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.”

Â鶹ԭ´´ 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

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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.

“These Illustrations tells the story of how a relationship formed and blossomed from a friendship to a romance,� said Nethercutt. “It became an irreplicable interconnectedness created by shared hardship.�

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.

“I 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,� he explained.

Nethercutt credits his experience in NCWU’s 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.

“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,� said Nethercutt.

“These Illustrations� is Nethercutt’s 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 “A Human Adventure,� 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.

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At Â鶹ԭ´´ (NCWU), that sense of community is at the heart of the student experience. From the first campus visit to graduation and beyond, students are surrounded by mentors, faculty, and peers who are deeply invested in their success—personally and professionally.

For Dr. Caitlin Brabblerose ’18, that support system proved transformative. A double major graduate in Biology and Environmental Science, Brabblerose recently reached a significant milestone: successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Her journey is a testament to the power of personalized education and meaningful mentorship.

“Wesleyan provided me with such a unique undergraduate experience that prepared me in ways I never anticipated for graduate school,� said Brabblerose.

Post-Undergrad Applied Learning Experience

After graduating in 2018, Brabblerose began her career as a Laboratory Technologist with , working in Genomics and Toxicology. She later pursued her Master of Science in Biology at the , eventually continuing into the Ph.D. program, where she spent more than five years studying the biological rhythms of intertidal organisms.

Her dissertation, Entrainment of Biological Rhythms in Fiddler Crab Embryos and Larvae, explored the complex internal clocks that guide these organisms, including circadian and circatidal rhythms. Through behavioral, molecular, and chemical research, her work contributes to a longstanding body of scientific knowledge dating back more than a century.

Reflection and Relationships

While her research is impressive, Brabblerose credits much of her success to the foundation built at Wesleyan. She explained that the small class sizes created high expectations, and her professors consistently pushed her to work harder and achieve more. The writing‑intensive courses prepared her for the reality that science involves communication as much as discovery.

She encourages students to take advantage of small class sizes and to get to know their professors, noting that they are the ones who will advocate for students, write recommendation letters, and continue to offer support long after graduation.

Her experience in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program further mirrored the demands of graduate school, culminating in an undergraduate thesis defense that foreshadowed her doctoral journey.

That support came full circle when several of her former professors attended her dissertation defense—a moment Brabblerose describes as both meaningful and surreal. She shared that having the same professors who supported her honors thesis being present at her Ph.D. completion made the experience feel complete, as though everything had come full circle.

What’s next?

Now, as she looks ahead, Brabblerose plans to continue her journey in academia, pursuing postdoctoral opportunities with the long-term goal of becoming a principal investigator. She hopes to combine her passions for research, teaching, and outreach to inspire future generations. Caitlin’s goal is to give back to students the same way her professors gave and to share her story as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone—it is built through community, mentorship, and the willingness to embrace every step of the journey.

At NCWU, that journey doesn’t end at graduation. It continues to be shaped by relationships, fueled by opportunity, and celebrated through the accomplishments of its alumni.

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The ceremony will bring together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for one of the University’s most meaningful traditions. Commencement serves as both a celebration of student accomplishment and a reflection of NCWU’s commitment to personalized education, mentorship, and community engagement.

“This moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and hard work by our students,â€� said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of Â鶹ԭ´´. “Commencement is not only a milestone for our graduates, but also a celebration for the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and professions.â€�

Meet the Speaker

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by ‘10, a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and proud NCWU alumna. Harrison currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, making history as the first woman elected to the role. She was initially appointed to the Town’s Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and later elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner before being elected mayor in November 2025.

As mayor, Harrison is recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen families, promote economic development, and engage youth. Her leadership extends beyond local government through her service as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In 2024, she was honored with the 40 Under Impact Award by the National League of Cities.

Harrison is also the Founder and CEO of , an organization focused on empowering women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and actively engage in their communities. Alongside her husband, she owns and operates The Harrison Institution, Inc., a nonprofit leadership development firm. Together, they also serve as Care Pastors at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.

A graduate of Â鶹ԭ´´, Harrison earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology before completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. She is a proud member of , and considers her greatest roles to be wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Harrison approaches leadership with integrity, compassion, and commitment to building strong, resilient communities.

The 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony promises to be a meaningful celebration of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings, honoring the Class of 2026 as they step forward to shape the future.

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NC Wesleyan student Brooklynn Covic, a communications major and member of the Bishops Volleyball team, gained hands-on experience this past summer as a Creative Video Intern with the the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Covic’s internship was guided by Callie Cline, a North Carolina Wesleyan alumna and the Grasshoppers’ Manager of Social Media and Media Services.

