麻豆原创 (NCWU) proudly congratulates alumna Isabel 鈥淚zzi鈥 Neall on her acceptance to Duke University鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, where she will begin her studies in Fall 2025. Izzi graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2023, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.
During her time at Wesleyan, Izzi was a standout both in and out of the classroom. As a key player on the Women鈥檚 Soccer Team, she earned the MVP Award, Moe Bauer Sportsmanship Award, and Scholar-Athlete Award. Beyond athletics, she excelled academically as a member of the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program and took on leadership roles as the Social Media and SGA Representative for the Health and Science Movement Club and President of the Student League of Academic Prestige.
Respected by her peers and professors alike, Izzi鈥檚 academic journey was marked by excellence and dedication. Dr. Meir Magal, Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science and Math, Chair and Program Director, shared his admiration:
鈥淚nteracting with Izzi was always a pleasure. She was an exceptional exercise science student, excelling both academically and athletically. During her time at Wesleyan, she successfully earned the rigorous American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist certification and completed an honors project she presented at both regional and national conferences.鈥
Reflecting on her Wesleyan experience, Izzi said, 鈥淭he connections! I was able to build relationships with my professors and classmates that provided me with so many opportunities to learn and grow. Wesleyan and the Exercise Science Program challenged me, but also created a supportive environment where I could thrive.鈥
This August, Izzi will move to Durham, NC, to begin her next chapter at Duke University. NCWU is incredibly proud of Izzi and looks forward to cheering her on as she continues to achieve greatness!
Wesleyan Record Label Announces New Releases
301 North Records, the record label of 麻豆原创, is proud to announce two exciting new releases from its talented artists.
Raleigh-based Indie Rock band, Soul Chatter, unveiled their latest single, 鈥淥ctober Blue鈥, on December 27, 2024. This marks the group鈥檚 second release with the label. The single, characterized by its captivating melodies and introspective lyrics, is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
鈥淥ctober Blue鈥 was shaped by the expertise of Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at 麻豆原创. As the mixing and mastering engineer for this release, Sawyer played an integral role in bringing the artists鈥 creative visions to life. Additionally, he played the drums, keys, and bass for the song.
NCWU alumnus Will Plyler 鈥21 followed with his highly anticipated album, 鈥淗ymns for Jane鈥, released on January 12, 2025. This 12-song collection is Plyler鈥檚 second full-length album with 301 North Records and showcases his unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and innovative soundscapes. The album is also available on all major streaming platforms.
鈥淭hese projects reflect the incredible talent and dedication of our artists and highlight the unique opportunities provided by 301 North Records,鈥 says Sawyer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to work with such passionate musicians and support their creative journeys.鈥
Fans of Soul Chatter, and Will Plyler can explore these releases鈥攁nd more鈥攂y visiting the 301 North Records playlist on Spotify and YouTube Music. 301 North Records is part of the B.A. in Music Production Degree Program. The liberal arts degree is intended to introduce students to the essential elements of areas in the entertainment industry.
NCWU Announces New Prelicensure BSN Program
麻豆原创 (NCWU) is proud to announce the expansion of its Nursing Program with the addition of a Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This comprehensive four-year program is set to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2025, with applications being accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025. Admission decisions will be finalized by June 1, paving the way for selected students to begin in the fall semester.
The new 4-year program is designed to provide a seamless educational pathway for aspiring nurses. Freshman and sophomore years will focus on completing prerequisites and general education requirements. Students will then apply for admission to the nursing program at the end of their sophomore year. Upon acceptance, students will dedicate their junior and senior years to nursing-specific coursework and clinical experiences. Transfer students are also welcome to apply, with the flexibility to complete prerequisite courses at other institutions before transferring to NCWU.
Wesleyan鈥檚 current RN-to-BSN program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the university intends to seek accreditation for the new prelicensure program as well. Entirely donor-funded through partnerships with local and state organizations, the program reflects a strong investment from the surrounding community in its success.
Leading the initiative are Dr. Crystal Ostheim, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, BP-C, CNE, Director of Nursing Programs, and Dr. Lesley Gillian McGraw, DNP, RN, CNE, Prelicensure BSN Program Director. Additionally, two experienced nursing educators will join the team starting February 1, further bolstering the program’s academic and clinical expertise.
The new nursing program will utilize NCWU’s state-of-the-art simulation and skills lab, featuring high-fidelity and medium-fidelity simulation manikins, task trainers, and a mock hospital room. These facilities are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in a realistic clinical environment. The program also boasts advanced classroom technology, group study rooms, and flexible lab access for students who wish to hone their skills further. To enhance clinical simulation experiences, the program will incorporate cutting-edge reality and AI technology.
Grounded in creativity and innovation, NCWU’s Prelicensure BSN program is tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles, making the educational experience both engaging and realistic.
If you have any specific questions regarding the new 4-year program, contact Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs, at COstheim@ncwu.edu. Applications will be accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025.
