ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 NCWU Women鈥檚 Soccer Coach, Beverly A. Biancur was chosen as one of five candidates for the position of Vice President to serve on the Board of Directors.
The United Soccer Coaches by-laws require all elections for Board of Directors positions to include two to five candidates on the final ballot. In this case, Biancur was incredibly honored to be one of five represented. To ensure integrity, voting was completed by the third-party service, Intelliscan. Personalized ballots were sent out via email to members of beginning on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.聽Voting concluded on January 12.
While Biancur did not win, she felt incredibly appreciated stating, 鈥淚 was honored to be nominated and hope to remain in consideration for future positions鈥. Winner, Nancy Feldman, was the former Head Coach of Women鈥檚 Soccer at Boston University. 鈥淣ancy will do an exceptional job on the Board,鈥 Biancur noted.
Serving on the Board of Directors is the ultimate way for a coach to give back to the association and the game as a whole. Feldman will have a six-year cycle on the Board. During that time, she will spend four years as Vice President, ascend to President and then serve a final year on the Board as Past President.
Currently in her sixteenth year at the University, Biancur has been Head Coach of NCWU Women鈥檚 Soccer for twelve years. In all, she boasts over twenty-five years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school and club levels. Her podcast has gained a lot of interest from the coaching body and is available on the
NCWU is the Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers
Research shows that pet ownership in the United States has significantly increased over the past three decades. In fact, according to , 鈥淎s of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.鈥 Personally, it comes as no surprise with everything that has occurred in the last several years: the pandemic, rise in mental health and rate of inflation. So, what about college-bound animal lovers who own a pet and are looking for a pet-friendly college?
In the fall of 2023, NC Wesleyan University announced its plan to turn one residence hall into pet-friendly housing, thanks to a new program the University is piloting. This initiative allows students to keep their furry friends with them while living on campus, offering them the ability to still have access to the traditional campus life experience. One pet per student is allowed.
The unique program has proved to be popular among students, as spots in the residence hall filled up quickly with the announcement. NCWU plans to move forward in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year continuing to offer pet-friendly housing. The University鈥檚 pet-friendly housing policy is for dogs, cats and fish. Dogs must weigh under 40 pounds and have no history of aggressive behavior. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and other transmittable diseases and be on anti-parasite medication. No animals may roam the campus unattended. Fish tanks are limited to 5 gallons in volume.
In addition to the joy and companionship they bring, pets also teach time and obligation management. A great remedy for anxiety and homesickness, they provide many students more structure in their daily routine, including exercise and time outside. Not to mention they can be a great icebreaker for making new friends.
At NCWU, we are committed to providing a safe and well-maintained environment for all students residing in pet-friendly housing. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to protect the rights of all students, ensure a safe and healthy living and learning environment, as well as practice behaviors that support the upkeep of university facilities and beauty of the campus. Students who bring a pet to campus are responsible for understanding and abiding by the regulations of the pet policy. Every pet owner is encouraged to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the campus environment for their pet.
By allowing resident students to bring their pet to live on campus, we aim to create a more balanced college experience and be the “Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers”. An environment that prioritizes health, wellness and connection.
If you鈥檙e a pet owner interested in college and can鈥檛 bear to leave your beloved animal companion behind, check out 麻豆原创. The University鈥檚 Winter Open House is set for Saturday, February 3, 2024, and registration is underway.聽
During Open House, students learn more about scholarships and financial aid, have the opportunity to speak with faculty and current students, gain information on the admissions process and can take a campus tour. You can learn more at ncwu.edu/admissions.
Bob Ross Exhibition A Fantastic Little Success
Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, adorned the walls of The Mims and Gravely Galleries at The Dunn Center from November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. It was the first time a Bob Ross exhibition had been to North Carolina and the largest, with over 75 paintings, ever seen under one roof globally. More than 11,000 visitors poured in from all over the world to see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit during the two-month showing.
