WCC, NC Wesleyan Sign Transfer Agreement


GOLDSBORO, NC – Wayne Community College and North Carolina Wesleyan University have renewed their commitment to seamless transfer between the two schools.

Dr. Thomas A. Walker Jr., president of WCC, and Dr. Evan D. Duff, interim president of NC Wesleyan, signed an agreement for “Wesleyan Works,” a transfer program for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan.

Students who participate in Wesleyan Works are guaranteed acceptance into NC Wesleyan once they earn an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or other Associate in Applied Science degree from WCC and their WCC courses will transfer seamlessly into comparable bachelor’s degree programs at NCWC.

While they are enrolled in WCC, Wesleyan Works participants will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling from both institutions and can attend events on both the WCC campus and the NCWC main campus in Rocky Mount.

“My first objective when I came to Wesleyan was to build partnerships to provide access to a bachelor’s degree to as many NC community college graduates as possible,” said Dr. Duff. “My goal is to be the best transfer partner.”

Dr. Walker agreed that such alliances enhance WCC’s programs by providing smooth transitions into further educational opportunities. “This program sets up our students to not only succeed here but also when they get to NC Wesleyan,” said Dr. Walker. “We are constantly striving to improve the path that takes our students to advanced educational options and better stations in life.”

Officials at both colleges view the agreement as a win-win situation for the schools and their respective students. The ability to pursue a four-year degree upon completion of an associate degree is attractive to WCC students and NC Wesleyan has the opportunity to grow its enrollment with a pool of students who have proven that they have the academic skills to succeed in an institution of higher education.

For more information, potential participants can contact Kacee Ingram, director of the WCC College Transfer Advising Center, at 919-739-6755 or klingram@waynecc.edu.

About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves 11,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 140 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.

North Carolina Wesleyan, Forsyth Technical Community College Sign New Transfer Partnership Agreement


A new transfer partnership agreement will create a streamlined path for Forsyth Technical Community College graduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (January 8, 2020) –-During a formal signing event on Wednesday, January 8, North Carolina Wesleyan University announced a new agreement with Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) to facilitate degree completion and student success by improving access to undergraduate educational resources, college facilities and support systems.

“Forsyth Tech is thrilled to collaborate with NC Wesleyan in this agreement,” said President of Forsyth Tech Dr. Janet N. Spriggs. “Having this strategic alliance will offer tremendous benefits to our students and to the community in demonstrating how higher education works together to improve student completion and success.” 

In partnership, NC Wesleyan and Forsyth Tech will enhance and expand the educational opportunities for Forsyth Tech’s Associate in Science specifically in Business Administration and Criminal Justice programs. NC Wesleyan will maintain a full-time Coordinator of Transfer Admission at one of the Forsyth Tech campus sites.

“NCWC has a long history of partnering with NC Community Colleges and we are excited to add FT to our list of partners,” said Interim President of NC Wesleyan Dr. Evan D. Duff. “It is collaborations like this that enable students to attain their bachelor’s or master’s degree without having to leave their family or job.”

FT has launched five new co-admission partnerships over the last two years with Bellevue University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Salem College University of North Carolina – Greensboro and Winston-Salem State University, to improve student access to undergraduate and graduate education. The programs begin enrolling in fall 2019.

North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. Follow NCWC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Forsyth Tech
Forsyth Technical Community College is a catalyst for equitable economic mobility, empowering lives and transforming communities. The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 200 programs of study, including programs that promote personal and professional development through non-credit courses and seminars, as well as customized training for business and industry. Forsyth Tech serves more than 35,000 students with approximately 1,500 full and part-time faculty and staff. For additional information, visit forsythtech.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn  and Instagram.

Wesleyan Holds Winter Commencement


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, December 14, North Carolina Wesleyan University held its winter commencement for approximately 225 graduates at the Rocky Mount Event Center. 

This is the College’s 78th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 11 international graduates from three countries: El Salvador, Nepal and Argentina. This commencement also included the second cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.  

“These degrees are provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good, women and men who care about others,” stated Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.

Ms. Constance D. Williams, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment

The commencement address was given by Ms. Constance D. Williams, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment located in New York, NY. In this role, she leads Sony Music’s talent acquisition and talent management functions. Prior to her employment at Sony Music Entertainment, Ms. Williams was an adjunct professor at North Carolina Wesleyan University, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration at all levels.

