Pinning Ceremony Held March 22nd
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Teacher Education Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University held their Spring Symposium, featuring a pinning ceremony for program candidates, on March 22. Guest speaker was Corey Williams, an alumnus of Wesleyan and honoree of the 2021 Teacher of the Year for Northampton County Schools.
Williams, a sixth grade Mathematics and Science teacher at Gaston Middle School, just entered his eighth year in public education and third year teaching in the classroom. Over the course of his career, Williams has served in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Halifax County Schools and currently, Northampton County Schools. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, his continued commitment to excellence celebrates students’ learning differences and diversity in a responsive classroom.
During the Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony, forty candidates received certificates and education pins. This rite of passage marks the initial journey into teacher education where students transition into a noble career and dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
“The Teacher Education Program promotes a holistic approach to learning and embracing the whole child. I am extremely happy with the students’ commitment to engage, love, share, foster and embrace teaching and life practices within the context of the K-12 students’ experiences,” stated Dr. Patricia Brewer, Associate Professor of Education.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship— a $1,000 award given annually to a selected Wesleyan student majoring in special education. This opportunity was created by NC Wesleyan alumna, Glinda Williams of Kinston, North Carolina, in honor of her 34-year-old daughter, Taunja Cox, who was diagnosed with developmental disabilities at 18 months.
Since graduating from Kinston High School in the special education curriculum, Taunja has participated in work programs, volunteered with children at local daycares and is currently attending Lenoir Community College in the compensatory education class. This scholarship seeks to give back to students in the special education program who aspire to make a difference in the lives of those like Taunja. This year, the scholarship was awarded to two students— Emily Bissette and Paige Gardner, who are both double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 153 colleges and universities around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Programs and promotions such as the physically active, virtual scavenger hunt, the Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge and other campus wellness initiatives helped NCWC earn Silver level from the EIM-OC program for the second year in a row. NC Wesleyan also obtained EIM’s COVID Conqueror badge, a new honor given to campuses that demonstrated creative adaptations to physical activity programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the second year in a row, and to be recognized with a ‘COVID Conqueror’ badge for adapting our physical activity promotion and programming to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This distinction illustrates the resolve of our students, faculty, staff and administration to continue to prioritize a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, EIM-OC advisor.
Of the 153 campuses recognized this year, 73 received Gold, 59 Silver and 21 Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized in June as part of the 2021 virtual Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess students’ physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture, while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine®
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.
NC Wesleyan University to Offer New Professional Development Certificates
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Those looking to advance their career and improve their skillset will now have the opportunity to pursue three new professional development certificate programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The College faculty recently voted to approve certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Management.
The purpose of these certificates is to assist business professionals, who may or may not have a degree, develop specific skills to improve their resume, increase their income, transition to a new industry or obtain a promotion. Some may also pursue the courses for personal growth, licensing requirements, or to modernize an older degree with content directly relatable to the job market. The certificate courses are 100% online with multiple start dates, students can finish in as little as four to six months and they can count toward a degree.
“We are excited to offer these certificate programs to those seeking industry or skill-specific credentials in executive leadership, healthcare or human resources. These programs hone in on practical skills that can yield expanded opportunities for those looking to advance in their current industry or gain knowledge in a new industry. With responsive faculty, these programs are highly interactive and are suited for any type of student,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
Courses begin this summer and consist of 8-week accelerated sessions – a total of 16-credit hours. There is an easy application process and no application fee. To learn more and apply, visit ncwu.edu/academics/certificate-programs.
NCWC Junior Receives CIC/UPS Scholarship
NC Wesleyan junior, Thomas Clark of Cape Carteret, NC, was recently awarded a CIC/UPS Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment. Thirty-six students at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) each received CIC/UPS Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. For more information, please see the attached release.
Blue Cross NC Scholarship Recipients Announced
RALEIGH, NC – Twenty-five students at independent colleges and universities across North Carolina have been announced as the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Scholarship. The scholarships, in the amount of $3,333.34, were distributed by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) and are part of a three-year, $250,000 pledge from Blue Cross NC.
