麻豆原创 (NCWU) has garnered significant recognition in recent weeks, with a series of impressive rankings that highlight the institution鈥檚 commitment to excellence in higher education. As the data continues to pour in, it鈥檚 clear that NCWU is delivering on its promise to offer a top-tier, affordable, and supportive educational experience鈥攐ne that is both student and parent-approved.
The accolades started strong in September with , where NC Wesleyan was ranked Top 50 in Regional Colleges South out of 131 institutions. The University also placed No. 17 in Best Value Schools, No. 11 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and listed as a Top Performer on Social Mobility. These rankings showcase NCWU鈥檚 dedication to providing quality education while ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
is widely recognized as a global leader in educational rankings, and NCWU鈥檚 continuous recognition reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class value. Year after year, Wesleyan maintains its position among the top colleges, demonstrating a steadfast focus on student success and offering a personalized private higher education experience.
The momentum continued with a prestigious ranking from , which named NCWU鈥檚 Online MBA program the best in the country for the second consecutive year above Johns Hopkins University. Forbes praised the program鈥檚 focus on executive leadership, information security, and supply chain management, highlighting its emphasis on organizational change, ethical decision-making, and economic theory. This recognition underscores Wesleyan鈥檚 growing strength in graduate education and its determination to expand and improve its programs.
Further accolades came from , which ranked NCWU鈥檚 Online Master of Criminal Justice among the top 20 programs in the country. Notably, Wesleyan was one of only two universities in North Carolina to receive this distinction. The program鈥檚 flexibility, rigor, and focus on preparing students for impactful careers in criminal justice are key components of its success.
Lastly, ranked NC Wesleyan highly in several categories. In North Carolina-specific rankings, the University earned top spots: No. 2 for Diversity of 46, just behind Duke University, No. 5 for Safest Campuses of 40, and No. 14 for Best Colleges for Business of 40. Nationally, Wesleyan was ranked No. 80 out of 1,495 for Most Diverse Colleges in America, reflecting the University鈥檚 inclusive and welcoming environment.
The University fosters an environment where students from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can come together to learn and grow. With students representing a wide range of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, NCWU takes pride in creating a campus community that reflects the broader world. This diverse environment not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for success in a global society. The University’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that all students feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. By embracing diversity, NCWU encourages collaboration and understanding, which enriches both the academic and social fabric of the institution.
Beyond the accolades, NCWU remains focused on offering affordable education to both traditional students and adult learners. The University awards $24 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid annually, making higher education accessible and reducing the financial burden for students. In fact, NCWU鈥檚 average scholarship package brings the cost of attending Wesleyan in line with that of public universities.
A recent analysis by in March 2023 reinforced Wesleyan鈥檚 affordability, ranking the University as one of the top ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina and the most affordable private, nonprofit institution in the state.
As NC Wesleyan continues to excel in rankings and recognitions, its mission remains clear: to provide a high-quality, affordable education that prepares students for success both in their careers and in life. Whether you鈥檙e a traditional student just out of high school or a working adult balancing a busy schedule, NCWU offers the resources and support to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Wesleyan Works Program extended to LCC
North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce a new transfer agreement withthrough the Wesleyan Works program, providing a streamlined pathway for students to continue their education. This collaboration is designed to support graduates who wish to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree by guaranteeing admission to Wesleyan for those who complete an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling while attending LCC, as well as access to attend events on the NCWU main campus in Rocky Mount.
“Our partnership with Lenoir Community College reflects our commitment to creating seamless pathways for students,鈥 said NCWU President Dr. Evan Duff. 鈥淏y working together, we are not only enhancing transfer opportunities but also enriching the educational landscape for all learners. This collaboration embodies our shared vision of accessibility, support, and success, ensuring that every student can achieve their academic dreams.”
The Wesleyan Works program highlights 鈥s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening partnerships with institutions of higher education. Through this agreement, LCC and NCWU are ensuring that students have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with NC Wesleyan University through Wesleyan Works,鈥 said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. 鈥淭his program will open new doors for our students, allowing them to continue their education with confidence, knowing they have guaranteed admission to a four-year institution.鈥
For more information about the Wesleyan Works program and how to enroll, please contact Alex Ranieri, LCC鈥檚 Director of Advising at Academic Success, at apranieri16@lenoircc.edu or 252-527-6223, ext. 936.
