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.
NC Wesleyan & ECC Renew Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Edgecombe Community College (ECC) 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 ECC.
Leaders of both colleges attended the September 29 signing held on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expands upon the previously signed agreement, allowing ECC students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits, whereas the last MOU allowed for 60 total transfer credits.
“At Edgecombe Community College, our goal is to strengthen and enrich learning opportunities for our students,” notes ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod. “We have a long history of successful partnerships with NC Wesleyan. For local students who prefer to complete their education in this area, our transfer agreements are especially beneficial.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering ECC 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 ECC to NC Wesleyan.
“Wesleyan has partnered with Edgecombe Community College for over a decade. We are honored that Dr. McLeod and ECC continue to value the undergraduate and graduate opportunities afforded at NCWC by renewing and strengthening this long-standing partnership,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.
Students who graduate from ECC 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 ECC 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.
Two New Counselors Welcome Future Bishops to NCWC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – While the educational landscape may look different this year due to COVID-19, North Carolina Wesleyan University has not altered its commitment to current and future students. The College recently welcomed two new counselors two its Admissions team — Adrian Moore to the traditional program and Jessica Wilkins to the Adult and Professional Studies (APS) program.
Adrian Moore is a 2018 alumnus of NC Wesleyan and graduated with a B.S. in Organizational Administration with a concentration in Sports Administration. While at Wesleyan, Adrian was the captain of the men’s basketball team and led the team to two conference championships. Now back at Wesleyan, he will serve as an Admissions Counselor and continue to share his passion for the College to prospective students.
Admissions Counselor
“As a recent graduate, Adrian has a deep passion and understanding of the value of a Wesleyan education. With his experiences, knowledge base and leadership qualities, prospective students will receive the individualized and professional attention that is needed during the admissions process,” stated Paige Price Wells, Director of Admissions. “There has been a recent shift in what we perceive as our normal routines, and Adrian, along with the rest of the Wesleyan community, is here to help the educational needs of prospective students.”
Jessica Wilkins joined the Adult and Professional Studies team as Admissions and Advising Coordinator for the Rocky Mount campus after recently relocating to North Carolina from her home state of Virginia. Jessica earned a B.S. in Communications from Old Dominion University in December 2009. She also holds a Master of Science in Media and Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Norfolk State University. During her time in Virginia, Jessica developed experience in the nonprofit, K-12/higher education industries. She and her husband have three kids– Jawan, 11, Savannah 3 and Kingston, 10-months. Jessica’s hobbies include dancing, cooking, enjoying nature and spending time with family.
Admissions and Advising Coordinator
“With Jessica’s experience in higher education, bundled with her infectious and inviting personality, there was no doubt that she would be the perfect fit for the APS team. In her first month being a part of North Carolina Wesleyan, Jessica has already made an immediate operational impact and made lasting first impressions on all of her students,” stated Robert Benson, Director of Adult & Professional Studies– Rocky Mount.
NC Wesleyan kicked off its fall semester on August 19 with enhanced cleaning practices, smaller class sizes, practicing social distance between students, faculty and staff, and providing face masks and hand sanitizer for all students, faculty and staff.
The Lasting Value of the Liberal Arts
Featured article featured on evolllution.com written by our very own Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This pandemic has given the liberal arts the time and space to begin building upon and traditional models and innovating new methods to deliver the education and skills that employers are looking for…
New Indoor Sports & Education Facility at Wesleyan Takes Shape
Inflation Begins This Week
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Over the course of the past week, Hayden Bay, the company responsible for installation of the dome of the new Indoor Sports & Education Facility at NC Wesleyan, began mounting and assembling the mechanical systems for the building. This is the first step in an estimated two week process which will be completed with the inflation of the facility’s dome. The crew hopes to finalize inflation by Friday, July 31.
Crews broke ground on the project in early February 2020. The state-of-the-art, approximately 48,000 square foot, air-supported structure was designed by Oakley Collier Architects, engineered and produced by Broadwell Air Domes, and built by Smithson Incorporated. Phase I of the facility, including the design and construction of the air supported structure, two squash courts and four indoor tennis courts, was fully funded by anonymous donors, along with a grant from the Nash County Tourism Development Authority.
Broadwell Air Domes is an industry-leading air dome manufacturer that produces the highest quality, longest lasting and most technologically advanced air dome in the world. Wesleyan’s new facility will be unlike any in the area. The software-driven, climate-controlled “smart” building automatically adjusts to changing weather conditions. The software allows for full control over temperature, humidity, pressure and air quality, which can all be controlled from a smart phone. The shell of the structure is evenly covered with a square woven cable harness system that allows for superior strength and corner protection creating unmatched structural durability.
Recently, an additional anonymous donor committed funds to outfit the Exercise Science and Health Promotion area within the facility. This gift will provide these faculty members with new laboratory and office space, as well as new equipment to offer state-of-the-art learning to Wesleyan students. NC Wesleyan continues to seek donors to contribute to the success and development of various amenities and services provided to the campus, as well as the community, by the addition of the Indoor Sports & Education Facility.
“This process has demonstrated how Wesleyan faculty and staff, generous donors and the community can come together to enhance the learning and health of our students in a considerable way. This facility will have a major impact on the community as well by affording opportunities for physical activity, health research and tournaments that will bring additional revenue to Nash County area businesses,” stated NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The facility has potential for future growth academically and athletically, specifically within the College’s Exercise Science and Health Promotion programs. The leadership team of NCWC, along with the faculty and staff associated in these areas, desire collaboration with the local community to improve and enhance the well-being of its citizens. The sports and future educational pillars of this facility— athletics, scholarship and research— have vast potential to develop training, mentorship and tutoring programs for area youth. The facility will also offer training and education for students and local citizens concerning prevention and management of diseases and injuries, as well as facilitating proper and enjoyable physical conditioning measures.
