ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On Saturday, December 14, 麻豆原创 held its winter commencement for approximately 225 graduates at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
This is the College鈥檚 78th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 11 international graduates from three countries: El Salvador, Nepal and Argentina. This commencement also included the second cohort of Wesleyan鈥檚 new Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice program.
鈥淭hese degrees are provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good, women and men who care about others,鈥 stated Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The commencement address was given by Ms. Constance D. Williams, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment located in New York, NY. In this role, she leads Sony Music鈥檚 talent acquisition and talent management functions. Prior to her employment at Sony Music Entertainment, Ms. Williams was an adjunct professor at 麻豆原创, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration at all levels.
Williams addressed the graduates, stating 鈥淭he world you鈥檙e graduating into is complex and is full of hope and optimism鈥ou have to remain optimistic and you have to believe that you can impact change. That it鈥檚 up to you to give this world a better and brighter future.鈥 She informed them 鈥淚t is your duty to leave every place better than when you arrived. While you鈥檙e diploma will help pave the way for success, it is your commitment to impacting your own greatness that will translate into success. Don鈥檛 be a bystander.鈥
Wesleyan also honored the families of four young ladies with Honorary Posthumous Degrees: Robyne Barnes, Quedeshia 鈥淒onyell鈥 Brown, Kandis McBride-Jones and Donesha 鈥淒ee鈥 Scott. These NC Wesleyan freshmen passed away on March 21, 2016 in a car accident in front of the campus entrance.
Wesleyan will hold its spring commencement on Saturday, April 25.
Wesleyan Board Chair Establishes Nell Rose Ellis Boone Endowment
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Brenda Crocker recently established the Nell Rose Ellis Boone Endowment at North Carolina Wesleyan University in memory of their longtime friend, Mrs. Nell Boone. It was the Crocker鈥檚 desire that the scholarship qualifications be established by Mrs. Boone’s surviving sons, Bert and Neal Boone. The recipient must be an upperclassman, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, be active in their church, involved in community service, and demonstrate good personal character and academic achievement. The criteria specifies the student should be from northeastern North Carolina pursuing a major in Education.
Mrs. Boone, who passed away February 20 of this year, retired from the Nash-Rocky Mount School System after 35 dedicated years as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. Her joy of teaching was evident through her love for all of her students through the years. She was very active in her church, Red Oak Baptist Church, having served in many capacities including faithfully teaching Sunday school for over 70 years.
The Crockers have been loyal supporters of 麻豆原创 for almost 40 years. Dr. Daniel Crocker currently serves as Chair for the Board of Trustees and Mrs. Crocker previously served as Chair of the Board of Visitors. This isn鈥檛 the first endowment established by the Crockers; they also funded the Essie Mae Batten Crocker Endowment in memory of Dr. Crocker鈥檚 late mother, as well as the Dr. James Durant Melton Outward Bound Scholarship in memory of Crocker鈥檚 dear friend. The Crockers are also supporters of the which encourages students in Wesleyan鈥檚 Honors Program to engage and excel in activities that may not have been available to them without the funding. The Crockers were chosen as recipients of Wesleyan鈥檚 2016 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award which recognizes members of the College community of noble character and who have acted as humble servants to others by putting service above self.
The power of an endowment is never-ending鈥 it is a gift that continues to serve the College in perpetuity and is a wonderful way to honor or cherish the memory of loved ones. If you would like to impact lives while continuing a family legacy, please contact Tammy Robinson in the Office of Advancement at trobinson@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5581.聽
Bishops Bounce Back After Summer Storm
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 On June 20, 2019, a sudden and severe storm hit NC Wesleyan University causing damage to the Vernon T. Bradley Sports Complex. It was later confirmed by the National Weather Service that the damage was caused by straight-line winds. The College was fortunate that the damage was isolated to the sports fields and that no person or building was harmed. Now, the College is bouncing back and rebuilding better than ever.
The storm resulted in approximately $250,000 of damages, including significant destruction to Edge softball field, the most prevalent being downed fencing, damaged bleachers, a torn down scoreboard and the home field dugout was destroyed. Other areas of campus, such as the Bauer baseball field and Vernon T. Bradley practice football field, also sustained fence damage. Approximately ninety-two trees were broken off or down in the woods bordering Thomas A. Betts Parkway. That day, many from the Wesleyan family quickly poured in and assisted in removing debris, gathering equipment and collecting field maintenance gear from the damaged softball storage house adjacent to the field.聽
Home Softball Field Dugout Damage 
Fencing & Roof Damage 
Tree Damage 
Home Softball Field Reconstruction 
Wesleyan Rebuilds
A substantial portion of the damage was covered by insurance and since then, Wesleyan has been busy rebuilding what was lost and improving what was damaged. This includes a new and improved softball dugout, a new fence around the Bauer Baseball Field and a new softball scoreboard.