Covic’s journey began on campus, where she works as a student assistant with NC Wesleyan Athletics, creating social media content and graphics to promote Bishop athletic programs. That foundational experience helped prepare her for the professional sports environment she now navigates daily.

“I really hope to bring these skills back to our athletic department to continue capturing and celebrating our student-athletes,� Covic said. “This internship has allowed me to grow creatively and professionally while seeing how the skills I’ve learned at NC Wesleyan translate to the real world.�

For Cline, the opportunity to mentor a current Bishop is both personal and purposeful. As a former NC Wesleyan volleyball student-athlete and multimedia intern, she understands the impact early professional experience can have on a student’s career trajectory.

“I wish I would have started sooner and prioritized internships and experience earlier,� Cline said. “Being able to give back and help a current student see what’s possible is incredibly rewarding. NC Wesleyan helped lay the foundation for my career, and it’s exciting to be part of that process for someone else.�

This internship reflects NC Wesleyan’s commitment to hands-on learning, career readiness, and fostering meaningful alumni connections. By creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, the university continues to prepare students for success in competitive professional fields.

For more information about internship opportunities and experiential learning at Â鶹ԭ´´, visit ncwu.edu.

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The gift represents the proceeds from “The Big Chill,� an annual alumni reunion rooted in the deep camaraderie of the former Alpha Delta Chi (ΑΔΧ) Fraternity, Beta Chapter, founded at NCWU in 1965. What began decades ago as a small gathering of brothers has transformed into a spirited tradition celebrating fellowship, memories, and the powerful bonds formed on NC Wesleyan’s campus.

Known for his enthusiasm, humor, and dedication to bringing people together, Charlie organized the fraternity’s “Big Chill� reunions for more than 40 years. What was intended to be the final “Bill Chill,� hosted October 23–26, evolved instead into an extended celebration of his life and his unparalleled commitment to keeping the Brotherhood connected.

The ΑΔΧ alumni group, known for legendary stories that include rerouting Hwy 301 traffic through campus and frequenting local favorites like The Rainbow Club and Mack’s, continues to channel its energy into giving back to today’s students. Their support of the Rogers Scholarship ensures that incoming freshmen from North Carolina, especially those pursuing theatre or with strong civic engagement, receive meaningful financial support as they begin their own Wesleyan journey.

This year’s contribution reflects both pride in the Brotherhood’s enduring legacy and a friendly, unspoken challenge: the alumni of Alpha Delta Chi hope their commitment to giving inspires others to match their dedication to the next generation of Bishops.

“In my lifetime, I have watched a ton of movies and a ton of football, and after a while, you can’t hardly list any that stick out, but what I can tell you is the list of people that have made a huge impact in my life,� said Thompson. “One of the greatest hard lessons I have learned is to understand what is premeditated and understand what is and what isn’t.�

NC Wesleyan University extends heartfelt appreciation to the Alpha Delta Chi alumni for their ongoing generosity, loyalty, and example of what it means to uplift the Bishop community.

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The endowed scholarship pays tribute to a woman whose life embodied resilience, faith, intellect, and service. Betty Price passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s — a journey marked not by struggle alone, but by courage and enduring grace.

Born in Raleigh on February 4, 1949, Betty began her working life as a cashier at Roses Discount Store before embarking on an inspiring academic and professional path. She graduated magna cum laude from Â鶹ԭ´´ in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1992. Her dedication to learning continued with the completion of her MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2009.

Betty’s career spanned roles as Controller and Financial Manager for respected organizations such as Memorex/Telex, Martin-Marietta, Progress Energy, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Her commitment to education extended to the classroom as well, where she taught at both the and her alma mater, NC Wesleyan University.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Betty was a devoted Christian whose heart for service shaped countless ministries — from assisting with new church builds to supporting inner-city food pantries. She served faithfully as an assistant treasurer, a member of the Diaconate, and a Sunday School teacher, touching lives through both leadership and compassion.

Her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Price, a pastor, educator, and author known for his work on faith and leadership, established this scholarship to honor Betty’s legacy and continue the work she cared so deeply about. The Betty A. Price Endowed Scholarship will support single mothers pursuing higher education, offering them the kind of opportunity and encouragement that defined Betty’s own journey.

