Leaders from 麻豆原创 (NCWU) and the (Nashville) signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the town. The partnership allows employees and their immediate families to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.

鈥淲e take pride in the ability to provide our community the education, experience and learning environments necessary to for our community partners with their most valuable resource鈥攁n educated workforce. We look forward to continuing and facilitating this partnership for the benefit for our community and the Town of Nashville鈥檚 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 Nashville 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 benefitting all parties, this partnership allows Nashville employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the school system will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the Town of Nashville 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. Nashville employees must remain employed with the school system in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
NC Wesleyan鈥檚 MBA Ranked in Top 10 Best Online Programs by Forbes

A September 2023 ranked 麻豆原创 as having one of the top ten best online MBA programs in the United States. These rankings came from The Forbes Advisor Education team. The Forbes rankings scored 476 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online MBA degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. Data was pulled for these categories from reliable resources such as ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.
Learn more about the and the value of an education at NC Wesleyan University.
NCWU Embraces New Freshman Class
麻豆原创 held its 67th annual New Student Convocation today in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. President Dr. Evan D. Duff gave a warm welcome to over 300 new students who are embarking on their college experience, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey. The newest class of Bishops make up a diverse group of students with 196 hailing from North Carolina, 63 of which are from the local region, and 45 international students from 24 different countries. The top five majors that this cohort will be pursuing include Business Administration, Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, Biomedical Science and Computer Information Systems.

鈥淒uring your time here, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life. Those include communication, collaboration, how to effectively make decisions, being self-aware and information technology skills. Your success in life is our success and we look forward to being an important part of your journey,鈥 stated Duff.
This year鈥檚 guest speaker was Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, a 1988 Mathematics alumna and founder of the (WISER), which she is currently actively involved in. WISER is the first think tank to focus solely on the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of women of color. Sharpe was born in New York City, but raised in Virginia. After graduating from NC Wesleyan, she obtained three master’s degrees: Applied Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University (1992); Operations Research from Stanford University (1994); and Economics from Claremont Graduate University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Economics/Mathematics in 1998, also from Claremont Graduate University.

Sharpe has taught at a number of colleges and universities, including Barnard College, Bucknell University, Columbia University, Duke University and the University of Vermont. She is also the co-founder of the (DITE), which she served as Associate Director from 2008 until 2014.
While addressing the new class of Bishops, Sharpe stressed the importance of not letting your past dictate your future.
鈥淭o the Class of 2027, I say to you: whatever your high school experience鈥攚hether you excelled or you had challenges鈥攖hat was your past. Your future began when you stepped on this campus.鈥 stated Sharpe. She went on to offer several tips for being successful over the next four years: be proactive, get to know your faculty, don鈥檛 be afraid to speak up in class even if you鈥檙e not always right, embrace and exchange ideas, acknowledge and appreciate those who maintain and clean your spaces, ask for help early and commit to look out for your fellow Bishop.
Throughout her address, Sharpe acknowledged multiple reasons why Wesleyan was a great educational choice for her. She closed by reiterating this sentiment, saying 鈥淲hether North Carolina Wesleyan was your first choice, your only choice, or your safe choice, as an alumna, I wish for you an educational experience that makes you feel like it was your best choice. It was for me.鈥
Afterwards, students exited The Dunn Center greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of NC Wesleyan forming a time-honored tradition鈥 the Bishop Tunnel. As they continued through the tunnel to enter the annual Rock the Mount event, they were each welcomed by President Duff and his wife, Marcy. Rock the Mount is a tradition at NCWU of welcoming new students to campus and to the community. Each year, it takes place the day before the University鈥檚 first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Organizations come out to support and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, almost 110 community organizations lined the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan鈥檚 Class of 2027. There were a variety of food options provided by food trucks CP3 Catering & Food Trailer, Integrity BBQ, 3Boys Smoke Pit & Catering, Webby鈥檚, Minnie Amazing Foods and Thingz, and Dewberrys Fruit Smoothies were on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment was provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band 鈥淏lind Joy鈥 and DJ 3two1.
Come Rock the Mount at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Rock the Mount is an annual tradition held each fall at 麻豆原创 to celebrate and welcome new students to campus, as well as to the local community. Each year, Rock the Mount is held the day before students鈥 first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. This semester, the event is sponsored by Southern Bank and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15. Business owners, churches and other nonprofits are invited to come promote their organization and gain exposure with NCWU students.