鈥淭he softball facility sustained significant damage to the scoreboard, dugout, storage shed and fencing during the June storm. We currently have new fencing and a new dugout with a storage area and bathrooms. Our new scoreboard will be going up in the next couple of weeks,鈥 stated Head Softball Coach, John Brackett. 鈥淭he teamwork that was displayed that day was just as stunning as the storm itself.聽 I am truly thankful for all of those that pitched in to help that day, as well as those that have been instrumental in the rebuilding process.鈥 Wesleyan was able to show off some of these campus improvements during their Homecoming Weekend on October 12. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the College came together for a weekend full of festivities, including their first-ever on-campus football game. As final repairs take shape, the College looks forward to the New Year and utilizing these improvements in the spring.聽聽
Wesleyan Welcomes Woofs, Wags & Wiggles
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has announced that it is now a dog-friendly campus. The community is encouraged to bring their dogs for a walk along Wesleyan鈥檚 two-mile walking trail around the perimeter of campus or complete their full 5K path all while enjoying the campus鈥 beautiful scenery.
Canine family and friends are now allowed on campus for occasional visits, as long as they are accompanied by their owner and stay within designated 鈥渄og-friendly鈥 areas, such as the outer walking trail and sidewalks around campus. To maintain the cleanliness of campus and safety of guests, all indoor areas and athletic fields are not classified as dog-friendly locations. The College鈥檚 new dog policy states they must be on a flea and tick program, remain leashed at all times and have their vaccine ID tag visible or paperwork available if asked by security. It also acknowledges that owners are responsible for any clean up and disposal of their dog鈥檚 waste. Dog waste stations will start to appear on campus within the coming weeks. These will be placed around the walking trail and in other convenient locations.
鈥淎lthough Wesleyan has been open to community members walking their dogs on campus, this policy makes it an official endorsement. We love our dogs and what better place to take them for a stroll than Wesleyan鈥檚 walking trail,鈥 acknowledged Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In order to ensure access for individuals with disabilities, service dogs are permitted on the premises per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Service dogs have access to all buildings and facilities on campus, as long as they are behaving appropriately, are house broken and do not pose a threat to the health and safety of others.
NC Wesleyan looks forward to seeing their new canine guests on campus and are 鈥減awsitive鈥 they鈥檒l have a dog-gone good time. For more information on the College鈥檚 dog policy, please visit ncwu.edu/dogsoncampus.
Wesleyan鈥檚 New MBA Program Slated to Begin January 6
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 is thrilled to announce that its new Master of Business Administration program has been fully approved by its regional accreditor, the (SACSCOC). The inaugural class will start on January 6, 2020.
鈥淣C Wesleyan University has been equipping business students to be industry leaders at the undergraduate level for over 60 years. We are taking our expertise in this subject matter to the next level. Our MBA will meet the region鈥檚 needs to having highly qualified managers and leaders at all levels of an organization,鈥 commented Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The MBA program will be 100% online and consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session and end with a final capstone class. The program is designed for students seeking to develop their knowledge and broaden their skills in management and leadership. The curriculum is designed to enhance students鈥 ability to develop and implement organizational strategies that deliver business results. The MBA degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-week session.
NC Wesleyan is the only private, non-profit college currently offering an online MBA degree in the region. Those who are interested in learning more about the MBA program can contact Dani Somers, Director of Adults Studies & Graduate Admissions, at dsomers@ncwu.edu.
Wesleyan Sets New Annual Senior Tradition
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 North Carolina Wesleyan College has launched a new, yearly tradition that allows graduating seniors to leave a mark on campus that will continue to grow for years to come. The tradition involves the planting of tulip and daffodil bulbs on an area of campus chosen by the seniors.
This past Monday, NC Wesleyan seniors who will be graduating in December 2019 or May 2020 gathered on campus in front of Pearsall Library to kick off the new tradition. The graduates had the opportunity to plant these bulbs as a symbol of their legacy at NC Wesleyan University. This annual event provides a burst of color, revitalizing natural spaces and offering years of beauty throughout campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Dr. Duff surveyed the senior class in order to gauge location interest and confirm best available times to plant. In the future, the College plans to allow each senior class an opportunity to choose a different location unique to their gift.
鈥淭his is a creative and lasting way for our seniors to leave their mark on campus. As tours are conducted on campus, we can show visitors one way seniors are making their impact on the beautification of Wesleyan,鈥 stated Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This new tradition nicely coordinates with Wesleyan鈥檚 continued efforts to expand its beautification of campus and positively impact the environment. Since 2017, Wesleyan has received Tree Campus USA庐 recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. This program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.
Wesleyan Senior Receives Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 A North Carolina Wesleyan College senior, Jessica Wall, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club in memory of Mrs. Betsy Strandberg.
Wall, a native of Whitakers, North Carolina, attended high school at Northern Nash. She is currently majoring in Psychology with plans to graduate this spring. After graduation, she intends on pursuing her masters and doctorate. In her free time, Wall enjoys attending Covenant Campus Ministry on Wednesday nights, an outreach of Christ Covenant Church. During the summer, she works as a counselor with Lifeway FUGE Camps.
