ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA聽鈥揙n Thursday, April 4, the聽麻豆原创 cheer team traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete in the under the leadership of new coaches,聽Lyndsey and Pete Graham.聽
After a strong morning practice and a confident warm up, the Bishops took the mat for the second time on Friday.聽The team聽placed third nationally in the聽Intermediate Small Coed聽Division III.
Spirit Coordinators/Cheerleading and Dance聽Coaches, Pete and Lyndsey Graham, assumed leadership of the cheer program back in January. Pete works with the teams full-time, while Lyndsey coaches part-time.The dynamic duo聽is responsible for coordinating the cheer and dance team in recruitment, try-outs, choreography, practices, game days and campus/community events.聽
鈥淲e are incredibly excited for this team. Third place is an amazing accomplishment and聽we couldn鈥檛 be happier,鈥 stated coach Pete Graham.
Together, the couple has a combined nine years of experience coaching at聽the college level. Lyndsey Graham graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Psychology and Pete Graham graduated from NC State University with a degree in Business Administration. Both excelled in cheer at their universities and were chosen to serve as team captains.聽The couple went on to marry, celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary just before starting at NC Wesleyan.聽The new coaches have experience in competing at the National Cheerleading Associations College Nationals at Daytona Beach, Universal Cheerleading Associations College Nationals in Orlando, UCA & NCA Nationals, NCAA and Big South. Besides competing and coaching at the college level, both have experience in leadership positions聽with the Christian Cheerleaders of America for numerous years.
鈥淲e are very excited about Pete and Lyndsey joining the College聽and leading our Cheer and Dance programs,鈥 stated Ed Naylor,聽Dean of Student Affairs and Legal Matters. 鈥淭hey are experienced, talented, energetic and will聽advance our competitive cheer program, as well as improve the game day experience for many of our athletic programs.鈥
To learn more about Wesleyan鈥檚 Cheer and Dance Program, visit ncwcsports.com.
Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Awarded to Dr. Lee Templeton
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥揘orth Carolina Wesleyan Professor, Dr. Lee Templeton, has been awarded with the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship. This award is the highest and most singular honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty memberand is given in recognition of scholarship, teaching and community service.
The Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award that was established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company. The honoree is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by the president of the college. To be eligible for consideration, the faculty member must have tenure and have clearly distinguished themselves with high standards of excellence. As teachers, they demonstrate a whole-hearted dedication and rigorous professionalism in forwarding their students鈥 learning and personal development for life and work. As scholars, they have to possess a mastery of their discipline, contribute to new understanding and knowledge, and demonstrate a lively commitment to life-long learning for themselves, as well as their students. Additionally, as a member of the Wesleyan community, they give generously to the aims and programs of the College, both with their time and means.
鈥淲hen the nominating committee met to discuss our consolidated list of potential faculty nominees, it quickly became apparent to the committee that one single faculty member stood head and shoulders above the rest as the clear choice for the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award,鈥 stated Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President at Wesleyan. 鈥淥verall, Dr. Templeton has a strong record of teaching, scholarly activity and service.鈥
Dr. Templeton, now in his eleventh year at Wesleyan, delivered his Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Lecture, entitled: 鈥淯ntil the Dragon Comes: Ragnarok and the Liberal Arts,鈥 on Thursday, March 28. His talk explored two topics鈥 dragons and higher education 鈥 and attempts to connect the two in a meaningful way. Beginning with an examination of the figure of the dragon and its various metaphorical meanings, in Old Norse/Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon myth and literature, Dr. Templeton considers current trends in higher education through the metaphorical lens of the dragon.
During the lecture presentation, the 2019-2020 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship was announced. Next year鈥檚 awardee is Dr. Jeffrey Kuglitsch, Associate Professor of Earth Science.
Wesleyan Signs Three Articulation Agreements with NC Community Colleges
NC Wesleyan was one of many colleges to sign a transfer agreement for students pursuing Music, Theatre or Fine Arts at North Carolina鈥檚 community colleges. Students can now seamlessly transfer to any of a number of private colleges in the state to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in one of those disciplines.聽
Wesleyan Students Awarded for their Research
Biomedical Science seniors, Beverly Anaele and Jawuanna McAllister, presented their research at the at UNC Wilmington on March 23rd. Both young women have been doing research at NC Wesleyan for the past two years, independently as juniors and later as part of their senior honors theses. Beverly has worked with Dr. Kosal, and Jawuanna has worked with Dr. Stovall.
