麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce that Dr. Katrina Sweet has been selected as the 2025鈥2026 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship, the University鈥檚 highest and most distinguished faculty honor. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in scholarship, teaching excellence, and dedicated service to both the campus and the greater community.
Established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company, the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award granted annually to a tenured faculty member who exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence. The recipient is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff. Honorees are recognized not only for mastery of their discipline and contributions to academic knowledge, but also for their unwavering commitment to student development and meaningful engagement in the life of the University.
Dr. Sweet, a respected educator and leader within the Wesleyan community, has consistently demonstrated the values embodied by this award through her work in the classroom, her scholarship, and her ongoing service initiatives.
鈥淚 was honored to be selected as the 2025鈥2026 Jefferson Pilot Faculty Member,鈥 said Dr. Sweet. 鈥淭his recognition made me proud to be a Bishop and grateful for the work I am called to do鈥攑reparing students to lead, serve, and transform their communities.鈥
For Dr. Sweet, the recognition is also deeply personal. She reflected on the influence of her family and the foundation they instilled in her long before she stepped into higher education.
鈥淚 could not help but think of my grandmother and grandfather,鈥 she shared. 鈥淚 believe I am a blend of the two of them. My grandmother was a nurturer鈥ull of quiet strength. My grandfather was an entrepreneur and a visionary. Their legacy still lives in me, and receiving this award makes me honor who they were and what they meant to my life. Their love, their resilience, and their example guide the way I teach, lead, and serve my students and community.鈥
Throughout her time at NC Wesleyan, Dr. Sweet has become known for her ability to create an environment where students are both challenged and supported鈥攁n educator who not only teaches content, but also inspires confidence, purpose, and personal growth.
When asked what moments have been most meaningful during her time at Wesleyan, Dr. Sweet pointed directly to the students who have shaped her journey as much as she has shaped theirs.
鈥淚f I had to choose what has meant the most, it would be the way my students have poured into my life and believed in me,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 have had students speak prophetically over my life and see the best in me even in seasons when I struggled to see it myself鈥 I realized that God did not just place me here for my students, but He also placed my students here for me.鈥
Her approach to teaching is grounded in purpose and service, principles she hopes students carry with them long after graduation.
鈥淚 want my students to remember that service is important,鈥 said Dr. Sweet. 鈥淪erving and giving beyond oneself is something I try to model both in the classroom and in the community. Service shapes character, builds compassion, and reminds us that leadership is not about position, it is about impact.鈥
Dr. Sweet teaches Human Resource Management and has played a key role in strengthening student interest in the field. She shared that one of the clearest moments of realizing her impact came when students began shaping their career paths based on what they experienced in her courses.
鈥淚 absolutely enjoy teaching Human Resource Management because HR is truly the glue that holds an organization together,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 first realized the impact of my teaching when students who enrolled in my HR courses began sharing that they wanted to minor in HR and pursue careers in the field after graduation. Over time, I noticed a trend鈥攕tudents were entering the HR profession and then reaching back out to share their experiences, seek guidance, and continue the mentorship we built in the classroom.鈥
That continued connection with alumni is a reflection of Dr. Sweet鈥檚 commitment to long-term student success, and her belief that the Wesleyan experience extends far beyond the classroom.
鈥淚 get to blend my work as a practitioner with my role as an educator,鈥 she said. 鈥淭丑别 field is evolving quickly, and bringing real world experience into the classroom helps students see how business concepts come alive in practice.鈥
As part of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship, Dr. Sweet will deliver a public lecture on Thursday, April 9, focused on nonprofit sustainability and community engagement. The lecture will highlight her work in building community partnerships, developing long-term organizational impact, and connecting students to hands-on learning experiences rooted in NC Wesleyan鈥檚 three pillars: Personal, Practical, and Purpose-Driven.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the University to confirm attendance and event details.
鈥淎ttendees can expect an engaging and insightful lecture focused on nonprofit sustainability and community engagement,鈥 Dr. Sweet said. 鈥淚 will share the work I have done in the community, the partnerships I have built, and the practical strategies that support long term organizational impact. I will also highlight how my students have been connected to this work and how these experiences have shaped their learning through our three pillars: Personal, Practical, and Purpose Driven.鈥
Dr. Sweet emphasized that the topic is especially relevant today, as students and communities alike seek meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.
