麻豆原创 partners with JCC to expand student transfer options and employee educational benefits
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 March 2024鈥撀槎乖 (NCWU) and (JCC) have signed an agreement which expands the educational opportunities of students who graduate with an Associate Degree through the Wesleyan Works program.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NCWU. Students who earn an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation (AATS), Associate of Engineering (AE), Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Nursing (ADN) will have generous transfer credit of 75 hours and a clear definition of the courses that are transferrable from JCC to NCWU.聽聽

These students will also have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NCWU. Students also have the option to participate in an accelerated Associate to Master鈥檚 degree program.
鈥淭ransfer programs are critical to our mission here at JCC and are the pathway to an accessible four-year degree for many students,鈥 says JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist.
鈥淲e are look forward to the opportunities this partnership opens up for our students and employees.鈥 Lindquist adds.
鈥溌槎乖 has had a long-standing focus on supporting community college students further their education. Because Johnston Community College seeks only the best opportunities to benefit their students and alumni, partnering with them made sense. We both value pathways to support student鈥檚 educational journeys that is affordable, practical, and purpose-driven,鈥 says NCWU President Dr. Evan Duff.
The agreement also extends discounted tuition to employees of Johnston Community College who would like to pursue an advanced degree.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NC Wesleyan Among Best Online MBA Programs

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWU) has been ranked among the 2024 Best Online Master鈥檚 in Business Administration (MBA) by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News assessed schools in the category based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, as well as services and technologies. According to their website, NC Wesleyan University was among more than 1,800 programs surveyed and only regionally accredited institution whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated.
Professor Dr. Paul Ewell, Program Coordinator for the MBA program聽states, 鈥淥ur MBA is more than a degree. It鈥檚 a gateway to the future of business.
鈥淵ou鈥檒l learn from the best and brightest in the field, and apply your skills to real-world challenges. You鈥檒l also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of a program that fits your lifestyle and goals鈥, stated Ewell.

NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Master of Business Administration program is one of the most popular graduate programs at the University and was recently is one of the only private, non-profit universities currently offering an online MBA degree in the eastern NC region. The program is very affordable and offers many benefits including: rolling admissions with 100% online classes starting every eight weeks, finish in as little as 12 months, one-on-one mentoring, supportive faculty who have real-world experience offering applied assignments and career assistance. The program offers concentrations in Information Security, Executive Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. The program was also named by Forbes as One of the 10 Best Online MBA Programs of 2023! To learn more about admission requirements and curriculum information, visit聽ncwu.edu/mba.
Prospective students can see how NCWU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on .
麻豆原创 U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
NC Wesleyan Placing Students’ Finances First

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 is proactively addressing to meet the needs of our students and families. The University has announced it is moving forward and investing in its students in the midst of the continued federal delays.
鈥淚t is our commitment to provide students with a transparent and affordable financial aid package shortly after they are accepted. To uphold this commitment, we have developed a plan to help bridge the gap鈥 stated President Duff.
The U.S. Department of Education announced, 鈥淭he Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information鈥攌nown as the Institutional Student Information Record or ISIR鈥攖o these colleges in the first half of March.鈥
In an effort to be proactive, 麻豆原创 will be providing estimated financial aid and award packages starting in February. This initiative will streamline tuition and award packages, providing students assurance to financing their education, so they can make informed decisions. If students qualify for additional aid once the , NCWU will adjust those student鈥檚 packages accordingly.
Visit the Department of Education website for more details:
Information for students that have already been accepted and deposited
If you have already committed to attending NC Wesleyan, complete our to apply. You鈥檒l need your NCWU Student ID to complete the form. An email will be sent from the Office of Financial Aid within 48 hours of receipt of your completed form. An estimated award letter will be emailed starting mid-February.
Information for prospective students
For prospective students who are considering NC Wesleyan, APPLY TODAY and take advantage of this financial aid opportunity. Don鈥檛 wait on FAFSA, choose the University that takes care of their students NOW!
NCWU is the Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers

Research shows that pet ownership in the United States has significantly increased over the past three decades. In fact, according to , 鈥淎s of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.鈥 Personally, it comes as no surprise with everything that has occurred in the last several years: the pandemic, rise in mental health and rate of inflation. So, what about college-bound animal lovers who own a pet and are looking for a pet-friendly college?
In the fall of 2023, NC Wesleyan University announced its plan to turn one residence hall into pet-friendly housing, thanks to a new program the University is piloting. This initiative allows students to keep their furry friends with them while living on campus, offering them the ability to still have access to the traditional campus life experience. One pet per student is allowed.