That day, hundreds of students take their rite of passage through a time-honored tradition鈥攖he Bishop Tunnel鈥攆ormed by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. As they pass through the tunnel, they are met with a warm welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff and wife, Marcy. They then proceed down the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to help the Bishop family welcome these new students to Wesleyan, Rocky Mount and the surrounding community. Businesses and organizations are set up with tents and booth displays that decorate the street and Southern Bank Green, creating a runway for students to stop and browse their products and services.
Last year, Rock the Mount brought nearly 80 vendors to campus; this year, NC Wesleyan aims to have even more businesses and organizations on campus to make the event even more of a success. Are you the owner of a restaurant or coffee shop? Students love to eat and run on coffee! Do you have an automotive shop? Unlike many colleges and universities, NCWU allows students to bring their cars their freshman year, so they too will need oil changes and tire rotations. Are you part of a local church? Use this opportunity to connect with students looking for a local, faith-based family to join. By celebrating the start of another exciting school year with Wesleyan, you form a bond with new students who could potentially become customers, interns and even future employees. Come make a great first impression as NCWU welcomes the Class of 2027.
Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment will be provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band 鈥淏lind Joy鈥 and DJ 3two1. Those interested in participating should bring a six-foot tablecloth鈥擭CWU will provide the table. A tent is not required, but it鈥檚 August in North Carolina so you may appreciate the shade鈥 just keep it 10鈥檟10鈥 or less. Also, giveaways are completely optional, but they are a great way to stand out from the rest and maybe even become the crowd favorite!
Participation is free, but display spaces are limited. The registration deadline is Monday, July 31; however, businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible at bit.ly/RockTheMount23. For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
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. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y 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 , , , , and .
NCWU Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways

麻豆原创 has been named to 鈥檚 2023 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students. This year, Phi Theta Kappa has named 208 colleges and universities to its 2023 Transfer Honor Roll. NC Wesleyan was selected as being among the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation, which was determined by its Transfer Profile in PTK Connect. The profile includes information about NC Wesleyan鈥檚 admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and student reviews. The result is a Transfer-Friendly Rating that allows prospective community college transfer students to find the university that best meets their unique needs. Learn more on Phi Theta Kappa’s .
Alumnus to Serve as New NCWU Board Chair
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Board of Trustees, has announced his plan to hand over the reins to Vice Chairman, Paul Bauer, after serving in the capacity since 2018. Mr. Bauer will begin his tenure as Board Chair on June 1 with Dr. Crocker remaining an active board member.
Mr. Bauer is no stranger to Wesleyan, as his father Dr. Raymond 鈥淢oe鈥 Bauer, served NC Wesleyan for over 33 years in a variety of roles such as Head Baseball Coach, Director of Athletics and professor of both education and physical education. You may also recognize the name from NCWU鈥檚 baseball facility, Bauer Field, dedicated in memory of his father in 2005.

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to have this opportunity to help lead the University in the coming years. Dr. Crocker has always led by example and paved the way for a successful transition,鈥 stated Bauer. 鈥淲ith the history that Wesleyan holds for me and my family, I鈥檓 excited to see my alma mater continue to flourish over the coming years.鈥
Bauer is a 1986 graduate of NC Wesleyan who majored in History and Political Science. He is a Senior Client Executive with in Rocky Mount. In this role, he develops customer relationships and specializes in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance sales.
鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for the leadership and generosity that Dr. Crocker has provided to the University and our Board of Trustees. During his tenure, NC Wesleyan has experienced numerous enhancements and growth,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work with him as an active member of the Board and maintaining this momentum with the appointment of Mr. Bauer.鈥
Dr. Crocker has served on the Board of Trustees since 1997 and was Vice Chairman from 2016 until 2018. He and his wife, Brenda, have been avid supporters of NC Wesleyan throughout the years creating multiple scholarships, mentoring students and beautifying campus with Brenda鈥檚 gardening talents. In appreciation for their selfless contributions, the board has established an endowed scholarship fund in their name. With Dr. Crocker鈥檚 passion for higher education and nursing, the scholarship will go to benefit NCWU nursing students.
鈥淲itnessing the success of 麻豆原创 is a passion of mine and I have full confidence that Paul will continue to lead this University to new heights,鈥 stated Dr. Crocker. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the accomplishments that we鈥檝e been a part of and I look forward to continuing to work with this talented group of board members.鈥
Bauer has served on the Board of Trustees since 2014 and as Vice Chair since 2018. As Board Chair, he will lead 20 others from a variety of backgrounds and industries who serve on the 麻豆原创 Board of Trustees.
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. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y 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 , , , , and .
NCWU Building a Strong Incoming Class
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 has always been a leader in providing quality education to thousands of deserving students and this coming fall will be no exception. A local student, Natalie Messer, and a legacy, Brayden Blue, are two academically gifted students who will join the incoming Class of 2027 this fall as they embark on their educational journey at NCWU.
Natalie Messer, from Rocky Mount, has accepted the President and Founder鈥檚 Scholarships. She plans to major in Biomedical Science: Pre-Veterinary, with intentions to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. A senior at Southern Nash High School, Natalie has a 4.22 weighted GPA and is actively involved in various organizations, including Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Winter Guard.

When describing her impression of North Carolina Wesleyan, Natalie stated, 鈥溾fter my first visit to campus, I was known personally, which made me feel right at home. I fell in love with the beautiful campus which is small, but grand at the same time.鈥
Natalie attributes the community feel of NCWU to making the impact on her college decision. 鈥淭heir smaller class sizes with more one-on-one instructional time will help me grow as a person, continue to strengthen my foundation and guide me to my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.鈥 She will receive $104,000 worth of University awards over the next four years from 麻豆原创.
Coming from Kannapolis, Brayden Blue will be a second-generation Wesleyan student joining the University in the fall. With both parents being alumni of NCWU, Brayden鈥檚 father, Bradley Blue, was inducted into the 麻豆原创 Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Brayden, graduating from Concord High School, is a talented basketball player and an accomplished student. Choosing to further his academic and athletic career at NCWU, he will follow his father鈥檚 footsteps as a member of the men鈥檚 basketball team.

