ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has developed a new Corporate Adoption Program (CAP) to enhance the career readiness skills of NCWC students. This program will provide students with direct exposure to professional work settings and contacts. Envolve Benefit Options, which has a corporate office at the Rocky Mount Mills campus, was chosen as the College’s first partner.
Five Wesleyan students were selected to participate in the inaugural program with Envolve. A meeting was held at NCWC with students and representatives from the company in September and students engaged in a full-day learning experience in early October on the Rocky Mount Mills campus.
“Envolve Benefit Options vision operations started in Rocky Mount over 25 years ago and are proud to call Rocky Mount home. This partnership with NCWC allows Envolve to contribute more in community development with hopes that North Carolina Wesleyan students gain experience to become part of Rocky Mount’s growth,” stated Envolve Benefit Options Chief Operations Officer, Michael Grover.
Eligible students are juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher and a major applicable to the partner’s industry and project at hand. Those accepted are assigned to a CAP team that includes five-to-ten students, one faculty mentor and one corporate partner. The Envolve partnership consist of students majoring in Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Information Systems or Marketing.
When students apply to be a part of CAP, they are making a commitment to participate in the following:
- Intentional growth in career readiness skills
- Monthly group meetings for the entire academic year
- Meetings with their assigned CAP group and Faculty Advisor as needed
- Job-shadowing/mentoring on-site with the Corporate Partner for at least one day during Fall Break and a minimum of two days during Spring Break
- Participating and presenting on a assigned corporate project with their CAP team during the spring semester
“It has been a joy seeing Envolve fully embrace our students and expose them to many aspects of their operations. I look forward to witnessing the learning outcomes through the corporate project these students will address in the coming months,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership at NC Wesleyan. “As we continue to grow our Corporate Adoption Program, I expect it will be a significant highlight for our students when they later reflect on their college experience.”
Rocky Mount-based corporations for future CAP partnerships will be selected based on the organizations’ expressed genuine interest in investing in the growth and development of a team of NCWC students and willingness to designate an internal CAP program manager. The CAP program manager will host workshops and meetings led by corporate speakers, while also maintaining ongoing communication with CAP students, faculty and staff. In addition, CAP partners are encouraged to offer paid summer internships to NCWC students in the program. Local organizations that are interested in partnering with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s CAP program can contact Jessie Langley at jlangley@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5177.
NCWC & Piedmont Community College Sign Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently signed an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Piedmont Community College (PCC) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at PCC.
“Since 2015, NC Wesleyan and Piedmont have worked together to provide transfer pathways for their graduates. This enhanced agreement furthers our partnership by expanding these transfer pathways to all associate degree students. We look forward to continuing this relationship and serving the students at Piedmont Community College,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
This new agreement adds PCC to a list of 40 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWC. This will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering PCC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from PCC to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows PCC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“Strong partnerships with transfer institutions like NC Wesleyan ensure that PCC students transition seamlessly. We are excited about the opportunity this newly signed agreement represents for our students to further their education while not incurring great amounts of educational debt,” noted Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President of Piedmont Community College.
Students who graduate from PCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of PCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
About Piedmont Community College
Piedmont Community College, a public two-year institution that provides diverse educational opportunities in a learner-centered environment, serves the citizens of Person and Caswell counties. The College’s mission focuses on assisting individuals to improve their quality of life through offering lifelong learning opportunities, as well as acting as a catalyst for economic development. Learn more at www.piedmontcc.edu.
NCWC Partners with Duke Divinity School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) has signed an agreement with Duke Divinity School (DDS) to offer NCWC students an accelerated pathway to pastoral leadership. This agreement will allow NC Wesleyan students to dual enroll at both institutions during their junior and senior years.
Leaders of both institutions signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a virtual ceremony on Monday, October 18. The Accelerated Pastoral Formation Program of Duke University is designed to coordinate the education of students in selected undergraduate schools with professional programs in theological education offered at Duke. The program provides a unique combination of liberal and professional education well suited for those desiring entry to the fields of ordained and lay ministry.
“NC Wesleyan has a proud tradition of preparing students for ministry. This partnership will provide students called to serve the church with outstanding opportunities for both intellectual and spiritual formation,” stated Dr. Andrew Stern, Professor of Religion at NC Wesleyan.
The Accelerated Program provides a pathway for undergraduate students to begin graduate level study at Duke that is eligible to apply toward completion of requirements for the Hybrid Master of Divinity (MDiv-H) or Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP) degree.
“Through Duke Divinity School’s partnership with NC Wesleyan University, a United Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college, we will create innovative ways to serve students seeking careers in ministry, helping students discern their vocational calling and cultivate their pastoral leadership,” stated Dr. Jung Choi, Senior Director of Wesleyan Formation Initiatives at Duke Divinity School.
Although the program is designed to accommodate a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds, students with majors in the humanities, especially Religious Studies, will be best prepared. NC Wesleyan students will be able to matriculate to Duke Divinity School immediately following the conferral of their baccalaureate degree.