Williams addressed the graduates, stating “The world you’re graduating into is complex and is full of hope and optimism…you have to remain optimistic and you have to believe that you can impact change. That it’s up to you to give this world a better and brighter future.” She informed them “It is your duty to leave every place better than when you arrived. While you’re diploma will help pave the way for success, it is your commitment to impacting your own greatness that will translate into success. Don’t be a bystander.” 

Wesleyan also honored the families of four young ladies with Honorary Posthumous Degrees: Robyne Barnes, Quedeshia “Donyell” Brown, Kandis McBride-Jones and Donesha “Dee” Scott. These NC Wesleyan freshmen passed away on March 21, 2016 in a car accident in front of the campus entrance.

Wesleyan will hold its spring commencement on Saturday, April 25. 

Wesleyan’s New MBA Program Slated to Begin January 6


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is thrilled to announce that its new Master of Business Administration program has been fully approved by its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The inaugural class will start on January 6, 2020.

“NC Wesleyan University has been equipping business students to be industry leaders at the undergraduate level for over 60 years. We are taking our expertise in this subject matter to the next level. Our MBA will meet the region’s needs to having highly qualified managers and leaders at all levels of an organization,” commented Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff.

The MBA program will be 100% online and consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session and end with a final capstone class. The program is designed for students seeking to develop their knowledge and broaden their skills in management and leadership. The curriculum is designed to enhance students’ ability to develop and implement organizational strategies that deliver business results. The MBA degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-week session.

NC Wesleyan is the only private, non-profit college currently offering an online MBA degree in the region. Those who are interested in learning more about the MBA program can contact Dani Somers, Director of Adults Studies & Graduate Admissions, at dsomers@ncwu.edu.

Wesleyan Hires Director for New RN-to-BSN Program


Dr. Brittany Bass
Director of RN-to-BSN Program

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announced in August their plans to implement a new accelerated RN-to-BSN program, which will now be led by Dr. Brittany Bass. With experience in both the classroom and clinical settings, Dr. Bass brings a fresh perspective to launch the new program.

Dr. Brittney Bass has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College. She obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She has garnered experience as a Nursing Instructor at Nash Community College and most recently served as a Clinical Resource Educator for UNC Physicians Network.

Wesleyan received a $150,000 grant over a three-year period from Nash UNC Health Care to support the development of this program. Now, with an appointed Director, curriculum can be developed, submission for regional accreditation of the program can take place and additional funding can be acquired from donors and foundations. Wesleyan hopes to start this program in the next year pending application submission and approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

“We are excited to provide local and regional licensed nurses with the opportunity to attain their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through our partnerships with Nash UNC Health Care, Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges, we want to establish a unified and seamless system for individuals to attain their Associate and Bachelor’s degree in nursing from colleges that serve the Nash and Edgecombe communities,” commented Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.  

Some of Dr. Bass’ responsibilities as the new Director of the RN-to-BSN program include curriculum development with faculty and the Board of Trustees, supervising day-to-day functions of the program, overseeing faculty and student affairs and submitting reports for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation.

Wesleyan is proud to become a key player in providing highly-educated and experienced nurses to the Twin Counties healthcare system and beyond.

Dr. Bass and her husband reside in Elm City with their two children, ages five and seven. She enjoys reading, boating and spending time at the beach with her family.

Wesleyan Works, the Fast Track to a Bachelor’s Degree


For North Carolina Community College Graduates

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) is pleased to announce a guaranteed transfer pathway for North Carolina community college graduates—Wesleyan Works.

Designed for students who attend community college and want to earn their bachelor’s degree, Wesleyan Works is a set of simple guidelines to make their aspiration a seamless transition. The program is open to students who want to attend NCWC’s evening/online adult studies program once they have finished their two-year degree.

Community college graduates who earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are guaranteed automatic acceptance to North Carolina Wesleyan University through the Wesleyan Works program. Other highlights include students are able to apply to NCWC while being enrolled in their local community college, there are no application fees and students are provided with an NCWC Wesleyan Works student identification card, which will grant them access to events at the main Rocky Mount campus. Most importantly, participants will have access to joint academic advising and financial aid counseling to maximize their time and savings while attending both their local community college and NC Wesleyan University.