“Blue Cross NC recognizes that our state’s economic, social and cultural health outcomes are tied to our students’ education,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We are proud to partner with ICFNC and strengthen our workforce by supporting North Carolina’s brightest students.”
“We are so grateful to Blue Cross NC for their generous commitment to North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities – providing much needed financial resources for so many deserving students,” said Colleen Kinser, director of the ICFNC.
Scholarship recipients are students from North Carolina who are first generation, underrepresented or from families who demonstrate financial need. They must be a junior or senior and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
This year’s recipients are:
Mercedes Wynn-Walker of Angier, University of Mount Olive, majoring in Psychology
Kayla Trotter of Apex, Montreat College, majoring in Cybersecurity
Alicia Minnihan of Cashiers, Warren Wilson College, majoring in Sociology/Anthropology
Gabriel Covington of Charlotte, Brevard College, majoring in Exercise Science
Mariapaz Gomez of Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, majoring in International Studies
Kenyon Askew of Colerain, Barton College, majoring in Mass Communication
Cristel Baltazar of Concord, Belmont Abbey College, majoring in Theology & Philosophy
Nijia Lewis of Fayetteville, Methodist University, majoring in Forensic Science
Bless Bull of Gastonia, Gardner-Webb University, majoring in Journalism
Nikayla Ross of Greensboro, Guilford College, majoring in Health Science
Maria Soto-Moraga of Hiddenite, Lenoir-Rhyne University, majoring in Nursing
Mackenzie Ulibarri of Hope Mills, Meredith College, majoring in Theatre
Martin Solano Munoz of Kannapolis, Catawba College, majoring in Nursing
Briasia White of Kings Mountain, Wingate University, majoring in Athletic Training
Kendall Bines of Lincolnton, Mars Hill University, majoring in Art
Leilani Nguyen of Morrisville, William Peace University, majoring in Biology
Kyle Williams of Penrose, Brevard College, majoring in Health Science
Christopher Barlow of Raleigh, Greensboro College, majoring in Criminal Justice
Keyshawn Campbell of Vanceboro, Pfeiffer University, majoring in Exercise Science
David Smith of Wade, Campbell University, majoring in Trust & Wealth Management
Eboni Mayle of Williamston, N.C. Wesleyan University, majoring in Biology
JaLisa K. Lumpkin of Winston Salem, Salem College, majoring in Business Administration
Malikah Meyers of Winston-Salem, Lees-McRae College, majoring in Nursing
Dayana Gomez-Alvarado of Zebulon, Chowan University, majoring in Criminal Justice
The Independent College Fund of North Carolina is the division of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) that provides student scholarship aid and enrichment programs. NCICU is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation that represents North Carolina’s 36 private colleges and universities. The mission of NCICU is to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina independent higher education. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. For more information about NCICU, visit www.ncicu.org.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
NCWC Board Chair Provides Funding for RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a recently retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has generously donated a $100,000 gift to support the College’s RN to BSN program. This gift will provide funds for an additional nurse faculty member, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.
“I am privileged to work with the NCWC Board, administration, faculty and staff as this institution provides a complementary nursing program to augment the excellent nursing programs that exist in our area community colleges (Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson and Halifax – to name a few),” stated Dr. Crocker. The nursing program at NCWC is just one of many ways the College works to improve the lives of our area’s citizens while providing a first-rate education for its students.”
Six new scholarships will be provided, each including $5,000 for tuition. Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program by fall 2021. Recipients must be accepted and registered for classes in order to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must:
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Have an overall 3.0 GPA in prior nursing education
- Have been accepted into the RN to BSN Program at NCWC
- Provide a letter of recommendation from their employer or RN faculty member that highlights the student’s good character and potential for success in continuing their education
- Write a personal statement of 500 words about the contribution they will make in the nursing profession with their BSN
- Attend the College’s Annual Scholarship Award program
“The landscape of healthcare is transforming and challenging the nursing profession to advance the delivery of care provided to patients and populations, unlike ever before. Students seeking to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are striving for advancement in care outcomes,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan’s Director of RN to BSN Program. “This generous donation by Dr. Dan Crocker for our future RN to BSN students facilitates the ongoing community support for NCWC and the nursing profession.”
