NCWU Collaborates with Rocky Mount Prep


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWU) has partnered with (Rocky Mount Prep) to offer educational opportunities to their employees who are pursuing their Teaching License with NCWU’s Teacher Education Program. This opportunity is available to those seeking teacher licensure as a Residency Student, as a bachelor’s-only student, those pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, or for those seeking tutoring support for licensure exam preparation.

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Rocky Mount Prep’s campus (L) is adjacent to NC Wesleyan University’s campus (R) on Bishop Road.

鈥淭his partnership with Rocky Mount Prep provides an invaluable opportunity to support our local school systems and the teachers that have a direct impact on future generations,鈥 noted Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Strategy, Partnerships & Assessment at NC Wesleyan. 鈥淲e have enjoyed witnessing the support the Rocky Mount Prep administrators provide to their teachers and look forward to helping these teachers grow in their profession.鈥

Rocky Mount Prep staff who apply to 麻豆原创 in pursuit of a degree and/or teacher licensure, must do so via the University鈥檚 Adult & Professional Studies Program. Those who are accepted will receive a discounted tuition rate through one of two scholarships: a Public Service Scholarship equating to 10% of the total semester tuition or NC Wesleyan alumni will receive a scholarship equivalent to 50% of tuition. In addition, Rocky Mount Prep is supporting their employees鈥 pursuit by offering a $4,000 per year tuition reimbursement.

鈥淲e know the importance of having highly-qualified and well-supported teachers in our classroom. We pride ourselves on a strong culture of support for our team members. At Rocky Mount Prep, we have an amazing team that serves diligently every day and shares invaluable experiences with our scholars in support of their academic attainment,鈥 said Dr. Chaunte Garrett, Rocky Mount Prep Superintendent. 鈥淲e are delighted to partner with NCWU to support the teacher development pipeline in this region and to offer our current team members, and any new team members who want to become highly-qualified teachers, the opportunity to do so. It is a win for Rocky Mount Prep and NCWU, but most importantly it will have a great impact on our region.鈥

麻豆原创’s Teacher Education Program will provide exclusive tutoring assistance at a rate of $35 per hour for Rocky Mount Prep staff. Tutoring services will be provided face-to-face or virtually via a third party or by NCWU Teacher Education faculty.

In addition, Rocky Mount Prep will promote the partnership to all staff and provide the option for NCWU Teacher Education students to gain practical training experience and observe live classes. Dr. Garrett mentioned that 鈥淭eam Rocky Mount Prep is a diverse family of educators with several of our teachers scoring in the top 25% of teachers in the state in scholar academic growth. We are glad to share this wealth of knowledge with future educators.鈥

鈥淭his seamless partnership provides a wonderful opportunity to enlarge the pool of licensed and highly-qualified teachers to educate North Carolina’s K-12 students,鈥 stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU鈥檚 Director of Teacher Education.

During their time observing live classes and teaching techniques at Rocky Mount Prep, NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Teacher Education students will also have the chance to be trained as North Carolina Education Corps tutors for Rocky Mount Prep. North Carolina Education Corps partners with local public school units to recruit, train, and support corps members to accelerate learning and provide support for students. Corps members are employed by schools to work part-time as high-impact literacy tutors grounded in the science of reading and reading instruction.

麻豆原创 Rocky Mount Prep

Rocky Mount Prep is a tuition-free public charter school. Rocky Mount Prep educates scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade from school districts across the Eastern North Carolina Region. Our instructional model serves the whole child in alignment with our mission 鈥渢o educate, equip, and empower each scholar to excel.鈥 The school is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year. To learn more, visit rmprep.org.

麻豆原创 麻豆原创

麻豆原创 (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on , , , and .

University Honors Marion Barnes Family with Press Box Naming


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 NCWU鈥檚 Board of Trustees recently voted to name the future Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Stadium Press Box in honor of Marion Barnes鈥 family. Barnes鈥 father, Guy Barnes, was one of the original founders of NC Wesleyan. The Marion Barnes Family Press Box will kick off Phase II of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Sports Stadium Campaign.

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(L to R) Don Stallings, Dr. Evan D. Duff, Marion Barnes and Jeff Filkovski stand on the new Stallings Turf Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium.

Marion Barnes is the owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, NC directly adjacent to Wesleyan鈥檚 new stadium. NCWU recognizes the many and longstanding efforts of Mr. Barnes, including years of dedicated service and personal contributions to the University, as well as additional gifts to the Sports Stadium fundraising efforts. To date, he has single-handedly raised over $2 million towards construction of the stadium.

鈥淢arion鈥檚 love for Wesleyan and his belief in the ability to shape students鈥 lives through athletics remains evident in his personal commitments, as well as the tenacity in which he has led the fundraising effort for the stadium. He and his family鈥檚 dedication to education in Rocky Mount, specifically at Wesleyan, will forever be one of their family鈥檚 legacies,鈥 stated Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics.

