Director of Campus Safety, Controller, Sports Information Director, and Accounts Payable Specialist give the inside scoop on graduating with a discount.
At 麻豆原创 (NCWU), employees aren鈥檛 just shaping student success鈥攖hey鈥檙e living it. Through the University鈥檚 generous tuition discount program, eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependent children can pursue undergraduate degrees tuition-free. This 100% tuition discount opens doors for families to grow academically together, while also inspiring a culture of lifelong learning across campus. For those looking to advance even further, discounts are also available for graduate coursework, making it easier than ever for staff and faculty to sharpen their skills, earn advanced credentials, or pivot into new fields. At NC Wesleyan, education is not just a benefit鈥攊t鈥檚 a shared journey.
We interviewed just a few who have taken advantage of this benefit and the results are telling.
Meet Wayne Sears, Director of Campus Safety. Mr. Sears has worked at Wesleyan for nine years and in May 2023 received a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, due to his desire of “wanting the option to teach in the field of Criminal Justice and wanting to understand what the educational environment is like for our NCWU student family”.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
Don’t put off post-graduate work. A Master鈥檚 Degree now separates educational accomplishment and knowledge in the workforce. Wesleyan’s Criminal Justice Program is a structured progressive program from beginning to end.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
Great! I could text, email, or call them often on their cell phones. Which I did, and they always responded. I am friends with several of them to this day.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
Having been in the Criminal Justice field since I was twenty years old gave me a complex that I had to do exceptionally well. That was a personal challenge to me. I was awarded the Outstanding MSCJ Student award backed with a perfect 4.0 GPA and that was extremely satisfying!
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Well. Worth It.
Teikisha Anderson, Controller and employee of over eleven years, is currently obtaining a Master of Strategic Leadership Degree and plans to graduate in May 2025. Her motivation was enhanced once receiving a promotion into a leadership position on campus and feels that this degree will equip her with the essential skills necessary to become an innovative and effective leader.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
Do it! The Graduate Programs are designed and structured to meet the needs of the average working adult. With effective time management and dedication, they can successfully balance home, work, and academic responsibilities. While some temporary sacrifices may be necessary, the overall achievements and benefits will be worth it.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
Working at NC Wesleyan has allowed me to connect with some of my professors on a professional level. However, as a staff member, I do not receive any preferential treatment regarding my classes or expectations. While I am familiar with some professors, many of them are adjuncts whom I have never met personally. Regardless, my experiences with my professors have been overwhelmingly positive. They communicate effectively and respond to my questions and concerns. Even in taking all online classes, the smaller class sizes allow professors to address any issues, confusion, or concerns promptly, which I can truly appreciate.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
My proudest moment will be walking across that stage wearing that hooded regalia but that has yet to come; however, for now, I am proud of myself for pushing forward every day and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I am slightly obsessed with and committed to doing my absolute best in all that I do. I am committed to this academic journey and that in itself is my proudest accomplishment.
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
God’s Got Me!
Entering his sixth year at Wesleyan, Bayden Collins is Wesleyan’s Sports Information Director. He received his Master of Business Administration Degree in December 2024. Collins was self-motivated to obtain a Master鈥檚 Degree from a very early age and feels that it will greatly help him in his career of administration in collegiate athletics.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
I would highly recommend the Graduate Program while working at NCWU because there is no better place that you can obtain a degree in one year online while working at the same time. I am extremely blessed to say I earned my MBA at the age of 22 and Wesleyan afforded me that opportunity.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
While I was online, I still felt a very close relationship with my professors. Whenever I needed something, I could call or email them at any time if I ever needed anything. Also, each professor would do a beginning-of-the-week video/lecture where you felt like you were in the classroom which led to an awesome learning experience!
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
I was especially proud at the hooding ceremony when I saw Coach Denton, Mr. Mike Armbruster, and Coach Thompson outside the Dunn Center waiting to congratulate me. It meant a lot, and I am glad to work with such great people!