A time-lapse video of the inflation of the facility will be posted to the College’s website, ncwu.edu, and social media accounts in the coming weeks.
Harper Joins NC Wesleyan Admission Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NC Wesleyan welcomes Kerri Harper as Admissions & Advising Coordinator for its Wilmington and Brunswick campuses. In this role, she will be responsible for participating in recruiting events and presentations, advising and counseling students on major and minor requirements, and promoting the Adult Studies Program at community colleges, churches, civic organizations and businesses.
Kerri is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre education. After graduation, she worked abroad in Shanghai, China as a drama instructor and English teacher. After returning to the United States, she obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Baldwin Wallace University.
“We are very excited to have Kerri join the NC Wesleyan team. Kerri brings a wealth of experience that will positively impact the students she recruits and advises,” said Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult Studies.
Kerri’s teaching experience in both the K-12 setting, as well as higher education, has equipped her with a well-rounded set of skills to welcome future Bishops. She states: “I am excited to join the Wesleyan family and look forward to assisting the citizens of our community with achieving their educational goals.”
NC Wesleyan Puts Vision Into Action
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan’s vision is to provide students with opportunities to make meaningful connections through innovative teaching approaches. The distinctive Wesleyan experience equips graduates to make a positive impact on the world.
NC Wesleyan continues to carry out this vision despite the contemporary challenges facing our global community. One example of this is that the Admissions Office is waiving ACT/SAT admission requirements, and in some cases, waiving student enrollment fees for the fall 2020 semester. In addition, Wesleyan’s Financial Aid Office has set aside funds to assist with the financial needs of current and prospective students that have been impacted by COVID-19.
The Advancement Office has also joined in the College’s efforts by creating the S.O.S. (Support Our Students) Fund. This campaign will provide financial assistance to meet the unexpected needs of Wesleyan for a wide range of emergency situations.
“Gaining acceptance to college is but one step toward achieving a degree. NC Wesleyan understands that students may need support, whether it be to gain acceptance, enhance academic abilities, or secure financial aid,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies. “Our leadership team believes in supporting any range of student needs, and it is the foundation of our vision to equip graduates to make a positive impact after NC Wesleyan.”
The College appreciates its community relationships and stands steadfast in its commitment to students completing an undergraduate or graduate degree program(s) through NC Wesleyan. For more information on degree options for traditional and adult students, visit ncwu.edu/admissions. For those who would like to support the College’s S.O.S funding campaign, additional information can be found at ncwu.edu/cares-act.
NC Wesleyan joins RN-to- BSN Articulation agreement with Community Colleges
NC Wesleyan University has signed an agreement that will make it easier for registered nurses to transfer their community college credits to Wesleyan in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
NC Wesleyan University is the 13th private college in the state to sign the RN to BSN articulation agreement between North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the NC Community College System. The agreement was established specifically to address the growing need for highly qualified nursing professionals.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
President Duff to Participate in Educational Panel
Join us on a Webinar learn about the impact of COVID-19 on our local education systems and find out what the next steps will be for the Fall 2020 school year. All proceeds are going to Tackle the Tar which will support our local students for scholarships at Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Webinar Panel Featuring:
Dr. Valerie Bridges, Superintendent, Edgecombe County Public Schools
Dr. Evan Duff, President North Carolina Wesleyan University
Dr. Steve Ellis, Superintendent, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools
Dr. Lew Hunnicutt, President Nash Community College
Dr. Gregory McLeod, President, Edgecombe Community College
NCWC Board Announces Duff as College President
Contract Extended Through 2023
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Evan D. Duff has been named the eighth President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. The announcement came early this month from Dr. Dan Crocker, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the College.
Duff was appointed as Acting President by the Board of Trustees on June 10, 2019 and later accepted a two-year contract as Interim President. Following recent discussions with faculty and staff, a consensus decision was made by the Board of Trustees in their May 29 assembly to appoint Duff as President and extend his contract for an additional two years. The extension positions Duff as President for the College through May 31, 2023.
In his statement to faculty and staff, Dr. Crocker, Chair of the Board, noted “the remarkable manner in which Dr. Duff took the reins since last summer, leading both efficiently and effectively.” He also mentioned “the extraordinary financial turnaround [of the College] in just one year with Evan at the helm.”
Over the last year, Dr. Duff has worked diligently with the Provost and faculty to develop new academic programs, namely Wesleyan’s new RN to BSN Program, set to begin this fall. In collaboration with faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees, he has been instrumental in developing a new vision, core values and a comprehensive strategic plan for the College, while providing significant leadership in the College’s efforts to finalize the educational space of Wesleyan’s new Indoor Sports and Education Facility, currently under construction.
The Executive Advisory Committee of the Board agreed to complete a yearly formal presidential assessment, which is currently in-process under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Stern, Chair of NC Wesleyan’s Faculty Council. Critiques from this assessment will be a valuable resource for both the Board of Trustees and Dr. Duff as he continues to lead the College.
“I am humbled by this opportunity that the Board has granted me, and I look forward to serving the faculty, staff, students, alumni, area churches and the community as we all continue to ensure the mission of the College is met. There is no greater time than the present to ensure our students are informed and educated citizens who are passionate about being positive change agents,” said Dr. Duff.