Bob Ross Exhibit Finale
Art enthusiasts and Bob Ross fans, mark your calendars! The Bob Ross Exhibit, hosted at The Dunn Center on the campus of 麻豆原创, will conclude its run with a grand finale weekend on Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2025. This immersive experience, featuring the works of the beloved painter and television icon, promises to be a memorable event for families and art lovers alike.
In addition to the exhibit showcasing 76 of Bob Ross鈥 original paintings, attendees will enjoy a special musical performance.
Weekend Highlights
Saturday, January 11, 2025
- 10:00 AM: The Bob Ross Art Exhibit opens, featuring a collection of 76 original paintings that capture the charm and serenity of Ross鈥 iconic style.
- 11:00 AM: The Joy of Painting鈥 Musical begins, a creative tribute to Ross鈥 life and art. After the performance, playwright Caleb Cabiness will host a Q&A session.
- 2:00 PM: A second showing of The Joy of Painting鈥 Musical will be followed by another Q&A session with Caleb Cabiness.
- 5:00 PM: The exhibit will close for the day.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
- 2:00 PM: The exhibit reopens for a final viewing.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for all events, including the musical and Q&A sessions, are available for purchase on . Don鈥檛 miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Bob Ross, whose gentle demeanor and artistic talent continue to inspire millions.
Bring your family, reflect on the joy of painting, and experience a weekend filled with creativity, nostalgia, and inspiration!
The FAFSA 2025-26 is Now Open
Stay Ahead: Your Guide to FAFSA Deadlines at NC Wesleyan
Filing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) doesn鈥檛 have to be overwhelming! At NC Wesleyan University, we鈥檙e here to help you navigate the process so you can focus on planning your future with us.
1. Start Early
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available at聽聽 If you have not already done so, please submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure you have access to all types of financial aid for which you qualify.聽 Remember to include NC Wesleyan鈥檚 school code (002951) so that we will receive your FAFSA.
2. Need to Make Changes?
If you made a mistake on your FAFSA, you will need to log back in at聽聽and follow the directions to correct your mistake.聽 Please submit your corrections as soon as possible so that you will receive an accurate financial aid award letter.
3. Understand Your Award Letter
Once our Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA and your Admissions information, you will receive a Financial Aid Award letter which breaks down the types of financial aid for which you qualify.聽 The letter will also include your Financial Aid Advisor鈥檚 name, email address and phone number. Please reach out to your Financial Aid Advisor with any questions.
4. Eligibility Reconsideration
麻豆原创 knows that life can throw curveballs, and the Office of Financial Aid is here to help! In some cases, with the right documentation, our team can review your situation to see if adjustments to your FAFSA can be made. We handle two types of unique situations: special and unusual circumstances. Please reach out to your Financial Aid Advisor and/or read more HERE.
Remember, securing financial aid starts with the FAFSA. Let鈥檚 make this step easy and stress-free so you can focus on joining the Bishop family!
| Academic year (you鈥檒l attend college between these dates) | FAFSA | Use income and tax info |
| July 1, 2024 -June 30, 2025 | 2024-2025 FAFSA | 2022, filed in 2023 |
| July 1, 2025 -June 30, 2026 | 2025-2026 FAFSA | 2023, filed in 2024 |
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.
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 Graphic Designer Inspires at Career Fest
麻豆原创鈥檚 own graphic designer, Judie Taylor, recently shared her exciting journey with students at 鈥檚 Career Fest. Her story鈥攁 mix of creativity, perseverance, and adaptability鈥攐ffered a window into the world of design and was packed with inspiring takeaways for students just beginning to imagine their own career paths.
From the beginning, Judie was captivated by art. She made her first mark at , where she helped create and edit her school鈥檚 yearbook. This early role sparked her interest in design, setting her on a path that would eventually lead her across the country鈥攁nd back again. Judie honed her skills at in their Advertising and Graphic Design Program, where she even designed the school鈥檚 beloved NightHawk mascot that endures to this day.
Driven to expand her artistry, Judie continued her education at the prestigious in Georgia. There, she added a minor in Film and Television, diving into creative storytelling and further cultivating her love for design. After graduating, she took her skills to the bustling world of New York City, where she joined . In this role, she brought her artistic vision to iconic children鈥檚 brands like , and OshKosh B鈥橤osh. But as the pandemic unfolded, family and the familiarity of North Carolina called her back. Today, Judie is the Graphic Designer for 麻豆原创, where her work influences everything from social media graphics to major event marketing.
