ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创鈥檚 Board of Trustees has approved five new board members to join the Wesleyan family: Lisa S. Barnes, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr., Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, USA (Ret.), Harry Bynum and Beth B. Covolo. They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and join 21 others that serve on the 麻豆原创 Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Dan Crocker.
鈥淚 commend the current members of the Board of Trustees in identifying and adding these exceptional individuals. Each of them will add greatly to the strength of the Board and they will contribute tremendously to the continued progress of the school,鈥 stated Dr. Crocker.
Lisa S. Barnes, a Nash County native, is currently serving District 11 in the North Carolina Senate representing Nash and Johnston counties. She is a member of the Education, Healthcare and Agriculture Energy, and the Environment Committees. A graduate of Peace College and North Carolina State University, she began her career as a real estate paralegal. Today, she works alongside her husband, Johnny, in agribusiness. Lisa has also served in the NC House of Representatives and on the Nash County Board of Commissioners. Lisa and Johnny have three adult children鈥擝ethany, Joshua and Jacy鈥攁nd are members of Ridgecrest Worship Center. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and paddle boarding.
Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 1980 graduate of NC Wesleyan and a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. As a Battling Bishops tennis player, he enjoyed a solid four-year career that saw him become one of the most decorated athletes in the program鈥檚 history. A three-time Most Valuable Player from 1978 to 1980, Vernon was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 as the first NC Wesleyan player to earn Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. After his time on the court at NC Wesleyan, he played professional tennis for three years. The Halifax, NC native has since enjoyed a successful career in real estate and frequently returns to campus to support and encourage current student-athletes. Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is the namesake of several campus landmarks, including the sports complex, residence hall and lobby, among others. His commitment and dedication to 麻豆原创 is evident throughout campus. He is the highest individual donor in NC Wesleyan鈥檚 history.
Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray completed over three decades of service in the United States Army, demonstrating professional leadership skills in strategic communications, combat operations, foreign affairs and effective modernization in support of the Department of Defense and National Interests. He is now an independent consultant and owner of ANGB Consulting, LLC. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College and a Bachelor of Science in Art from the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from 麻豆原创. A lifelong learner, he has executive training from UNC Kenan鈥揊lagler Business School and Administrative Management from Central Michigan University.
Harry Bynum is the President of SE&M Constructors, a full-service electrical and mechanical contractor based in Elm City, NC. He is a licensed electrical, mechanical and general contractor in North Carolina and received a Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1976. He has served on the boards of United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of The Tar River Region, The Salvation Army, Rocky Mount Industrial Organization, Citizens Savings Bank, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest University Alumni Association. Harry has three sons 鈥 Zack, Alex and Charlie鈥 along with two step children, Jimmy Keel and Margie Gately. He and his wife, Melissa, also have six grandchildren.
Beth B. Covolo is the Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA). She was also the Director of Development and Head of Lower School at RMA from 2005-2011. Prior to her time at RMA, Beth served in Nash County Public Schools for fifteen years. She is currently a trustee for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, as well as President of the Carolina Independent Conference. Beth holds a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and is the mother of three children.
鈥淚 am excited to welcome this talented group of professionals to the Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds and work experiences will add value to help us achieve the mission of the College,鈥 stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan. D. Duff. The wide range of skills and expertise that these individuals hold will serve as a valuable asset to the current Board of Trustees. They will serve on the Board until May 31, 2025.
The Dunn Center to Host Methodist Bishop
Due to expected inclement weather, this event will be held virtually. To view,
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥揟he Dunn Center will host , Resident Bishop of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (NCCUMC) on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Fairley will be the guest preacher for an area wide worship service, a joint celebration held by 麻豆原创 and the United Methodist churches in and around Rocky Mount.
He became Resident Bishop of NCCUMC in September 2021, after serving the North Carolina Conference since 1984. Prior to becoming Resident Bishop, his last appointment in North Carolina was for the Capital District, NCCUMC’s largest district, as the District Superintendent. He was then elected by the delegates of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and appointed as Bishop of the Kentucky Conference in 2016.