About Duke Divinity School
Duke Divinity School’s mission is to engage in spiritually disciplined and academically rigorous education in service and witness to the Triune God in the midst of the church, the academy, and the world.
NC Wesleyan University Student Receives UPS Scholarship
RALEIGH, NC – Greenville native, Evan Meza-Romero, a senior at North Carolina Wesleyan University majoring in Business Administration and Accounting, has received a $3,200 UPS Scholarship for the current academic year. The scholarship is provided by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) through its national partner, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC. For more information, please see the attached release.
NC Wesleyan Partners with Local Packaging Solutions Company
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Office of Career Development & Leadership at North Carolina Wesleyan University has established a new partnership with Ossid, a local corporation headquartered in Battleboro, to provide several job shadowing opportunities for its students. Ossid manufactures and sells machinery to a variety of businesses in need of wrapping, labeling and sealing equipment to package their products.
This unique learning opportunity was presented to all NC Wesleyan juniors and seniors with a major or minor in Marketing or Communications. Ossid’s Senior Marketing Specialist, Stacie Eberly, typically works out of Charlotte, but travels to the Battleboro location on a monthly basis. During her visit the week of September 13, she hosted a group of NC Wesleyan students to work on trade show preparations, digital marketing, blog content and meeting with other executives.
“It was a pleasure opening our doors to NC Wesleyan University students. They were engaged, asked great questions and provided support across multiple marketing projects. I look forward to continuing this partnership with Wesleyan,” stated Eberly.
Bijou Patel, a North Carolina Wesleyan senior majoring in Marketing, was able to shadow Eberly on Tuesday, September 14. During her time there, she participated in a business meeting, toured the facility and learned about the machinery and how it’s marketed. Patel had the opportunity to witness what she’s learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, stating “I got to see a lot of the things I learned in my classes implemented and thoroughly explained. I even got to provide input, which was heard and applied.”
This partnership came to fruition when Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development and Leadership at NC Wesleyan, met with Eberly to tour Ossid’s local facility. After learning more about Eberly’s role, Langley explored ways in which NCWC students could gain knowledge within the field.
“I can’t think Ms. Eberly enough for investing time in our students. I look forward to continuing to send students to shadow with her on a monthly basis. This model sets a precedent for other area businesses to consider. Structured job shadowing is one ideal way to invest in our students’ career development,” stated Langley.
About Ossid
Ossid is the industry leader for leak-resistant tray sealing for case-ready products, flexible packaging for healthcare, horizontal thermoform, fill and seal equipment, weigh/price labeling equipment, flow wrappers and case scales. Catering to customers of all sizes around the world, Ossid’s packaging solutions are ideal for fresh and processed meats, produce, convenience foods, consumer goods, and medical devices. Ossid is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Flexibles & Trays business line, Ossid helps our packaging customers protect their reputation and grow the trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. Learn more about Ossid at Ossid.com
The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment
Established at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, has made a gift to North Carolina Wesleyan University to establish The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment.
The new endowment will allow for an annual scholarship to be presented, with preference given to a current NC Wesleyan female in their junior or senior year who earns and maintains a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are eligible. They should also demonstrate financial need, a passion for community service and good personal character. Application details are available through the College’s Financial Aid office, with the first scholarship expected to be awarded in the 2022-2023 academic year.
“Janice Bryant Howroyd is a vibrant beacon of light who guides others to attain success in their personal and professional lives. She is passionate about women in STEM, education and North Carolina Wesleyan University,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “This endowment exemplifies not only her values, but also her commitment to the community where she grew up. We are fortunate to have her as a Board of Trustee member and as part of the Wesleyan family.”
In early 2021, NC Wesleyan announced a partnership with the ActOne Group, a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Howroyd is a native of Tarboro, NC and a North Carolina Wesleyan University Board Member.
NCWC & McDowell Tech Community College Sign Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently signed an agreement that will help qualified graduates of McDowell Tech Community College (MTCC) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at MTCC.
Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, September 15. This new agreement adds MTCC to a list of over 30 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWC.
“We are very happy to establish a partnership with NCWC. Partnerships like this are essential for our students as many of them do want to transfer after they have attended MTCC. This partnership agreement gives students a great opportunity to gain needed credentials by offering a pathway for them to transfer from one institution to another. It is imperative that students not lose time or credits in the transition, and this agreement will assure that the transfer goes smoothly,” stated Dr. Penelope “Penny” Cross, CAO of McDowell Tech Community College.