Students participating in Wesleyan Works must maintain a 2.0 GPA, complete our free application, obtain their AA/AS/AAS degree with a participating community college and submit all official college transcripts.

A full list of program details and participating community colleges can be found at ncwu.edu/wesleyanworks. NC Wesleyan University offers flexible program formats with majors in today’s growing industries and locations throughout Eastern North Carolina to make learning more accessible than ever.  

In addition to our traditional campus in Rocky Mount with over 30 majors for traditional students, NCWC offers baccalaureate degree options for adult learners at sites in Goldsboro, Raleigh-Durham, and Rocky Mount, and at Brunswick Community College in Brunswick County; Craven Community College in New Bern; Pitt Community College in Greenville; The College of the Albemarle in Manteo; Beaufort County Community College in Washington; Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.

North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts institution affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Current enrollment is approximately 1,800 traditional and adult students. The College offers bachelor’s degrees and pre-professional programs such as law, medicine, pharmacy, optometry and more.

Wesleyan Hires Professor for New Logistics Program


Dr. Melanie Townsend, professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the hiring of Dr. Melanie Townsend as a full-time visiting professor for its new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. In June, Wesleyan acknowledged plans for the new major to start in fall 2019. The degree will be offered on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online.

Dr. Townsend holds a B.S. in Management and Organizational Development, a M.S. in Operations Management and a Ph.D. in Human Services & Non-Profit Management. She brings to Wesleyan a wealth of logistics experience, working with FedEx, Randstad, Dupre’ Logistics and KM Logistics. She also has experience with Six Sigma Project Management, grant writing and fundraising.  

Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree will meet the needs of many organizations who rely on skilled professionals to serve their logistical needs. Dispatchers, warehouse managers, inventory specialists, supply chain analysts, operation managers and transportation supervisors are just a few of the careers that require this degree. Every industry requires logistics professionals and our program will prepare individuals for these jobs. Our degree program is also aligned with Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges’ related programs so that their graduates can easily apply their associate degree to our bachelor’s degree.”

In her spare time, Townsend volunteers with the Junior League of Raleigh and travels as much as possible. Her husband, Daniel, works as the Machining Director for the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant.

To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.  

Wesleyan Students Awarded for their Research


Wesleyan Students Awarded for their Research


Biomedical Science seniors, Beverly Anaele and Jawuanna McAllister, presented their research at the NC Academy of Science (NCAS) at UNC Wilmington on March 23, 2019. Both young women have been doing research at NC Wesleyan for the past two years, independently as juniors and later as part of their senior honors theses. Beverly has worked with Dr. Kosal, and Jawuanna has worked with Dr. Stovall.

Left to right: Beverly Anaele, Dr. Daniel Stoval, and Jawuanna McAllister

At the conference, Beverly won the 3rd Place Derieux Award for her oral presentation in the Ecology, Botany, & Zoology category! Her talk was titled “Can a natural plant product, such as the American beautyberry, repel and alter mosquito behavior?” Jawuanna won the 1st Place Derieux Award for her oral talk in the Cell & Molecular Biology and Physiology category. Jawuanna’s talk was “Effect of Caffeine on PALLD Expression and GBM Cell Invasion.” 

Both Beverly and Jawuanna have just finished one-year terms as the Secretary and President, respectively, of the Collegiate Academy of NCAS. Both young women are graduating from Wesleyan this semester and have big plans! In August, Beverly, who recently won the Biology Award at the NC Wesleyan Honors Convocation, will begin a Master’s of Public Health program at Thomas Jefferson University, and Jawuanna will start her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology at Cornell University.

Congratulations to these outstanding and successful young scientists! The Biology department will be sad to see them go. But, we are so excited to see what they become. 

Students & Faculty Attend American College of Sports Medicine Conference


American College of Sports Medicine conference
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 

On February 14th and 15th, Drs. Crowley, Henderson and Magal, and four students attended the regional conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Greenville, SC.

At the conference and under the direction of Dr. Crowley, Mehli Marcellus and Tyler Ricks presented a research project titled: “Factors Influencing Attitude Towards, and Participation in, Physical Activity in Eastern North Carolina”.

Also at the conference, Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science together with Mr. Francis Neric, Director of Certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine, has co-presented a tutorial titled: “Graduated Now What? Succeeding in the Exercise Profession”