NCWU Hosts State Aid Training
麻豆原创 (NCWU) was one of three locations to host the and State Aid Training on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The event offered financial aid professionals from across the state a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of state aid programs and recent changes for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The training focused on several key areas, including state aid program eligibility, updates to financial aid policies, and the processes for and the Grant Portal. The RDS is a centralized system that determines residency status for students applying to North Carolina public colleges and universities. It simplifies the process, allowing students to use a single residency determination when applying to multiple schools and qualifying for state aid programs at both public and private institutions.
The event was open to financial aid administrators and business office staff from community colleges and four-year public and private institutions across the state. Both new and experienced staff attended, ensuring that all participants had the chance to learn, network, and share best practices.
NCWU was proud to serve as a host for this important training, contributing to the ongoing development and support of the state鈥檚 financial aid professionals.
Wesleyan Nurses Success
NC Wesleyan University鈥檚 RN-to-BSN online program offers more than just an opportunity for professional growth鈥攊t fosters the potential for life-changing experiences. For mother-daughter duo Sonya Wester and Kaley Bailey, graduating together this past August wasn鈥檛 just an educational milestone, but a deeply heartwarming chapter in their lives. Their journey through Wesleyan鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a testament to the beauty of shared goals, mutual support, and the power of family bonds.
The RN-to-BSN program at NC Wesleyan University is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility through 100% online coursework. With accelerated 8-week terms, students can tailor their learning pace, choosing to study full or part-time. The convenience of multiple start dates allows learners to begin their education journey when it best fits their schedule. This flexibility, combined with the ability to complete the program in as little as 12 months, made it an ideal fit for Sonya and Kaley.
Sonya, a dedicated nurse with years of experience, humbly shared that nursing was not a career she chose, but rather a calling that chose her. Her passion for helping others, learning, and serving was deeply embedded in her work, and she constantly sought opportunities to grow. For her daughter Kaley, Sonya鈥檚 dedication and compassion became an inspiration. Kaley decided to follow in her mother鈥檚 footsteps, pursuing the same path with determination and pride.
The flexibility of Wesleyan鈥檚 online nursing program provided the perfect balance for both women, who had to juggle personal and professional responsibilities while advancing their education. They were attracted to the program not only for its convenience but also for the incentives offered. Sonya explained, 鈥淲esleyan provided an incentive to enroll that was very rewarding. I had good feedback from previous students, and a former employer, who was part of the community leaders at Wesleyan, encouraged me to take the leap.鈥
What made this experience truly unique for Sonya and Kaley was the opportunity to achieve such a significant milestone together. Kaley expressed her joy in a touching sentiment: 鈥淣ot many people get to say they graduated college with their mom, but I do, and I could not be more honored and proud. Her hard work and dedication to giving it her all was such an inspiration to me throughout this whole journey and is what kept me going. I am excited to see where this journey takes us next.鈥
For Sonya, the experience brought her even closer to her daughter: 鈥淲e have always been close, but sharing the struggles, the joys, and the accomplishments has made us even closer and stronger. It was very exciting to walk alongside her, watching her knowledge, leadership abilities, and experience grow. It has been an honor and a privilege to witness this.鈥
Their story is one of love, resilience, and shared purpose. Together, Sonya and Kaley have not only earned their degrees but have also deepened their bond as mother and daughter. Their journey at NC Wesleyan University is a reminder that education is not just about individual growth but can also strengthen the ties that bind us to those we love.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NCWU No. 45
麻豆原创 (NCWU) has once again earned a spot in the prestigious reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional value and a personalized private education experience. This year, NCWU was ranked No. 45 among Regional Colleges South, standing out from 131 colleges in the region.
The is widely recognized as a global leader in quality rankings, offering insights that help consumers, business leaders, and policymakers make well-informed decisions. With a reputation built on independent reporting, data journalism, and consumer advice across various sectors鈥攊ncluding education, health, money, and real estate鈥擴.S. News reaches over 40 million visitors each month, making it a trusted resource for millions of people worldwide.
