麻豆原创 (NCWU) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees, along with the reappointment of a current member, following a vote held during the Board meeting on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The newly elected board members include:
- Mr. Chuck Braswell
- Dr. LaWanda V. Peace (returning)
- Mr. Danijel Velicki
- Mrs. Sheila Wallace
- Dr. Quinton White, 鈥68
Mr. Paul Bauer 鈥86, Board of Trustees Chair, has been reappointed to continue his service on the Board.
All appointments and the reappointment will take effect for a four-year term from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2030.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to our Board of Trustees,鈥 said NCWU President, Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淓ach of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and dedication that will help advance our mission and serve our community with excellence.鈥
麻豆原创 the New Board Members
Chuck Braswell
Chuck Braswell is the president and owner of continuing his family鈥檚 third-generation legacy in the business. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into commercial radiator and HVAC repair for trucks and buses. A dedicated community supporter, Braswell is involved with Dortches Baptist Church, the Nash Rocky Mount Rotary, and the CiTi High School Board, and he has also served as a state championship softball coach.
Dr. LaWanda V. Peace
Dr. LaWanda V. Peace is an accomplished higher education leader and retired Associate Dean at , where she served from 1999 to 2016. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication and has extensive experience in student services, enrollment management, STEM program development, and outreach initiatives. Throughout her career, she has led multimillion-dollar programs and worked to expand opportunities for underrepresented students in science and engineering fields. She has served two terms from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2025.
Danijel Velicki
Danijel Velicki is an entrepreneur and financial educator and the founder of Opus Wealth Strategies and , a financial education platform designed to help individuals build long-term financial stability. Originally from Croatia, he immigrated to the United States and built a successful career in business while pursuing continued studies in innovation and strategy at Oxford University. Mr. Velicki was our 2025 Commencement Speaker.
Sheila Wallace
Sheila Wallace serves as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Federal Programs for and brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education. Her career spans roles from teacher to executive leadership, and she is deeply committed to student achievement, equity, and community service.
Dr. Quinton White, Jr. 鈥68
Dr. Quinton White is a distinguished marine scientist, educator, and administrator. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College, he went on to serve as Professor and Executive Director of the Marine Science Research Institute at His career includes decades of leadership in environmental research, higher education administration, and community engagement.
Reappointed Board Member
Paul Bauer, 鈥86
Mr. Bauer continues his service on the Board through his reappointment, providing ongoing leadership and continuity to support the organization鈥檚 mission.
As fiduciary stewards of the institution, members of the Board of Trustees provide strategic oversight, support the University’s mission, and help ensure NCWU remains positioned to serve students and the region for generations to come.
The addition of these distinguished leaders reflects NCWU’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, community engagement, and institutional excellence as the University continues to grow and evolve.
Alumnus to Serve as New NCWU Board Chair
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan鈥檚 Board of Trustees, has announced his plan to hand over the reins to Vice Chairman, Paul Bauer, after serving in the capacity since 2018. Mr. Bauer will begin his tenure as Board Chair on June 1 with Dr. Crocker remaining an active board member.
Mr. Bauer is no stranger to Wesleyan, as his father Dr. Raymond 鈥淢oe鈥 Bauer, served NC Wesleyan for over 33 years in a variety of roles such as Head Baseball Coach, Director of Athletics and professor of both education and physical education. You may also recognize the name from NCWU鈥檚 baseball facility, Bauer Field, dedicated in memory of his father in 2005.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to have this opportunity to help lead the University in the coming years. Dr. Crocker has always led by example and paved the way for a successful transition,鈥 stated Bauer. 鈥淲ith the history that Wesleyan holds for me and my family, I鈥檓 excited to see my alma mater continue to flourish over the coming years.鈥
Bauer is a 1986 graduate of NC Wesleyan who majored in History and Political Science. He is a Senior Client Executive with in Rocky Mount. In this role, he develops customer relationships and specializes in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance sales.
鈥淚鈥檓 thankful for the leadership and generosity that Dr. Crocker has provided to the University and our Board of Trustees. During his tenure, NC Wesleyan has experienced numerous enhancements and growth,鈥 stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing to work with him as an active member of the Board and maintaining this momentum with the appointment of Mr. Bauer.鈥
Dr. Crocker has served on the Board of Trustees since 1997 and was Vice Chairman from 2016 until 2018. He and his wife, Brenda, have been avid supporters of NC Wesleyan throughout the years creating multiple scholarships, mentoring students and beautifying campus with Brenda鈥檚 gardening talents. In appreciation for their selfless contributions, the board has established an endowed scholarship fund in their name. With Dr. Crocker鈥檚 passion for higher education and nursing, the scholarship will go to benefit NCWU nursing students.