Additional details can be found at ncwu.edu/crocker-nursing-scholarship. Interested students should reach out to Fabiola Kinney, Assistant Director of Adult Studies Advising, at fkinney@ncwu.edu for more information.
Sixty-Two Inducted into NCWC’s National Society of Leadership & Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Now in its fourth year as an official chapter, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) recently inducted sixty-two student leaders into the organization. The National Society of Leadership & Success is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, with more than 700 chapters and over 1.2 million members.
NCWC’s chapter seeks to foster personal reflection, goal setting and leadership development amongst its members. The focus this fall was leading new students through completion of the national requirements to become fully inducted members. Although the chapter’s business and events evolved to mostly online, the club’s Chapter Advisor and Student Executive Board were pleased that members engaged in meaningful ways through live video and messaging. Students encouraged and challenged each other as they collectively sought to discover and define their purpose, set action plans on their goals and grow as leaders.
“With this fall semester being extremely different in many ways, one of the many successes sustained at NCWC was our chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, Sigma Alpha Pi,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership. “We have a history of success here at Wesleyan in regards to our NSLS members achieving all steps required to become fully inducted members, with 62 of our 87 new fall members achieving this status.”
With a 71% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal of 40%. While the College was not able to host their traditional induction celebration on campus, a ceremony was live streamed for members to attend in celebration of their accomplishments.
Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Dr. Brent Dozier and Dr. Bill Yankosky. An Excellence in Service to Students award was presented to Atyah Spells. In order to achieve induction, members must attend Orientation, Leadership Training Day, three Speaker Broadcasts and three Success Networking Team meetings. Students are selected by their college for membership based on academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. Visit bit.ly/NCWCNSLS to view the induction ceremony and find out more about NC Wesleyan’s chapter of NSLS. Learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success at nsls.org.
NCWC Welcomes New Director of Teacher Education/Coordinator of Diversity & Inclusion
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the addition of Dr. Kelvin Spragley as their new Director of Teacher Education. Dr. Spragley will also serve as Wesleyan’s Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming. He begins on January 4, 2021.
Dr. Spragley is a U.S. Army veteran, who has worked in the Wake County Public School System for seven years as a Social Science teacher. He also served as an Education Consultant for the North Carolina Association of Educators. From 2001-2010, Dr. Spragley worked concurrently as Associate Executive Director of the 60,000-member North Carolina Association of Educators and Executive Director for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that provides support to needy public-school children and grant support to public- school educators.
Dr. Spragley completed his degrees in the following areas and locations: Chowan University (A.A. in History-1991); East Carolina University (B.S. in Education-1993); North Carolina State University (M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-1999); and North Carolina State University (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-2009). During the past nine years, Dr. Spragley served in a variety of roles at Louisburg College, including Interim Academic Dean and VP of Academic Life, as well as Division Chair for Business Studies & Social Sciences. In addition, he was a Professor of History and Education while at Louisburg College, where he also served as the Director of the A.A. in Education program.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dr. Spragley’s vast knowledge, accomplishments and vision to lead both the Teacher Education program and contribute substantively to a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost. “Dr. Spragley will provide strategic direction for initiatives on cultural competencies, gender differences, building a climate of equity and inclusion, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of equity and inclusion values — especially those that affirm the College’s core values of empathy and understanding.”
As Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for teaching two undergraduate courses each semester, working with students in field experiences, supervising student-teachers, serving as chair of the Teacher Education Council and as liaison to State Education activities, coordinating and overseeing licensure, approving adjunct faculty, facilitating and submitting curriculum recommendations to the Curriculum Committee in collaboration with the Division Chair, preparing annual reports for accrediting agencies and leading the accreditation process. In his role as the Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for collaborating with College leadership to create, implement and monitor strategic initiatives designed to build awareness and growth among students as it relates to diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Spragley is married to Mrs. Tracey Lofton Spragley, a public-school teacher of 27 years and wife of 25 years. The couple has two children, Kelsey (24), who is a lab scientist for ThermoFisher Pharmaceuticals, and Kelvin, Jr. (18), who is a freshman at Wake Technical Community College.
