ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 recently held its 2024 Annual Employee Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The University鈥檚 Employee Awards ceremony provides recognition to coaches, faculty and staff for their years of service to the University and for exemplary service to the campus and community.
Wesleyan Service Awards
Recipients of the Wesleyan Service Award were Kimla Brandt, Carl Lewis, Margaret Love, Doreen Thierauf and Jay Quinan. These employees demonstrated outstanding service to the campus and/or community that was above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Kimla Brandt worked with Ascent Studios and their production of the locally filmed movie 鈥淩ENNER.鈥 She went above and beyond her job responsibilities to make sure the needs of their production crew and cast were taken care of during their stay at Wesleyan.
Dr. Carl Lewis donated a new bee hive to campus and went through the steps to become an affiliate university for Bee Campus USA. Through his efforts, NCWU is only 1 of 8 universities with this distinction in NC and only 1 of 170 in the nation.
Dr. Margaret Love, Dr. Doreen Thierauf and Dr. Jay Quinan are employees that donate much of their time practicing and performing with the Wesleyan Singers. The Wesleyan Singers not only perform at campus events, but they also perform in the community and have gone above and beyond their job functions.
Jefferson-Pilot Professorship聽Award
This year鈥檚 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship聽Award winner was Dr. Shannon Crowley who presented her Lecture on April 25th. Regarded as one of the highest honors and form of recognition a faculty member may receive, this award is designed for the faculty members scholarly contributions to their students, the campus, and their professional field of study. Nominations are made by Faculty Council and a grant is made available to the recipient for professional development.
Distinguished Staff Award
The Distinguished Staff Award was presented to Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success Services. This award is designed to honor those staff members who have exhibited outstanding work performance and/or service and dedication to the University or the community. Examples include, but are not limited to, outstanding program development, positive attitude in relationships with faculty, staff and students, noteworthy achievement or exemplary leadership on the campus or in the community.
Justin Clark was presented with the Inspirational Award honoring an employee who exemplifies a positive attitude and demeanor that is inspirational to students, faculty, staff, and the greater campus community. This person makes an extraordinary effort to support others whose efforts improve morale and positively impacts students, faculty, and staff as well as demonstrate the University鈥檚 core values.
Chuck Taylor Leadership Award
The Chuck Taylor Leadership Award was given to Mike Armbruster, Assistant Athletic Director, Internal Operations. This award is presented to employees who demonstrate and live the following: Principles of servant leadership; Building community by promoting a work environment that is respectful, collegial and supportive; Orienting goals and achievements in line with the University鈥檚 mission; Exhibiting strong stewardship of institutional resources (time, talent, financial); Developing a shared vision of institutional excellence; fosters an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity, which contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of productivity. This individual is also an effective leader of people.
Longevity Awards were also given to various full-time and part-time employees for their years of service. Recognition was awarded in 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, etc. increments of service to the University for the contractual or fiscal year.
Also, our very own Coach John Brackett received a framed jersey in honor of his 800th win at Wesleyan. Coach John Brackett’s journey has come full circle, as an alumnus of Wesleyan. With his unparalleled dedication, remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the softball program, his 800th career win stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and the lasting legacy he has created within the University.
Congratulations to all employees who were honored and we thank each employee for your dedication and commitment to NC Wesleyan University! For more information regarding Faculty and Staff Awards or to nominate an employee, visit /faculty-staff-resources/faculty-staff-service-awards/.
New Scholarship Opportunities Announced
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWU) has announced three new scholarships that will accept applications starting Fall 2024. Each scholarship was generously offered in memory of a loved one and aligns with Wesleyan鈥檚 beliefs of being personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
The Charles Randall Ranke Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Stephen Ranke (Infrastructure and Systems Administrator with NCWU), in memory of his father, Charles Randall Ranke. Charles Randall Ranke was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, and an Eagle Scout with the B.S.A. The scholarship will be available to any student with preference given to an Eagle or Gold Scout with the next consideration being any Veteran student. The student must be of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and have a financial need. In the event no student meets the aforementioned preference, it will be awarded to a worthy student according to the Universities鈥 general financial aid criteria. This will become available Fall 2025.
