ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce that its new RN to BSN program has received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January. The University began accepting applications for the program this spring, with classes set to begin in the fall.
The 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months.
“These are exciting times at North Carolina Wesleyan University with the introduction of nursing to our Adult & Professional Studies programs. It’s never been a better time to advance in the field of nursing and work towards transforming healthcare for the betterment of those receiving our services,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program. “The faculty and staff stand ready to help prospective students succeed and cheer you on throughout the RN to BSN journey here at NCWU.” NC Wesleyan has also received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. For more information on the RN to BSN program and to apply, visit ncwu.edu/rn-to-bsn.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
From Homeschool Student to NCWC Alumna
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Recent Wesleyan graduate, Abigail Wooten, began studying at Nash Community College as a dually enrolled student taking classes through their Career and College Promise program during her junior and senior years of high school.
At NCC, Wooten was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She graduated from Nash in 2018 with Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, with highest honors.
Wooten said that although it can be intimidating for students to speak up when they do not understand something, it is important to do so. “If you put in the time and ask for help when you need it, you will succeed, not just at Nash, but out in the world as well.”
Following graduation from NCC, Wooten transferred to North Carolina Wesleyan University. She graduated last month with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Information Systems, with highest honors. “I believe Nash helped prepare me for my journey at NCWC by instilling a strong work ethic in me. By the time I got to NCWC, I had already learned how to stay on top of assignment deadlines and how to ask professors for help when I needed it, two skills I consider essential.”
While attending NCWC, Wooten worked several part-time jobs, including tutoring at NCC. “This didn’t leave much time for clubs and activities at school,” she said. “However, I transferred my membership to the local chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization I originally joined at Nash. I was able to attend speaker events and fundraisers with them. I also volunteered for community service projects.”
Wooten currently serves as a tutor in the NCC Mathematics Department. She plans to continue working with developmental math students, providing the support for foundational learning they need to become mathematicians.
She has been accepted into East Carolina University’s Master of Arts in Mathematics program and will begin this fall. “I hope to teach math full-time at Nash. The math department was instrumental in making me and so many others into the people we are today, and I want to continue that tradition.”
Through the Career & College Promise program, qualified high-school-age students have the opportunity to begin their college education, tuition free. Interested students should meet with their high school counselor or home school principal. Enrollment is open for NCC’s online summer classes. Summer semester begins May 26. For more information, visit nashcc.edu/registration or call 252.451.8235.
Students who are currently enrolled in NCC’s Career & College Promise program with 12 or more credit hours and are interested in transferring to NC Wesleyan should contact Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor, at jletchworth@ncwu.edu for more information. Those with less than 12 credit hours can apply for regular admission at ncwu.edu/apply-for-admission and one of Wesleyan’s Admission Counselors will assist you each step of the way.
Wesleyan Adds New Academic Programs
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The faculty at North Carolina Wesleyan University recently passed the following new curriculum programs: a B.S. in Healthcare Administration, a B.S. in Sports Administration and three certificate programs in Human Resources, Executive Leadership and Healthcare Administration. These new programs will add to the exceptional array of academic offerings already at Wesleyan, giving students the ability to choose from over 45 undergraduate degree options, 32 minors and two graduate degree programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree will prepare graduates to work in the business operations side of medical facilities. Students will learn the financial, human resources, legal and ethical aspects, as well as quality control within a healthcare setting. This degree will prepare students for careers in medical and health services management, healthcare administration and medical office management.
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration degree will prepare graduates to work at all levels within sports, facilities and recreation management. Students will learn about the administration of sports programs, sport facility and event management, sport communication and coaching theory among other topics. Graduates will be prepared to work as a coach, facilities manager, athletic director, sports coordinator or be prepared for graduate school. “We are excited to offer programs that will lead students to careers in growing industries such as sports and healthcare administration. Exciting features of these new programs will allow students to study and gain valuable experience during their program. The new certificates will help those looking to add specific skills in leadership, business, and healthcare administration,” stated Molly Wyatt, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Students.
Wesleyan Holds Virtual Spring Commencement Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, April 25, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a virtual spring commencement celebration to honor the Class of 2020. The College announced on March 23 that the spring commencement ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. In lieu of a physical ceremony, the College wanted to do something special to honor its 222 seniors who graduated.
The virtual celebration included a welcome message from President Duff, baccalaureate address by Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and photos that the graduates submitted, along with their hometowns and majors. In addition, the graduates were treated to a surprise video from award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, who was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.”
In her video, Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating “I’d like to talk to you today about sacrifice — something that we’ve heard of, but I think we all know a little more about now.” She went on to mention all of the sacrifices that are made in order to obtain a college degree, many of which she experienced herself. She specifically addressed the challenges and sacrifices that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “But I never had to sacrifice my graduation service…the Class of 2020 did something unique.” She left the graduates with the hope that maybe they would all be able to celebrate together at the December ceremony.
This was the College’s 79th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 10 international graduates from six countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, England, Nepal and Italy. This commencement also included the third cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
NC Wesleyan to Celebrate Graduating Seniors with Virtual Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s spring commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for April 25. With ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College announced on March 23 that the ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. Graduate candidates for April, August, and December will be able to participate in the December 2020 ceremony. In lieu of a ceremony on April 25, Wesleyan has created a virtual celebration which will be published on the College’s website and social media that day.
Award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Wesleyan is excited to announce that she will still be addressing the Class of 2020 at the December commencement ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.” A native of North Carolina, she was born in Charlotte and later moved to Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School. Lawrence attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is also the daughter of Tom Lawrence, former news reporter for WRAL News in Raleigh.
