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he 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.

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This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction鈥檚 unique evaluation framework known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies colleges and universities that make a meaningful, measurable impact on students鈥� lives鈥攏ot those driven solely by rankings or prestige metrics.

鈥溌槎乖� has cultivated a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,鈥� said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. 鈥淚ts programs reflect the innovation, intentionality, and personalized support that prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond college.鈥�

Unlike traditional rankings, Colleges of Distinction highlights institutions that prioritize educational impact through high-impact practices such as first-year seminars, collaborative projects, undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. NCWU鈥檚 selection reflects its long-standing commitment to these practices and to providing individualized support throughout the student journey.

Business College of Distinction

In addition to its institutional recognition, NCWU has also been named a 2025鈥�2026 Business College of Distinction, honoring the University鈥檚 undergraduate business programs for their balance of academic rigor and real-world application.

This distinction is awarded to schools that demonstrate accreditation, a well-rounded and multidisciplinary curriculum, applied learning opportunities, and a strong record of graduate outcomes.

鈥淣CWU understands that effective business education is about more than numbers鈥攊t鈥檚 about developing innovative, ethical leaders,鈥� Schritter said. 鈥淭hrough faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and immersive learning experiences, students gain the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.鈥�

Colleges of Distinction highlighted NCWU鈥檚 School of Business for its:

• Stability and longevity, with a well-established program and consistent enrollment
• Multidisciplinary offerings, including majors and minors across multiple business disciplines
• Hands-on learning, such as internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities
• Collaborative coursework, including case-method teaching and business plan competitions
• Strong emphasis on business ethics and social responsibility
• Dedicated academic and career advising
• High-impact educational practices, including capstones and service-based learning
• Robust industry connections that support internships and job placement

Graduates of NCWU鈥檚 School of Business leave with more than technical proficiency鈥攖hey develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in environments that mirror the complexity of today鈥檚 marketplace.

Military Support College of Distinction

Further reinforcing its commitment to student success, NCWU was also named a Military Support College of Distinction, recognizing the University鈥檚 outstanding services and resources for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students.

As more military students pursue higher education, Colleges of Distinction honors only select institutions that provide intentional, comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.

鈥淩ather than viewing military students as a statistic, NCWU supports them as individuals鈥攅ach with their own goals, strengths, and challenges,鈥� Schritter said. 鈥淲e are proud to recognize institutions that go above and beyond to serve those who have served our country.鈥�

Key elements of NCWU鈥檚 military support include:

• Comprehensive educational benefits, including participation in federal tuition assistance and training programs
• A dedicated Military and Veterans Affairs team to assist with enrollment, benefits, transition support, and career services
• Flexible academic options, such as online programs, flexible enrollment, and credit for military service
• Intentional campus community support, including dedicated spaces, student organizations, and counselors trained in areas such as PTSD and suicide prevention

鈥淎s a Military Support College of Distinction, NCWU has proven itself as a place where military-affiliated students aren鈥檛 just welcomed鈥攖hey鈥檙e championed,鈥� Schritter added.

Dr. Joseph Lane, NCWU Provost and Senior VP for academic affairs shares, 鈥淣orth Carolina Wesleyan takes pride in offering students degree pathways that fulfill our promise of a personal, practical, and purpose-driven education. We appreciate that Colleges of Distinction recognizes our superior educational outcomes and commitment to student success.鈥� 聽

麻豆原创 Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit .

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During the event, Duff joined four other educational experts from around the world on a panel discussion titled: 鈥淭heory & Practical Knowledge – Bridging the Gap.鈥� He discussed the benefits of successfully applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings through meaningful pedagogical practices, corporate partnerships, and applied learning experiences.

The Education 2.0 Conference鈥檚 exclusive recognition session spotlighted a few incredible individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to reform and improve global education. During the event, Duff was presented Education 2.0 Conference鈥檚 2022 Outstanding Leadership Award.

鈥淚 was inspired by all of the intellectual capital present at this conference and for the learning outcomes that I walked away with,鈥� stated Duff. 鈥淏eing recognized by Education 2.0 with an Outstanding Leadership Award was icing on the cake. I appreciate our talented faculty and staff who work with our students to connect their learning to rewarding career paths.鈥�

Attendees included a global learning strategist from Google, college professors, foundation CEO鈥檚, and other education industry leaders. This program honors these visionary minds and inspires emerging global voices.

麻豆原创 Education 2.0
Education 2.0 Conference鈥檚 goal is to bring the global education community together to facilitate knowledge sharing and to look for solutions to issues faced in education transmittal in this day and age. The Education 2.0 Conference aspires to present a vibrant platform where changemakers from the education industry can meet with peers and discuss ways and means to revolutionize how we learn and teach.

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ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA聽鈥� Recently, 麻豆原创 received an Award of Employer Excellence from . April is National Donate Life Month,聽an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Wesleyan received this award because of their dedication to going above and beyond the legal requirements in supporting employees who are living organ donors and recipients, as well as, employees who are on the transplant waiting list. 

鈥淔or many living donors and patients, the worry of missed work or expenses is incredibly stressful and prevents them from focusing on their health. We are so proud of the work that Wesleyan does to support their employees,鈥� stated Deanna Mitchell, Executive Director of Donate Life NC. 

North Carolina Wesleyan Visiting Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Mike Brantley, received his liver over three years ago. Courtney Moss, a May 2018 Wesleyan grad and employee at the Dunn Center Box Office, received her heart four years ago. There are over 3,000 North Carolinians waiting for an organ and 84 percent of those are waiting for kidneys. Living kidney donor and Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts at Wesleyan, Sheila Martin, has聽actively聽volunteered for many years to increase public awareness of the great need for registered organ donors.

鈥淣C Wesleyan hired me fourteen years ago knowing I was a living kidney donor. The recipient was my son, Jim Pittman, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1992,鈥� stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the College鈥檚 support and that they allow me to take administrative leave in order to attend the聽state鈥檚 License to Give Trust Fund Commission meetings.鈥� Wesleyan also聽hosts a yearly dodge ball tournament, organized by the women鈥檚 soccer team, which benefits Carolina Donor Services.鈥淭he involvement of the women鈥檚 soccer team has been so incredible because it puts the issue of organ donation in front of a young audience,鈥� stated Martin.

Donate Life NC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all North Carolinians to give the gift of life. The organization recognizes those employers who go above and beyond the law to support employees who are on the transplant waiting list as well as those who are living donors. 

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