The unique program has proved to be popular among students, as spots in the residence hall filled up quickly with the announcement. NCWU plans to move forward in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year continuing to offer pet-friendly housing. The University鈥檚 pet-friendly housing policy is for dogs, cats and fish. Dogs must weigh under 40 pounds and have no history of aggressive behavior. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and other transmittable diseases and be on anti-parasite medication. No animals may roam the campus unattended. Fish tanks are limited to 5 gallons in volume.
In addition to the joy and companionship they bring, pets also teach time and obligation management. A great remedy for anxiety and homesickness, they provide many students more structure in their daily routine, including exercise and time outside. Not to mention they can be a great icebreaker for making new friends.
At NCWU, we are committed to providing a safe and well-maintained environment for all students residing in pet-friendly housing. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to protect the rights of all students, ensure a safe and healthy living and learning environment, as well as practice behaviors that support the upkeep of university facilities and beauty of the campus. Students who bring a pet to campus are responsible for understanding and abiding by the regulations of the pet policy. Every pet owner is encouraged to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the campus environment for their pet.


By allowing resident students to bring their pet to live on campus, we aim to create a more balanced college experience and be the “Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers”. An environment that prioritizes health, wellness and connection.
If you鈥檙e a pet owner interested in college and can鈥檛 bear to leave your beloved animal companion behind, check out 麻豆原创. The University鈥檚 Winter Open House is set for Saturday, February 3, 2024, and registration is underway.聽
During Open House, students learn more about scholarships and financial aid, have the opportunity to speak with faculty and current students, gain information on the admissions process and can take a campus tour. You can learn more at ncwu.edu/admissions.
Magal Named Inaugural Souza Professor
In October 2023, Wayne Souza (Class of 1973) pledged a transformative gift to 麻豆原创 to advance the University鈥檚 nationally accredited program in Exercise Science. In 2021, the program moved into Wesleyan鈥檚 new Indoor Sports & Education Facility (ISEF) and recently has hired two new faculty members. The undergraduate degree in Exercise Science now accounts for NCWU鈥檚 second most popular major among traditional, incoming first-year students.

鈥淚 have a passion to give back to my alma mater. When presented this opportunity, it gave me a chance to not only give back and lend a hand, but to pull forward both NCWU students and boost an incredible program.鈥 stated Wayne Souza in a recent interview.
This gift has allowed the University to launch a significant upgrade in equipment and facility. It also created the Wayne Souza Chair of Exercise Science. Dr. Meir Magal has been named the inaugural Souza Professor.
鈥淚 want to thank Mr. Souza for this very generous gift, I am honored to be named the Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science! This charitable donation has allowed the Exercise Science Department to equip ISEF with cutting-edge resistance training equipment, enabling our students to gain invaluable experiential learning and research opportunities and engage in strength training with the University’s athletic teams.鈥 expressed Dr. Magal.
Dr. Magal came to the United States from Israel to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where he played NCAA Division I Tennis and earned Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees in Exercise Science, as well as a Ph.D. in Human Performance. In 2002, Dr. Magal joined the faculty of North Carolina Wesleyan. In his 22 years at Wesleyan, Dr. Magal has won multiple awards including the Exemplary Teacher Award and the Jefferson Pilot Professorship. In 2011, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Dr. Magal has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles as well as numerous book chapters. He served as an Associate Editor on the 10th edition of ACSM鈥檚 Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription and as Co-Editor of the 6th Edition of ACSM鈥檚 Fitness Assessment Manual. In addition, he also serves on the Editorial Board of ACSM鈥檚 Health and Fitness Journal and ACSM鈥檚 open-access journal, Exercise, Sport, and Movement. He has been particularly active in mentoring research with undergraduate students, serving as Chair for more than fifteen senior honors projects and a co-author with undergraduate students on multiple papers and conference presentations.
He currently serves as Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science and as Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences.
Dr. Joe Lane, Provost of North Carolina Wesleyan, noted, 鈥淒r. Magal represents the epitome of the engaged teacher, scholar and advisor whom we want to develop and highlight on the North Carolina Wesleyan faculty. We are proud to honor him as the inaugural Souza Chair, and we look forward to the incredible work that he and his colleagues will accomplish with our students in the years ahead.鈥
University Awarded Funds to Expand Nursing BSN Program
NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser secured funding with the newly approved state budget for 麻豆原创鈥檚 BSN Pre-Licensure program. On Monday evening, November 27, they visited the University鈥檚 campus to highlight this achievement with a $350,000 check presentation.