At the conference, Beverly won the 3rd Place Derieux Award for her oral presentation in the Ecology, Botany, & Zoology category! Her talk was titled 鈥淐an a natural plant product, such as the American beautyberry, repel and alter mosquito behavior?鈥 Jawuanna won the 1st Place Derieux Award for her oral talk in the Cell & Molecular Biology and Physiology category. Jawuanna鈥檚 talk was 鈥淓ffect of Caffeine on PALLD Expression and GBM Cell Invasion.鈥
Both Beverly and Jawuanna have just finished one-year terms as the Secretary and President, respectively, of the Collegiate Academy of NCAS. Both young women are graduating from Wesleyan this semester and have big plans! In August, Beverly, who recently won the Biology Award at the NC Wesleyan Honors Convocation, will begin a Master鈥檚 of Public Health program at Thomas Jefferson University, and Jawuanna will start her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology at Cornell University.
Congratulations to these outstanding and successful young scientists! The Biology department will be sad to see them go. But, we are so excited to see what they become.
Wesleyan Showcases Global Cultures
The stage at the Dunn Center was alive Monday with representations of different cultures as N.C. Wesleyan University students presented 10 acts, each with a different international flavor.
The Heart of Dr. Hartness- Renovation Ceremony at The Hartness Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;Over 110 students, staff, supporters and family recently gathered at the Hartness Student Center at 麻豆原创 for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new renovations. The event recognized Dr. John Hartness for his generous contributions and tireless support of the College.
Just before the event began, the room buzzed with conversation as individuals from various backgrounds greeted one another and shared stories of how Dr. Hartness has impacted their lives. Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities, opened the event by expressing his thanks and mentioning all of the recent changes to the building as part of this renovation.
The improvements took place over the past several months. They include: redesigning the ground level to encompass dynamic meeting areas, building a second floor which houses offices and creating a multi-purpose student lounge to accommodate both academic and entertainment needs. Annick Umuliza, a student-worker at the Hartness Center spoke on her pride of working for the center and its mission.
After sharing a story of their friendship, Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark voiced his appreciation saying, 鈥淒r. Hartness had this vision鈥 he wanted to be a part of Rocky Mount because of 麻豆原创. How fortunate we are to have Dr. Hartness come and befriend us.鈥
As Dr. Hartness came forward to say a few words and cut the ribbon, the entire room rose in a standing ovation for a man whose efforts serve as a prime example of a community supporter and leader.
What was originally a building used to supply heat to the College has now transformed into a thriving students center all because of Dr. Hartness and his family鈥檚 generosity and vision. He does not take credit for the success, however, humbly saying, 鈥淚 did not do this, my family did this. I just happened to be there. My family is most generous, and I am most grateful.鈥
Wesleyan Pledges as a Healthy Campus Partner
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 took the American College Health Association鈥檚 Healthy Campus Pledge and is now considered a Healthy Campus 2020 Partner. This pledge demonstrates a campus鈥 commitment toward achieving the Healthy Campus 2020 goals and objectives. NC Wesleyan has joined a growing group of diverse, motivated institutions and organizations working every day to move campuses across our nation toward better health.
Healthy Campus 2020 is the companion framework to Healthy People 2020, the federal government鈥檚 health promotion and disease prevention initiative for achieving better health across the United States. Healthy Campus 2020 provides a framework for improving the overall health status on campuses nationwide. Strategies extend beyond traditional interventions of education, diagnosis, treatment and healthcare at clinical levels. Wesleyan is working to embed health into all aspects of the campus culture, across administration, operations and academics.
鈥淚t鈥檚 with great pride that we join forces with other fellow institutions and organizations as part of being a Healthy Campus,鈥 said Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark. 鈥淲e are committed to educating and providing health and wellness opportunities for our students, faculty and staff in an effort to live longer, healthier lives.鈥
While no two Healthy Campus initiatives are exactly alike, most include a network of people working toward a common vision, priority health needs of your community, a plan with clearly defined strategies and action steps, community- and individual-focused interventions, and tracking progress. For more information about Healthy Campus 2020, please visit .
Becoming a Healthy Campus Partner reflects 麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment to health and well-being while joining the national movement to create healthier campuses. Wesleyan has been working on Healthy Campus goals and objectives since April 2018. Since that time, they have worked to increase the number of students receiving health education services and to improve access to immunizations, such as the flu shot, to help prevent illness on campus. For more information or to get involved, please visit ncwu.edu/campus-life/resources/health-services.
Wesleyan Student Receives NASA Award
Teacher Education student, Sullivan Reece
麻豆原创’s Sullivan Reece, studying Teacher Education, has been awarded a聽NASA North Carolina Space Grant Scholarship for STEM Pre-Service Teacher Education. Sullivan will complete a series of three NASA STEM Digital Badges, participate in professional seminars and attend a cohort field trip to聽NASA Langley Research Center. This will equip him with STEM-fields understanding, as well as NASA content and tools as he enters into K-12 science classrooms.
Visit for the official announcement.