鈥淭he Wesleyan community is honored to host Bishop Fairley and our area UMC pastors for this special service on our campus. We exist today because of our founders and the NC Methodist Conference. I could not be more excited to have this event in The Dunn Center,鈥 stated NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Bishop Fairley graduated from Pfeiffer College and Duke University’s School of Divinity. He served at St. Peters in Hamlet and Soapstone in Raleigh before becoming the Rockingham District Superintendent. After serving as a District Superintendent for seven years, he returned to the local church in 2012 as Lead Pastor at Saint Francis in Cary, NC.
During the service, will welcome Dr. Jung Choi, Senior Director of Wesleyan Formation Initiatives at Duke Divinity School, and acknowledge the partnership that NC Wesleyan has with the school. NC Wesleyan announced in late 2021 that they had signed an agreement with Duke Divinity School to offer NCWC students an accelerated pathway to pastoral leadership. This agreement allows NC Wesleyan students to dual enroll at both institutions during their junior and senior years and work toward the completion of requirements for a Hybrid Master of Divinity (MDiv-H) or Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP) degree.
Bishop Fairley, a pastor, poet and man of deep, quiet faith, often shares his story of being born into poverty and from 鈥渢he wrong side of town.鈥 鈥淭here were times when I didn鈥檛 have food,鈥 he remembers. 鈥淭here were tables that I knew I was not invited to. But there was always room at God鈥檚 table… I always knew that at this table there was always enough, that I was always welcome.鈥
He and his wife, Dawn, currently split their time between Kentucky and North Carolina.
The service is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments.
To view the virtual event,
NC Wesleyan Surpasses Annual Fall Fundraising Goal
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Monday, October 25 concluded The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, 麻豆原创鈥檚 annual fall fundraiser. The College set a goal of $280,000. Due to the generous support from donors, NCWC surpassed this by over $100,000.
“We received gifts both big and small. Each gift, no matter the size, positively impacts our students to help them reach their potential and meet personal, career and life goals,鈥 stated Mark Hinson, Director of Annual Giving. 鈥淒onor funding assists NC Wesleyan to excel in its mission. We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement.鈥
The campaign raised monies for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more. Donors consisted of faculty, staff, alumni, the College鈥檚 Board of Trustees, local organizations and community members. The campaign kicked off strong with check presentations from First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. To support the new Sports Stadium Project, First Carolina Bank presented the College with $25,000. The College also received $24,000 donated by Jane Gravely 鈥74 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. To learn more about The Wesleyan Promise Campaign and ways you can support NC Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu/give.
NCWC Alum and Musician Produces Christmas Album
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Will Plyler 鈥21, a graduate of NC Wesleyan University鈥檚 Entertainment Arts Music Production program, will soon release his first Christmas album. The new album, Once Upon a Silent Night, will be available on all streaming platforms beginning November 19, 2021.
The album will contain original Christmas songs and new arrangements of classic carols, including 鈥淛oy to the World,鈥 鈥淎ngels We Have Heard on High,鈥 鈥淕o Tell It on the Mountain鈥 and more. Those interested in purchasing the CD can do so by sending an email directly to wpmusicofficial@gmail.com.
“I am very excited to be releasing my first Christmas album this November! I recorded and produced this entire project from my home studio in Goldsboro, North Carolina,鈥 expressed Plyler. 鈥淚 owe the ability to make my own music and the knowledge I gained pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Music Production to NC Wesleyan University. My education truly prepared me to pursue my life dream of making music.”
An avid instrumentalist, Plyler played all the instruments on his album except for drums, which were played by his brother, Bentley. Plyler鈥檚 wife, Kaitlyn, also a Wesleyan alum, sang vocals on the album along with Abby Patterson.
“Will is one of our dynamic recent graduates in music production and is doing great things in his community and in the world of music. We are all proud of what Will has accomplished, both during his time here at Wesleyan and in his professional career, and are looking forward to his newest release, Once Upon A Silent Night,” noted Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at NC Wesleyan University.
