Wells Fargo has awarded a $15,000 grant to support a new Launch Rocky Mount Biz program to spur local business creation.
Offered by the Small Business Center at Nash Community College, Eastern NC Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at 麻豆原创, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce and Station Square, the program will prepare local entrepreneurs to launch new businesses.
Author: NCC Public Relations Department
Wesleyan Celebrates 63rd Anniversary
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated its 63rd year with its annual Founders鈥 Day ceremony Thursday in Minges Auditorium of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.
The opening processional included an invocation by Dr. Barry Drum, presentation of the colors by NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Army ROTC and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. North Carolina Wesleyan Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, welcomed the crowd of students, faculty, staff and friends of the College.
鈥淭oday we celebrate our 63rd birthday,鈥 noted Duff and 鈥63 years of academic excellence.鈥 He then followed by reading a letter dated back to 1955 from Archie W. Mclean, Co-Chairman at the time, addressed to Mrs. R.D. Gorham, Miss Vivian Braswell and Mr. Thomas J. Pearsall. The letter acknowledged the College鈥檚 deep appreciation of the four sites on the Belmont Farm gifted to develop what we now know as North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Guest speaker for the event was the honorable Judge Phil Carlton, Trustee Emeritus. Carlton has a long and generous history with NC Wesleyan, serving almost 20 years as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He has been an instrumental financial supporter and advocate of the College since the 1970鈥檚. Carlton has a wealth of historical knowledge of the founding and growth of the College.
Judge Phil Carlton kicked off his speech acknowledging, 鈥淥ne fact you may not know is that Methodist College in Fayetteville and Wesleyan opened on the same day and they are today still the youngest four-year liberal arts colleges in North Carolina.鈥 Carlton asked, 鈥淪o, what鈥檚 our future here today on our birthday?鈥 He then noted, 鈥淲e need to decide what it is that is driving higher education today and what is going to drive it in the future鈥 If I had to pick two key words it would be collaboration and partnering鈥 It鈥檚 called thinking out of the box, and that鈥檚 what we got to do.鈥
Eddie Coats, VP of Advancement, presented members of the Nash County Tourism Development Authority and the Foundation for the Carolinas with tokens of appreciation for their generosity and support of Wesleyan. In 2018, the 2.18-mile Wesleyan trail that circles campus was constructed thanks to the contributions from the Nash County Tourism Development Authority and the Longleaf Fund, managed by the Foundation for the Carolinas.
During the ceremony, two North Carolina Wesleyan residence halls were formally renamed. Nash Hall was renamed Pash Hall in honor of Mrs. Jessie 鈥淛ackie鈥 H. Pash in recognition of her service as an elementary school teacher in the Nash-Rocky Mount School System. Edgecombe Hall was renamed after Carrol and Judy Roberson in recognition of their service to others and the values they placed upon education. These tributes were both made possible due to a generous gift to the College by the Roberson鈥檚 son, C. Saunders 鈥淪andy鈥 Roberson, who was also a former student in Mrs. Pash鈥檚 first-grade class at Englewood Elementary School here in Rocky Mount.
鈥溌槎乖 is fortunate and blessed to have a long history of dedicated members of the Rocky Mount community who have supported the mission of the College with their time, talents and donations. We appreciate the generous gift that Sandy Roberson has made to rename these residence halls,鈥 commented Duff.
The day concluded with an Open House hosted by NCWC Residence Life staff at the newly renamed Roberson Hall.
Battling Bishop Women鈥檚 Soccer Receives Endowment Fund
Thomas and Cynthia Dyer Endowment Fund Established to Support Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The Battling Bishops Women鈥檚 Soccer program recently received a $10,000 endowment. This gift was made possible due to the generous support of two previous 麻豆原创 students鈥 Thomas and Cynthia Dyer.