Gallery Art Curator Jan Volz expressed, 鈥淭he response to this exhibit was absolutely incredible. From corporate gatherings to individual ticket holders, people came from far and wide to be a part of this experience. We had visitors from Connecticut, Minnesota, California, Maine, Texas and even London, England.
, 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.
Bob Ross, Inc. President Joan Kowalski traveled to North Carolina to be part of the exhibition kick-off. 鈥淚t was a joy to have her with us as we officially opened the doors to this exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,鈥 stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. Joan shook hands, took photos, shared stories and was an extra little surprise for those attending opening day.
Later in November, special guest Jim Needham visited the exhibition. Described as 鈥淭he Real Deal鈥 and retired General Manager of PBS affiliate WIPB-TV, he is also known as Bob鈥檚 best friend and producer of The Joy of Painting TV show. Needham joined us on campus to celebrate the life and work of Ross with 鈥淩emembering Bob Ross鈥 a Conversation with his Best Friend.鈥 Telling stories of their time together, he presented 鈥淭he Real Story鈥 and was available to answer questions about the legendary man behind all of the Fantastic Little Paintings. A huge success, this exhibit was made possible by Bob Ross, Inc. and proceeds will go toward benefiting NCWU students and to help bring future artists to the galleries at The Dunn Center. To stay abreast of upcoming shows and art galleries coming to The Dunn Center sign-up to receive email updates at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
Magal Named Inaugural Souza Professor
In October 2023, Wayne Souza (Class of 1973) pledged a transformative gift to 麻豆原创 to advance the University鈥檚 nationally accredited program in Exercise Science. In 2021, the program moved into Wesleyan鈥檚 new Indoor Sports & Education Facility (ISEF) and recently has hired two new faculty members. The undergraduate degree in Exercise Science now accounts for NCWU鈥檚 second most popular major among traditional, incoming first-year students.
鈥淚 have a passion to give back to my alma mater. When presented this opportunity, it gave me a chance to not only give back and lend a hand, but to pull forward both NCWU students and boost an incredible program.鈥 stated Wayne Souza in a recent interview.
This gift has allowed the University to launch a significant upgrade in equipment and facility. It also created the Wayne Souza Chair of Exercise Science. Dr. Meir Magal has been named the inaugural Souza Professor.
鈥淚 want to thank Mr. Souza for this very generous gift, I am honored to be named the Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science! This charitable donation has allowed the Exercise Science Department to equip ISEF with cutting-edge resistance training equipment, enabling our students to gain invaluable experiential learning and research opportunities and engage in strength training with the University’s athletic teams.鈥 expressed Dr. Magal.
Dr. Magal came to the United States from Israel to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where he played NCAA Division I Tennis and earned Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees in Exercise Science, as well as a Ph.D. in Human Performance. In 2002, Dr. Magal joined the faculty of North Carolina Wesleyan. In his 22 years at Wesleyan, Dr. Magal has won multiple awards including the Exemplary Teacher Award and the Jefferson Pilot Professorship. In 2011, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
Dr. Magal has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles as well as numerous book chapters. He served as an Associate Editor on the 10th edition of ACSM鈥檚 Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription and as Co-Editor of the 6th Edition of ACSM鈥檚 Fitness Assessment Manual. In addition, he also serves on the Editorial Board of ACSM鈥檚 Health and Fitness Journal and ACSM鈥檚 open-access journal, Exercise, Sport, and Movement. He has been particularly active in mentoring research with undergraduate students, serving as Chair for more than fifteen senior honors projects and a co-author with undergraduate students on multiple papers and conference presentations.
He currently serves as Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science and as Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences.