Betty is survived by her husband of 17 years, Rev. Dr. Michael Price; her son Rodney; siblings Julia Herring, Sondra Bledsoe, and Mike Adams; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her final resting place — the shoreline of Ft. DeSoto County Park in Pinellas County, Florida — reflects her spirit: peaceful, enduring, and full of quiet strength.

NC Wesleyan University is humbled and grateful to carry forward Betty’s legacy through this endowed scholarship, ensuring her story continues to inspire generations of scholars to come.

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The project, produced under 301 North Records, features an impressive lineup of former members of NCWU’s performance ensemble Spectrum, including:

• Joshua Strausser ’20
• Will Plyler ’21
• Justin Long ’21
• Madison Barbour ’21
• Jackson Nethercutt ’23
• Colby Whaley ’23

The single was officially released on Friday, November 28th, and is now streaming on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records, shared his excitement about the project: “It was wonderful to work in collaboration with our alumni on this musical project. It is my hope that we can have more such alumni collaborations in the near future.�

NCWU continues to celebrate the success of its graduates and the growth of its innovative Music Production program. This release showcases not only the skill and creativity fostered at Wesleyan, but also the lasting connections formed through its close-knit artistic community.

For more information about the Music Production program or 301 North Records, visit here.

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The event began with a Flag Ceremony conducted by the followed by NCWU student and military dependent, Steven Fiscante, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. NCWU student, MarQuayla Garrett, delivered a stunning rendition of the National Anthem, setting the tone for a morning of reverence and pride.

Rev. Edwin Ferguson, NCWU Chaplain, led attendees in a heartfelt prayer, followed by welcoming remarks from Aaron Pait, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and NCWU student. Pait reminded the audience of the deeper meaning of the day, sharing, “Memorial Day is when we pause to honor those who died in service. Today we honor the service itself, and everyone who answered the call. Today makes room for the whole person, not just the uniform.�

He encouraged those in attendance to truly engage with the day, saying, “Don’t just observe today — engage with it. Sit down with a veteran. Ask what service meant to them and what it still means. And then ask yourself: what does it take to remain worth defending?�

Christopher S. Cash Memorial Scholarship Recipients

During the ceremony, Leah Hill, NCWU Director of Financial Aid, recognized the Christopher S. Cash Memorial Scholarship recipients, Samuel Church and Anthony Conner. This scholarship honors the legacy of NCWU alumnus Captain Christopher S. Cash (‘93), who was mortally wounded while leading his platoon in Iraq. His memory continues to inspire future generations of Wesleyan students to lead with courage and compassion.

Guest Speaker – Dr. Kelvin Spragley

The program concluded with remarks from Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU’s Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer, and a veteran of the United States Army. In his stirring address, Dr. Spragley reminded all in attendance that the service of veterans extends beyond the battlefield—it is rooted in the defense of our nation’s ideals.

He reflected, “Veterans do not swear an oath to defend a person, a party, or a policy. They take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. Their loyalty is to the principles that form the foundation of our democracy — liberty, justice, equality, and the rule of law.�

Dr. Spragley emphasized that true patriotism is not blind obedience, but “courageous love — love that tells the truth and seeks to correct what is wrong while preserving what is right.� He concluded by calling on all Americans to honor veterans not only with words, but with action:

“Veterans have done their part to defend that ‘we’ in ‘We the People.’ Now it’s our turn to make sure that ‘we’ truly means everyone. So today, let us say not only ‘thank you for your service,’ but also ‘we will continue your mission.’ We will stand for justice, for freedom, and for the principles that define this great but imperfect nation.�

Â鶹ԭ´´ remains committed to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students as a proud Gold Top 10 School. The Veterans Day Ceremony reflects Wesleyan’s dedication to recognizing service and fostering a campus community rooted in gratitude and respect.

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Â鶹ԭ´´ (NCWU) is proud to announce that alumnus Will Plyler ’21 has released his latest album, “Wild and Free,â€� on November 7 through NCWU’s own 301 North Records label.

“Wild and Free� marks Plyler’s third album produced in partnership with 301 North Records, continuing his growth and impact as a contemporary Christian artist. A graduate of NCWU’s B.A. in Music Production program, Plyler attributes much of his creative development to the hands-on training and mentorship he received at Wesleyan.

Plyler currently serves as the Worship and Music Director at Church at Sandhurst in Florence, South Carolina, where he lives with his wife, Kaitlyn, also an NCWU alumna, and their son, Toby.

Listeners can enjoy “Wild and Free� on , including Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and iTunes.

NCWU congratulates Will on this exciting new release and celebrates the continued achievements of its alumni in the music and production industries.

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