When discussing his excitement about becoming a future Bishop, Brayden replied that he looked forward to 鈥渃ontinuing to work on my basketball career while obtaining my degree.鈥 Brayden is already accustomed to the family atmosphere that Wesleyan offers stating, 鈥淐oach Thompson is like family and he has followed my basketball career over the years through my parents.鈥
As students, Brayden鈥檚 dad played basketball for Coach John Thompson, while his mom worked as the student manager for the basketball team. Brayden explained his experience when visiting NCWU, 鈥淲hen I came for my first visit, the guys on the team made me feel like I was already part of the family.鈥 Brayden is excited for the many opportunities that NCWU has to offer noting that he is 鈥渓ooking forward to making NCWU my home and seeing what the future holds.鈥 He will receive $60,000 worth of University awards over the next four years.
Natalie and Brayden are only two examples of academically inclined students who have found their personal connection at 麻豆原创 and plan to join this fall. NCWU looks forward to welcoming such outstanding students into the Battling Bishop family!
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. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y 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 , , , and and .
NCWU Ranked Most Affordable Private University in NC by The New York Times
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 A March 2023 analysis by The New York Times ranked 麻豆原创 as one of the top ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina and the most affordable private, nonprofit university in the state. These rankings were based on net price鈥攖he price that students actually pay to attend after financial aid and other grants. The Times鈥 rankings included 26 colleges and universities in North Carolina, both public and private.
Learn more about these and the value of an education at NC Wesleyan University.

NCWU Earns 2023-2024 Military Friendly庐 School Gold Designation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 announced today that it has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly庐 School Gold designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly庐 School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.
The 2023-2024 Military Friendly庐 Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at .
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly庐 Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution鈥檚 survey scores with the assessment of the institution鈥檚 ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
鈥淚 am excited that 麻豆原创 has received the Military Friendly Gold designation once again this year. At NCWU, we understand the sacrifices that veterans and their families make for our great Country and recognize the difficulties that come with transitioning into civilian life. Receiving the Military Friendly Gold designation demonstrates our commitment to continuously assist military-connected students by increasing support and offering acknowledgement at every opportunity,鈥 stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
鈥淢ilitary Friendly庐 is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.鈥 – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly庐
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
麻豆原创 Military Friendly庐 Schools:
The Military Friendly庐 Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly庐 Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at .
麻豆原创 Viqtory:
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs庐 and Military Friendly庐 brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
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. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y 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 , , , and .
Wesleyan鈥orth It!
A hot topic right now鈥攊s a college degree still worth the time, effort and money that it takes to obtain one? At NC Wesleyan University, we think it most definitely is and here is why.

For those concerned about debt due to聽college loans, Wesleyan offers several options to make your education affordable and attainable: 100% of traditional program students are eligible for some source of financial assistance and聽we award $24 million聽in scholarships, grants and financial aid each year.聽In fact, our average scholarship package actually lowers the cost of attending NCWU to be comparable to the cost of attending an in-state public university.
Many may think that they can make more money coming straight out of high school and going into the workforce. This may be true in certain instances, for the short-term. However, over time studies show that bachelor degree holders are known to earn as much as $1 million in additional income over their lifespan. Employers recognize that college graduates have been trained in areas of communication, problem-solving and critical thinking鈥 skills that are transferable to any field. In a world where competition for jobs is increasingly fierce, a college degree can be a valuable asset in helping job seekers stand out from the crowd and secure their place in the workforce.
A college degree demonstrates that a potential job candidate is dedicated to learning and improving their skills. College graduates are exposed to opportunities that prepare them to make sound decisions, think strategically and offer innovative solutions to problems. In today’s economy, employers are more likely to hire candidates who have a degree than those without one, opening the door to greater and more varied job opportunities. For those who are thinking about or currently pursuing an associate degree, we have great partnerships in place to provide a seamless transfer to NCWU following completion of your two-year degree at many NC community colleges.
In college, you also gain experiential learning through project-based assignments that partner with real organizations, internships and student clubs and organizations. You can leverage these valuable experiences on your resume, in your portfolio of work and during job interviews to show employers that you are a competitive candidate. Through our Office of Career Development & Leadership, Resident Expert Program (WES-R.E.P.) and partnerships with local organizations, our students have the ability to explore potential careers through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, career fairs, internships and job shadowing opportunities. In addition, college students are exposed to a wide range of peers from all over the world allowing them to learn about different cultures, make connections and build a professional network.
Higher education is an invaluable tool. At NCWU, we provide opportunities that are personal, practical and purpose-driven to help you unlock your potential and accomplish your goals in life. To learn more about our offerings for traditional and adult students, visit our website at ncwu.edu/academics.