When asked what she loves most about her career, Judie didn鈥檛 hesitate: 鈥淚 think what I love most is the variety and the impact. One day, I might be working on a magazine or a billboard, and the next, designing materials for a campus event. Each project is unique and lets me be creative while also working with a team. Seeing something I helped create go public and resonate with people is an amazing feeling.鈥
At the Career Fest, Judie emphasized the importance of learning to take feedback in stride鈥攁 skill essential in any artistic career. 鈥淎rt is subjective, and not everyone will love what you create right away,鈥 she shared. 鈥淭hat doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檝e done something wrong. Feedback from professors, clients, or teammates can be a powerful tool for growth. Embrace it as an opportunity to elevate your work and make it even stronger.鈥
Judie鈥檚 advice and personal journey served as a reminder that careers are often about more than titles and salaries; they鈥檙e about growth, resilience, and finding a way to turn passion into impact. And for the students of Faith Christian School, her message was clear: be fearless, stay curious, and don鈥檛 shy away from the creative process鈥攆eedback and all.
NCWU – A Premier Community College Partner
麻豆原创 (NCWU) continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier community college partner in the state, offering a seamless and affordable pathway to higher education for community college graduates and employees. With a steadfast commitment to accessible education and comprehensive student support, NCWU has built meaningful partnerships with community colleges that facilitate smooth transitions for students pursuing their bachelor degrees.
Over the past decade, more than 2,000 community college students have successfully completed their bachelor鈥檚 degrees at NCWU, reflecting the University鈥檚 dedication to fostering educational advancement. NC Wesleyan maintains articulation agreements with 38 of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina, ensuring that students can transfer credits efficiently. Additionally, Wesleyan is part of several key articulation agreements, including the and Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nurse (BSN). These partnerships reduce the number of credits students are required to take at a four-year institution, streamlining the transfer process and saving both time and money.
Wesleyan鈥檚 transfer-friendly policies set it apart from other institutions in the state, as it offers more transfer credits than any other North Carolina school. Students who have previously received college credit from a two-year institution may transfer in up to 75 credit hours and those who have attended a four-year institution up to 90 credit hours. Students can also take advantage of accelerated associate-to-master鈥檚 completion programs, allowing them to earn both degrees in just 2.5 years in high-demand fields such as Business, IT Management, and Criminal Justice. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of working adults and are designed to help students gain the skills needed to secure promotions or enter new career paths.
At the heart of NCWU鈥檚 transfer initiative is Wesleyan Works, the University鈥檚 signature transfer program. Through this program, NCWU has developed effective agreements with community colleges across the state, guaranteeing admission for graduates holding an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Associate of Engineering(AE), and Associates in Teacher Preparation (ATP).This ensures that their credits transfer smoothly, allowing them to continue their educational journey with ease. With NCWU鈥檚 one-of-a-kind pathway for AAS degrees, students can transfer in a total of 75 semester hours. Benefit 鈥 applies for all AAS credits directly towards 120 bachelor鈥檚 degree required hours but further reduces remaining credits needed at NCWU by allowing the additional 15 hours.
鈥溌槎乖 is committed to supporting community college graduates and employees through flexible, affordable programs that help students reach their full potential,鈥 said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU. 鈥淲e understand the unique challenges faced by community college students and aim to offer programs that fit their needs and schedules, allowing them to balance work, family, and education.鈥
NCWU not only supports community college graduates, but also extends special tuition rates to community college employees, making it more affordable for them to further their education and advance their careers. The University鈥檚 online and hybrid course options provide the flexibility working professionals need, allowing them to complete coursework at their own pace while balancing other responsibilities.
In addition to affordable tuition, NCWU offers a wide range of support services, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services, to ensure that students receive the guidance and resources needed for a smooth transition and successful completion of their bachelor鈥檚 degree. These services are offered on their community college campus with dedicated office hours, avoiding the extra step of them having to come to Wesleyan.
As NC Wesleyan continues to expand its partnership with community colleges, the University remains dedicated to providing personalized educational experiences for students from all backgrounds. With a focus on flexibility, affordability, and student success, NCWU is helping build a brighter future for North Carolina鈥檚 community college graduates and employees.
Lighting of Wesleyan 2024
麻豆原创 (NCWU) will host its 19th annual Lighting of Wesleyan on Tuesday, November 19 from 6-8 p.m. on the Southern Bank Green. This free community event includes Christmas crafts, s鈥檓ores, hayrides, Christmas inflatables, a meet-and-greet with Santa, hot beverages, concessions, live music, and more!
Take a stroll through the University commons and enjoy a large collection of Christmas lights, inflatables and luminaries that line the campus sidewalks. Hayrides will begin and end at the clock in the center of campus. Guests will have an opportunity to be dropped off at the front of campus to view the lit, 12-foot Christmas tree and wander through the front lawn luminaries and Christmas inflatables. On the Southern Bank Green, behind the Braswell Administration Building, there will be a live manger scene and performances of Christmas favorites by The Wesleyan Singers. In addition, local Meredith Davis will perform several songs live. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase by women鈥檚 soccer and volleyball to help support their athletic programs. Also, be sure to stick around for a surprise visit as Santa and his elf make their grand entrance on a fire truck. Other characters will be mingling with the crowd as well.
This family-friendly event is open to children of all ages. Come out and experience NC Wesleyan鈥檚 beautiful campus while kicking off the Christmas season!