Senator Barnes endorsed the initiative, stating, 鈥淚 fully support Wesleyan’s efforts to expand the BSN program, creating a pipeline for more nursing students to pursue their educational goals while providing well qualified healthcare staff to offset the shortages. It’s a win-win opportunity for our area.鈥
鈥淓nsuring our community has access to high-quality healthcare workers will have positive impacts on the well-being of residents, as well as expanding access to quality local healthcare and creating local job opportunities,鈥 said Representative Allen Chesser. 鈥淚 am proud of the work Senator Barnes and I have been able to accomplish; to ensure valuable community partners such as NCWU so they can continue their great work for Nash County and our surrounding area.鈥
Both Representative Chesser and Senator Barnes are active in the districts they serve, which includes Nash County. They understand the positive impact a BSN Pre-Licensure will have on our community and they fully appreciate the significance 麻豆原创 has on our region.
NC Wesleyan currently offers a Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing through their online RN to BSN program, allowing a pathway for registered nurses with an associate degree to advance their professional role in the healthcare system. With this additional funding, the University will now be able to expand their offerings to include a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program. This will provide nursing students with the clinical skills necessary to deliver safe, evidence-based quality care, earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing and sit for the NCLEX exam.
鈥淭he nursing faculty and I are are extremely grateful for the monetary contribution that NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser have secured for NCWU’s prelicensure nursing program, as well as their support for nursing in our community. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and become more complex, it is imperative that we provide educational opportunities for students in our community and surrounding areas to enter the nursing profession and provide high-quality care to the residents in the rural communities that we serve. We look forward to growing the nursing program at NCWU and offering the prelicensure BSN option to our students,鈥 stated Dr. Crystal Ostheim.
President Duff also acknowledged, 鈥淒r. Dan and Brenda Crocker have also pledged $100,000 to our BSN Licensure program. As a retired physician from our community, Dr. Crocker understands the value and importance of having qualified nurses in our healthcare system. We are extremely grateful for this donation and their unwavering support of NC Wesleyan.鈥
Those in attendance included: Dr. Joe Lane, NCWU Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dan Bell, NCWU Board Member; Roger G. Taylor 鈥70, NCWU Board Member; Terri Sharpe, NCWU Board Member; Paul A. Bauer 鈥86, Chairman of the NCWU Board of Trustees; Allen Chesser ’19, NC Representative; Cindy Edwards, NCWU Senior Executive of Operations; Lisa Barnes, NC Senator; Mark Hinson, NCWU Senior Executive of Philanthropic Engagement; Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President; Suzanne Brackett ’87, NCWU Senior Vice President of Administration; Thomas Winstead, NCWU Board Member; and Dr. Daniel L. Crocker, NCWU Board Member.
NCWU Offers Educational Benefits to UNC Health Nash
麻豆原创 President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and UNC Health Nash President/CEO, Dr. L. Lee Isley, have signed a partnership agreement to expand educational opportunities to employees of Nash. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate RN to BSN and graduate degree programs at NCWU.

鈥淎t Wesleyan, we have programs that support almost every career path at UNC Health Nash. Those programs include certificates in Executive Leadership and Human Resources Management, as well as our Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Healthcare Administration, RN to BSN program, and our Masters in Public Health and Masters in Strategic Leadership,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淪ince the launch of our RN to BSN program in 2019, the University has been fortunate to have the support of Dr. Isley and UNC Health Nash. This new agreement is one way for us to give back to their employees.
The partnership includes special financial awards for those who enroll in one of Wesleyan鈥檚 certificate, baccalaureate or graduate degree programs. Nash employees who are seeking to grow as a leader in their respective divisions can do so with NCWU鈥檚 flexible programs for working adults. All of these programs are 100% online with one-on-one support from faculty who have industry experience. NC Wesleyan鈥檚 degree programs improve competency in areas specific to the roles of employees at UNC Health Nash. This partnership will also provide Registered Nurses with one of the most affordable BSN options in the state of North Carolina.
Mutually benefiting all parties, this partnership allows UNC Health Nash employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the hospital will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, Nash will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to advise their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Nash employees must remain employed with the hospital in order for them to remain eligible for these awards.
Nash County Launches聽Education Network Agreement
Nash County Public Schools (NCPS), Nash Community College (NCC), and 麻豆原创 (NCWU) are pleased to announce the signing of the Nash County Education Network agreement. The agreement was signed this morning at NCWU by Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of 麻豆原创; Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, President of Nash Community College; and Dr. Steven Ellis, Superintendent of Nash County Public Schools.

