North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce a new transfer agreement with Lenoir Community College through the Wesleyan Works program, providing a streamlined pathway for students to continue their education. This collaboration is designed to support LCC graduates who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree by guaranteeing admission to Wesleyan for those who complete an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling while attending LCC, as well as access to attend events on the NCWU main campus in Rocky Mount.
“Our partnership with Lenoir Community College reflects our commitment to creating seamless pathways for students,” said NCWU President Dr. Evan Duff. “By working together, we are not only enhancing transfer opportunities but also enriching the educational landscape for all learners. This collaboration embodies our shared vision of accessibility, support, and success, ensuring that every student can achieve their academic dreams.”
The Wesleyan Works program highlights Lenoir Community College’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening partnerships with institutions of higher education. Through this agreement, LCC and NCWU are ensuring that students have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
“We are thrilled to partner with NC Wesleyan University through Wesleyan Works,” said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. “This program will open new doors for our students, allowing them to continue their education with confidence, knowing they have guaranteed admission to a four-year institution.”
For more information about the Wesleyan Works program and how to enroll, please contact Alex Ranieri, LCC’s Director of Advising at Academic Success, at apranieri16@lenoircc.edu or 252-527-6223, ext. 936.
NCWU Hosts State Aid Training
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) was one of three locations to host the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) and College Foundation Inc. (CFI) State Aid Training on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The event offered financial aid professionals from across the state a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of state aid programs and recent changes for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The training focused on several key areas, including state aid program eligibility, updates to financial aid policies, and the processes for Residency Determination Services (RDS) and the Grant Portal. The RDS is a centralized system that determines residency status for students applying to North Carolina public colleges and universities. It simplifies the process, allowing students to use a single residency determination when applying to multiple schools and qualifying for state aid programs at both public and private institutions.
The event was open to financial aid administrators and business office staff from community colleges and four-year public and private institutions across the state. Both new and experienced staff attended, ensuring that all participants had the chance to learn, network, and share best practices.
NCWU was proud to serve as a host for this important training, contributing to the ongoing development and support of the state’s financial aid professionals.
Wesleyan Nurses Success
NC Wesleyan University’s RN-to-BSN online program offers more than just an opportunity for professional growth—it fosters the potential for life-changing experiences. For mother-daughter duo Sonya Wester and Kaley Bailey, graduating together this past August wasn’t just an educational milestone, but a deeply heartwarming chapter in their lives. Their journey through Wesleyan’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a testament to the beauty of shared goals, mutual support, and the power of family bonds.
The RN-to-BSN program at NC Wesleyan University is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility through 100% online coursework. With accelerated 8-week terms, students can tailor their learning pace, choosing to study full or part-time. The convenience of multiple start dates allows learners to begin their education journey when it best fits their schedule. This flexibility, combined with the ability to complete the program in as little as 12 months, made it an ideal fit for Sonya and Kaley.
Sonya, a dedicated nurse with years of experience, humbly shared that nursing was not a career she chose, but rather a calling that chose her. Her passion for helping others, learning, and serving was deeply embedded in her work, and she constantly sought opportunities to grow. For her daughter Kaley, Sonya’s dedication and compassion became an inspiration. Kaley decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing the same path with determination and pride.
The flexibility of Wesleyan’s online nursing program provided the perfect balance for both women, who had to juggle personal and professional responsibilities while advancing their education. They were attracted to the program not only for its convenience but also for the incentives offered. Sonya explained, “Wesleyan provided an incentive to enroll that was very rewarding. I had good feedback from previous students, and a former employer, who was part of the community leaders at Wesleyan, encouraged me to take the leap.”
What made this experience truly unique for Sonya and Kaley was the opportunity to achieve such a significant milestone together. Kaley expressed her joy in a touching sentiment: “Not many people get to say they graduated college with their mom, but I do, and I could not be more honored and proud. Her hard work and dedication to giving it her all was such an inspiration to me throughout this whole journey and is what kept me going. I am excited to see where this journey takes us next.”
