The Taylor-Crocker Honors Program at NC Wesleyan University stands as a testament to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. The program has consistently fostered an environment where students are encouraged to push their intellectual boundaries and achieve remarkable feats. Through a rigorous curriculum, interdisciplinary seminars, and personalized mentorship, students in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievements. From presenting groundbreaking research at national conferences to securing prestigious scholarships, these students have showcased their dedication to learning, innovation, and community engagement.
Their accomplishments not only highlight their individual brilliance but also underscore the program’s commitment to producing well-rounded, critically-thinking leaders poised to make meaningful contributions to their fields and society as a whole.
Honors Program Student Accomplishments
Journal Publications from Honor Students
Publications based on Senior Honors Projects have appeared in the following journals:
- Ball State Undergraduate Mathematics Exchange
- Cryptologia
- European Journal of Sports Science
- Gait and Posture
- Gazzetta Medica Italiana – Archivio per le Scienze Mediche
- International Journal of Exercise Science
- International Social Science Review
- Journal of Psychological Inquiry
- Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
- Mathematics and Computer Education
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
- Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
- The American Biology Teacher
Conference Presentations by NCWU Honor Students
Presentations have been given by Honors Program Students at the following conferences/meetings:
- American Sociological Association Annual Meeting
- Carolinas Psychology Annual Conference
- Collegiate Academy of the NC Academy of Sciences Conference
- Mathematical Association of America – Southeast Regional Annual Conference
- National Athletica Trainers Association Clinical Annual Symposia & Athletic Trainers Expo
- National American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ASCM) Meeting
- North Carolina Honors Association Annual Conference
- North Carolina Psychological Association Annual Conference
- North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium
- Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Annual Meeting
- Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Annual Meeting
- Southern Regional Honors Council Annual Conference
- Southern Sociological Society Conference
- University of North Carolina -Greensboro Annual Honors Symposium
Graduate Schools attended by NCWU Honor Students
Honors Program Graduates have attended these Graduate/Professional Schools:
- Campbell University School of Law
- Charleston University School of Law
- Cornell University
- East Carolina University
- East Tennessee State University
- Elon University
- North Carolina State University
- North Carolina Wesleyan University
- Old Dominion University
- Saint Louis University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Tulsa University College of Law
- University of Florida
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina – Greensboro
- University of Washington
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Tech
- William & Mary
Doctorate/Masters Programs attended by NCWU Honor Students
Honors Program graduates have gone onto Doctoral and/or Masters Programs for:
- Accounting
- Biology
- Biology Medicine and Health
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Exercise Physiology
- History
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Law School
- Marine and Environmental Affairs
- Mathematics
- Medical School
- Nutritional Sciences
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician’s Assistant
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
Diamond Allen '18
Diamond Allen completed her Master’s in Social Work at North Carolina State University in May of 2021. She is also completing additional requirements to become a Licensed Addiction Specialist. In addition, Diamond Allen was recently accepted to the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at East Tennessee State University. She will begin that program during the fall semester of 2021.
Jessica Brabble '19
Jessica Brabble was the winner of the 2020-2021 Outstanding Graduate Student (Masters) in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech. Jessica was also recently accepted into the Ph.D. program in history at the College of William and Mary
Alyssa Brookhart
Alyssa Brookhart was selected as one of the recipients of the 2021 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Undergraduate Research Program awards. Included in the award was a $500 stipend for Alyssa to use on her research, which she will be conducting with the support of her faculty mentor, Dr. Daniel Elias.
Ali Cucinotta '21
Alexandra “Ali” Cucinotta received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award at the May 2021 Commencement, which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership and service to the community. Cucinotta obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Communication and Entertainment Arts.
Mary Cat Davis '21
Mary Cat Davis presented the paper “Generation Attitudes Toward Digital Feminism: Is Social Media the Path to True Intersectionality?” at the 21st Annual Undergraduate Honors Symposium at UNC Greensboro in March 2021.
Madison Gill '21
Madison Gill won second place in the undergraduate student research award competition at the 2021 annual meeting of the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine. Her scientific presentation was titled, “Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms During the Covid-19 Stay at Home Order in North Carolina.” Madison’s mentor was Dr. Shannon Crowley.
Blaise Gourley '21
Blaise Gourley was awarded the President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average, at the May 2021 Commencement. He earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Sierra Joyner
Sierra Joyner presented the paper “Not for Entertainment: The Importance of the Animal Rights Movement for Big Cats” at the 21st Annual Undergraduate Honors Symposium at UNC Greensboro in March 2021. She won second place.
Victoria Thompson '21
Victoria Thompson was accepted into the School Psychology Master’s program at North Carolina State University. She plans to begin her graduate studies during the fall semester of 2021.