Women鈥檚 Soccer at NC Wesleyan started in 1983 and has grown immensely over the years. With the broadening of the program and its success comes increased costs including uniforms, travel for away games and lighting for the complex. To assist with these needs, The Thomas and Cynthia Dyer Endowment Fund was established by Cynthia Dansie Dyer of Maryland and Thomas G. Dyer 鈥70 of Virginia. Long supporters of 麻豆原创, the Dyer鈥檚 remain involved with the Nu Gamma Phi Fraternity, giving to the efforts of establishing scholarships and support for the Hartness Center, among other endeavors.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to assist the Women鈥檚 Soccer program. We feel fortunate to be able to support Wesleyan and the growth that this program has experienced,鈥 stated the Dyer鈥檚.
It鈥檚 their desire to leave a legacy with their alma mater in the form of an endowment. When Women鈥檚 Soccer Coach, Beverly Biancur, expressed the need for additional support of certain initiatives such as her vision for a Soccer Complex Wall and other enhancements that refine the student athletic experience, the Dyer鈥檚 seized the opportunity.
鈥淚 am grateful for this extremely generous endowment from the Dyer鈥檚 for our program. These young women and those before them have exemplified academic excellence with a 98% graduation rate, acceptance into grad school and professional occupations, a competitive desire for excellence and a willingness to serve their community,鈥 stated Biancur. 鈥淭his endowment will help to provide these women with support, facilities and equipment to achieve the individual goals and team expectations now and into the future.鈥
The Thomas and Cynthia Dyer Endowment is one of four endowments created to support Wesleyan鈥檚 athletic programs. Wesleyan is excited about its potential growth, which will benefit the Women鈥檚 Soccer program for years to come. These benefits will make a massive impact on the quality of the program, and most of all, the life of Wesleyan鈥檚 student-athletes.
The Dyer鈥檚 met at Wesleyan in 1966. In 1967, Cynthia transferred to nursing school obtaining her degree in 1970. Thomas graduated from Wesleyan in 1970 with a degree in Economics. Shortly after graduation the two married that same year and today reside in North Carolina.
The NC Wesleyan Women鈥檚 Soccer program is home to seven All-Americans and a National Player of the Year. The program has won numerous USA South Conference Tournaments and recently received its eighth consecutive National Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The 1994 season saw the Bishops reach the NCAA Division III Final Four.
NCWC football wins first game on campus
Antonio Johnson was prophetic in his words this week leading up to N.C. Wesleyan鈥檚 first football game to be played on the college鈥檚 campus.
鈥淚 think we鈥檙e going to do good this year,鈥 Johnson said. 鈥淚 think this is the year where we will put it together. This is the year where we can get a ring.鈥
Johnson was talking about NCWC competing for a USA South Conference title. On Saturday, playing in the first true home game on campus in program history, the Bishops moved to 2-0 in conference play with a 44-7 win over Greensboro College.
Wesleyan Hires Director for New RN-to-BSN Program
Director of RN-to-BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 announced in August their plans to implement a new accelerated RN-to-BSN program, which will now be led by Dr. Brittany Bass. With experience in both the classroom and clinical settings, Dr. Bass brings a fresh perspective to launch the new program.
Dr. Brittney Bass has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College. She obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She has garnered experience as a Nursing Instructor at Nash Community College and most recently served as a Clinical Resource Educator for UNC Physicians Network.
Wesleyan received a $150,000 grant over a three-year period from Nash UNC Health Care to support the development of this program. Now, with an appointed Director, curriculum can be developed, submission for regional accreditation of the program can take place and additional funding can be acquired from donors and foundations. Wesleyan hopes to start this program in the next year pending application submission and approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
鈥淲e are excited to provide local and regional licensed nurses with the opportunity to attain their bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. Through our partnerships with Nash UNC Health Care, Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges, we want to establish a unified and seamless system for individuals to attain their Associate and Bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing from colleges that serve the Nash and Edgecombe communities,鈥 commented Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of 麻豆原创.
Some of Dr. Bass鈥 responsibilities as the new Director of the RN-to-BSN program include curriculum development with faculty and the Board of Trustees, supervising day-to-day functions of the program, overseeing faculty and student affairs and submitting reports for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation.
Wesleyan is proud to become a key player in providing highly-educated and experienced nurses to the Twin Counties healthcare system and beyond.
Dr. Bass and her husband reside in Elm City with their two children, ages five and seven. She enjoys reading, boating and spending time at the beach with her family.
