North Carolina Wesleyan University is adapting to an increasingly unpredictable higher education landscape by expanding flexible learning pathways for a diverse student population. As a federally designated Minority-Serving Institution, NCWU serves a very diverse student body that includes African-american, first-generation, adult, international, and rural students. Across campus and in the classroom, Wesleyan continues to provide college access and opportunity that is practical for our students.
In a recent interview with WUNC, President Evan Duff highlighted the importance of meeting students where they are through programs designed for working adults, community college transfers, and traditional undergraduates. Despite enrollment pressures facing many private colleges, Wesleyan is focused on creating multiple pathways to success while continuing its mission of serving economically disadvantaged communities across eastern and central North Carolina. READ ARTICLE >
NCWU Welcomes Students for First Day of Classes During 70th Anniversary Year
A new academic year is underway at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) as students return to campus today for the first day of classes and the beginning of a milestone year for the University.
As NC Wesleyan celebrates its 70th anniversary, the university is welcoming new students, new cohorts and new academic opportunities while celebrating recent accolades and the continued growth of the Wesleyan community.
The 2026-27 academic year marks seven decades of preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership and impact. This year, that tradition continues with expanded programs, new students joining the Battling Bishop community and exciting momentum across the university.
A Celebration to Kick Off the Semester
The University officially kicked off the semester Monday with Rock the Mount, NC Wesleyan’s annual campus welcome event sponsored by First Carolina Bank.
More than 80 vendors and campus and community partners gathered on campus to welcome students and help launch the new academic year. The event gave students an opportunity to connect with local organizations, campus resources and one another while celebrating the start of a new semester.
The day also included Welcoming Convocation for the Class of 2030, officially welcoming the University’s newest traditional undergraduate students to the Wesleyan community.
The keynote address was delivered by Jessica D. Harrison, mayor of Zebulon, who challenged the incoming class to think differently about success and the impact they can make during their college years.
“Success isn’t having the perfect GPA. Success isn’t having the perfect résumé. Success isn’t becoming famous,” Harrison told the Class of 2030. “Success is becoming faithful to the person God created you to be. Success is leaving people better than you found them. Success is using your gifts to make someone else’s life a little brighter.”
Harrison encouraged students to focus less on impressing others and more on making a meaningful difference.
“Don’t spend your college years trying to become impressive. Spend them becoming impactful,” she said. “The world already has enough people chasing applause. What it needs are people willing to make a difference.”
She closed her message by reminding students that their Wesleyan experience will ultimately be defined by more than their academic accomplishments.
“Don’t just earn a degree here. Build relationships here. Build memories here. Build character here,” Harrison said. “Because one day, years from now, when someone asks you about North Carolina Wesleyan, I hope you won’t just talk about classes. I hope you’ll talk about the people who believed in you, the moments that changed you and the version of yourself you discovered here.”
A Year of Growth and Momentum
The new academic year arrives as NC Wesleyan celebrates new accolades, continued academic growth and the expansion of programs designed to meet the needs of today’s students and workforce.
The University is welcoming new cohorts across its academic programs, including students beginning their journeys in growing fields and professional programs. These students join a campus community that continues to expand its academic offerings while maintaining its commitment to personalized learning and student success.
NC Wesleyan is also entering its 70th anniversary year with a growing list of accomplishments and recognitions that reflect the University’s commitment to serving students and the broader community.
From new academic programs and partnerships to recognition for excellence across the University, the 2026-27 academic year represents both a celebration of Wesleyan’s history and a look toward its future.
For today’s students, however, the beginning of the semester is about something much more immediate: a new chapter.
For the Class of 2030, it is the beginning of their Wesleyan story. For returning students, it is another opportunity to learn, grow and create memories with the people who make the University home.
And for NC Wesleyan, it is the beginning of the next chapter in a 70-year story of pride, purpose and progress.
Welcome back, Battling Bishops. Here’s to 70 years and everything still to come.
NC Wesleyan Earns 2026–2027 Military Friendly® Designation for 13th Consecutive Year
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School, earning a Silver designation for the 13th consecutive year. The University also earned Gold status as a Military Spouse Friendly® School, reaffirming NCWU’s longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses and their families.
The Military Friendly® Schools designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving military-connected students. More than 3,200 organizations participated in the 2026–2027 Military Friendly® survey and were evaluated using a combination of public data and responses to a proprietary survey.
The evaluation considers an institution’s ability to meet and exceed established benchmarks related to student recruitment and retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement and support services for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. Methodology and criteria are developed in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders within the military community.
“At North Carolina Wesleyan University, we are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and their families,” said Melanie Hudak-Williamson, VA School Certifying Official. “These designations reaffirm our mission to support military-connected students through accessible education, dedicated resources and a community that recognizes and honors their unique experiences.”
The Student Perspective
That commitment is reflected in the experiences of Nicholas and Amelia Hosine ’25, a Bishop couple and U.S. Army veterans who earned their degrees in Organizational Leadership from NCWU in December 2025.
After transferring from Wake Technical Community College, the Hosines found NCWU’s flexible online programs and transfer-friendly pathways to be an ideal fit for balancing their education, careers and family life.
“The transition from military to college life was both challenging and rewarding,” Nicholas said. “NCWU provided a welcoming environment where I felt supported from the moment I applied. The advisors, faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to ensure student veterans are set up for success.”