Gail B. Fields Annual Scholarship is established by Keiya Fields McKoy and Denikee Fields Davis (Student Affairs Administrative Assistant for Wesleyan) in memory of their mother. Gail Fields was not only Wesleyan鈥檚 loyal and dedicated receptionist, but friend and family. The scholarship is open to students majoring in Religious Studies to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. The recipient should be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Student selection will be determined by the Financial Aid Office and the Religious Studies Department.
Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship is established by Judith Vilagos Parsons 鈥75 in memory of her husband, Howard T. Parsons 鈥74. Judith Parsons established an annual scholarship in 2022 that honored her late husband, but she wanted a scholarship that would remain even after her memory. Mrs. Parsons shares, 鈥淭he quest for knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and for Howard and me, Wesleyan was pivotal in shaping not only our lives and careers, but also our understanding of how we can best serve others. Our hope is that this gift will assist students in their own journeys, and allow the same wonderful experience of learning Wesleyan provided us.鈥 Primary consideration will be given to Biomedical Science students or other areas of science to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Biomedical Science faculty, with preference given to those who would most benefit academically and financially. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in the sciences and 2.5 overall GPA.
For more information about Wesleyan鈥檚 scholarship opportunities, please visit /scholarships/ or information about donating for a cause you are passionate about, visit /give/.
Dr. Janice B. Howroyd Named as NCC Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of and a native of Tarboro, will give the keynote address during Commencement at on Friday, May 10. To learn more about NCC鈥檚 Commencement, visit .
Howroyd is a wonderful partner for both NCWU and . She joined NCWU鈥檚 Boards of Trustees in 2020 and also established The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment that allows eligible students an annual scholarship opportunity. NCWU also established a partnership with Howroyd鈥檚 company The to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni.
Through a partnership with NCWU鈥檚 Adult and Professional Studies Program, students who graduate from NCC have automatic acceptance and can take advantage of our transfer friendly policies, competitive transfer scholarships and tuition breaks, as well as the 2+ Wesleyan Grant Program.
The is a multi-billion-dollar, award-winning, international talent and talent technology enterprise with multiple divisions that serve all areas of employment. Founded by Howroyd in 1978, it now operates in over 35 countries and offers staffing services via Apple One, A-Check Global and AgileOne, among other platforms. The organization also aggregates some of the world鈥檚 best technologies and systems that support worldwide staffing and HR needs.
Her leadership style stems from her experience in a segregated educational system during her youth. Her leadership style is framed on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion values, while providing transparency and accountability for her organizational and philanthropic culture.
Howroyd is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Black Enterprise鈥檚 coveted 2022 Woman of the Year award. She was the first-ever BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year. She has been a presidential appointee to several committees, including Barack Obama鈥檚 Presidential Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, an appointment to the Federal Communications Commission鈥檚 Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), and continues to serve on the ITAC 10 (International Trade Advisory Committee – Professional Services). She is the newly elected Chair of the Women鈥檚 Leadership Board at Harvard University and supports inclusive programs for women and minorities as the first African American to gift $10 million to the University of Southern California, as well as millions to other institutions that include her Alma mater, the nation鈥檚 largest HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Howroyd uses her presence as an innovator and as a connector for humanity, saying, 鈥淣ever compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally!鈥
NCWU Becomes First Institution to Host “Science of Reading” Observation with NCICU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创鈥檚 (NCWU) Teacher Education Program was visited by three representatives of the (NCICU). The visit was an effort to review how the Science of Reading was being implemented into NCWU’s nationally and state-accredited Teacher Education program, where instructors teach pre-service teachers the science and art of how to teach Reading in the elementary school setting. The Science of Reading is a research-based methodology regarding the best practices to teach K-6 students how to read and comprehend. Dr. Lois M. Hart, Associate Professor of Education, explains 鈥淣CWU鈥檚 Teacher Education Program has restructured their reading classes to align with the Science of Reading research. Elementary education pre-service teachers are provided with teaching strategies and experiences that have been proven by research to result in producing readers who are able to read fluently and comprehend at high levels.鈥
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education and Diversity and Inclusion Liaison, along with education faculty, arranged a breakfast, campus tour, and mock pre-service teaching demonstrations for the visit, making NCWU the first institution to host an observation visit with NCICU. Students and education faculty had the unique opportunity of paneling with the NCICU visitors and discussed all of the changes in the Reading curriculum. This followed observations of both EDU 210: Introduction to Foundations of Reading, and EDU 312: Teaching K-2 Literacy.