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering MTCC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from MTCC to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows MTCC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“NCWC is excited for this new partnership with MTCC, which recognizes the value of a community college education. This partnership will provide MTCC graduates with flexible transfer opportunities to complete their four-year degree in a supportive environment similar to their experience in their associate’s program. Our goal has always been to support the community college mission and provide their graduates with convenient and affordable transfer pathways,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
Students who graduate from MTCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of MTCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
About McDowell Tech Community College
McDowell Technical Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, dedicated to providing student-centered accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and services which fulfill the personal development, training and employment needs of the residents, businesses, and industries of McDowell County and the surrounding areas through an open-door admissions policy.
Former Student-Athlete Joins NCWC Student Success Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Russell Rouse, Jr., an NCWC alumnus and former Battling Bishops football player, returns to the Wesleyan family. Russell, a 2010 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan, has joined the College as First Year Advisor and Coordinator of Academic Intervention Services.
Russell began working for Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools in 2011 where he taught 6th and 7th grade math and science at Red Oak Middle School. He also served as Head Coach for the girls’ basketball team and as Assistant Head Coach for the football team. In addition, he has been a Crew Leader at McLane Company, Inc. and a Library Associate at Braswell Memorial Library.
“The Student Success Center is thrilled to have Russell Rouse, Jr. on the team. I know he will serve our first-year students well and provide the support, encouragement and direction they need to be successful,” stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. “As an alum and former athlete, Russell understands Bishop life from a student perspective, allowing him to connect with students in a way that they can understand and appreciate.”
In this new role, Russell will be responsible for coordinating services for students on academic probation and warning. This includes workshops, creating success plans, tracking student achievement and communicating with necessary offices about Satisfactory Academic Progress of students. He will also teach three sections of Wesleyan Transition (COL 103). This one credit seminar course assists students in the transition to NC Wesleyan University and helps to further orient students to the College community. The course prepares students for collegiate success and fosters campus engagement, while providing students with a shared learning experience in an interactive and discussion-based environment. In addition, Russell will serve as First-Year Advisor for an assigned group of students.
NCWC Holds Inaugural RN to BSN Class Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN program celebrated its inaugural class on Wednesday, August 4 in The Dunn Center on the College’s campus. Guest speaker was Dr. Susan Haynes Little, Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Public Health Nurse for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health.
The program’s RN to BSN students, along with two guests, and several community stakeholders were in attendance. All guests were welcomed with appetizers and a punch station as they entered the Garner Lobby of The Dunn Center, followed by a brief Meet & Greet and dinner as they heard from Dr. Susan Haynes Little.
During her speech, Dr. Little encouraged Wesleyan’s nursing students by reinforcing the importance of obtaining their BSN degree. “When I talk to nursing administrators, they tell me that their BSN-prepared nurses are better leaders. They tell me that they are also better at program management, data-informed decision making, writing and communicating. With current challenges facing public health, health equity, social justice and health economies—to name just a few—nurse leaders are positioned to shape the future of healthcare.”
This group included nurses entering the three cohorts of NCWC’s RN to BSN Program during its first full year of operation, which began August 2020. The 100% online, 34-credit hour program allows students to finish in as little as 12 months.
“Our Battling Bishop Nurses made a choice to earn their baccalaureate degree during a time of uncertainty due to the implications set forth by COVID-19 and now the Delta Variant,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NCWC’s Director of RN to BSN. “Thank you, Battling Bishop Nurses, for stepping to the plate during these times to expand your knowledge and nursing practice. It’s because of you that our communities will continue to thrive and be safe.”
A highlight of the event was a special scholarship announcement by Mark Hinson, NCWC’s Director of External Affairs and Annual Giving, reporting that among the nursing students actively taking courses at this time, the two students with the highest GPAs in the program will be receiving scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each. The remaining students will be receiving scholarships worth $500.00 each. This was made possible by two anonymous donors.
In addition, Stephanie Promish, the program’s first recipient of The DAISY Award, was honored and provided with a bouquet of daisy’s. Promish, who works as a Registered Nurse at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, was presented with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students in May 2021, where she received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture symbolizing excellence and a love for nursing that is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. She is the first recipient at NC Wesleyan since the inception of the College’s new partnership with The DAISY Foundation. This award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families.
NCWC Library Begins New Chapter
Longtime Employee Named Director
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rachel McWilliams Roy has been named the new Director of the Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library at North Carolina Wesleyan University. In this role, she will lead a team of six full-time and part-time library staff members. She has served as the Interim Director of the Library since April 2020.
Rachel began working at the College in the fall of 2012 as a Collection Development Librarian. Prior to joining Wesleyan, she served as an Instructional Services Librarian for Wayne Community College.
“Rachel led the library through an unprecedented pandemic maintaining the library’s status as a hub of academic activity and a center for student gathering. We look forward to implementing the great plans Rachel and the library team have to maintain and advance the library’s role as a vital resource for our students’ success,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
“I am excited about my new role at NCWC and look forward to working with the staff to show the College community that the library is more than just a place for books and for people to hang out – it’s a place of learning, research and creativity,” stated Roy. Rachel is an alumna of Milligan College in Tennessee and earned her Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University in 2006.