Phase I of the Sports Stadium Campaign was unveiled this April when Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. presented a $1 million check. Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium consists of a new turf field, lighting and additional parking. As funding allows, additional phases will include permanent seating, scoreboards and a new fieldhouse. The new fieldhouse will contain an athletic training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices. Others who are interested in helping with Phase II of the campaign can contact Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics, at adenton@ncwu.edu.

麻豆原创 麻豆原创
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on , , , and .

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for NCWU鈥檚 New Outdoor Classroom


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Today, 麻豆原创 held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom. In December 2020, NC Wesleyan announced plans for construction of this unique learning environment, made possible by a generous gift from the Barnes family.

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Pictured (L to R): Dr. Molly Wyatt, Lee Barnes, Christy Barnes, Cynthia Barnes, Marvin Barnes and Dr. Evan D. Duff

The new outdoor classroom is located at the front of main campus near the Braswell Administration Building. This newly developed space offers students a fun, safe, educational experience which expands their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The three row, brick amphitheater-style classroom seats approximately 20 to 25 students and consists of lighting, power ports and the capability for an outdoor projector.

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鈥淭he addition of the new outdoor classroom to our campus has been well received. Faculty members have enjoyed having a new venue for teaching and our students have found it attractive for more than just classroom studies. They鈥檝e also used it for club meetings, bible studies and a place to gather with friends. Thanks to the Barnes family, this gift has quickly made a positive impact on Wesleyan鈥檚 campus,鈥 said Mark Hinson, Senior Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. 

Marvin Barnes, a Rocky Mount native, and his wife, Cynthia, have been active in the North Carolina Methodist Church Conference for over half a century. Mr. Barnes grew up attending First United Methodist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, where he participated in all forms of worship.

Like many of the recent projects at NC Wesleyan, this space was completely donor-funded through the Barnes鈥 gift. Their new is located just down the road from 麻豆原创鈥檚 campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.

Board Chair Gifts $100K to NCWC鈥檚 RN to BSN Program


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Board of Trustees, has generously donated $100,000 to support 麻豆原创鈥檚 RN to BSN program. The gift will provide funds for nurse faculty, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.

NC Wesleyan University RN to BSN program

Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program in summer or fall 2022. Recipients accepted and registered for classes are eligible to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must be an NC resident, maintain an overall 3.0+ GPA, be accepted into the RN to BSN Program, provide a letter of recommendation, submit a personal statement and attend the College鈥檚 Annual Scholarship Award program.

鈥淥ur BSN-prepared nurses are catalysts of change and drive improvements in care,鈥 stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Director of RN to BSN Program. 鈥淭he overwhelming generosity shown through this second gift will make a tremendous impact on Battling Bishop nurses and every patient they encounter throughout their nursing careers.鈥 Additional details can be found at ncwu.edu/crocker-nursing-scholarship. Interested students should reach out to Fabiola Kinney, Assistant Director of Adult Studies Advising, at fkinney@ncwu.edu for more information.

NC Wesleyan Surpasses Annual Fall Fundraising Goal


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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.

The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment


Established at NC Wesleyan University

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, has made a gift to 麻豆原创 to establish The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment.

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Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group and Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NC Wesleyan University.

The new endowment will allow for an annual scholarship to be presented, with preference given to a current NC Wesleyan female in their junior or senior year who earns and maintains a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are eligible. They should also demonstrate financial need, a passion for community service and good personal character. Application details are available through the College鈥檚 Financial Aid office, with the first scholarship expected to be awarded in the 2022-2023 academic year.

鈥淛anice Bryant Howroyd is a vibrant beacon of light who guides others to attain success in their personal and professional lives. She is passionate about women in STEM, education and 麻豆原创,鈥 stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淭his endowment exemplifies not only her values, but also her commitment to the community where she grew up. We are fortunate to have her as a Board of Trustee member and as part of the Wesleyan family.鈥

In early 2021, NC Wesleyan announced a partnership with the , a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Howroyd is a native of Tarboro, NC and a 麻豆原创 Board Member.

NC Wesleyan Kicks Off Annual Fall Fundraising Campaign


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Pictured (L to R): Jane Gravely(NC Wesleyan Alumna and Board of Visitors member); Mark Hinson (NC Wesleyan Director of External Affairs & Annual Giving); Greg Purcell (Art Curator for The Dunn Center); Arnold Gordon-Bray (Campaign Co-Chair); Janet Watson (Campaign Co-Chair); Dr. Evan D. Duff (NC Wesleyan President); Eddie Coats (NC Wesleyan Vice President of Advancement)

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.

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Pictured (L to R): Lank Dunton (First Carolina Bank鈥檚 Market Executive for the Rocky Mount Area); Arnold Gordon-Bray (Campaign Co-Chair); Janet Watson (Campaign Co-Chair); Dr. Evan D. Duff (NC Wesleyan President); Eddie Coats (NC Wesleyan Vice President of Advancement)

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.

NCWC Announces Co-Chairs for Annual Fall Giving Campaign


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 has named Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, USA (Ret.) and Janet F. Watson as co-chairs of their annual fall fundraiser, The Wesleyan Promise Campaign. For nearly four decades, the College has held its fall giving campaign by which all gifts go toward helping fulfill and exceed the College鈥檚 commitment to students attending NCWC. 