Wesleyan Received Golden LEAF Foundation Grant for Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 The awarded NC Wesleyan University with a $100,000 grant to support their new Logistics and Supply Chain Management baccalaureate program that actively started this fall. This award is in addition to a grant awarded by the NC Office of State Budget and Management in August 2018.
NC Wesleyan has offered a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Logistics for a number of years. The new degree program, which kicked off this semester, offers a more comprehensive, focused curriculum designed with the needs of the local industry in mind. The program addresses cost efficiency, cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated strategies and practices as it relates to the movement of raw materials and goods in a global economy. Dr. Melanie Townsend was hired before the start of the semester as the full-time visiting professor for the program.
The program, offered on the Rocky Mount campus and online, is in response to the growing advanced manufacturing and distribution sector in the greater Rocky Mount area and eastern North Carolina. It will also address the immediate need for a well-prepared and qualified workforce for local companies such as Pfizer, Cummins-Rocky Mount Engine Plant and Eagle Transport, in addition to new companies such as the CCX Carolina Connector, Triangle Tire, Corning and FFE Transportation Services. Wesleyan鈥檚 program prepares students for middle- and senior-level management positions.
The program is targeted toward traditional students who choose to attend Wesleyan following high school, transfer students from community colleges, adult students interested in changing careers and workers who are already employed in the industry. Students can choose from traditional in-person classes, online classes or a hybrid program of both classroom and online.
Articulation agreements were signed at the beginning of August with Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges that offer students with AAS degrees a seamless transfer to Wesleyan鈥檚 Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is projected to grow 7% through 2026 due to the transportation of goods in a global economy. The annual wage for logisticians with a four-year degree is $74,590.
is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina鈥檚 funding received from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For 20 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina鈥檚 rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grant making, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.
Wesleyan Reports Increase in Returning Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 welcomed 373 new and 734 returning students to campus kicking off the 2019-2020 academic year. The College is pleased to report that retention rates are trending higher than last year by approximately 4% and the College鈥檚 residence halls are at 94% capacity. Recruitment efforts for this class emphasized local recruitment, a diverse representation, and building upon the College鈥檚 academic programs.
Local Focus
There has been a concerted effort to recruit local students from area high school and transfer partners. Seventy-one percent of the Class of 2023 comes from North Carolina, which is an increase of 5% over the previous year. Wesleyan admitted 112 students from Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Halifax and Franklin counties accounting for nearly 30% of the incoming 2019 student body. According to Paige Price Wells, Assistant Director of Recruiting for Admissions, 鈥淚t is important that we continue to serve and provide for the educational needs of our community, whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education.鈥澛犅犅
A Diverse Representation
While Wesleyan places a focus on serving local high school graduates, the incoming class also consists of students from 203 schools, 10 states and 20 different countries around the world. Thirty-three new international students now attend 麻豆原创 spanning the globe from Argentina to Japan.
NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Director of International Recruitment, Alex Rodriguez, states 鈥淲esleyan hopes to sustain the recruitment success of international students. The College assists international students through scholarships, academic support and cultural activities. Each of these services are tailored to the individualized needs of our international students. Wesleyan provides students with a warm welcome as they arrive to their new home away from home and join our Bishop family.鈥
Academic Gains
This past May, Wesleyan graduated the first cohort of its new Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice program. The College hopes to continue building upon those academic gains, with the addition of its second graduate degree in the near future. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is currently pending approval by NC Wesleyan鈥檚 accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), with classes anticipated to start in January 2020.聽
Wesleyan Works, the Fast Track to a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree
For North Carolina Community College Graduates
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创 (NCWC) is pleased to announce a guaranteed transfer pathway for North Carolina community college graduates鈥Wesleyan Works.
Designed for students who attend community college and want to earn their bachelor鈥檚 degree, Wesleyan Works is a set of simple guidelines to make their aspiration a seamless transition. The program is open to students who want to attend NCWC鈥檚 evening/online adult studies program once they have finished their two-year degree.