NCWU鈥檚 Teacher Education Program takes pride in knowing that learning to teach Reading starts in their classroom courses, and then it is the pre-service teacher鈥檚 responsibility to spread these practices, to the best of their ability, in the K-6 classrooms. Dr. Hart says 鈥淐hildren鈥檚 potential to become successful in school begins with learning to read and comprehend at high levels. Teachers鈥 abilities to effectively deliver strong reading instruction begins with ensuring all teacher preparation programs implement scientifically based reading instruction to pre-service teachers.鈥
NCWU Receives Grant for Digital Humanities Teaching & Learning
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 recently received a $60K grant from . Over the two-year grant period, NCWU will expand the Digital Humanities Lab, create a new course (Introduction to Digital Humanities), improve faculty knowledge of the digital humanities, incorporate local history into digital humanities projects, and promote undergraduate student research projects using digital humanities tools and methods. The proposed expansion of NCWU鈥檚 digital humanities programming is aligned with the institution鈥檚 mission and commitment to the eastern North Carolina region and its emphasis on innovative teaching approaches to use new information technologies.
Project co-directors, Dr. Jason W. Buel (Communication/Media Arts) and Dr. Shane M. Thompson (Religious Studies) established NCWU鈥檚 first Digital Humanities Lab as a physical space on campus to raise the profile of the University鈥檚 humanities, with the goal to make them more exciting, accessible, and modern to the general student population.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., states 鈥淲e are very excited that Dr. Thompson and Dr. Buel have received this grant. Their work in the area of digital humanities is the perfect example of the ways that North Carolina Wesleyan enriches our students鈥 lives with innovative teaching approaches that take advantage of the amazing new tools that can enrich our classrooms and our contributions to the community.鈥
The National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 created the as an independent federal agency. The law identified the need for a national cultural agency that would preserve America鈥檚 rich history and cultural heritage, and encourage and support scholarship and innovation in history, archaeology, philosophy, literature, and other humanities disciplines. The Endowment awards grants to top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.
麻豆原创
Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at: .
Bob Ross Bringing Back the Joy to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, along with Art Curator, Jan Sullivan Volz, and President of Bob Ross Inc., Joan Kowalski, announced that more of Bob Ross鈥 famous original paintings are set to adorn the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center this upcoming holiday season.聽
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
During the holiday season of 2023, there were 76 of Ross鈥 paintings on display from November 1, 2023 through January 4, 2024.聽 The exhibit was viewed by over 11,000 visitors that traveled from all over the country, and beyond, to see the magnificent work. 鈥淲e are honored and thrilled that we will have this opportunity to share Mr. Ross鈥 work again with so many of his fans during the holiday season鈥 this is truly a gift to those that cherish the memory of a great artist and humanitarian,鈥 said Ms. Volz.
The exhibit will open to the public on Monday, December 2, 2024 and run through Monday, January 13, 2025.聽聽 Advance Tickets will go on sale Thursday, July 4th for $15 per person.聽 Free admission for children under five. For more information about the artwork, contact聽Jan Volz,听Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or聽jvolz@ncwu.edu聽and sign up for the email list at聽ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
19th Annual Student Research Symposium on Campus
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA- 麻豆原创 hosted their 19th Annual Student Symposium for the 2024 Spring Semester on Wednesday, April 10 at The Dunn Center. The Symposium included student oral presentations, guest speaker, Meredith Gringle, and concluded with a student poster presentation.