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Rewarding, Challenging, Enlightening
DeOnna Wilson worked at Wesleyan in the Business Office for four years before she accepted her current role as an Accounts Payable Specialist. She completed her Master of Business Administration in 2023 with the support of her family and “work family”. Wilson learned that it was essential to never be afraid of asking questions, as “seeking help can lead to growth and understanding”.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
For those pursuing Graduate School while working, mastering time management and establishing a realistic schedule is essential. Prioritize your tasks and confidently seek clarification from professors whenever necessary鈥攖hey are there to support you. Don鈥檛 forget to include breaks in your schedule; maintaining a healthy balance between work and study is crucial for your success.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
I had varied relationships with my professors during my studies. With the professors I connected with, I fI had varied relationships with my professors during my studies. I found myself emailing some professors almost every other day to clarify assignments or projects. They were incredibly supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to assist me. Whenever they were on campus, they would take the time to meet with me, walking me through my mistakes and helping me understand the material better. I appreciated their pride in my efforts to learn, and their quick responses to my emails made it even easier to seek help. It truly made a difference in my learning experience.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
The moment I felt a wave of pride for my accomplishment was when I walked across that stage to receive my diploma. Seeing all my family and work family there, beaming with smiles as I crossed that stage, made the achievement even more special. I completed my Master鈥檚 Degree despite the doubts I faced at the beginning and the many nights filled with tears questioning whether I could pull it off. In the end, it was all worth it, as I not only passed all my classes but also got to celebrate this significant milestone with my loved ones.
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Determined. Nervous. Time Management.
Wesleyan Nurses Success
NC Wesleyan University鈥檚 RN-to-BSN online program offers more than just an opportunity for professional growth鈥攊t fosters the potential for life-changing experiences. For mother-daughter duo Sonya Wester and Kaley Bailey, graduating together this past August wasn鈥檛 just an educational milestone, but a deeply heartwarming chapter in their lives. Their journey through Wesleyan鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a testament to the beauty of shared goals, mutual support, and the power of family bonds.
The RN-to-BSN program at NC Wesleyan University is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility through 100% online coursework. With accelerated 8-week terms, students can tailor their learning pace, choosing to study full or part-time. The convenience of multiple start dates allows learners to begin their education journey when it best fits their schedule. This flexibility, combined with the ability to complete the program in as little as 12 months, made it an ideal fit for Sonya and Kaley.
Sonya, a dedicated nurse with years of experience, humbly shared that nursing was not a career she chose, but rather a calling that chose her. Her passion for helping others, learning, and serving was deeply embedded in her work, and she constantly sought opportunities to grow. For her daughter Kaley, Sonya鈥檚 dedication and compassion became an inspiration. Kaley decided to follow in her mother鈥檚 footsteps, pursuing the same path with determination and pride.
The flexibility of Wesleyan鈥檚 online nursing program provided the perfect balance for both women, who had to juggle personal and professional responsibilities while advancing their education. They were attracted to the program not only for its convenience but also for the incentives offered. Sonya explained, 鈥淲esleyan provided an incentive to enroll that was very rewarding. I had good feedback from previous students, and a former employer, who was part of the community leaders at Wesleyan, encouraged me to take the leap.鈥
What made this experience truly unique for Sonya and Kaley was the opportunity to achieve such a significant milestone together. Kaley expressed her joy in a touching sentiment: 鈥淣ot many people get to say they graduated college with their mom, but I do, and I could not be more honored and proud. Her hard work and dedication to giving it her all was such an inspiration to me throughout this whole journey and is what kept me going. I am excited to see where this journey takes us next.鈥
For Sonya, the experience brought her even closer to her daughter: 鈥淲e have always been close, but sharing the struggles, the joys, and the accomplishments has made us even closer and stronger. It was very exciting to walk alongside her, watching her knowledge, leadership abilities, and experience grow. It has been an honor and a privilege to witness this.鈥
Their story is one of love, resilience, and shared purpose. Together, Sonya and Kaley have not only earned their degrees but have also deepened their bond as mother and daughter. Their journey at NC Wesleyan University is a reminder that education is not just about individual growth but can also strengthen the ties that bind us to those we love.