NCWC & Cape Fear Community College Reauthorize Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement to help qualified Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) graduates transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement will strengthen an existing partnership between the two schools and provide a seamless transfer experience for students who enroll at Wesleyan after completing their two-year degree at CFCC.
“Cape Fear Community College is proud to partner with NC Wesleyan to strengthen our articulation agreement,” said Jim Morton, CFCC president. “We are committed to partnerships that provide opportunities for our students to excel at Cape Fear Community College and beyond. This partnership helps make it easier for students who choose NC Wesleyan to take their next step.”
The partnership between the two colleges began in 2011 and was the first of its kind for NC Wesleyan. NC Wesleyan maintains an office on Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus to advise CFCC students and help them transition to Wesleyan. The renewed agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of CFCC’s Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering them access to unique benefits at NC Wesleyan. CFCC graduates will have access to the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising and generous transfer credit. What’s more, the agreement allows CFCC Associate in Applied Science students the opportunity to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“Watching our partnership grow over the last nine years has been truly rewarding. We started with one Coordinator and have grown to a full staff of four. This growth is attributed to the supportive relationship between NCWC and CFCC and the dedication to our students. We look forward to continuing to develop new initiatives to best serve CFCC students,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
Students who graduate from CFCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or 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 gives CFCC graduates who might not have otherwise been able to attend NC Wesleyan the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 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 have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan and 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.
NC Wesleyan Freshman Speaks on Native American History
Honoring National Native American Heritage Month
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is home to students from many different cultures and backgrounds. With November being National Native American Heritage Month, NCWC freshman Zachary Blake Scott took the time to educate and enlighten others about his tribe and American Indians in general. National Native American Heritage Month pays tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
Scott, who is a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, is majoring in Criminal Justice, minoring in Political Science and outfielder on the NC Wesleyan baseball team. Born and raised in Pembroke, a town in Robeson County, Scott is a community advocate in native outreach among the youth. He is passionate about singing and one of the youngest members of the American Indian drum group, Southern Sun Singers. All of his life, he has enjoyed attending powwows — a way that Native Americans get together to dance, sing and eat. Scott is the grandson of a minister and remains very dedicated to his faith and Christianity.
According to Scott: “The Lumbee are descendants of Siouan, Algonquian, and Iroquoian speaking tribes who lived in North Carolina prior to European contact. We are considered as Eastern Woodland people because we have always depended on the natural resources around us to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, weapons, medicines and tools. We have a culture of agriculture, family, hunting, gathering and Christianity. In fact, I still live on the farmland that my grandfather was raised on. All of my relatives have worked on this farm as their livelihood. My ancestors lived amongst the pines, swamps and the dark waters of the Lumber River, where we get our name. Many of the Lumbee still call this area home. We have never lived on a reservation. After European contact, my tribe, like others in North Carolina, were colonized. Many of our tribal distinctions were lost at the time. We lost our language, we dressed like colonists and most took on the Christian religion. Not much is written about our history because we, like most all tribes, passed down our stories verbally.”
There are eight state recognized tribes in the state of North Carolina, with only the Cherokee being federally recognized. In 1885, the state of NC recognized the Lumbee Tribe (not originally called Lumbee) and established a separate school system for tribal members. In 1953, the tribe’s name was changed to Lumbee.
Scott notes: “In 1956, Congress recognized the Lumbee as Indian, but failed to give us the status of a federally recognized tribe, which denied us benefits granted to federally recognized tribes. For years, my people have been fighting for federal recognition. There have been numerous bills regarding this to pass the House but has always stalled in Senate. Just this week, the Lumbee Recognition Act was passed out of the House of Representatives again. I am hopeful that it will not be long before we are granted the recognition we deserve.”
About the Lumbee Tribe
The 55,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties. The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe in North Carolina, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the nation. The Lumbee take their name from the Lumbee River which winds its way through Robeson County. Pembroke, North Carolina is the economic, cultural and political center of the tribe.