For Sonya, the experience brought her even closer to her daughter: “We have always been close, but sharing the struggles, the joys, and the accomplishments has made us even closer and stronger. It was very exciting to walk alongside her, watching her knowledge, leadership abilities, and experience grow. It has been an honor and a privilege to witness this.”
Their story is one of love, resilience, and shared purpose. Together, Sonya and Kaley have not only earned their degrees but have also deepened their bond as mother and daughter. Their journey at NC Wesleyan University is a reminder that education is not just about individual growth but can also strengthen the ties that bind us to those we love.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NCWU No. 45
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has once again earned a spot in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional value and a personalized private education experience. This year, NCWU was ranked No. 45 among Regional Colleges South, standing out from 131 colleges in the region.
The U.S. News & World Report is widely recognized as a global leader in quality rankings, offering insights that help consumers, business leaders, and policymakers make well-informed decisions. With a reputation built on independent reporting, data journalism, and consumer advice across various sectors—including education, health, money, and real estate—U.S. News reaches over 40 million visitors each month, making it a trusted resource for millions of people worldwide.
Beyond its overall ranking, NC Wesleyan earned several additional distinctions. It was ranked No. 17 in the Best Value Schools category, an accolade that highlights the University’s focus on delivering high-quality education at an affordable price. In recognition of its support for military veterans, NCWU was ranked No. 11 among Best Colleges for Veterans. The University also placed No. 60 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, reflecting its efforts to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
NC Wesleyan’s continuous presence among the top 50 Regional Colleges South is a testament to its dedication to fostering academic excellence, social mobility, and a vibrant campus community. As the University moves forward, these rankings serve as a proud reminder of its growing impact and leadership in higher education.
Gun Violence Intervention Grant
The Governor’s Crime Commission has awarded one of 18 Byrne State Crisis Gun Violence Intervention Program grants to the North Carolina 7th Judicial District and NC Wesleyan University, totaling nearly $500,000. This funding will support critical violence intervention programs, including treatment courts, aimed at addressing community safety and reducing recidivism.
NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) has partnered with the 7th Judicial District as the fiscal agent for the grant, continuing a long-standing collaboration. Dr. Elizabeth Marsal, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at NCWU, will serve as the evaluator for the project and Dr. Jay Fortenbery, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, will oversee student interns assigned to the court.
Halifax County Superior Court Judge Brenda G. Branch, an NCWU alumna, expressed her gratitude for the university’s ongoing support. “We were able to build upon the relationship that was already established with Wesleyan, and once again, their administrators answered our call for assistance by agreeing to serve as fiscal agent to assist with the distribution of the grant funds,” said Judge Branch.
Judge Teresa R. Freeman will lead the grant team, which includes Mr. Victor Marrow, program coordinator, as well as representatives from law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, public and private defense counsel, substance use and mental health providers, probation officers, and NCWU evaluator, Dr. Marsal. This grant will strengthen efforts to provide comprehensive violence intervention programs, reinforcing the commitment of both the 7th Judicial District and NCWU to enhance public safety and improve community outcomes.
ACC & NCWU Sign Transfer Agreement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Alamance Community College (ACC) and NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) have entered into a multi-tiered transfer agreement that provides students with academic opportunities across multiple programs.
The agreement enhances and expands educational opportunities for Alamance Community College graduates transferring to NCWU after earning an associate degree from one or more of five different programs. The ACC graduates consequently gain access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NCWU. Wesleyan Works guarantees admission to NCWU for ACC’s graduates earning Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate of Engineering and Associate in Applied Science degrees. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NCWU, as well as access to attend events on NCWU’s main campus in Rocky Mount, NC. The target population for this program is adult students who intend to attend NCWU’s evening or online programs.
Students who graduate and transfer under this agreement may select any of NCWU’s traditional programs of study, or may transfer to NCWU’s Adult and Professional Studies programs utilizing the advantages of the Wesleyan Works program.