Beyond its overall ranking, NC Wesleyan earned several additional distinctions. It was ranked No. 17 in the Best Value Schools category, an accolade that highlights the University鈥檚 focus on delivering high-quality education at an affordable price. In recognition of its support for military veterans, NCWU was ranked No. 11 among Best Colleges for Veterans. The University also placed No. 60 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, reflecting its efforts to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
NC Wesleyan鈥檚 continuous presence among the top 50 Regional Colleges South is a testament to its dedication to fostering academic excellence, social mobility, and a vibrant campus community. As the University moves forward, these rankings serve as a proud reminder of its growing impact and leadership in higher education.
Gun Violence Intervention Grant
The Governor鈥檚 Crime Commission has awarded one of 18 Byrne State Crisis Gun Violence Intervention Program grants to the North Carolina 7th Judicial District and NC Wesleyan University, totaling nearly $500,000. This funding will support critical violence intervention programs, including treatment courts, aimed at addressing community safety and reducing recidivism.
NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) has partnered with the 7th Judicial District as the fiscal agent for the grant, continuing a long-standing collaboration. Dr. Elizabeth Marsal, Associate 聽Professor of Criminal Justice at NCWU, will serve as the evaluator for the project and Dr. Jay Fortenbery, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, will oversee student interns assigned to the court.
Halifax County Superior Court Judge Brenda G. Branch, an NCWU alumna, expressed her gratitude for the university’s ongoing support. “We were able to build upon the relationship that was already established with Wesleyan, and once again, their administrators answered our call for assistance by agreeing to serve as fiscal agent to assist with the distribution of the grant funds,” said Judge Branch.
Judge Teresa R. Freeman will lead the grant team, which includes Mr. Victor Marrow, program coordinator, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the district attorney鈥檚 office, public and private defense counsel, substance use and mental health providers, probation officers, and NCWU evaluator, Dr. Marsal. This grant will strengthen efforts to provide comprehensive violence intervention programs, reinforcing the commitment of both the 7th Judicial District and NCWU to enhance public safety and improve community outcomes.
ACC & NCWU Sign Transfer Agreement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Alamance Community College (ACC) and NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) have entered into a multi-tiered transfer agreement that provides students with academic opportunities across multiple programs.
The agreement enhances and expands educational opportunities for graduates transferring to NCWU after earning an associate degree from one or more of five different programs. The ACC graduates consequently gain access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NCWU. Wesleyan Works guarantees admission to NCWU for ACC鈥檚 graduates earning Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate of Engineering and Associate in Applied Science degrees. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NCWU, as well as access to attend events on NCWU鈥檚 main campus in Rocky Mount, NC. The target population for this program is adult students who intend to attend NCWU鈥檚 evening or online programs.
Students who graduate and transfer under this agreement may select any of NCWU鈥檚 traditional programs of study, or may transfer to NCWU鈥檚 Adult and Professional Studies programs utilizing the advantages of the Wesleyan Works program.
Once accepted to NC Wesleyan University, graduates of Alamance Community College鈥檚 AAS programs will be permitted to take up to an additional 15 hours of general education coursework while still at ACC, for a total of no more than 75 credit hours in transfer.
Bachelor degree opportunities for ACC transfer students include Criminal Justice, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Accounting, and Healthcare Administration.
Furthermore, the Wesleyan Works agreement offers reduced tuition for ACC faculty and staff seeking online educational pathways. ACC employees would receive reductions of $350 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $400 per credit hour for graduate programs.
鈥淲e are looking forward to serving the graduates and employees of Alamance Community College as they continue their higher education journey at the undergraduate and graduate levels,鈥 said NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan Duff. 鈥淥ur programs are specifically designed for those who want to work part-time or full-time and complete their degree online. We also have robust traditional programs for students who graduate from Alamance and want to continue that on-campus experience. This partnership will provide multiple affordable pathways for ACC graduates and employees.鈥
鈥淭ogether with NC Wesleyan, we are creating a stronger foundation for our students鈥 future success,鈥 said Dr. Lisa Johnson, ACC Vice President of Instruction. 鈥淪upporting them through multiple pathways and program options ensures they will be well-equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-changing workforce.鈥
NCWU Donates to Community Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Rocky Mount City Council, Ward 7, in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount, is hosting a lively Back to School Bash this Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the front of 麻豆原创鈥檚 campus, offering a fun-filled day for local families.
The celebration will feature a range of activities, including inflatables, food trucks, and live music provided by a DJ. In a generous gesture to support education in the community, free backpacks will be distributed to children residing in Ward 7, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
麻豆原创 has also shown its commitment to the local community by donating school supplies for the event. These contributions will help ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed as they return to their classrooms.