This scholarship was given in memory of Mrs. Betsy Strandberg, the first woman president of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and the first female member of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club. Strandberg was active with 麻豆原创 as President of the Board of Visitors, Chair of 鈥淎 Day for Wesleyan,鈥 as well as numerous fund drives for the College, including The Dunn Center. She was inducted into the Twin Counties Hall of Fame in 2018.
Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.
Rotary Club Scholarships Awarded to NC Wesleyan Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Twelve North Carolina Wesleyan College students recently became recipients of scholarships from The Rotary Club of Rocky Mount. These scholarships were made possible by proceeds raised during the Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race, held back in May.
This September, The Rotary Club of Rocky Mount presented North Carolina Wesleyan College, with a check for $27,000 from this year鈥檚 Tackle the Tar. In just four short years, Tackle the Tar has given $234,000 to Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College and NC Wesleyan University to help fund scholarships.
Scholarships provide significant support for many of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 students seeking to further their education. Wesleyan students are encouraged to apply by writing an essay highlighting their leadership, good citizenship, community spirit and academic progress. Applicants must also be a US Citizen, a resident of Nash or Edgecombe County, maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and considered a sophomore, junior or senior. Once applications have been received and reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, students who meet all requirements and exemplify the character of the Rotarian Scholar are awarded a generous scholarship.
This year鈥檚 麻豆原创 Rotary Scholars are: Michael Parker, Brianna Skipwith, Miranda Massey, Kenya Dickens, Jessica Wall, Kevin Teague, Nya House, Kiara Spooner, Madison Gill, Latarsha Powell, Jy鈥檓aca Revis and Joynese Speller.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change 鈥 across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Rotary members provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
Sony Music Entertainment Executive, December 2019 Commencement Speaker
Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 North Carolina Wesleyan College is proud to announce Ms. Constance D. Williams as their December 2019 commencement speaker. A seasoned executive with over 26 years of human resource and business experience as well as previous adjunct professor at the College, Ms. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to impart upon the upcoming graduating class. Her legacy of delivering trusted, forward thinking, creative and impactful insight within her field will inspire graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives, promotion opportunities and future careers.
鈥淐onstance is a positive force of nature in the world of human resources and organizational development. During her time as an adjunct professor, she instilled the highest level of knowledge, character and personal development with our students. I am so excited for our December class of 2019 to hear the wisdom she has to offer,鈥 stated Wesleyan鈥檚 Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Ms. Williams currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment located in New York, NY. She leads Sony Music鈥檚 talent acquisition and talent management functions.
Prior to her employment at Sony Music Entertainment, Ms. Williams was an adjunct professor at North Carolina Wesleyan College, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration at all levels. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Cornell University and her master鈥檚 degree from Columbia University. She also earned distinction having received Billboard Magazine鈥檚 2018 Women in Music Award.
鈥淧rofessor Williams was very attentive and you can tell that she genuinely cared about the success of her students. What I enjoyed most about this class was the authenticity in our class discussions and being able to apply real life situations to the information we were learning. She created unity in the class that allowed us all to participate and learn,鈥 stated one of her former NCWC students.
In support of Wesleyan students鈥 future career exploration, Ms. Williams has created a Sony Music Entertainment job shadowing opportunity for students in Wesleyan鈥檚 Music Production and Human Resources programs. This year鈥檚 selected students, Will Plyler and Joshua Strausser, had the opportunity to visit the Sony Music Entertainment Headquarters in New York City over fall break. As part of their experiential learning, the students visited The Orchard, the renowned Sony recording studio, and shadowed some of Sony Music Entertainment鈥檚 top music production engineers. Wesleyan is grateful for this partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and hopes to continue building this relationship for future opportunities.
Wesleyan鈥檚 Youth Theology Institute Receives Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 was recently awarded with a $300,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This grant will help to further the College鈥檚 efforts with its Youth Theology Institute (YTI), known as 鈥淐onnect- YTI鈥 on campus.
Connect, a summer camp and year-long mentorship program, exists to connect high school and college students to Christ, community and the church. During the past four years, more than 100 students have attended the program with the help of some 35 local churches that refer students. Connect has hosted several community-wide youth events and explored different theological topics – from Justice to Jesus in the Gospels 鈥 with the belief that theology (the study of God) is a life-long journey, not merely a religious study from a book.
Connect was launched in 2016 with a grant from Lilly Endowment as part of its nationwide initiative, High School Youth Theology Institutes at Colleges and Universities.
This new grant will help 麻豆原创 continue to support Connect during the next four years. Wesleyan hopes to continue strengthening the summer institute; training and equipping college students as mentors; hosting more guest speakers and artists; helping high school and college students with their discernment process of life; and providing mini conferences on campus to empower and equip lay leaders with issues they face in ministry.
It is inspiring to see how the generosity of a single person, family, or organization can positively shape the lives of so many. This grant serves as a powerful example of that impact. Over the past four years, a strong foundation has been built for our program, and it is exciting to imagine how we will continue growing, encouraging, and empowering the next generation of youth.
is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family 鈥 J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli 鈥 through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company. The Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education and community development. Lilly Endowment鈥檚 religion grant-making is designed to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians.聽 It does this largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes.