Khalil Robertson鈥檚 Leadership and Journey at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 A true man of many talents, Khalil Robertson is a senior graduating from 麻豆原创. Although he has a bright future ahead, he will be leaving NCWU with a touching and lasting impact. Robertson has been active on campus, supporting multiple student ministries, a leader for the Male Minority initiative developed on campus with , and has accepted a full-ride scholarship to School where he will obtain a Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP).
Robertson is a prime representation of the personal, practical, and purpose-driven education that students receive at Wesleyan. He started attending NCWU in 2020, the first academic year held during COVID-19. This did not intimidate him from getting involved and engaged in the campus community as he tuned into (FCA) via zoom. During the spring semester, he began teaching Bible studies and attending Refuge Campus Ministry. He was instantly involved with campus ministries every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Robertson was Assistant Chaplain to Reverend Barry Drum in 2020 where he had the opportunity to conduct a baptismal service. Upon Reverend Ferguson鈥檚 hire, the two formed an immediate bond and Robertson shares, 鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for him I can say I wouldn鈥檛 be as confident in myself and ministry without him鈥. The preaching led to counseling and taking part in the worship teams. Robertson expresses 鈥淎s a graduating senior, I have really enjoyed the community that I鈥檝e been a part of in all the ministries, it鈥檚 really been a life changing experience for me, and I thank God for the relationships built with the Moore family, , , , and so many others.鈥 Rev. Ferguson responds, 鈥淚 am proud of Khalil and excited for his future. He will make a positive, lasting impact wherever he goes and I am grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.鈥
As a member of Wesleyan鈥檚 Black Student Association, Robertson shares, 鈥淚 got into a community that felt like my family away from home.鈥 He took this further his sophomore year by creating an organization for black male students. Sprouting from the Male Minority Initiative with NCICU, Robertson established a vision, a board of gentlemen, and an organization called Black Men Winning, with the assistance of Tim Carmichael, Giavonne Minns, Yutaka Bell, Jonah Purnell, Jaydon Denmark, Tim Willis, and leader Rev. Russell Rouse, initial advisor. 25-30 men were inducted during their first ceremony in 2022. In the second year, Dr. Spragley assumed the role of advisor where he and Robertson expanded this group beyond campus and into the Rocky Mount Community. Robertson said he was inspired by Rouse and Spragley to 鈥渢ake a holistic approach in developing and empowering the members in a spiritual aspect by having Bible study, traveling to other churches, counseling members individually, and ultimately helping students find outside grants to help fund their education.鈥 Dr. Spragley worked with NCICU, making it possible for members to achieve an additional scholarship as being part of the organization. This extended to etiquette workshops, mental health workshops, hosting inspirational guest speakers, taking part in city-wide panels, retreats, community service projects with and , study hall sessions, registration workshops to ensure being on the right track for graduation, and hosting events such as: Ebony Speaker Ball, 7V7 Football Tournaments, Game Night Tournaments, Love Day, etc.! Through all of that, Robertson believes 鈥渂eing intentional is the number one value that I believe carries the organization to new levels. It鈥檚 what brings guys closer, makes members stronger, and inspires others to be part of what we鈥檝e built.鈥 is 鈥淎 successful black man is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks thrown at him.鈥 He plans to remain involved in the ministry, but leaves the leadership to its current members and Dr. Spragley who states, 鈥淢r. Robertson has proven himself to be a leader in the truest sense. His dedication to providing resources and opportunities to young men of color is an admirable skill set.鈥
Robertson鈥檚 future endeavors will be in the Master of Arts in Christian Practice Hybrid program at Duke Divinity where he looks to work as a high school social studies teacher for Wake County Schools, still actively preaching and pursuing to pastor in the . He concludes by sharing 鈥淚鈥檓 truly grateful for the support of my professors, the students, staff and faculty from the Wesleyan community, the many churches regardless of denomination, and my family for everything they鈥檝e done for me the last four years; but most of all, I thank God for what he鈥檚 already done, what He鈥檚 doing right now, and for what He鈥檚 about to do!鈥