This is a testament to the strong community spirit in Rocky Mount, bringing together families, local leaders, and educational institutions to support the city鈥檚 youth. Residents are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of fun while preparing their children for a successful school year.
Councilman Jabaris Walker shares that this event was suggested in a meeting and he had to make it come to life. Councilman鈥檚 mentality of 鈥渢ogether is possible鈥 included having Wesleyan as part of the location. He is a proud Wesleyan Alumni, Class of 2017, and shares 鈥淚 am so appreciative to Dr. Duff for always opening his doors and supporting me and letting me know that campus will have my back. It will always be my first choice鈥.
Lancaster Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The Lancaster family joined Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of 麻豆原创, to formalize the creation of The William Ted & Karen Naylor Lancaster Family Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy and contributions of the late William Ted Lancaster and Karen Naylor Lancaster, both proud graduates of NCWU鈥檚 Class of 1970.
The scholarship will distribute a minimum of $2,500 annually once the endowment reaches $50,000. Preference will be given to students from Rocky Mount, NC, who demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5), good personal character, and financial need. Recipients may continue to receive the scholarship in successive years if they meet the criteria.
Karen Naylor Lancaster shared, “When I walked on campus for the first time in 1966, I had no idea the influence Wesleyan would have on me. Not only did I get an excellent education, but I met my life partner. Ted and I met in a history class, we were both history majors, and married in 1970. We moved to Raleigh and had our two children, Jon and Melissa. It was so special to be able to share Wesleyan鈥檚 beautiful campus with my family including my two grandchildren. It is an honor to help Rocky Mount students achieve their academic goals through this scholarship.”
Jon Lancaster, representing the family, added, “Knowing the significant role NC Wesleyan played in our parents’ lives, it was important to us to give back to the institution. We hope this endowment will assist future students in fulfilling their educational goals.”
Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, stated, 鈥淭he Lancaster family鈥檚 generosity began over five years ago with gifts supporting Wesleyan students through an annual scholarship. It is gratifying to have another endowed scholarship that will leave a legacy for Wesleyan alumni. This gift will continue to impact and make a difference for our students.鈥
NCWU Receives Funding from NSF
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWU) has been awarded a significant grant of $251,835 from the for an innovative project titled “WESPATHS: Waterways for Environmental Science-Promoting Advancement and Training for Hands-On Supports.” This prestigious award marks NCWU鈥檚 first grant since 1972 and aims to bolster the university’s Environmental Science Program through strategic recruitment and retention efforts.
The grant, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Elias and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. John Temple, seeks to increase the number of students majoring and minoring in Environmental Science at NCWU. A primary focus will be on the recruitment and retention of students from historically excluded groups. This project advances NCWU鈥檚 marked successes in teaching students from under-represented groups aligns with the NSF鈥檚 goals for increasing diversity and inclusion in science related fields.
Dr. Elias elaborates on the project鈥檚 vision: “By integrating activities and creating a supportive environment that begins more than a semester before students matriculate, we will lower barriers to recruitment, retention, and graduation for a more diverse student body in the regional workforce and improve social mobility.”
The WESPATHS initiative aims to develop a geoscience learning ecosystem that will provide students with the skills and competencies necessary for career readiness. Central to the program is the use of project-based learning, where students engage directly with stakeholders to address pressing local water quality and quantity issues. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of self-efficacy and belonging among students.
In addition to strengthening NCWU鈥檚 Environmental Science Program, the project is set to have a lasting impact on the Rocky Mount region. By establishing strong connections with area high schools, WESPATHS will offer high school students, teachers, and counselors鈥 greater opportunities to explore higher education and NCWU specifically. This outreach effort is designed to create a pipeline of local talent, encouraging students to pursue careers in environmental science and related fields.
The program鈥檚 emphasis on local problems and local solutions is particularly noteworthy. By focusing on regional issues and involving local organizations, WESPATHS aims to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can effectively address the environmental challenges facing the community. This collaborative effort is expected to yield new opportunities for both students and stakeholders, enhancing social mobility and community resilience.
As NCWU embarks on this transformative journey with the support of the NSF, the university stands poised to make significant strides in environmental science education and community engagement. The WESPATHS project represents a promising step towards a more inclusive, skilled, and socially mobile future for the Rocky Mount region and beyond.