鈥淭his topic matters to me because nonprofit sustainability and community engagement are at the heart of who I am as an educator, practitioner, and servant leader,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 believe deeply in the power of organizations that exist to uplift people, strengthen communities, and create long term impact. My work in this space allows me to live out my values while also giving my students real opportunities to learn, serve, and grow.鈥
Dr. Sweet鈥檚 selection as the 2025鈥2026 Jefferson-Pilot Professor reflects her exceptional contributions to the University and the lasting impact she continues to make on students, colleagues, and the broader community. Her work exemplifies the mission of 麻豆原创鈥攑reparing students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
Disc Golf Championship Brings Regional Players to NC Wesleyan
麻豆原创 will welcome competitors from across the region as it hosts a round of the Spi, a premier tournament in the sport of disc golf. The event will take place Friday through Sunday, March 20鈥22, 2026, with NC Wesleyan serving as one of the featured courses during the competition weekend.
The tournament is an A-Tier sanctioned event by the and is presented by with support from . The championship is expected to draw players from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic region.
The NC Wesleyan round will take place Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., when amateur division players compete on the university鈥檚 scenic course located along a two-mile loop on campus. The round will feature a shotgun start, meaning players will begin simultaneously from multiple holes throughout the course.
Overall, the tournament features both professional and amateur divisions competing across three days at multiple courses in the area, including and Professional competitors, currently totaling more than 50 registered players, will compete across three rounds over three days. The amateur field, which includes players from across North Carolina as well as Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., will compete in multiple rounds throughout the weekend, including the Saturday morning competition at NC Wesleyan.
Notable competitors include professional players , , , and , among others.
The tournament is organized by tournament director of Spike Hyzer Disc Golf.
鈥淚 am looking forward to partnering with Chuck to present our course on the stage of one of his tournaments,鈥 said Marcus Rich of 麻豆原创. 鈥淭his is the first year we have had the opportunity to present NC Wesleyan鈥檚 course in one of his tournaments, and this goes much further than just a round of disc golf. With this tournament, it expands our reach as more players set foot on campus and witness all that 麻豆原创 has to offer. We have a great course on a beautiful campus, and sharing this gem with the local community and beyond is a true honor.鈥
Spectators and members of the community are welcome to attend and experience the action as players navigate the university鈥檚 course.
More information about the tournament, including registration and schedules, can be found .
Meet NCWU’s 2026 Commencement Speaker: Jessica Harrison ’10
麻豆原创 (NCWU) will proudly celebrate its 62nd Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of more than 330 graduates as they complete their Wesleyan journeys and prepare for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
The ceremony will bring together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for one of the University鈥檚 most meaningful traditions. Commencement serves as both a celebration of student accomplishment and a reflection of NCWU鈥檚 commitment to personalized education, mentorship, and community engagement.
鈥淭his moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and hard work by our students,鈥 said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of 麻豆原创. 鈥淐ommencement is not only a milestone for our graduates, but also a celebration for the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and professions.鈥
Meet the Speaker
This year鈥檚 keynote address will be delivered by 鈥10, a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and proud NCWU alumna. Harrison currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, making history as the first woman elected to the role. She was initially appointed to the Town鈥檚 Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and later elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner before being elected mayor in November 2025.
As mayor, Harrison is recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen families, promote economic development, and engage youth. Her leadership extends beyond local government through her service as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In 2024, she was honored with the 40 Under Impact Award by the National League of Cities.
Harrison is also the Founder and CEO of , an organization focused on empowering women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and actively engage in their communities. Alongside her husband, she owns and operates The Harrison Institution, Inc., a nonprofit leadership development firm. Together, they also serve as Care Pastors at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.
A graduate of 麻豆原创, Harrison earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology before completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. She is a proud member of , and considers her greatest roles to be wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Harrison approaches leadership with integrity, compassion, and commitment to building strong, resilient communities.
The 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony promises to be a meaningful celebration of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings, honoring the Class of 2026 as they step forward to shape the future.