“As our graduating seniors entered their final semester, the world changed before their eyes. However, in this moment, they became fearless, bold, and emerged stronger as productive and informed citizens. The education they attained at North Carolina Wesleyan University has prepared them for this very moment,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
The virtual celebration on April 25 will include a welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, baccalaureate address by College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and recognize each graduate. The virtual celebration can be viewed on April 25 at ncwu.edu, as well as the College’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
SAT/ACT WAIVED FOR FALL 2020
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to our community by offering educational opportunities despite the challenges influencing our nation and world. Our core values of Kindness and Empathy require NCWC to be a good faith partner to our service area. In furtherance of these values and in order to afford an opportunity to make an investment in our community, NCWC has amended the admissions policy to waive the ACT/SAT for students who have not had an opportunity to take these national tests. This test optional admissions waiver will be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Fall 2020 admissions cycle is complete.
Over the past several months NCWC has started new degrees, expanded online learning, and have plans to open other campus locations. All of these academic and operational enhancements were designed with our community in-mind as we continue to provide options for working adults, transfer students, commuters, as well as maintaining a full residential life college experience.
Wesleyan is proud of the service we provide to our students and in the decision to waive the SAT/ACT admissions requirements. This is one small way we continue our commitment to serve the educational needs of our community.
Contact our Admissions staff at 252.985.5200 or admissions@ncwu.edu for more information.
The National Education Association Awards CREATE Grant to NCWC
Grant to Benefit College’s Teacher Education Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a CREATE grant from the National Education Association (NEA) Center for Great Public Schools Aspiring Educators Program. The $2,000 grant is to benefit the Students Helping Students Afterschool Program for Social Justice.
Led by Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWC’s Professor and Coordinator of Special Education, Students Helping Students is a service learning project within the College’s Teacher Education program. The initiative provides afterschool services to K-12 children with learning differences in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools. The program has received statewide recognition and is designed for education students to provide individualized instruction in math and reading. Additionally, the program provides parent advocacy training. Dr. Patricia Brewer facilitates this part of the program for parents of participating K-12 children.
“We are so excited about this grant,” stated Dr. Brewer. “Pre-service education students become strong, confident and intentional in educational practices with diverse learners and parents. They consistently support high expectations that result in growth and positive outcomes.”
Students Helping Students Afterschool Program for Social Justice fosters connections and investigations for critical inquiry of exceptional students’ needs in the classroom. This Social Justice grant will allow NC Wesleyan’s pre-service education students to become reflective practitioners beyond the boundaries of the school. Through the grant, pre-service students will increase their passion and impact the lives of K-12 students using a pedagogy of culturally responsive practices and differentiated strategies.
The National Education Association (NEA) offers mini-grants to teacher education programs for teacher quality, community engagement, social justice and political advocacy. The NEA is the nation’s largest professional employee organization and is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA’s three million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. The association has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
Phi Theta Kappa Recognizes NCWC for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
NCWC has been named again to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Roll which designates Wesleyan as a college who recognizes and rewards PTK honor students from the community college system. NCWC is one of only three colleges in the state to receive this honor.
North Carolina Wesleyan Semi-Finalist in Ethics Bowl
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The 9th Annual Ethics Bowl, a debate competition hosted by the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), asks students to compete over a selected topic. Out of 22 North Carolina private colleges, North Carolina Wesleyan University placed in the semifinals.
This year’s topic explored Ethics in the Agriculture. The final question asked, “What ethical responsibilities does the United States have to support the agricultural industry in securing the qualified workers that it needs?” Other questions covered topics such as genetically modified and/or gene edited food.
Of the 22 private colleges in attendance, this year’s semifinalists included: High Point University, Salem College, Belmont Abbey College and North Carolina Wesleyan University. The competition was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh on February 21 and 22. The judge’s panel was composed of 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders.
North Carolina Wesleyan’s ethics team is led by Boluwatife Johnson, Chanel Patterson as Ethical Theory Lead. The researchers for the team include James Cheazar, Richard “RJ” Smalls, Catherine Leake and Grace deMontesquiou. Drs. Jarrod Kelly and Sherry Holland serve as faculty coordinators. With some members graduating, the team hopes to recruit new members and return next year for competition.
Faculty coordinator, Jarrod Kelly, congratulates the team, “We received many positive comments from judges, team coordinators and spectators. Our team was complimented most on their presentations,” he says. “The team really had their opening statement down to a science and it was extraordinarily impressive to observe. The team stole the spotlight with their poise, knowledge and passion.” The team had a record of 4-0 in regular level matches and had been preparing for the competition since August 2019.
NC Wesleyan University Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness on Campus
NCWC among record 166 campuses honored worldwide
North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 166 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise is Medicine® initiative for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Campus-wide initiatives focused on physical activity and health at the College helped Wesleyan earn silver level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,”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.”
“This distinction wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative efforts of the Exercise Science and Health Promotion Departments, Wesleyan Wellness, the NCWC Intramural Sports & Recreation Program, the students of the Health and Movement Science Club, as well as the faculty, staff and administration who have supported our efforts to make physical activity a health priority on campus,” stated Dr. Shannon Crowley, NCWC’s Exercise is Medicine on Campus Advisor.
Notable initiatives that helped NCWC reach Silver status included the Lunch n’ Learn Series for Health, sponsored by the Departments of Health Promotion and Exercise Science, in partnership with Wesleyan Wellness; the annual Costume Run/Walk, sponsored by the NCWC Health and Movement Science Club; the Walk with the President; the Exercise Science personal training program; and others.
Of the 166 campuses recognized this year, 77 received gold, 62 silver and 27 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on May 27 as part of the 11th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine, held in conjunction with ACSM’s 67th Annual Meeting.
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 student 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 www.acsm.org.
About North Carolina Wesleyan College
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. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