Once accepted to NC Wesleyan University, graduates of Alamance Community College’s AAS programs will be permitted to take up to an additional 15 hours of general education coursework while still at ACC, for a total of no more than 75 credit hours in transfer.
Bachelor degree opportunities for ACC transfer students include Criminal Justice, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Accounting, and Healthcare Administration.
Furthermore, the Wesleyan Works agreement offers reduced tuition for ACC faculty and staff seeking online educational pathways. ACC employees would receive reductions of $350 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $400 per credit hour for graduate programs.
“We are looking forward to serving the graduates and employees of Alamance Community College as they continue their higher education journey at the undergraduate and graduate levels,” said NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan Duff. “Our programs are specifically designed for those who want to work part-time or full-time and complete their degree online. We also have robust traditional programs for students who graduate from Alamance and want to continue that on-campus experience. This partnership will provide multiple affordable pathways for ACC graduates and employees.”
“Together with NC Wesleyan, we are creating a stronger foundation for our students’ future success,” said Dr. Lisa Johnson, ACC Vice President of Instruction. “Supporting them through multiple pathways and program options ensures they will be well-equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-changing workforce.”
NCWU Donates to Community Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rocky Mount City Council, Ward 7, in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount, is hosting a lively Back to School Bash this Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the front of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus, offering a fun-filled day for local families.
The celebration will feature a range of activities, including inflatables, food trucks, and live music provided by a DJ. In a generous gesture to support education in the community, free backpacks will be distributed to children residing in Ward 7, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
North Carolina Wesleyan University has also shown its commitment to the local community by donating school supplies for the event. These contributions will help ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed as they return to their classrooms.
This Back to School Bash is a testament to the strong community spirit in Rocky Mount, bringing together families, local leaders, and educational institutions to support the city’s youth. Residents are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of fun while preparing their children for a successful school year.
Councilman Jabaris Walker shares that this event was suggested in a meeting and he had to make it come to life. Councilman’s mentality of “together is possible” included having Wesleyan as part of the location. He is a proud Wesleyan Alumni, Class of 2017, and shares “I am so appreciative to Dr. Duff for always opening his doors and supporting me and letting me know that campus will have my back. It will always be my first choice”.
Lancaster Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Lancaster family joined Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, to formalize the creation of The William Ted & Karen Naylor Lancaster Family Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy and contributions of the late William Ted Lancaster and Karen Naylor Lancaster, both proud graduates of NCWU’s Class of 1970.
The scholarship will distribute a minimum of $2,500 annually once the endowment reaches $50,000. Preference will be given to students from Rocky Mount, NC, who demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5), good personal character, and financial need. Recipients may continue to receive the scholarship in successive years if they meet the criteria.
Karen Naylor Lancaster shared, “When I walked on campus for the first time in 1966, I had no idea the influence Wesleyan would have on me. Not only did I get an excellent education, but I met my life partner. Ted and I met in a history class, we were both history majors, and married in 1970. We moved to Raleigh and had our two children, Jon and Melissa. It was so special to be able to share Wesleyan’s beautiful campus with my family including my two grandchildren. It is an honor to help Rocky Mount students achieve their academic goals through this scholarship.”
Jon Lancaster, representing the family, added, “Knowing the significant role NC Wesleyan played in our parents’ lives, it was important to us to give back to the institution. We hope this endowment will assist future students in fulfilling their educational goals.”
Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, stated, “The Lancaster family’s generosity began over five years ago with gifts supporting Wesleyan students through an annual scholarship. It is gratifying to have another endowed scholarship that will leave a legacy for Wesleyan alumni. This gift will continue to impact and make a difference for our students.”
NCWU Receives Funding from NSF
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a significant grant of $251,835 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for an innovative project titled “WESPATHS: Waterways for Environmental Science-Promoting Advancement and Training for Hands-On Supports.” This prestigious award marks NCWU’s first NSF grant since 1972 and aims to bolster the university’s Environmental Science Program through strategic recruitment and retention efforts.
