The ceremony will bring together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for one of the University鈥檚 most meaningful traditions. Commencement serves as both a celebration of student accomplishment and a reflection of NCWU鈥檚 commitment to personalized education, mentorship, and community engagement.

鈥淭his moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and hard work by our students,鈥� said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of 麻豆原创. 鈥淐ommencement is not only a milestone for our graduates, but also a celebration for the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and professions.鈥�

Meet the Speaker

This year鈥檚 keynote address will be delivered by 鈥�10, a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and proud NCWU alumna. Harrison currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, making history as the first woman elected to the role. She was initially appointed to the Town鈥檚 Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and later elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner before being elected mayor in November 2025.

As mayor, Harrison is recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen families, promote economic development, and engage youth. Her leadership extends beyond local government through her service as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In 2024, she was honored with the 40 Under Impact Award by the National League of Cities.

Harrison is also the Founder and CEO of , an organization focused on empowering women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and actively engage in their communities. Alongside her husband, she owns and operates The Harrison Institution, Inc., a nonprofit leadership development firm. Together, they also serve as Care Pastors at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.

A graduate of 麻豆原创, Harrison earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology before completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. She is a proud member of , and considers her greatest roles to be wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Harrison approaches leadership with integrity, compassion, and commitment to building strong, resilient communities.

The 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony promises to be a meaningful celebration of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings, honoring the Class of 2026 as they step forward to shape the future.

The post Meet NCWU’s 2026 Commencement Speaker: Jessica Harrison ’10 appeared first on 麻豆原创.

As Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer, is responsible for one of the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world, with more than 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space on 250 acres in Eastern North Carolina. Nearly 25 percent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals are produced at the site.聽 A wide range of products are produced at Rocky Mount, including anesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes. More than 200 million units are processed at the Rocky Mount site annually to help treat patients around the world.

Dr. King holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hampton University, a Masters’s degree in Cell Biology & Biotechnology from University of the Sciences, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.

Dr. King is recognized as an expert on leadership who has extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in both traditional and contract development manufacturing organizations. Her experience ranges from early drug product development to commercial operations.聽She has held leadership roles in Quality, Tech Ops and Drug Product Operations (from bulk product manufacturing to finishing).聽She joined Pfizer in 2021 following successful leadership roles with Minaris Regenerative Medicine and Merck.

Dr. King delivers value to organizations through her servant leadership style complimented by her strong foundation in science, strategic mindset, and the ability to create an environment that fosters joy, creativity and innovation. Hallmarks of her leadership are building high performing teams, elevating leadership capability, and delivering results.

鈥淲e are looking forward to Dr. King鈥檚 address to our Class of 2024. Under her leadership, Pfizer and NCWU have forged a strong partnership that provides extraordinary opportunities to Wesleyan鈥檚 students and graduates, and that partnership was made stronger by our shared efforts to overcome the devastation of last summer鈥檚 tornado.  Dr. King鈥檚 approach to leadership and strategic vision will provide an inspiring example to our graduates,鈥� stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.

鈥淚’m humbled and excited to stand before the talent of the future from NC Wesleyan University at this year’s 2024 Commencement,鈥� noted Dr. King.

Dr. King has long demonstrated engagement in and solicitude for the community in which she lives and works. She utilizes her skills, experience and resources to invest in the local community and help others achieve their dreams.  Among her many community service activities, Dr. King sits on the boards of Eastern University and the International Leadership Association (ILA), and she serves as the Treasurer for Silver Lining Sports.

The post Pfizer Executive and Site Lead announced as NCWU Commencement Speaker appeared first on 麻豆原创.

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 鈥� 麻豆原创 will hold its Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Rocky Mount Event Center located at聽 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount. Graduates must arrive by 8:30 a.m. dressed in cap and gown to check in.This week, Wesleyan announced its 2019 commencement speaker will be Tony Stroud, 1983 alumnus of Wesleyan and founder of a Wilmington, NC accounting firm.聽

Stroud鈥檚 career began after graduating from 麻豆原创 with a degree in English. He then went on to complete the CPA candidacy program at UNC Wilmington before founding his company in 1993. As a trusted financial advisor in the Wilmington area, he works closely with individual and corporate clients, providing accounting and tax planning, as well as representing clients in tax controversy situations. Stroud is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. 

鈥淲e are proud to have an accomplished alumnus return as this year鈥檚 commencement speaker,鈥� stated North Carolina Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always refreshing to hear about our graduates going out and charting their own course, just as Tony has done with his company.鈥�

When Stroud is not busy running his office, he spends time volunteering at local non-profits including the Harrelson Center, Wilmington Fire Fighters and She Rocks. A passion of his is traveling, especially touring Sports Illustrated鈥檚 Top 10 Sports venues of the 20th Century, of which he has visited eight. The 2019 commencement ceremony will be held outside and is open to the public, pending good weather. In the event of inclement weather, graduation will be moved inside at the Rocky Mount Event Center.

The post Alum Keynote Speaker at Wesleyan Graduation appeared first on 麻豆原创.