This collaborative initiative is designed to support local talent by offering an affordable educational pathway from high school to a bachelor’s degree within Nash County. Tuition will be capped at $20,000 in total for completion of both an NCC associates degree and an NCWU bachelor’s degree. These students will also be offered access to academic advising and financial aid counseling by NCWU prior to enrollment at NCWU. The Nash County Education Network exemplifies community cooperation and a commitment to keeping our most promising individuals close to home. Addressing the misconception that higher education at Wesleyan is financially inaccessible, Dr. Duff remarked, “We need to educate them here, so they’ll stay here,” highlighting the strategy to make education attainable for Nash County’s students.聽
The network not only emphasizes affordability but also cultivates a “live here, learn here, work here” ethos that benefits the entire community. Students can now seamlessly transition from K-12 at NCPS to completing their associate degree at NCC and then transfer to NC Wesleyan to complete their four-year degree. These exclusive opportunities are tailored for Nash County students who complete their associate degree at Nash Community College, reinforcing the strategic educational journey from local classrooms at NCPS to the business world, including internships and job placements. “We are creating more than a pathway; we’re preparing for a future where education and industry intersect, leading to a thriving local economy,” Hunnicutt stated. Dr. Ellis added, “This pathway will have a profound impact on our public school system and our students’ futures. It opens doors to higher education and career opportunities that were once out of reach for many.”
For further information about the Nash County Education Network, please contact Heather Louise Finch, NCPS, at hlfinch@ncpschools.net and Kenyon “K.J.” Askew, Jr., NCC, at klaskew736@nashcc.edu.
麻豆原创 the Nash County Education Network:
The Nash County Education Network (NCEN) is a transfer program for Nash County Public School graduates who plan to continue their education at NCC, with the educational goal of fulfilling their undergraduate degree at NCWU. This pathway is formally spring 2024 to ensure that graduates from both NCPS and NCC are automatically eligible for admission to one of NCWU’s undergraduate degree programs. Tuition will be capped at $20,000 in total for completion of both an NCC associate degree and an NCWU bachelor’s degree*. These students will also be offered access to academic advising and financial aid counseling by NCWU prior to enrollment at NCWU. Participants in the NCEN will also be offered access to any events on NCWU’s main campus in Rocky Mount, NC, at no cost.
New Offering at NCWU Allows for Two Degrees, Two Certificates in 2.5 Years
麻豆原创 is introducing a new unique, accelerated program designed for students wishing to elevate their associate degree to a master鈥檚 degree. Through this new pathway, students will have the opportunity to earn an Executive Leadership Certificate, Human Resources Management Certificate, bachelor鈥檚 degree and a Master鈥檚 in Strategic Leadership in approximately two and a half years.

This degree option was designed with working adults in mind by offering 100% online classes. Students can earn certificates as they go with a focus on two classes per term. The University also offers career assistance, supportive advisors and faculty, and special tuition pricing for North Carolina community college graduates*. Students admitted into the Associate to Master鈥檚 program must meet all undergraduate requirements, attain bachelor degree conferral and submit graduate admissions material before they begin the M.S. in Strategic Leadership program.
鈥淣CWU remains on the cutting edge of programming to accelerate the educational attainment of working adults in our state. We have been a leader in alternative pathways for adults to complete their college degree for over 45 years,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淭his is a one-of-a-kind program in North Carolina that allows community college graduates to fast track their learning while attaining multiple credentials along the way.鈥
Upon completion of the Associate to Master鈥檚 program, students will be qualified to attain the following industry certifications: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification, HRCI鈥檚 Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification and the Strategy Planning Professional (SPP) Certification.
If you already have an associate degree, this is a great opportunity to advance your education in less time in order to gain a competitive advantage in the workforce. Apply today to gain new skills and earn multiple degrees at a top-ranked university, taking the first step towards accelerating your career! Those who are interested can learn more at .
City of Rocky Mount and NCWU Team Up for Educational Opportunities
Leaders from 麻豆原创 (NCWU) and the (Rocky Mount) have signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the city. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.

鈥溌槎乖 recognizes that the City of Rocky Mount is a critical and valuable resource when it comes to serving the needs of our citizens. As a member of the Rocky Mount community, NCWU is proud to partner with the city to advance the quality of services provided. Through this partnership, Wesleyan offers professional development, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees to support their employees,鈥 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 Rocky Mount employee during their last semester of enrollment. 麻豆原创 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 benefiting all parties, this partnership allows Rocky Mount employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the city will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the City of Rocky Mount 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. Rocky Mount employees must remain employed with the city in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