From Santa Rosa to Rocky Mount: Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts at NCWU鈥檚 Charles Schulz Exhibit
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts on Oct. 2, 2025, the timeless comic strip that gave us Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a cast of characters who captured the human spirit with humor and heart, 麻豆原创 is bringing the celebration home with a powerful tribute to the man behind the magic: Charles M. Schulz.
In a recent USA Today and People Magazine article, Jeannie Schulz, widow of Charles Schulz, reflected on the enduring legacy of Peanuts and its surprising resonance with Gen Z. From tattooed 20-somethings to wide-eyed toddlers, fans continue to flock to the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, drawn by the emotional depth and relatability of Schulz鈥檚 work.
Now, that same spirit is coming to Rocky Mount.
鈥淭丑别 Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz鈥, a traveling exhibition hosted at the Mims and Gravely Galleries from November 14, 2025 to January 29, 2026, offers a rare glimpse into Schulz鈥檚 personal journey鈥攆rom his Minnesota roots to his artistic legacy in California. Featuring original Peanuts comic strips, personal quotes, and photographs, the exhibit explores Schulz鈥檚 unique ability to turn everyday moments into profound reflections on friendship, vulnerability, and resilience. [The Life &…University]
This exhibit is more than nostalgia鈥攊t鈥檚 a platform for discussion. As USA Today notes, Peanuts remains 鈥渞efreshing鈥 in a media landscape often dominated by fleeting trends. Schulz鈥檚 minimalist style and emotional honesty continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers across generations.
Join the Conversation:
- What makes Peanuts timeless?
- How did Schulz鈥檚 storytelling shape American culture?
- Why does Snoopy still speak to us鈥攚ithout saying a word?
Experience the legacy yourself!
Visit ncwu.edu to purchase tickets for just $5 (children under five are free).
Perfect for families, fans, and holiday gift-giving.
Location: Mims & Gravely Galleries, The Dunn Center, NCWU
Dates: November 14, 2025 鈥 January 29, 2026
Hours: 10am鈥1pm or 2pm鈥5pm daily
Peanuts75 #Snoopy #CharlesSchulz #ArtExhibit #RockyMountEvents #NCWesleyan #ComicArt #FamilyFriendly #GoodGrief
Wesleyan Emerging as a Destination Disc Golf with Upcoming Weekend Tournament
麻豆原创 (NCWU) will once again highlight its role as a regional destination for disc golf this weekend as it welcomes players from across the community and beyond for a series of tournaments on campus. The University鈥檚 course, which has drawn growing praise from amateur and professional players alike, will host three events in just two days, underscoring Wesleyan鈥檚 expanding reputation as a hub for the sport.
What began as a single, one-round Disc Golf event has grown into a weekend attraction featuring:
- Friday, Sept. 12 at 5:00 p.m. 鈥 Dangerous Doubles 2 presented by . National disc golf representative Tyler Searle will return with his Latitude 64 mobile store, parked along U.S. 301 at hole 16.
- Saturday, Sept. 13 at 9:00 a.m. 鈥 Climo Challenge. A three-disc challenge featuring a shotgun start with 34 players, including several NCWU students, competing across the course.
- Saturday, Sept. 13 at 12:00 p.m. 鈥 Throw What You Know Challenge. The weekend鈥檚 main PDGA tournament, featuring nearly 40 players, also in shotgun format.
The growth of Wesleyan鈥檚 Disc Golf reflects both community enthusiasm and the University鈥檚 commitment to offering versatile event space. With four sanctioned tournaments already held this year, and two more planned by December, including one during Homecoming. The Wesleyan course continues to attract players from across North Carolina and beyond, including Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
鈥淭his weekend has snowballed into a Rocky Mount disc golf attraction,鈥 said tournament organizer Marcus Rich. 鈥淭丑别 course and the campus together have become a draw not only for local players, but also for visitors traveling from out of state. Events like these bring people to Wesleyan who one day may become part of our campus community.鈥
As disc golf continues to grow nationwide, Wesleyan has positioned itself as a premier destination in eastern North Carolina, serving both students and the wider community. The University鈥檚 course offers a unique blend of competitive play and collegiate spirit, making it a valuable resource for tournaments, community recreation, and campus life.
