ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomes Joselyn Blount to its Office of Adult Studies team. As Admissions Coordinator, she will be based on the College’s main campus in Rocky Mount and manage the enrollment module for Wesleyan’s undergraduate and graduate programs at its 10 adult locations.
Joselyn is an alumna of Elizabeth City State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Higher Education from Walden University in 2016 and an M.B.A in 2018. Prior to joining NC Wesleyan, Joselyn was a teacher for ten years with most of her career in the Beaufort County School District.
“With an extensive background in education, Joselyn brings a lot of enthusiasm, attention to detail and eagerness to jump in. Her professionalism and skills will be a great asset to the APS admissions team. We are excited to have her join the Wesleyan Family,” stated Dani Somers, Director of Adult Studies & Graduate Admissions at NC Wesleyan.
Joselyn, a native of Plymouth, currently resides in Winterville, North Carolina with her husband, Bennie, and their three children: DaShaun, Elijah and Ava. During the week, she can be found in her office located in the Welcome Center.
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.
NCWC’s E-Sports Club Partners with WHIG-TV
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s e-sports club, The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA), recently developed a partnership with WHIG-TV to provide training opportunities for students. Future plans of the partnership include the development of a 30-minute show that will be aired on WHIG-TV, along with job shadowing and internship opportunities.
“We are delighted to be partnering with WHIG-TV. They have been the source of local TV content in Rocky Mount for years. This partnership will provide our students with a unique way to engage with the local community,” stated Chantoni Grant, Admissions Counselor and Director of the Bishop Gaming Association. “This would not have been possible without Dr. Gena Messer-Knode (NC Wesleyan’s Dean of Career Services and Business Innovation), Sandra Smith (General Manager of WHIG-TV) and Robert Morris (Technical Director of WHIG-TV) who were committed to providing Wesleyan students with a remarkable learning opportunity.”
The BGA was founded by Grant during his time as a student in 2019. The club aims to promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment by providing experiences, advice, awareness and resources to students who are interested in growing in these fields. It has quickly become the College’s largest student organization, averaging more than 80 members over the past three years. Students within the club shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and on The BGA’s social media accounts.
The BGA partnership with WHIG-TV will provide students with the ability to explore broadcast technique, filming, editing and production. Through these opportunities, students will receive hands-on experience applicable to their future career paths.
Alums Join NC Wesleyan Recruitment Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to welcome back two alumni as employees in the Admissions Office. Starting this month, both Elijah “Blaise” Gourley and Chantoni Grant have joined the office as Admissions Counselors.
“The Office of Admissions could not have hired two more qualified staff members than Blaise and Chantoni. These two alumni are committed to the values of NC Wesleyan and are well-suited to exemplify these, as well the many benefits of the College, to future NCWC prospects,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.
Admissions Counselor
Blaise is a 2021 graduate with degrees in Marketing and Liberal Studies. He was also the 2021 recipient of the President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average. As a student, Blaise worked in student life as a Residential Assistant (R.A.), with the Marketing Department and for the College’s Youth Theology Institute (YTI). He was a student-athlete, as well as a member of the Business Honors Society and the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program. In addition, he also worked with several area organizations and nonprofits.
“NC Wesleyan University has done so much for me in the past four years. At Wesleyan, it’s the people that make it more than simply an institution. I’m thrilled to be serving future Bishops as an Admissions Counselor. I look forward to making the same kind of positive impact on others that I was blessed to receive as a student,” stated Gourley.
Admissions Counselor
Chantoni graduated from the College in 2020 with a degree in Organizational Administration. He went on to obtain a master’s in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. During his time at Wesleyan, Chantoni served as an intern in the President’s Office and as a Financial Aid Assistant. He is the Founder of North Carolina Wesleyan’s Bishop Gaming Association, currently the second largest student club on campus, and was President during his time at the College.
“NC Wesleyan University provided the tools and skills I needed to grow and develop. Returning to Wesleyan, I aim to help a new class of students create a successful future for themselves by receiving their four-year degree,” stated Grant.
NC Wesleyan Earns Silver Designation as a Military Friendly® School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School Silver Designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation. NC Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina to obtain Silver Designation.
Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic-based scoring assessment. They then measure the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to consistently evolve and invest in their programs. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly.®
The Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to schools who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking school in their category. Year after year, NC Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® college. The College strives to provide the best service to veterans and troops through:
• Administering and accepting DSST
• Providing support and guidance with VA benefits
• Providing campus locations and online education near military bases in eastern NC
• Providing flexible scheduling of classes
• Offering flexible policies for transfer work and military training
“NC Wesleyan acknowledges the value student veterans bring to our campus. We strive to offer excellent support to military-connected students through the Veterans Advisory Committee formed in 2017. The committee is comprised of faculty, staff and students, as well as representatives from the Rocky Mount community — all of whom have a military connection. We are committed to supporting our students by listening to their needs and working to enhance their educational experience,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
NCWC Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has named North Carolina Wesleyan University to its 2021 Transfer Honor Roll. Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina, and one of 150 nationwide, to receive this award.
“Personally, having been a transfer student, I understand the importance of making every credit count and receiving a degree of value. NC Wesleyan provides and supports students with a seamless transfer process. We are honored to be recognized by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in our efforts of doing so,” stated Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor.