Co-Coordinator, Dr. Heather Louch, shares that the Student Symposium started in 2004 as a way for students conducting research to share that research with the university community. It was modeled after a conference, where research is shared either through poster sessions or oral presentations. Louch states, 鈥淧resenting at a conference is something that most students do if they go on to graduate school; with the Symposium, they gain a similar experience and see the full circle of research from developing an inquiry to sharing the results with a broader audience. It has been a successful event for so many years only due to the ongoing support of colleagues at the University.鈥
Louch often asks students what they learned about 鈥渄oing science,鈥 and the admittance of frustration, lack of motivation or interest, and realization of how much work it requires is also paired with how rewarding and fun it can be. Louch responds, 鈥淎ll of these comments encompass the sentiments felt by researchers as they work through their investigations and prepare to share their research, so in that regard, students have experienced first hand the ups and downs of the research investigation while also being able to discuss those findings with the community. What better way to learn about 鈥榙oing science鈥?鈥
Winners of the poster competition have received a certificate and a cash prize courtesy of the School of Mathematics and Sciences (all poster presenters were enrolled in science courses). The winners are as follows (upper and lower designation refers to the course number with 300/400 being the upper-level courses):
1st Place Lower-Level Category:
Dunya Salem –聽Does Texture Protect Caterpillars from Predation?聽聽
2nd Place Lower-Level Category:
Mackenzie Landers, Wesley Owens, Stephanie Valle –聽How Ladybug Spots Affect Predation
1st Place Upper-Level Category:
Chloe Lynch, Kristalyn Minchew, Christian Van Norden –聽The Effects of Acetaminophen and Microplastics on Physella acuta Movement, Growth, and Reproduction
2nd Place Upper-Level Category:
Gracie Wade –聽Investigating and Observing Feline Activity Through the Eyes of Hunger
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joseph Lane, states, 鈥淭he Student Symposium represents the very best example of North Carolina Wesleyan鈥檚 personal, practical, and purpose-driven approach to education. 聽We are so proud of the students who presented their research and who demonstrated excellent command of their topics when answering questions from the judges, faculty, and community.鈥
Pfizer Executive and Site Lead announced as NCWU Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On May 4, 2024, 麻豆原创 will celebrate its Spring Commencement with more than 300 graduates. This year鈥檚 commencement speaker will be Dr. Kara Renai King who is the Vice President and Site Lead for – Rocky Mount facility.
As Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer, is responsible for one of the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world, with more than 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space on 250 acres in Eastern North Carolina. Nearly 25 percent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals are produced at the site.聽 A wide range of products are produced at Rocky Mount, including anesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes. More than 200 million units are processed at the Rocky Mount site annually to help treat patients around the world.
Dr. King holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hampton University, a Masters’s degree in Cell Biology & Biotechnology from University of the Sciences, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.
Dr. King is recognized as an expert on leadership who has extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in both traditional and contract development manufacturing organizations. Her experience ranges from early drug product development to commercial operations.聽She has held leadership roles in Quality, Tech Ops and Drug Product Operations (from bulk product manufacturing to finishing).聽She joined Pfizer in 2021 following successful leadership roles with Minaris Regenerative Medicine and Merck.
Dr. King delivers value to organizations through her servant leadership style complimented by her strong foundation in science, strategic mindset, and the ability to create an environment that fosters joy, creativity and innovation. Hallmarks of her leadership are building high performing teams, elevating leadership capability, and delivering results.
鈥淲e are looking forward to Dr. King鈥檚 address to our Class of 2024. Under her leadership, Pfizer and NCWU have forged a strong partnership that provides extraordinary opportunities to Wesleyan鈥檚 students and graduates, and that partnership was made stronger by our shared efforts to overcome the devastation of last summer鈥檚 tornado. Dr. King鈥檚 approach to leadership and strategic vision will provide an inspiring example to our graduates,鈥 stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
鈥淚’m humbled and excited to stand before the talent of the future from NC Wesleyan University at this year’s 2024 Commencement,鈥 noted Dr. King.