Come Rock the Mount at NC Wesleyan University
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is excited to announce the return of its annual Rock the Mount celebration, an honored tradition that marks the official start of the academic year and warmly welcomes incoming students to campus and the local community. Sponsored this year by , the event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19鈥攖he day before fall classes begin.
Held each fall, Rock the Mount is a vibrant, high-energy event featuring local businesses, nonprofits, churches, and campus partners who line the Southern Bank Green with booths, giveaways, and smiles. It鈥檚 a chance to showcase community offerings while connecting with students who are new to the area and eager to get involved.
鈥 is thrilled to support NC Wesleyan University and Rock the Mount,鈥 says Kim Sutton, Senior Vice President of Southern Bank. 鈥淎s your partner in financial wellness education, we鈥檙e proud to invest in your success and celebrate your history of positive community outreach in our area. We鈥檙e banking on YOU, Battling Bishops!鈥
The day begins with a signature Wesleyan tradition: the Bishop Tunnel. Hundreds of new students take part in this spirited rite of passage as they walk through a tunnel of applause, cheers, and encouragement from returning students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. At the end of the tunnel, they鈥檙e greeted personally by President Dr. Evan D. Duff and his wife, Marcy, then proceed toward a vibrant festival of tents, music, and engagement opportunities.
Last year鈥檚 Rock the Mount welcomed nearly 80 vendors, and NCWU aims to exceed that number this year. Local restaurants, coffee shops, service providers, churches, and nonprofits are encouraged to participate. Whether you’re an automotive shop (freshmen can have cars on campus!), a local caf茅, or a church seeking new connections, this is a unique chance to reach a new audience of potential customers, volunteers, interns, or even future employees.
This year鈥檚 entertainment will include DJ 3two1, along with a variety of food trucks offering local flavor, including:
- 3 Boys Catering
- Taquria La Lupita
- Minnie鈥檚 Food and Things
- Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade
- Swarmalicous
Vendor Information:
- NCWU will provide a 6-foot table.
- Vendors should bring a tablecloth.
- Tents (up to 10鈥檟10鈥) are optional but recommended for shade.
- Giveaways are not required but encouraged to boost engagement.
- Participation is free, but space is limited.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 31. Early registration is encouraged.
Sign Up Here:
Join us in making a memorable first impression and welcoming the NCWU Class of 2029 in style! For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
NCWU Prepares for Record-Breaking Summer of Camps
For more than four decades, North Carolin Wesleyan University (NCWU) has welcomed thousands of campers each summer, fostering a tradition rooted in learning, leadership, and community connection. What began as a commitment to youth enrichment has grown into one of the most dynamic summer programs in the region. In Summer 2025, that tradition continues 鈥 bigger than ever 鈥 with a record-breaking 2,993 campers scheduled to visit Wesleyan鈥檚 campus over the course of just ten weeks.
鈥淭his year marks the largest summer camp attendance in the history of Wesleyan Camps,鈥 says Kimla Brandt, NCWU Event Logistics Coordinator and Summer Camp Director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a testament to the trust our community and partners place in us, and to our long-standing dedication to creating impactful, welcoming experiences for youth and organizations alike.鈥
The 2025 camp season kicked off early with two educational programs from . brought 88 students to campus for their Civic Collaboration Training Camp in partnership with the and the . The event featured a keynote from the mayor and was honored with a citywide proclamation of 鈥淢orehead Cain Day鈥. Simultaneously, NCWU, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Simpson, hosted for a training program as part of their Rural Church Summer Literacy Program 鈥 further highlighting Wesleyan鈥檚 commitment to equitable access and academic outreach.
The university’s schedule is packed from the start. From June 7-8, the returns with its largest football camp to date, bringing 1705 athletes, coaches, and staff from across North Carolina. Next, the United Pentecostal Youth Camp brings 324 campers, followed by the first-ever Women鈥檚 Camp at Wesleyan, welcoming 200 participants from June 29 鈥 July 3 after losing their longtime venue due to Hurricane Helene.
Running concurrently from June 30 鈥 July 5, The Tennessee Mission Group will return for their annual community service work in Rocky Mount, supporting senior citizens and participating in local building projects. In addition, Pfizer will return for a three-week training series in the Shaw Classroom Building.