Community college graduates who earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are guaranteed automatic acceptance to 麻豆原创 through the Wesleyan Works program. Other highlights include students are able to apply to NCWC while being enrolled in their local community college, there are no application fees and students are provided with an NCWC Wesleyan Works student identification card, which will grant them access to events at the main Rocky Mount campus. Most importantly, participants will have access to joint academic advising and financial aid counseling to maximize their time and savings while attending both their local community college and NC Wesleyan University.
Students participating in Wesleyan Works must maintain a 2.0 GPA, complete our free application, obtain their AA/AS/AAS degree with a participating community college and submit all official college transcripts.
A full list of program details and participating community colleges can be found at ncwu.edu/wesleyanworks. NC Wesleyan University offers flexible program formats with majors in today鈥檚 growing industries and locations throughout Eastern North Carolina to make learning more accessible than ever.
In addition to our traditional campus in Rocky Mount with over 30 majors for traditional students, NCWC offers baccalaureate degree options for adult learners at sites in Goldsboro, Raleigh-Durham, and Rocky Mount, and at Brunswick Community College in Brunswick County; Craven Community College in New Bern; Pitt Community College in Greenville; The College of the Albemarle in Manteo; Beaufort County Community College in Washington; Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.
麻豆原创 is a private, coeducational, liberal arts institution affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Current enrollment is approximately 1,800 traditional and adult students. The College offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees and pre-professional programs such as law, medicine, pharmacy, optometry and more.
Wesleyan Hires Professor for New Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA鈥 麻豆原创 announces the hiring of Dr. Melanie Townsend as a full-time visiting professor for its new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. In June, Wesleyan acknowledged plans for the new major to start in fall 2019. The degree will be offered on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online.
Dr. Townsend holds a B.S. in Management and Organizational Development, a M.S. in Operations Management and a Ph.D. in Human Services & Non-Profit Management. She brings to Wesleyan a wealth of logistics experience, working with FedEx, Randstad, Dupre鈥 Logistics and KM Logistics. She also has experience with Six Sigma Project Management, grant writing and fundraising.
Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President stated, 鈥淭he Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree will meet the needs of many organizations who rely on skilled professionals to serve their logistical needs. Dispatchers, warehouse managers, inventory specialists, supply chain analysts, operation managers and transportation supervisors are just a few of the careers that require this degree. Every industry requires logistics professionals and our program will prepare individuals for these jobs. Our degree program is also aligned with Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges鈥 related programs so that their graduates can easily apply their associate degree to our bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥
In her spare time, Townsend volunteers with the Junior League of Raleigh and travels as much as possible. Her husband, Daniel, works as the Machining Director for the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant.
To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.
Iconic TV Personality Welcomes Class of 2023 to NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA鈥 麻豆原创 held its 63rd annual new student convocation today at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Interim President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, welcomed the Class of 2023 and congratulated them on taking the next step in their educational journey.
鈥淒uring your time at Wesleyan, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life鈥 so you can make an impact on the world,鈥 stated Duff. 鈥
The ceremony highlight was keynote speaker David Crabtree, lead anchor/reporter for in Raleigh. After addressing the crowd, the award-winning reporter of over 37 years challenged new students to 鈥渃hange the world and love your neighbor.鈥
Crabtree, a Tennessee native, is no stranger to dedicating one鈥檚 time and effort to advancing their education, after receiving his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in May. Some of Crabtree鈥檚 most memorable assignments include the election of Pope Francis, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, an interview with Holocaust survivors, Pope John Paul II’s funeral, Mother Theresa’s funeral and covering seven major hurricanes, to name a few.
David Crabtree imparted this knowledge upon students鈥 鈥淵ou are on a magnificent journey. Embrace it. Love it. Love your neighbors. Change the world. Make us better.鈥
Other speakers included College chaplain, Reverend Barry Drum, Interim VP of Academic Affairs & Dean of Students, Dr. Molly Wyatt and Associate Dean of Students, Jessie Langley.
New students poured out of The Dunn Center embraced by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of the College who formed a time-honored tradition鈥 the Bishop Tunnel. As they proceeded through the tunnel, they were each welcomed by Dr. and Mrs. Duff. Students then continued on to the annual Rock the Mount event at the Southern Bank Green, where they were also greeted by local businesses and community organizations.