Dr. Joe Lane, Provost of North Carolina Wesleyan, noted, 鈥淒r. Magal represents the epitome of the engaged teacher, scholar and advisor whom we want to develop and highlight on the North Carolina Wesleyan faculty. We are proud to honor him as the inaugural Souza Chair, and we look forward to the incredible work that he and his colleagues will accomplish with our students in the years ahead.鈥
University Awarded Funds to Expand Nursing BSN Program
NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser secured funding with the newly approved state budget for 麻豆原创鈥檚 BSN Pre-Licensure program. On Monday evening, November 27, they visited the University鈥檚 campus to highlight this achievement with a $350,000 check presentation.
Senator Barnes endorsed the initiative, stating, 鈥淚 fully support Wesleyan’s efforts to expand the BSN program, creating a pipeline for more nursing students to pursue their educational goals while providing well qualified healthcare staff to offset the shortages. It’s a win-win opportunity for our area.鈥
鈥淓nsuring our community has access to high-quality healthcare workers will have positive impacts on the well-being of residents, as well as expanding access to quality local healthcare and creating local job opportunities,鈥 said Representative Allen Chesser. 鈥淚 am proud of the work Senator Barnes and I have been able to accomplish; to ensure valuable community partners such as NCWU so they can continue their great work for Nash County and our surrounding area.鈥
Both Representative Chesser and Senator Barnes are active in the districts they serve, which includes Nash County. They understand the positive impact a BSN Pre-Licensure will have on our community and they fully appreciate the significance 麻豆原创 has on our region.
NC Wesleyan currently offers a Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing through their online RN to BSN program, allowing a pathway for registered nurses with an associate degree to advance their professional role in the healthcare system. With this additional funding, the University will now be able to expand their offerings to include a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program. This will provide nursing students with the clinical skills necessary to deliver safe, evidence-based quality care, earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing and sit for the NCLEX exam.
鈥淭he nursing faculty and I are are extremely grateful for the monetary contribution that NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser have secured for NCWU’s prelicensure nursing program, as well as their support for nursing in our community. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and become more complex, it is imperative that we provide educational opportunities for students in our community and surrounding areas to enter the nursing profession and provide high-quality care to the residents in the rural communities that we serve. We look forward to growing the nursing program at NCWU and offering the prelicensure BSN option to our students,鈥 stated Dr. Crystal Ostheim.
President Duff also acknowledged, 鈥淒r. Dan and Brenda Crocker have also pledged $100,000 to our BSN Licensure program. As a retired physician from our community, Dr. Crocker understands the value and importance of having qualified nurses in our healthcare system. We are extremely grateful for this donation and their unwavering support of NC Wesleyan.鈥
Those in attendance included: Dr. Joe Lane, NCWU Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dan Bell, NCWU Board Member; Roger G. Taylor 鈥70, NCWU Board Member; Terri Sharpe, NCWU Board Member; Paul A. Bauer 鈥86, Chairman of the NCWU Board of Trustees; Allen Chesser ’19, NC Representative; Cindy Edwards, NCWU Senior Executive of Operations; Lisa Barnes, NC Senator; Mark Hinson, NCWU Senior Executive of Philanthropic Engagement; Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President; Suzanne Brackett ’87, NCWU Senior Vice President of Administration; Thomas Winstead, NCWU Board Member; and Dr. Daniel L. Crocker, NCWU Board Member.
NCWU Offers Educational Benefits to UNC Health Nash
麻豆原创 President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and UNC Health Nash President/CEO, Dr. L. Lee Isley, have signed a partnership agreement to expand educational opportunities to employees of Nash. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate RN to BSN and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
鈥淎t Wesleyan, we have programs that support almost every career path at UNC Health Nash. Those programs include certificates in Executive Leadership and Human Resources Management, as well as our Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Healthcare Administration, RN to BSN program, and our Masters in Public Health and Masters in Strategic Leadership,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淪ince the launch of our RN to BSN program in 2019, the University has been fortunate to have the support of Dr. Isley and UNC Health Nash. This new agreement is one way for us to give back to their employees.