Since graduating from NC Wesleyan University, Plyler has served as Creative Arts Pastor at The Bridge in Mount Olive, North Carolina. He also produces and teaches music at Triple-Knot Studios. To listen to more from Will Plyler, and .
NCWC Homecoming Returns
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will kick off its Homecoming week festivities on Monday, October 4 leading up to the Bishops鈥 football game against Greensboro College on Saturday, October 9. For the second time, the Battling Bishops will play their Homecoming game on-campus at the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Football Field, after first doing so in 2019.
Throughout the week, many activities will take place both on-campus and throughout the community for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. There will also be opportunities to cheer on men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer, as well as baseball. An alumni football game is scheduled for Friday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. on the field adjacent to the Gateway Technology Center (GTC), located at the front of campus.
Saturday, tailgating will begin at 9:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., the College will be dedicating a plaque recognizing and honoring alumni who served in harm鈥檚 way during the Vietnam War. This will be an addition to the existing Vietnam Memorial Courts at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center. Also at 10:00 a.m., the Alumni & Kid Zone opens at the football field or catch the alumni softball game at Edge Field. A chili cook-off will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Homecoming golf cart parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Kickoff against Greensboro College is at noon and alumni plan to round out the day at The Rocky Mount Mills from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
For a full list of activities, times and locations, visit ncwu.edu/homecoming or the NCWC Homecoming 2021 event on Facebook. Individual tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are $5 for adults (18+), $3 for ages 12-18 and FREE for all under age 12. Alumni Homecoming Packets can be purchased online for $35 and include a game ticket, t-shirt, parking pass, bookstore discount and a list of Community Partner discounts.
NC Wesleyan Kicks Off Annual Fall Fundraising Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 launched their annual fall fundraiser, The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, on Monday, September 27 at a kickoff breakfast in The Dunn Center. This campaign seeks vitally important support for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more.
To help usher in the campaign, two highlights of the event included check presentations by First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. Lank Dunton, First Carolina Bank鈥檚 Market Executive for the Rocky Mount Area, presented the College with $25,000 to support the Sports Stadium Project. First Carolina Bank has been a banking partner with NC Wesleyan and is a strong supporter of the Sports Stadium Project and other ongoing efforts at the College. Jane Gravely 鈥74 donated $24,000 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. She is a current NC Wesleyan Board of Visitors member and fan of the arts.
鈥淲e are so grateful for the support this community shows the College. For 65 years we鈥檝e been serving not only our students, but the community as well. That partnership, from its beginning to today, has been mutually beneficial,鈥 stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement. 鈥淎s NC Wesleyan continues to grow and thrive, so will the opportunities we offer back to the area through the arts, academic excellence, quality athletics, entertainment and volunteer support. Regardless of the size, we are grateful for all gifts of support during this campaign.鈥
The College has set a goal of raising $280,000 by October 25. Those who are interested in supporting this campaign can give securely online at or by calling 252.985.5581.
Dr. Evan D. Duff Installed as 8th President of 麻豆原创
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 officially installed Dr. Evan D. Duff as its 8th president on Friday, September 17, 2021. An inauguration ceremony was held in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center on the College鈥檚 campus.