July will see the return of the Shelton Leadership Camp, along with a variety of NCWU-hosted athletic and academic camps, including: NCWU Soccer Strength and Agility Camp, Matthewson Summer Law Camp, and NCWU Football Camp. The month will close with the NCWU Volleyball Camp, and the from July 26 鈥 August 1, marking their first time marching on Wesleyan鈥檚 turf field and their large attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淣ew beginnings are on the horizon,鈥 said Brandt. 鈥淓ach camp brings a new opportunity to make a difference, build memories, and further strengthen the bond between Wesleyan and our broader community.鈥
A Day for Wesleyan Giving Campaign- March 25th
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On March 25, 2025, friends and alumni of NC Wesleyan will have an opportunity to show their Bishop Pride and support the University during its six annual, 24-hour day of giving campaign,
WHAT IS A DAY FOR WESLEYAN?
This is a day when all NC Wesleyan University supporters, particularly alumni, celebrate the University through donations to support its vision and its students. In a short period of time, donors to the campaign can help advance the educational experiences for all students, help invest in new technologies for learning, create more scholarship opportunities, allow students to grow into their purpose, and help build Wesleyan’s future in the region.
鈥淭丑别 campaign this year is focusing on the emerging needs for the University. Supporting the Annual Fund, also known as the Wesleyan Fund, gives the university the flexibility to grant more scholarships and financial aid to students in need, create more internships within our business community, invest in relevant technologies for the library and classrooms, and provide more co-curricular activities for all students,鈥 said Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. 鈥淎ll gifts during A Day for Wesleyan Giving Day, regardless of size, add up to make a huge impact!鈥
When asked about the importance of , NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan Duff, stated; 鈥淲e hope that our alumni and the community will join us in showing their Bishop Pride and support this campaign on Tuesday, March 25. When alumni and friends of the University unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen for this entire community.鈥
Help Wesleyan continue impacting this community while also providing its students with a personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Donors can learn more and participate in A Day for Wesleyan by visiting the secure giving website, , or by calling 252.985.5581.
Bob Ross Art Exhibit Opens
Bob Ross “Bringing Back the JOY” art exhibit will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024-25 exhibition entails 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting.
This event was SO POPULAR in 2023-24 that we decided to Bring Back the Joy in 2024! Over 11K visitors from all over the world came to see this amazing exhibit.
This is the second Bob Ross art exhibit ever in North Carolina and still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see real paintings from various episodes of The Joy of Painting.
The Bob Ross Art Exhibit is open to the public and Advance Tickets are only $15 per person. Free admission for children under five.
For more information about the art exhibit, purchase tickets and learn more about other events happening during exhibition, CLICK HERE.
Also, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
NCWU Hosts Veterans Day Salute
Join 麻豆原创 on Monday, November 11 for a Veterans Day event celebrating and honoring the men and women of our armed forces. The event will be held at the main flagpole in front of the Braswell Administrative building with guest speaker, NCWU alumnus, Bruce Sharer, Class of 鈥68. The morning will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a patriotic salute to all Veterans. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center.
Guest Speaker, Bruce Sharer graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1961 where his father taught. He enrolled at NC Wesleyan College and was an active student playing a variety of sports and serving as Class Vice President. In addition to serving in the National Guard, he worked as a technology programmer and IT consultant at several well-known companies in North Carolina. He currently resides in Raleigh with wife of 40 years, Carol Derosier Sharer.
鈥淲e have been blessed with great speakers every year of the event and this year is no exception. Bruce Sharer will focus on the five classmates lost in Vietnam, one who was killed stateside during the era, and the Wesleyan students who served in country during the conflict. We look forward to remembering the bravery of those who served and thank those who are still serving鈥 stated Laura Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Dawn Cash-Salau will present the Christopher Cash Scholarship to this year鈥檚 recipients. Dawn is the widow of NC Army National Guard Captain Christopher S. Cash, an infantry company commander deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and killed in the line of duty. In Christopher鈥檚 honor, Dawn created a 10-mile annual race, Reindeer Dash for Cash with proceeds awarded to college students at NC Wesleyan and ECU, and to the NC National Guard Educational Foundation.