The grant, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Elias and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. John Temple, seeks to increase the number of students majoring and minoring in Environmental Science at NCWU. A primary focus will be on the recruitment and retention of students from historically excluded groups. This project advances NCWU’s marked successes in teaching students from under-represented groups aligns with the NSF’s goals for increasing diversity and inclusion in science related fields.
Dr. Elias elaborates on the project’s vision: “By integrating activities and creating a supportive environment that begins more than a semester before students matriculate, we will lower barriers to recruitment, retention, and graduation for a more diverse student body in the regional workforce and improve social mobility.”
The WESPATHS initiative aims to develop a geoscience learning ecosystem that will provide students with the skills and competencies necessary for career readiness. Central to the program is the use of project-based learning, where students engage directly with stakeholders to address pressing local water quality and quantity issues. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of self-efficacy and belonging among students.
In addition to strengthening NCWU’s Environmental Science Program, the project is set to have a lasting impact on the Rocky Mount region. By establishing strong connections with area high schools, WESPATHS will offer high school students, teachers, and counselors’ greater opportunities to explore higher education and NCWU specifically. This outreach effort is designed to create a pipeline of local talent, encouraging students to pursue careers in environmental science and related fields.
The program’s emphasis on local problems and local solutions is particularly noteworthy. By focusing on regional issues and involving local organizations, WESPATHS aims to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can effectively address the environmental challenges facing the community. This collaborative effort is expected to yield new opportunities for both students and stakeholders, enhancing social mobility and community resilience.
As NCWU embarks on this transformative journey with the support of the NSF, the university stands poised to make significant strides in environmental science education and community engagement. The WESPATHS project represents a promising step towards a more inclusive, skilled, and socially mobile future for the Rocky Mount region and beyond.
Dr. Shane Thompson Honored with Prestigious Kershaw Lectureship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Each year, the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) selects a distinguished group of scholars to deliver the esteemed Kershaw Lectures in Near East Archaeology. These lectures take place at various museums, society meetings, and universities across the nation. This year, Dr. Shane Thompson, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), has been chosen as one of the Kershaw Lecturers.
The Kershaw Lectures were established in 1994 by Norma and Reuben Kershaw, thanks to a generous endowment from the Kershaw Family Trust. These lectures honor Norma Kershaw, an AIA Trustee Emerita and long-time supporter of Near East archaeology. The Kershaw Lectures cover archaeological research in the regions of present-day Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, focusing on periods between 7000 B.C. and 400 A.D.
Dr. Thompson was recommended for this honor by the AIA Near East Archaeology Interest Group to the AIA Lecture Program Committee. His selection highlights his outstanding contributions to the field.
A rising star among NCWU’s faculty, Dr. Thompson has an impressive academic background. He earned his B.A. at Wake Forest University and holds multiple master’s degrees from Emory University, Brandeis University, and the University of Kansas. He completed his Ph.D. at Brown University in 2021 and has been serving as an Assistant Professor at NCWU since then.
Dr. Thompson’s research focuses on the material culture and political and cultural dynamics of the ancient Middle East. He has authored, co-authored, or co-edited fifteen books and published over a dozen articles and book chapters. His work in digital humanities, in collaboration with Associate Professor Jason Buel, recently received a National Endowment for the Humanities Spotlight on the Humanities Grant. He is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate students, having guided the second winner of the Undergraduate Research Award. In May 2024, Dr. Thompson was appointed to serve as the second Director of the Office for Undergraduate Research.
Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NCWU, expressed his pride in Dr. Thompson’s achievements: “We are overjoyed that Dr. Thompson is receiving this well-deserved recognition for his groundbreaking work on the ancient Near East. He embodies the Wesleyan ideal of the engaged teacher-scholar. At NCWU, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the most accomplished scholars in their field, and Dr. Thompson exemplifies the idea that great thinkers are also great teachers. We look forward to sharing his engaging and insightful stories about the ancient Near East with wider audiences.”
