麻豆原创 (NCWU) hosted its annual Education Pinning Ceremony on March 30 in The Dunn Center, recognizing students as they officially entered the University鈥檚 Teacher Education Program. The ceremony marked an important milestone in each candidate鈥檚 academic journey as they received education pins and certificates symbolizing their commitment to the teaching profession.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as a meaningful rite of passage for future educators and highlights the high standards required for admission into the program. Candidates must successfully complete several requirements prior to being pinned, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, earning two positive recommendations, and submitting a written essay.
The ceremony included remarks and presentations from faculty, students, and special guests. Jordan Contreras delivered the invocation and shared brief remarks about NCWU鈥檚 award-winning Afterschool Program. Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, Dean of Traditional Enrollment, welcomed attendees, followed by an occasion address from Alexis Williams-Jackson, President of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Additional performances included 鈥淕od is My Everything鈥 presented by Willenscia Richardson-Hardy and a heartfelt poem titled Teaching Matters delivered by Ivy Chelagat.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas McGeachy, the 2025 Principal of the Year for Nash Early College and Nash County Schools.
The ceremony also included recognition of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship Foundation, established and sponsored by Glinda Williams in honor of her daughter, Taunja Cox. The foundation supports students majoring in special education at NCWU while also promoting extracurricular opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Lenoir County. The scholarship award totals $1,500 and is presented annually to one selected student. This year鈥檚 recipient of the scholarship was Willenscia Richardson-Hardy, a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer delivered by Alijah Battle.
The 2026 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
Ella Barfield, Dana Barlow, Brianna Clemons, Geovanni Dixon, Whitley Griffin, Emily Mason, Uniqua McDowell, Amiyah Murphy, Jermonta Powell, Shaylee Price, Bethany Tant, Krystal Taybron, Lashaniqua Vines, Felicia Wilkerson, and Alexis Jackson Williams.
These candidates represent the next generation of educators鈥攑repared to serve with dedication, compassion, and purpose. 麻豆原创 is proud to support these future teachers as they begin a profession that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lifelong learning.
University Celebrates 2026 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC 鈥 April 2, 2026 鈥 麻豆原创 proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
- School of Business & Professional Studies: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Health Sciences: Recognized excellence in fields like Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, Sports Science and more.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
麻豆原创 remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To view entire 2026 honors list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Teacher Education Wesleyan Experience
麻豆原创 (NCWU) continues to prepare the next generation of educators through its dedicated Teacher Education program, where students gain the knowledge, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to make an impact in the classroom.
Recently, two pre-service teachers in the program 鈥 Kathlene 鈥淏rooke鈥 Rose and Kayden Comerford 鈥 shared their experiences studying Elementary Education at Wesleyan and reflected on how the University is helping prepare them for their future careers as licensed teachers.
Rose, a native of Nash County who recently transferred from East Carolina University, says she quickly found a sense of belonging on campus.
鈥淲esleyan feels like home,鈥 Rose shared. 鈥淭here is nowhere I would rather be as I learn to become a practicing licensed teacher.鈥
Comerford, who is originally from Apex, North Carolina and previously lived in Loudoun County, Virginia, emphasized the supportive learning environment that defines the Wesleyan community.
鈥淲esleyan is a tightknit community where I feel that all parties want the other to succeed,鈥 said Comerford.
According to Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education at NCWU, the program is designed to equip students with both the academic foundation and hands-on classroom experience needed to succeed as educators.
鈥淧reparing effective teachers requires more than coursework,鈥 said Spragley. 鈥淥ur students engage in meaningful field experiences and mentorship opportunities that allow them to build confidence, develop instructional skills, and understand the real needs of today鈥檚 classrooms.鈥
Wesleyan鈥檚 Teacher Education program prepares students for licensure in elementary education while emphasizing leadership, service, and community engagement. Through close faculty mentorship and partnerships with local schools, students graduate ready to step into classrooms and make a difference in the lives of their students.
As future educators like Rose and Comerford continue their journeys, Wesleyan remains committed to supporting students who feel called to teach and inspire the next generation.
Elevating Teacher Preparation: NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Education Program Earns National Distinction
The impact of a great teacher lasts a lifetime, and at 麻豆原创 (NCWU), aspiring educators are gaining the experience, knowledge, and values to make that impact from day one. Colleges of Distinction has honored NCWU with the 2025-2026 award, recognizing its proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate, and classroom-ready teachers.
鈥淚n a field where the stakes are high and the landscape constantly evolving, NCWU has built a program that blends strong academic foundations with real-world practice,鈥 said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e equipping future educators with the tools and heart to lead diverse classrooms with care.鈥
This national recognition is based on the institution鈥檚 demonstrated excellence in key areas, including:
- Stability 鈥 The School of Education has a longstanding presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
- Accreditation 鈥 The NCWU Education Programs holds regional accreditation from AAQEP, or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Additionally, the NCWU Teacher Education Program is accredited by the state of North Carolina
- Multidisciplinarity 鈥 The Education Program offers students the opportunity to specialize in three or more distinct disciplines (Specifically, students can earn a license to teach in one of the following content areas: Elementary Education, K-6; Middle Grades, 6-9 (Math, Science, Social Studies, or English/Language Arts), Secondary, 9-12 (Math, Biology Social Studies, English), and Special Education, K-12).
