found through the relationship, ultimately capturing the exhilaration of falling in love while navigating a difficult season of life.
In addition to its personal meaning, Nethercutt noted that the song was also his most challenging production project to date. With its extended length and complex structure, including key and time signature changes, the recording process required significant time and attention to detail. Nethercutt wrote, performed, recorded, and produced the track entirely on his own from his apartment studio.
鈥淚 did a lot of experimenting with things like unique vocal harmonies, layering eight different acoustic guitar parts in the chorus, and having two bass lines going back and forth at each other in the hook,鈥 he explained.
Nethercutt credits his experience in NCWU鈥檚 Music Production (MUP) program for preparing him to independently produce music at a professional level. He also expressed gratitude to Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records, who helped him develop key recording and mixing skills, as well as songwriting abilities through courses such as Music Theory and History of Popular Music.
鈥I gained a lot of skill and experience in the MUP program at Wesleyan that allows me to be able to do it all myself instead of having to pay someone else to do it for me,鈥 said Nethercutt.
鈥淭hese Illustrations鈥 is Nethercutt鈥檚 second release under his stage name Kneethercute, a nickname stemming from a mispronunciation of his last name that has followed him since high school. He has also released music collaboratively under the name Camp Runaway.
Looking ahead, Nethercutt is currently working on his next musical project, expected later this summer, as well as a new YouTube channel titled 鈥淎 Human Adventure,鈥 which will document his life and music in an authentic and personal way.
Fans can follow Nethercutt on social media to stay updated on future releases.
NCWU congratulates Jackson Nethercutt on this exciting new release and proudly celebrates the continued achievements of its alumni in the music and production industries.
NCWU Hosts 2026 Omnium Conference
麻豆原创 (NCWU) held the second annual Omnium Conference on Wednesday, March 25 at the Gateway Technology Center on campus. The event spotlighted undergraduate research and celebrated scholarly achievement across disciplines.
What is The Omnium Conference?
The Omnium Conference is a formal presentation of student research papers in affiliation with . Omniumis a Latin word meaning 鈥渆verything鈥, and the journal provides students with the opportunity to explore major genres of academic writing, join in scholarly conversations, share their ideas, perform original research, and see their work published in a professional venue. Now in its eighth year, Omnium was established in 2019 by Dr. Doreen Thierauf, Associate Professor of English and General Education Program Coordinator. Dr. Thierauf serves as the journal鈥檚 editor and as conference co-organizer, joined by Dr. Shane Thompson, Associate Professor of Bible and the Ancient Near East and Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.
鈥Omnium provides a professional platform for students to engage in original research, participate in academic dialogue, and see their work published,鈥 said Dr. Thierauf. 鈥淚t also serves as a teaching tool for faculty at NCWU and other institutions, with articles reflecting the academic growth of students at every stage of their college careers from first-year composition essays to projects created in senior seminars and honors theses鈥.
2026 Conference Details
The 2026 conference featured six student presentations, organized into two thematic sessions followed by interactive panel discussions:
- Session 1: Writing, Filming, and Buying Identity
- Alastair Cannon (NC State U): 鈥淒isproving the Myth of Simplicity in Anatolian Hieroglyphs鈥
- Shafiq Nuijts: 鈥淲an Pipel: Identity, Tolerance, and Coexistence in Suriname鈥
- Session 2: Healing Our Communities
- Niana Gunther: 鈥Lessons Learned from Unexpected Results: Investigating Herbal Remedies and Probiotic Growth鈥
- Kayla Collins: 鈥淪tress, Sleep, and Mental Wellbeing among NCWU Students鈥
- Maya Dari: 鈥淏uilding Resilience: One Jenga Block at a Time鈥
- Maria Gabriela Salazar: 鈥淔actors Influencing the Development of Cultural Competence in Nurses鈥
This year鈥檚 keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lee Templeton, Professor of English and Chair of the School of Humanities. His presentation was titled 鈥淭he Dragons of Higher Education.鈥
The 2026 conference marked an ongoing collaboration between Dr. Thierauf and Dr. Shane Thompson. Together, they aim to expand mission to highlight the exceptional work being produced by NCWU undergraduates across all disciplines. The organizers were thrilled to feature a student from North Carolina State University, Alastair Cannon, in the conference lineup and hope to attract more students from regional campuses to the conference in the years to come.
Photos from this event can be viewed:
NCWU Hosts Regional Science Olympiad
麻豆原创 (NCWU) proudly hosted a Regional Science Olympiad competition on campus this past Saturday, welcoming more than 300 middle and high school students for a day of hands-on, competitive STEM events.
A total of 27 teams from 15 schools participated in the event, showcasing their knowledge and skills across a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The competition featured two divisions: Division B (Middle School) with 6 schools and 11 teams, and Division C (High School) with 9 schools and 16 teams.
The event was coordinated by Brittany Al Attabi, NCWU Visiting Instructor of Biology and Chemistry, whose leadership helped bring together a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants.
鈥淭he Science Olympiad participants are passionate about the STEM disciplines and are fierce competitors,鈥 said Al Attabi. 鈥淭heir hard work throughout the school year was evident in their participation. We loved having such a large number of science-minded students on campus and hope to continue to bring this event back in the future.鈥
Students competed in a wide range of events, from hands-on engineering challenges to knowledge-based scientific exams, fostering both collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the significance of the event. 鈥淧rofessor Al Attabi really should be commended for bringing such an extraordinary group of young people to our campus and providing them with this opportunity to practice science in a fun but competitive environment,鈥 said Lane. 鈥淭he enthusiasm and ingenuity of these students is an inspiration, and we hope that they will take what they have learned in practicing for and competing in this event forward into future scientific discoveries.鈥
Competition Results:
Division B 鈥 Middle School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place 鈥 Alston Ridge Middle School JV1
2nd Place 鈥 Alston Ridge Middle School JV2
Varsity:
1st Place 鈥 Alston Ridge Middle School
2nd Place 鈥 Woods Charter School
Division C 鈥 High School
Junior Varsity:
1st Place 鈥 Apex Friendship High School JV1
2nd Place 鈥 The Epiphany School of Global Studies JV1
Varsity:
1st Place 鈥 Needham B. Broughton High School
2nd Place 鈥 Woods Charter School
NCWU looks forward to continuing to host events like the Science Olympiad that inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators while strengthening connections with schools and communities across the region.