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Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, co-chair of The Wesleyan Promise

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.

“A quality city has to have a quality, senior college or university for the purposes of advancing the arts and sciences for the aspiration of its citizens and [local] academic institutions. I’m involved with North Carolina Wesleyan because this is my city,鈥 stated Gordon-Bray.

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Janet Watson, co-chair of The Wesleyan Promise

Janet Watson is the owner of Coldwell Banker Watson Properties in Rocky Mount and has been a Licensed Real Estate Professional in North Carolina since 1986. She continues to conduct business as a member of the Rocky Mount Regional MLS and Triangle MLS. Janet is a lifelong resident of Rocky Mount who attended 麻豆原创 and Meredith College. She is currently a member of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Board of Visitors and the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as a board member for Southern Bank and the American Red Cross.

鈥淢y parents were part of this community and church who had the vision in the 1950鈥檚 to establish 麻豆原创 here in Rocky Mount. I can remember as a small child how important it was to them to have and support an institution of higher learning here in the area,鈥 stated Watson. 鈥淲esleyan should continue to be an important part of our vision for this community. Our continued support ensures that Wesleyan鈥檚 strong foundation is maintained and that growth in student population, curriculum, faculty and athletic programs continues.鈥

The Wesleyan Promise campaign benefits NC Wesleyan students through scholarships, technology, facility improvements, lab equipment, safety gear for athletes and much more. The College has set a goal of raising $280,000 during this year鈥檚 campaign, which kicks off on Monday, September 27.

Calling All Entrepreneurs: Bring Your Best Pitch to NCWC


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 will host their first Nancy A. Shaw Entrepreneurship Competition on Tuesday, October 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center. This competition is open to residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties, as well as faculty, staff and students at NC Wesleyan.

Participating entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase a product, service or idea that they have created for domestic cats and/or dogs. The competition is judged in two parts. All participants will have their initial application and video reviewed by a panel of judges. These will then be narrowed down to the five best entrepreneurs, who will then present their pitch on October 19. Prizes will range from $1,500 for third place to $4,000 for the grand prize. There is no entry fee and the deadline for applying is September 23. The community is invited to come hear the presentations and enjoy light refreshments.

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Dr. Nancy Shaw

鈥淒r. Nancy Shaw was a pioneer in health care and a life-long animal advocate. With the help of her endowment, NC Wesleyan will be able to establish its first endowed Professorship for its Pre-Vet major. Along with that, we now have the opportunity to host our new 鈥楳ake Your Pitch鈥 Competition. What better way to honor an animal lover than to highlight pets and the importance they play in our lives,鈥 stated Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Services and Business Innovation.

The College announced in October 2020 that it had received $2,500,000 from the Dr. Nancy Shaw Trust. In addition to establishing its first endowed Professorship, the funds will create a highly-selective endowed scholarship, develop additional living and learning space and upgrade equipment in the College鈥檚 Biology, Biomedical, Environmental Science and Chemistry programs. The primary focus of Dr. Shaw鈥檚 trust is to benefit the health and care of felines, which was a passion of hers.

Dr. Shaw attended Brown University where she graduated magna cum laude and entered Brown University Medical School graduating in 1983. She completed her Internship at Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, Massachusetts in 1985. Her Residency in Internal Medicine was completed at the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut in 1988. She became Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1989. Dr. Shaw resided in North Carolina from 1992 -2012. During that time, she established the Hospitalist Programs for both Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, Concord, and Boice-Willis Clinic in Rocky Mount. She and her mother resided in Rocky Mount during these years.

Those who are interested in applying can visit bit.ly/ncwcpitch. For further information, please contact Dr. Gena Messer-Knode at gknode@ncwu.edu.

NCWC Office of Advancement Welcomes Newest Member


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Amanda Cutchin has joined 麻豆原创 as Coordinator of Donor Gifts and Information. A current student in the College鈥檚 Adult and Professional Studies program, Cutchin will complete her degree this December graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership. Amanda comes to Wesleyan from BB&T, where she recently worked as an Engagement Specialist in their commercial loan department.聽

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Amanda Cutchin
Coordinator of Donor Gifts and Information

鈥淎manda prides herself in her ability to resolve problems and process transactions in a timely manner. I look forward to watching her utilize those strengths to impact our department, as well as the overall donor experience,鈥 stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement.  

In her new role, Amanda will manage and enhance the Advancement Office鈥檚 data base system, including the transfer of all student information upon graduation and ensuring accuracy of donor information. With an alumni base of over 14,000 graduates, Amanda will maintain and update available contact information for each. She will also assist in planning and implementing appropriate donor recognition strategies and process all gifts to the College.

鈥淎s an upcoming graduate of the Adult Studies program at Wesleyan, I look forward to utilizing my degrees in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership to make an impact in the Advancement Office. I鈥檓 excited to work with donors and fellow alumni of the College,鈥 stated Cutchin.