Learn more about our Transfer Program at ncwu.edu/transfer and view the attached release for more information.
The College is honored to received this award for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, visit ptk.org/news/2021.
NC Wesleyan & Craven 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 Craven Community College (Craven CC) 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 Craven CC.
Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 5 in a virtual signing via Zoom. This new agreement adds Craven CC to a list of over 30 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWC.
“We are proud to partner with NC Wesleyan and provide our graduates an opportunity to participate in Wesleyan Works,” said Craven CC President Dr. Ray Staats. “Providing our students opportunities to build upon their degrees they’ve earned at Craven CC gives them a convenient and seamless way to earn their baccalaureate degrees, and NC Wesleyan offers program options that align with many of our associate degrees. We value our university partnerships as they provide local options for our students and demonstrate our commitment to lifelong learning.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering Craven CC 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 Craven CC to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows Craven CC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“NCWC has enjoyed a successful partnership with Craven Community College since 2015 and we are excited to enhance the benefits of this partnership in 2020,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies. “Our goal has always been focused on improving transfer credits for community college graduates and through this agreement, Craven graduates will have increased flexibility in transferring their credits resulting in a faster and affordable pathway to their 4-year degree.”
Students who graduate from Craven CC 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 Craven CC 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 North Carolina Wesleyan University
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.
About Craven Community College
Founded in 1965, Craven Community College (Craven CC) is part of the North Carolina Community College System. With campuses in New Bern and Havelock-Cherry Point, Craven CC serves about 3,200 curriculum students and more than 10,000 continuing education students each year. The college offers a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as college transfer courses, career and occupational offerings, partnerships with four-year universities, specialized workforce training options, developmental studies and basic skills classes. The Lifetime Learning Center and Adult Enrichment Program offer lifelong learning opportunities. Craven Early College High School programs are available on both campuses. Craven CC is also home to Public Radio East, one of the few community colleges nationally with this distinction. For more information about the college, visit www.cravencc.edu.
NC universities hold virtual fairs for high school students
NC Wesleyan was featured on WRAL TV as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities’ Virtual College Fair.
Continuing to Respond to COVID-19
NC Wesleyan Establishes New Holiday Term
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – In response to the recent condensed spring and fall schedules, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s administration is pleased to announce the addition of a new “holiday” term. The fully online, 6-week term is set to begin November 30, 2020.
The fall 2020 semester at NC Wesleyan ends right before Thanksgiving, allowing students the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the new holiday term. The 6-week term is being offered at a reduced cost of $325 per semester hour and is available to traditional and adult studies students, as well as visiting students. A visiting, or non-degree student, is a student visiting from another degree-granting institution for purposes of taking a Wesleyan course for credit, fulfilling requirements at another institution, taking a course for teacher certification, meeting CPA or graduate school prerequisites or for achieving personal learning goals. Program requirements include a completed application for admission and a letter of permission from the degree-granting institution.
The faculty at NC Wesleyan have developed several unique course offerings, including: Organizational Leadership, Principles of Management, The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Leadership During Unusual Times: Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic, Computer Forensics, Physical Geology, Celebrating Christmas/Celebrating the Nation, Event Marketing, Conspiracy Theories, Introduction to Religion, Professional and Business Ethics, and Social Problems II – Problems of Social Inequality, to name a few.
“The College is providing all students with an opportunity to earn more credits during an unusually long winter break. COVID-19-related precautions streamlined fall and spring terms and condensed class meetings using hybrid and online meeting times into shorter periods of time,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost. “This provided us with a six-week period for students to engage in some special topics and common requirements over the winter break. It’s perfect for students who may want to get ahead or catch up in their degree progress.”
Those interested in applying for the holiday term should visit ncwu.edu/registrar to fill out a Registration & Drop/Add Form. Once completed, this form should be emailed to the student’s Academic Advisor. Visiting students should contact Paige Wells, Director of Admissions, at PPrice@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5297.
Annual Tackle the Tar Event Benefits Local Colleges
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University was recently the recipient of a $17,000 scholarship made possible by proceeds raised from the 5th Annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Day. Hosted by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, this event raises funds so area students can attend local colleges. Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, the race was canceled for the year, yet the mission of the event was still a success.
In the past five years, Tackle the Tar has given a total of $285,000 among Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College and NC Wesleyan University. Scholarships provide significant support for many of NC Wesleyan’s students seeking to further their education.
This year’s presentation took place via a Zoom meeting between the Rotary Club and representatives of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Edgecombe Community College and Nash Community College. Rotary leaders presented a total of $51,000 in scholarship funds to the three Colleges. This year’s funds were raised through sponsorships for the 2020 5K Obstacle Course Race. Though canceled, Rotary officials polled those who had already paid or committed to a sponsorship for the event and the consensus was to allow them to keep the funds and distribute to the colleges.
“I continue to be amazed by the outpouring of support from our community and specifically the Rotary Club for their yearly fundraising event, Tackle the Tar,” stated NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Their commitment to education in our region is demonstrated by their relentless dedication to funding scholarships for all three higher education providers in Nash and Edgecombe Counties. This is what makes a community resilient.”
Next year’s Tackle the Tar event is set for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The 5K race is packed with obstacles and offers competitive heats and fun runs.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Rotary members provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