- Practical Experience 鈥 Starting from the first year, students in the Education Program engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes.
- Non-Education Specialization 鈥 The Education Program requires students to graduate with a minor, emphasis, specialization, or related credential in a subject they intend to teach professionally.
- Dedicated Advising and Counseling 鈥 The Education Program provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising tailored to Education majors.
- High-Impact Practices 鈥 Students in the Education Program enhance their undergraduate studies through high-impact practices such as common intellectual experiences in methodology and content, undergraduate research, diverse learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, common first-year experiences such as seminar attendance and field placement experiences of at least 30 hours in a respective school, writing-intensive courses, collaborative assignments and projects, service-/community-based learning like tutoring in our Award Winning After School Program, living-learning communities, internships, and capstone courses and projects.
- Industry Connections 鈥 Students enrolled in the Education Program have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer, states 鈥淭he NCWU Teacher Education program has consistently proven that the personal and professional relationships developed between faculty and students are our formula for success. It is with this model in mind that we will continue our efforts at producing the next generation of quality, licensed teacher鈥.
Through these program elements, students are learning how to inspire, adapt, and lead. The Education Program at NCWU reflects the core belief that teaching is both a profession and a calling.
To learn more about NCWU鈥檚 award-winning programs, visit .
麻豆原创 Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit .
University Celebrates 2025 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC聽鈥 April 3, 2025 鈥 麻豆原创 proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences:聽Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, and Mathematics.
- School of Business:聽Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences :聽Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
麻豆原创 remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To See entire list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
NCWU Celebrates 10th Anniversary of an Award-Winning Afterschool Program
麻豆原创 (NCWU) hosted a special celebration on Saturday, March 29, to mark the 10th Anniversary of its Award-Winning Afterschool Program. The event, held on the Southern Bank Green at the heart of campus, brought together community members, faculty, students, and program supporters to recognize a decade of impact in education.
The celebration featured an invocation, greetings, and reflections from esteemed speakers, including Deon Bailey, Joylette Whitaker, Dr. Chad Ross, Sarah Turner, Dr. Patricia Brewer, and Dr. Kelvin Spragley. In addition to the esteemed speakers were testimonials from the students and their parents, covering their challenges and successes in the program. Attendees also enjoyed games, activities, and a parade to conclude the event.
The Afterschool Tutorial Initiative was launched in February 2015 through NCWU鈥檚 Teacher Education Program in collaboration with the . The initiative was created in response to the growing need for intensive, specialized services for K-12 students with learning differences. Through strong partnerships with parents, Nash and Edgecombe County Schools, and ALDH, the program quickly became a vital resource for students and their families.
Over the years, the program has evolved into an integrated clinical lab, utilizing research-based practices in math and reading. NCWU students enrolled in the Introduction to Exceptional Children (SPE 300) course work directly with K-12 students, providing individualized training and resources to enhance learning outcomes. These pre-service educators gain valuable experience by applying social learning strategies, tracking progress, conducting parent-student conferences, and developing accommodations tailored to each child鈥檚 educational plan.
Dr. Patricia Brewer, Executive Director of the Afterschool Program, plays a crucial role in coordinating instruction and providing advocacy training for parents. These advocacy sessions equip families with tools and strategies to support their children鈥檚 academic success, including simulated parent conferences and specialized training modules.
Since its inception, the program has celebrated numerous student achievements. Two high school graduates have already launched successful career paths鈥攐ne securing employment at Amazon in Cary, N.C., and another completing welding training at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, N.C. Additionally, many participating students have earned local, state, and national recognition for their academic, social, and emotional growth. In April 2024, the Award-Winning Program was featured in the national newspaper Education Week, addressing educator preparation programs on parent and family engagement.
The Afterschool Program was designated as an award-winning initiative by the National Education Association and the NC Student Association of Educators in 2016. Over the past decade, 31 students have participated in the program, with seven publications showcasing its impact.
NCWU remains committed to fostering student success through innovative and inclusive educational programs. The University is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of students for years to come.
Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
麻豆原创 (NCWU) hosted its annual Fall Symposium on November 11 at The Dunn Center, featuring the much-anticipated Pinning Ceremony for its Education Candidates. This meaningful event symbolizes the beginning of the candidates鈥 journey into the teaching profession, as they receive their education pins and certificates, marking their official entry into the Teacher Education Program.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as both a rite of passage and a testament to the candidates鈥 commitment to a career in education. It celebrates their dedication to lifelong learning while highlighting the rigorous standards required for admission to the program. To be pinned, candidates must meet several requirements, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, successfully completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, securing two positive recommendations, and submitting a well-crafted essay.