Dr. King has long demonstrated engagement in and solicitude for the community in which she lives and works. She utilizes her skills, experience and resources to invest in the local community and help others achieve their dreams. Among her many community service activities, Dr. King sits on the boards of Eastern University and the International Leadership Association (ILA), and she serves as the Treasurer for Silver Lining Sports.
Faculty Member Earns Advanced Credential in Sports Science
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Exercise Science faculty member, Vanessa Batchelor, recently earned an advanced credential through the as a . This highly regarded certification in Exercise and Sport Science fields emphasizes applying scientific principles to improve athletic performance and prevent injury.
This enhancement to Batchelor鈥檚 credentials expands her certified skill sets in research, statistics, and data analytics as they apply to sport. She earned her initial strength and conditioning certification鈥擭CSA鈥檚 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist庐 (CSCS庐)鈥攊n 2018. Batchelor is a 2016 alumna of North Carolina Wesleyan, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science, and earned an M.S. in Exercise Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2019.
This CPSS庐 credential opens a variety of future career avenues for Batchelor, who has served as a Visiting Instructor of Exercise Science since the fall of 2022, and as the North Carolina Wesleyan Assistant Women鈥檚 Soccer Coach since 2021. CPSS庐-certified scientists are hired as qualified Sports Science Coordinators or Directors, Sports Performance Analysts, or research and data scientists for sports teams/organizations at the collegiate or professional level, research organizations, or private practices.
Batchelor added that her certifications set North Carolina Wesleyan鈥檚 programs apart from other small universities by utilizing recently acquired top-of-the-line advanced sport science technology to its full extent鈥攅nriching the student and student athlete experience over other small NCAA DIII institutions. Her advanced credentials will also significantly enhance the academic and athletic experiences of North Carolina Wesleyan鈥檚 current students through her mentorship of student interns, applying a hands-on approach with student research, and designing unique learning experiences using advanced technological resources.
Working directly with exercise science students at North Carolina Wesleyan, Batchelor has helped foster the major鈥檚 active undergraduate research program鈥攜ielding several student presentations at the and ACSM annual meetings and a 2023 publication in Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche she co-authored with students and colleagues at North Carolina Wesleyan.
Dr. Meir Magal, Chair of the School of Math and Science and Program Coordinator for Exercise Science acknowledges the added value Batchelor brings to the Exercise Science program and coaching staff.聽 鈥淚 am very excited to have Vanessa on the exercise science team. With her extensive education, wealth of experience, and the attainment of this challenging and quality NSCA certification, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to the program.鈥
NCWU Earns 2024-25 Military Friendly Designations
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 announced today that it has earned the 2024-2025 Military Friendly庐 Gold Top 10 School Designation, ranked 7 in the category of 鈥淧rivate not offering Doctorate鈥 and 2024-2025 Military Friendly庐 Military Spouse Friendly School.
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 2024-2025 survey with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.
The 2024-2025 Military Friendly庐 Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
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.
鈥淣C Wesleyan University acknowledges the value that student veterans and their families bring to our campus.聽 We are committed to supporting our military-connected students by ensuring that each student has the resources needed to be successful. Our designation as a Top 10 Military Friendly庐 school shows the efforts made by faculty and staff to honor and support our military community at Wesleyan.鈥 Laura Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
Active military student, Madison (Woods) Duff, describes first hand why Wesleyan is a top-10 military friendly school. 鈥淚 am currently Active-duty Air Force and everyone at NCWU has been so helpful and understanding when it comes to needing extensions due to military obligations. Wesleyan made the application process so easy and I love the online, asynchronous format of my classes. I am pursuing a bachelors degree in Organizational Leadership, which I plan to use once I get out of the military. I am proud to be a student at NCWU!鈥, states Madison.
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 Institutions 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