Wesleyan Receives Grant for Accessibility Improvements
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 recently received a $100,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation. The College recognizes the need to provide students, faculty and staff adequate mobility around campus to meet its mission of preparing students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. The grant will be utilized to repair and replace sidewalks and curb ramps throughout the College.
Most of Wesleyan鈥檚 buildings and infrastructure were built between 1956 and the mid-70鈥檚. As new buildings and infrastructure have been added or renovated, NCWC has strived to meet all legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act. However, sidewalks on campus are deteriorating due to age, tree roots and weather. The cracks, divots, spall areas and raised edges can make it difficult for all pedestrians, particularly to those with mobility restrictions.
Many of the crosswalks do not have curb ramps, and those that do are not ADA-compliant. Those with mobility difficulties either have to alter their route or place their personal safety at risk when navigating through crosswalks. This project involves the excavation and replacement of 1,821 feet of sidewalks and 180 feet of curbing, along with the installation of four handicap ramps with mats.
鈥淭his grant is vital to providing all students with equal access to all buildings, institutional programs and activities. Removing architectural barriers and making the campus accessible continues to be a priority for Wesleyan. It was recently determined that the repair and replacement of sidewalks, as well as curb ramps at crosswalks, were our most critical needs for accomplishing this,鈥 stated Linda Jones, Grant Writer for NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Office of College Advancement.
The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. Cannon, industrialist and humanitarian, who was President and Chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than half a century. The Foundation continues Mr. Cannon鈥檚 philanthropy through funding in healthcare, higher education, human services and community.
Wesleyan Celebrates Founders鈥 Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA–听麻豆原创 celebrated its 62nd year with its annual Founders鈥 Day ceremony and awards presentation in Minges Auditorium of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts on October 25.
The impressive opening processional was led by 40 international students carrying flags representing their native countries, the highest number in college history. After recognition of veterans, the presentation of colors by the NCWC ROTC and Will Plyer, SGA President, singing the national anthem, North Carolina Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark, welcomed a large crowd in Minges Auditorium.聽聽鈥淎s we celebrate our 62nd birthday today, we must reflect on our past and the vision our founding fathers had many years ago. While the last few years have been outstanding in many ways, I believe our best days are ahead,鈥 noted Clark.
Guest speaker for the event was Justice Paul Newby, the Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Newby is also an adjunct professor at Campbell University School of Law, an active member of the NC Bar Association and co-author of a book on the North Carolina State Constitution. Newby graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy Studies and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
In his address, Justice Newby shared statistics about the high levels of anxiety and depression and the associated dependency on drugs and alcohol that plague students of today. Referencing the teachings of John Wesley, he stated, 鈥淯nfortunately people are looking for peace and satisfaction in all the wrong places. There is hope and you can experience a sense of peace and joy when you believe that God of the Universe knows you by name and He will give you purpose and meaning in your life.鈥
Following the convocation address, the North Carolina Wesleyan Singers, under the direction of Thomas Parker, offered an inspiring performance of 鈥淟ook at the World鈥 by John Rutter.
Special recognition was given to Roger G. and Gaile Davenport Taylor for their many years of friendship and support to NC Wesleyan. Taylor, a 1970 NCWC graduate, is one of the best basketball players to wear a Bishop uniform. As team captain, he was named Most Valuable Player and All-Conference two years in a row as well as Conference Co-Player of the Year in 1970 after leading the NAIA District 29 in scoring. He was inducted in the NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999 and the USA South Conference Hall of Fame in 2011. Taylor earned an associate degree from Louisburg College before getting his bachelor鈥檚 degree at Wesleyan. He also attained a master鈥檚 degree from East Carolina University.
An immensely successful businessman, Taylor has served as the President of the Alumni Association and was honored with Wesleyan鈥檚 Distinguished Alumnus Service Award in 1978. He was awarded the college鈥檚 highest honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 2009. He has been a member of the Wesleyan Board of Trustees since 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee.
Through a generous donation from the Taylors, Wesleyan鈥檚 Taylor-Crocker Honors Program was established 11 years ago and with their continued support, along with Dr. and Mrs. Dan Crocker, the program has grown immensely. 鈥淭he couple is also responsible for numerous endowed scholarships, the Roger G. and Gaile D. Taylor Center and Athletics Hall of Fame adjacent to Everett Gymnasium. Due to their continued tremendous support of the college, the Eli Residence Hall is being renamed the Roger G. and Gaile D. Taylor Hall.
鈥淩oger and Gaile鈥檚 substantial contributions, friendship and support of Wesleyan is unrivaled. We proudly display the Taylor name on the Taylor Center and now Taylor Hall in appreciation and recognition of their unwavering dedication to Wesleyan,鈥 stated Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark.
The Wesleyan Singers concluded the ceremony by leading the audience in singing the College鈥檚 Alma Mater.
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