The ceremony featured inspiring contributions from faculty, students, and special guests. Jenna Pilkenton began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, followed by an Invocation led by Jordan Contreras. Ivy Chelagat delivered a heartfelt poem, Teaching Matters, capturing the significance of the teaching profession. Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, offered a warm welcome, and SNCAE President Emma Mosley shared the Occasion address. Dr. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Ms. Darsheka Hopkins, Principal of
In her address, Ms. Hopkins emphasized the importance of intentionality in the teaching profession, outlining three key principles for educators to uphold:
- Empathy 鈥 Understanding and connecting with students鈥 experiences to foster meaningful relationships.
- Lifelong Learning 鈥 Remaining committed to personal and professional growth to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
- Resiliency 鈥 Embracing challenges with strength and determination, inspiring students to do the same.
The event concluded with a closing prayer from Janiyah Williams.
The 2024 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
La鈥橯uanta Benthall, Angelica Bridgers, Tashonda Brown, Lexie Collins, Regina Edmundson, Virginia Ellis, Preona Ford, Jaycie Hadnott, Grant Harrell, Melanie Johnson, Ashley McGovern, Emma Mosley, Thomas Peay, Wellenscia Richardson-Hardy, Daniella Sehannie, Alina Smith, Jillian Stine, Jackson Thompson, Lovely Thornton, Linda Underdue, Joylette Whitaker, Kaitlin Williams, Molly Winstead, Samantha Winstead, and Isabell Wooten.
These candidates represent a future of dedicated, compassionate educators prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities. NCWU is proud to support these emerging leaders as they embark on their teaching journeys, embracing the challenges and rewards of a profession that shapes lives and inspires lifelong learning.
To view the full photography album, visit
NCWU Awarded Longleaf Fund Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The 麻豆原创 Teacher Education Program received a $10,000 grant from the Longleaf Fund Foundation. This is an anonymous donor advised fund at that provides grants to organizations in the Carolinas to support capital projects for at-risk youth. The grants are intended to help communities create opportunities for a brighter future for their youth.
Dr. Kelvin L. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, shares 鈥淲hat this Longleaf Fund Grant means to a Teacher Education student is that s/he will learn needed skills required to be successful as an educator when implementing parent, school, and community partnership efforts.鈥
How this grant will be used
Beginning Fall 2024, proceeds from the grant will be used to support the K-12 public school students who receive tutoring via the NC Wesleyan Award-Winning After-School Program. Dr. Spragley will utilize funds 鈥渢o purchase 10 laptops (with software) and 10 hotspots (for students who do not have home internet). These materials will be used to aid the K-12 students, who have IEPs and are tutored by students in the NC Wesleyan Teacher Education program, with their work in the primary content areas of Reading, Math, and Science/Biology.鈥澛
The critical steps involved in this project are as follows:
- Students will complete as much school work as possible while receiving tutoring at the once-each-week after-school program.
- Students will be allowed to sign out laptops and/or hotspots to complete work at home
- Students will continue with Zoom sessions with tutors between tutoring sessions
- Students will return equipment and NC Wesleyan will track student progress while working in conjunction with parents and building-level teachers.
Dr. Spragley believes 鈥淚nstruction emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading, writing, speaking, making informed ethical decisions, and using new information technologies.鈥 Providing necessary resources for 30+ students will make a lasting improvement on Wesleyan鈥檚 Teacher Education Program, but also in the students鈥 lives.
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鈥檚 First Faculty Member of Color Earns Jefferson-Pilot Award
麻豆原创 Professor, Dr. Patricia Brewer, has been awarded with the 2023-2024 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship. This award is the highest and most singular honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty member and 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 NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan D. Duff. 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 University, both with their time and means.
鈥淚鈥檝e always found Dr. Brewer to be a strong advocate for exceptional learners,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淪he鈥檚 worked tirelessly in the classroom and the community to make a difference in the lives of others.鈥
Dr. Brewer, now in her nineteenth year at Wesleyan, delivered her Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Lecture, entitled: “Transformative Teaching: The Who, What, Why and How Service-Learning Pedagogy Impacts Culturally Diverse Populations” on Thursday, April 20. Her lecture explored experiential learning that most impacts students’ success.
Dr. Brewer is an associate professor of education and coordinator of the special education program. She earned a B.S. in elementary education and an M.A. in special education, both from NC Central University; an M.Ed. (educational leadership) at East Carolina University; and a Ph.D. (special education administration) from Southern Illinois University. She founded the Students Helping Students Afterschool Program Initiative with the Association for the Learning Disabled and Handicapped (ALDH) in February 2015. The initiative was in response to an outcry for additional, intensive services for special needs children in Nash/Rocky Mount schools, grades K-12. All NCWU pre-service students contribute through the required course Special Education 300: Introduction to Exceptional Children. They work once a week for two hours at Wesleyan over a 10-week period. The program allows NC Wesleyan鈥檚 education students to put theory into practice in real-life experiences, such as identifying and evaluating student needs, analyzing and interpreting data for instruction, providing research-based learning strategies, and collaborating with parents.
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 .