The partnership includes special financial awards for those who enroll in one of Wesleyan鈥檚 certificate, baccalaureate or graduate degree programs. Nash employees who are seeking to grow as a leader in their respective divisions can do so with NCWU鈥檚 flexible programs for working adults. All of these programs are 100% online with one-on-one support from faculty who have industry experience. NC Wesleyan鈥檚 degree programs improve competency in areas specific to the roles of employees at UNC Health Nash. This partnership will also provide Registered Nurses with one of the most affordable BSN options in the state of North Carolina.
Mutually benefiting all parties, this partnership allows UNC Health Nash employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the hospital will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, Nash will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to advise their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Nash employees must remain employed with the hospital in order for them to remain eligible for these awards.
Nash County Launches聽Education Network Agreement
Nash County Public Schools (NCPS), Nash Community College (NCC), and 麻豆原创 (NCWU) are pleased to announce the signing of the Nash County Education Network agreement. The agreement was signed this morning at NCWU by Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of 麻豆原创; Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, President of Nash Community College; and Dr. Steven Ellis, Superintendent of Nash County Public Schools.
This collaborative initiative is designed to support local talent by offering an affordable educational pathway from high school to a bachelor’s degree within Nash County. Tuition will be capped at $20,000 in total for completion of both an NCC associates degree and an NCWU bachelor’s degree. These students will also be offered access to academic advising and financial aid counseling by NCWU prior to enrollment at NCWU. The Nash County Education Network exemplifies community cooperation and a commitment to keeping our most promising individuals close to home. Addressing the misconception that higher education at Wesleyan is financially inaccessible, Dr. Duff remarked, “We need to educate them here, so they’ll stay here,” highlighting the strategy to make education attainable for Nash County’s students.聽
The network not only emphasizes affordability but also cultivates a “live here, learn here, work here” ethos that benefits the entire community. Students can now seamlessly transition from K-12 at NCPS to completing their associate degree at NCC and then transfer to NC Wesleyan to complete their four-year degree. These exclusive opportunities are tailored for Nash County students who complete their associate degree at Nash Community College, reinforcing the strategic educational journey from local classrooms at NCPS to the business world, including internships and job placements. “We are creating more than a pathway; we’re preparing for a future where education and industry intersect, leading to a thriving local economy,” Hunnicutt stated. Dr. Ellis added, “This pathway will have a profound impact on our public school system and our students’ futures. It opens doors to higher education and career opportunities that were once out of reach for many.”
For further information about the Nash County Education Network, please contact Heather Louise Finch, NCPS, at hlfinch@ncpschools.net and Kenyon “K.J.” Askew, Jr., NCC, at klaskew736@nashcc.edu.
麻豆原创 the Nash County Education Network:
The Nash County Education Network (NCEN) is a transfer program for Nash County Public School graduates who plan to continue their education at NCC, with the educational goal of fulfilling their undergraduate degree at NCWU. This pathway is formally spring 2024 to ensure that graduates from both NCPS and NCC are automatically eligible for admission to one of NCWU’s undergraduate degree programs. Tuition will be capped at $20,000 in total for completion of both an NCC associate degree and an NCWU bachelor’s degree*. These students will also be offered access to academic advising and financial aid counseling by NCWU prior to enrollment at NCWU. Participants in the NCEN will also be offered access to any events on NCWU’s main campus in Rocky Mount, NC, at no cost.
New Offering at NCWU Allows for Two Degrees, Two Certificates in 2.5 Years
麻豆原创 is introducing a new unique, accelerated program designed for students wishing to elevate their associate degree to a master鈥檚 degree. Through this new pathway, students will have the opportunity to earn an Executive Leadership Certificate, Human Resources Management Certificate, bachelor鈥檚 degree and a Master鈥檚 in Strategic Leadership in approximately two and a half years.