Opening remarks were given by Rebecca Mitchell, NC Wesleyan senior, double majoring in Psychology and Biology and intern in the President鈥檚 Office. 鈥淔rom the beginning, Dr. Duff has demonstrated his passion for helping students, offering them a voice and a place to call home,鈥 stated Mitchell. She continued, 鈥淒r. Duff truly cares about his students and their overall well-being.鈥
Greetings to Dr. Duff were given by students, faculty, staff, board members and friends. Some unable to attend sent personal greetings via video. Constance Williams, NCWC Board Member and human resource professional, offered her congratulations, stating 鈥淧resident Duff is by far one of the most visionary, humble and forward-thinking executives I have ever had the privilege to know. He prioritizes and operates from a position of fairness, excellence, inclusion and kindness.鈥
Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group and NCWC Board Member, also sent her well-wishes, noting 鈥淒r. Duff鈥檚 vision for the school is only exceeded by his strong competency and his vision for what life can be like for all of us.鈥
Award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, delivered her virtual greeting saying 鈥淚 know that under Dr. Duff鈥檚 successful leadership, this institution has thrived in very challenging circumstances. I also recognize that today鈥檚 installation honors the tradition of Wesleyan excellence and investment in education for our region.鈥
A surprise, handwritten letter from Governor Roy Cooper was presented to Dr. Duff on his accomplishments. It read, 鈥淩ocky Mount is proud to be home to 麻豆原创 and the outstanding programs and experiences it offers to its students. I know under your leadership, it will continue to grow and be an important North Carolina institution of higher learning. On a personal note: thanks Dr. Duff鈥 this is my home area and I know how important this great College is.鈥
Dr. Dan Crocker, Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, conducted the Investiture of the President. Afterwards, Paul Bauer, Vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented Dr. Duff with a Presidential Medallion, a symbol of authority and a token of esteem and confidence. One side displays the President鈥檚 name and date of Inauguration, the other the College seal. The Seal includes five symbols 鈥 an owl is shown for wisdom, a lion for courage, a triangle for the Trinity, a budded cross for Christianity and a lamp for learning.
Dr. Duff was then joined on stage by his wife of 23 years, Marcy, and their four children 鈥 Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe 鈥 as Rev. Laura Wittman gave a blessing of the presidential family.
Immediately following the Inauguration, a luncheon honoring Dr. Duff was held at the Rocky Mount Event Center for family and close friends.
NCWC Graduate Returns to Alma Mater as Alumni Relations Coordinator
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 alumna, Caroline Little 鈥07, has joined the College as Alumni Relations Coordinator. As an ambassador for the College, she will collaborate with colleagues to create and maintain pathways for alumni participation in order to advance the mission and vision of NC Wesleyan.
Little graduated from NC Wesleyan in 2007 with a degree in Psychology, earning President鈥檚 List and National Dean鈥檚 List honors. During her time as a student, she was a resident advisor, writing lab tutor, orientation leader and admissions/financial aid ambassador. Little was involved with student activities, President of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, Treasurer for the Greek Council, a member of the Wesleyan Singers and participated in the music club. In 2004, Little received the James R. Hailey Leadership and Service award.
Most recently, Little was Executive Director of Teal Toes (TT), an organization dedicated to creating ovarian cancer awareness. This cause is especially important to Little, as she is an ovarian cancer survivor.
鈥淐aroline鈥檚 love for Wesleyan and the experience she gained while working in the nonprofit world will benefit her greatly in this role. It is with great pleasure to have someone with Caroline鈥檚 experience and passion join our team,鈥 stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement.
In her new role as Alumni Relations Coordinator, Little will be responsible for the planning and implementation of programs and events that strategically engage alumni with the College while providing tangible benefits to alumni and current students. She will work with colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward alumni giving, while also serving as a liaison between the Alumni Association Board and NCWC鈥檚 Advancement team. In addition, she will educate graduating students about alumni benefits and help increase engagement in programs.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to be working with the Office of Advancement to create, support and cultivate programs for all members of the Wesleyan alumni community,鈥 stated Little.
Little has also been involved with NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Alumni Association Board since December 2018. She was most recently elected Vice President of the board and has been acting President since May 2021.
Award-Winning Author to Speak at 麻豆原创
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will welcome award-winning author and political columnist, Rob Christensen, on Tuesday, October 5. Rob plans to share a glimpse of Eastern North Carolina with his latest history, 鈥淭he Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys,鈥 at the free event starting at 6:00 p.m. in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. With a career spanning over 45 years as a political journalist with The News and Observer out of Raleigh, Christensen brings to life the multi-generational story of the Scott family鈥 one of North Carolina鈥檚 most influential political families.