鈥淲itnessing the success of 麻豆原创 is a passion of mine and I have full confidence that Paul will continue to lead this University to new heights,鈥 stated Dr. Crocker. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the accomplishments that we鈥檝e been a part of and I look forward to continuing to work with this talented group of board members.鈥
Bauer has served on the Board of Trustees since 2014 and as Vice Chair since 2018. As Board Chair, he will lead 20 others from a variety of backgrounds and industries who serve on the 麻豆原创 Board of Trustees.
麻豆原创 麻豆原创 麻豆原创 (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. 麻豆原创 delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal鈥hrough mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical鈥y helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven鈥y helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on , , , , and .
NCWC Announces the Addition of Five New Board Members
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥 麻豆原创鈥檚 Board of Trustees has approved five new board members to join the Wesleyan family: Lisa S. Barnes, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr., Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, USA (Ret.), Harry Bynum and Beth B. Covolo. They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and join 21 others that serve on the 麻豆原创 Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Dan Crocker.
鈥淚 commend the current members of the Board of Trustees in identifying and adding these exceptional individuals. Each of them will add greatly to the strength of the Board and they will contribute tremendously to the continued progress of the school,鈥 stated Dr. Crocker.
Lisa S. Barnes, a Nash County native, is currently serving District 11 in the North Carolina Senate representing Nash and Johnston counties. She is a member of the Education, Healthcare and Agriculture Energy, and the Environment Committees. A graduate of Peace College and North Carolina State University, she began her career as a real estate paralegal. Today, she works alongside her husband, Johnny, in agribusiness. Lisa has also served in the NC House of Representatives and on the Nash County Board of Commissioners. Lisa and Johnny have three adult children鈥擝ethany, Joshua and Jacy鈥攁nd are members of Ridgecrest Worship Center. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and paddle boarding.
Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 1980 graduate of NC Wesleyan and a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. As a Battling Bishops tennis player, he enjoyed a solid four-year career that saw him become one of the most decorated athletes in the program鈥檚 history. A three-time Most Valuable Player from 1978 to 1980, Vernon was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 as the first NC Wesleyan player to earn Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. After his time on the court at NC Wesleyan, he played professional tennis for three years. The Halifax, NC native has since enjoyed a successful career in real estate and frequently returns to campus to support and encourage current student-athletes. Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is the namesake of several campus landmarks, including the sports complex, residence hall and lobby, among others. His commitment and dedication to 麻豆原创 is evident throughout campus. He is the highest individual donor in NC Wesleyan鈥檚 history.
Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray completed over three decades of service in the United States Army, demonstrating professional leadership skills in strategic communications, combat operations, foreign affairs and effective modernization in support of the Department of Defense and National Interests. He is now an independent consultant and owner of ANGB Consulting, LLC. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College and a Bachelor of Science in Art from the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from 麻豆原创. A lifelong learner, he has executive training from UNC Kenan鈥揊lagler Business School and Administrative Management from Central Michigan University.
Harry Bynum is the President of SE&M Constructors, a full-service electrical and mechanical contractor based in Elm City, NC. He is a licensed electrical, mechanical and general contractor in North Carolina and received a Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1976. He has served on the boards of United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of The Tar River Region, The Salvation Army, Rocky Mount Industrial Organization, Citizens Savings Bank, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest University Alumni Association. Harry has three sons 鈥 Zack, Alex and Charlie鈥 along with two step children, Jimmy Keel and Margie Gately. He and his wife, Melissa, also have six grandchildren.
Beth B. Covolo is the Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA). She was also the Director of Development and Head of Lower School at RMA from 2005-2011. Prior to her time at RMA, Beth served in Nash County Public Schools for fifteen years. She is currently a trustee for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, as well as President of the Carolina Independent Conference. Beth holds a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and is the mother of three children.
鈥淚 am excited to welcome this talented group of professionals to the Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds and work experiences will add value to help us achieve the mission of the College,鈥 stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan. D. Duff. The wide range of skills and expertise that these individuals hold will serve as a valuable asset to the current Board of Trustees. They will serve on the Board until May 31, 2025.