This degree option was designed with working adults in mind by offering 100% online classes. Students can earn certificates as they go with a focus on two classes per term. The University also offers career assistance, supportive advisors and faculty, and special tuition pricing for North Carolina community college graduates*. Students admitted into the Associate to Master鈥檚 program must meet all undergraduate requirements, attain bachelor degree conferral and submit graduate admissions material before they begin the M.S. in Strategic Leadership program.
鈥淣CWU remains on the cutting edge of programming to accelerate the educational attainment of working adults in our state. We have been a leader in alternative pathways for adults to complete their college degree for over 45 years,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淭his is a one-of-a-kind program in North Carolina that allows community college graduates to fast track their learning while attaining multiple credentials along the way.鈥
Upon completion of the Associate to Master鈥檚 program, students will be qualified to attain the following industry certifications: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification, HRCI鈥檚 Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification and the Strategy Planning Professional (SPP) Certification.
If you already have an associate degree, this is a great opportunity to advance your education in less time in order to gain a competitive advantage in the workforce. Apply today to gain new skills and earn multiple degrees at a top-ranked university, taking the first step towards accelerating your career! Those who are interested can learn more at .
Veterans Day Celebration Planned at NCWU
Join 麻豆原创 on Friday, November 10 for a Veterans Day event celebrating and honoring the men and women of our armed forces. The morning will start off at 10:00 a.m. with a patriotic salute to all Veterans and a special pinning for Vietnam Veterans.
The event will be held at the main flagpole in front of the Braswell Administrative building with guest speaker, . In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center. Rep. Chesser is an alumnus of NC Wesleyan and currently serves on the University鈥檚 Veteran Advisory Committee. Elected in 2022, Rep. Chesser is currently the State Representative for North Carolina House District 25, which covers the majority of Nash County. Before serving in the North Carolina House, he was a police officer for the City of Raleigh and the Town of Nags Head. Rep. Chesser is a combat veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.
“With wars and rumors of wars consistently in the headlines, it is important to pause and recognize those who have served our Country and kept America free. We are thankful to have the opportunity to honor our Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Veterans by continuing our tradition of the Veterans Day Salute. We are excited to have Rep. Chesser, Dawn Cash-Salau and Andrea Bishop joining us this year and look forward to their contribution to the day,鈥 stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Dawn Cash-Salau will present the to this year鈥檚 recipients. In addition, the University is supporting the local Ride of Honor taking place November 10 and 11. This fundraiser benefits the to help veterans and bring Camp Cocoon to Nash County. Andrea Bishop BSN, RN, Administrator of PruittHealth Hospice of Rocky Mount, will be speaking briefly about this event at NCWU鈥檚 Veterans Day Salute.
Tolson Awarded Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award
For his great career in serving the region鈥檚 people and needs, 麻豆原创 presented Norris Tolson with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at their Homecoming game on Saturday, October 14. Mr. Tolson is the Vice President of Special Projects for the . The award is presented to a community leader who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community and a commitment to spiritual values. This humanitarian award is meant to recognize those who have selflessly given and served others and the community.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan rose to success in New York City as a respected lawyer and a man who “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness” to others. After his death in 1887, the Society sought to honor him and the award bearing his name was established in 1925 by the Sullivan Memorial Committee and the New York Southern Society, which Mr. Sullivan had served as its first president.
鈥淢r. Tolson, for many years, has been a remarkable public servant in this region and statewide. When considering the attributes someone should possess in order to be awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, he was a clear choice and is well deserving of this honor,鈥 stated Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive of Philanthropic Engagement at 麻豆原创.
Before joining the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Tolson served as a senior advisor for economic development with the Williams Mullen law firm, was President and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, served as both the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and the North Carolina Secretary of Transportation. He was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly and served in the House of Representatives from 1994 until 1997 representing parts of Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt and Wilson Counties at the time. In 1999, Tolson served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund and in 2001 he was appointed to be the North Carolina Secretary of Revenue and stayed in this role until 2007.
Tolson proudly resides in Pinetops, NC. He has three children and five grandchildren.