Released in 2019, 鈥淭he Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys鈥 is the recipient of the prestigious Ragan Old North State Award for Nonfiction. Through investigative journalism that weaves together interviews paired with archival research, Christensen steps back in time to offer an engaging historical account of an important turning point for North Carolina鈥檚 political scene.
“I am looking forward to speaking at NC Wesleyan because Branchhead Boys is to a large degree about Eastern North Carolina and the continuing struggles with North Carolina’s urban/rural divide. Nash County, in particular, figures heavily in my book,鈥 commented Christensen.
Christensen shares the story of the Scott family legacy and how race and populism influenced the political landscape of the twentieth century during a period known as the era of progressive politics in North Carolina. Three generations of Scott鈥檚 held statewide office overcoming racial stereotypes. W. Kerr Scott, Robert Scott and Meg Scott Phipps were able to gain the support of rural North Carolinians who were colloquially known as the Branchhead Boys, a group of grassroots rural voters. Christensen recounts the hardships faced by the Scott鈥檚 to help develop rural North Carolina and introduce modern amenities such as having electric and telephone power lines extended and to have roads paved. Instrumental in their own downfall, Christensen concludes to what ultimately led to their demise.
Christensen retired in 2018 after a successful career in journalism. He has appeared as a political analyst on over 600 television and radio programs including the CBS Evening News, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, ABC鈥檚 Nightline, C-Span, PBS, NPR and the BBC. He has been interviewed by Don Imus, Mitch Albom, Diane Rheems, Jeff Greenfield, Chris Matthews, Cokie Roberts, Al Franken and more. He has shared his insights and industry knowledge through hundreds of talks across the state to colleges, libraries, bookstores, civic and political clubs.
Local Businesswoman and Author Welcomes NCWC Class of 2025
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 held its 65th annual New Student Convocation today in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. President Dr. Evan D. Duff welcomed the Class of 2025, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey.
鈥淕et involved. Get connected. You never know who you may network with while you鈥檙e in college that might help you in your future. Have fun, but remember to study and stay safe鈥 take care of each other,鈥 stated Duff.
Keynote Speaker for the event was , local businesswoman and novelist. She is the author of A Woman Is No Man, a New York Times bestseller, which hit the ninth spot on Amazon’s Bestseller List and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as her book club’s May 2019 read. Rum is part-owner of three local businesses in Rocky Mount鈥擝arley & Burger, a bold and refined kitchen and bar, and Tipsy Tomato, a premier Italian pizza restaurant. Her newest venture, Books and Beans, centers around two of Rum鈥檚 favorite things: writing and coffee. Outfitted with a counter and handful of tables, Books and Beans also serves breakfast, lunch and coffee from a North Carolina roaster.
While addressing the new class of Bishops, Rum shared tips to encourage discipline and goal-setting throughout their college experience. She also spoke about learning how to overcome adversity for success, transforming through suffering and developing the mindset of a winner.
鈥淲e often forget that college is a place where we learn how to learn. If there鈥檚 anything that you can take with you throughout these four years, it鈥檚 how do you develop the mindset of a winner?鈥 stated Rum. 鈥淭here are three things that I think are very important for you to foster before you leave Wesleyan鈥o after what you want, be disciplined and transform through suffering. It鈥檚 really important for everyone here to understand that you have the power to learn from your adversity.鈥
Rum grew up in a Palestinian-American household as the oldest of nine children in Brooklyn, New York. While raising her two children, she enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature, a B.S. in Philosophy, and an M.A. in American and British Literature and Philosophy. In addition to speaking at 麻豆原创鈥檚 New Student Convocation, Rum also addressed educators at Faculty Convocation on August 17.
After New Student Convocation, students exited The Dunn Center and were immediately greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of the College forming a time-honored tradition鈥 the Bishop Tunnel. As they proceeded 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 an annual tradition for NC Wesleyan to welcome new students to campus and to the community. It takes place the day before the College鈥檚 first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Local businesses and organizations are given the opportunity to come and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, nearly 80 community organizations lined the street in the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan鈥檚 Class of 2025.