The Hosines also point to NCWU’s quarterly class schedule as an important part of their experience. The accelerated format helped them remain focused and engaged while steadily progressing toward their degrees.
Their military experience provided a strong foundation in discipline, leadership and perseverance, while their Wesleyan education strengthened their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“The combination of military experience and a Wesleyan education is preparing us for impactful careers where we can lead, support others and continue to grow,” Nicholas said.
For Nicholas, being recognized as a Military Friendly® institution reflects the experience he and Amelia had throughout their time at NCWU.
“I truly believe NCWU deserves this award, and I am proud to be part of a school that values and supports military-affiliated students,” he said. “The support I received throughout the registration process and while working with advisors has been outstanding. Everyone has been helpful, understanding and committed to student success, especially for veterans.”
More than a Badge of Honor
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served,” said Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly®. “These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses; they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”
NC Wesleyan will be featured in the 2026–2027 Guide to Schools® in the April issue of Military Friendly G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.
As NCWU prepares the next generation of leaders, the University remains committed to meeting students where they are — whether in the classroom, online or as they transition from military service to civilian life.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
About Military Friendly ® Schools:
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com
NCWU Alumnus Will Plyler Releases New Album
North Carolina Wesleyan University alumnus Will Plyler (’21) is taking listeners on a journey where faith and science fiction collide with the release of his newest album, Psalms of the Spheres, available July 17.
A 2021 graduate of NCWU’s Music Production program, Plyler now serves full-time as the Worship Arts Minister at The Church at Sandhurst in Florence, South Carolina, where he also leads the church’s songwriting and music production team. His latest project reflects both his creative growth as a musician and his desire to inspire worship through imaginative storytelling.
“I’ve always been fascinated with science fiction, especially anything involving space travel,” Plyler shared. “Some of my favorite movies include Interstellar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and of course, Star Wars. I started wondering whether I could combine my love of sci-fi with my passion for writing worship music.”
That idea became the foundation for Psalms of the Spheres, an album inspired by biblical passages that celebrate God’s creation of the universe, including Psalm 8, Isaiah 40, and Psalm 147. The result is a collection of worship songs that explores the majesty of creation while pointing listeners toward the Creator.
Musically, the album ventures into new territory for Plyler. Featuring orchestral crescendos, ambient soundscapes, experimental synthesizers, and even an audio recording from the Apollo 8 moon mission woven into the opening track, the project embraces a cinematic sound unlike anything he has previously produced.
“Honestly, this is probably my favorite musical project I’ve ever produced,” he said. “The theme of science fiction inspired me to pursue musical avenues I haven’t explored before, and that has been an incredibly rewarding process.”
Among the album’s standout tracks is “IMAGE OF GOD,” a song inspired by the belief that every person possesses inherent dignity and worth.
“It breaks my heart when I see people who claim to love Jesus and yet mistreat those who are different than they are,” Plyler explained. “No matter what someone believes, what they look like, or where they come from, every human being is made in the image of God. The God who created the stars and galaxies is also the God who said each of us is worth dying for.”
The album concludes with “SUPERNATURAL,” a deeply personal reflection on worship as a source of healing and hope.
“I often say that writing worship songs is my therapy,” Plyler said. “When life becomes overwhelming, I sit down with an instrument and write. It’s how I process my thoughts and emotions before God. ‘SUPERNATURAL’ is really a love letter to that process finding peace, freedom, and refuge in the melodies that spill out.”
Plyler credits his time at North Carolina Wesleyan University with helping develop both the technical skills and creative confidence that continue to shape his career in music ministry.
As an alumnus of NCWU’s Music Production program, his success reflects the University’s commitment to preparing students to excel in creative industries while pursuing meaningful careers that make an impact in their communities.
Psalms of the Spheres will be released on July 17 and will be available on major streaming platforms.
School of Mathematics & Sciences Celebrates a Year of Achievement
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s School of Mathematics and Sciences is proud to share highlights from the 2025–2026 academic year—showcasing outstanding student accomplishments, faculty excellence, and dynamic experiential learning opportunities across disciplines.
Encompassing programs in biology, biomedical science, chemistry, environmental science, earth science, mathematics, and physics, the School continues to provide students with rigorous academic training, mentorship, and real-world preparation for future success.
A Community That Goes “Beyond the Textbook”
the unique value of a Wesleyan education—one rooted not just in knowledge but in shared academic experience. Through collaborative learning, faculty mentorship, and hands-on engagement, students gain both intellectual depth and meaningful personal growth.
Honors Convocation Recognizes Academic Excellence
At the April 2, 2026 Honors Convocation, top students were recognized for their academic achievements:
- Biology Award: Benjamin Sellers
- Chemistry Award: Mary Bentley
- American Institute of Chemists Award: Mary Bentley
- Environmental Science Award: Andrea Elaez Miranda
- Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society Inductees:
Cosima Geywitz, Ivy Joy Chelegat, Juan Felipe Gonzalez Leuro, Mary Bentley
Students Shine Through Research and Professional Experiences
NCWU students demonstrated exceptional achievement through research presentations, internships, and national conferences.
- Environmental science students presented original research at the Carolinas SETAC Conference hosted by NC State.
- Andrea Elaez Miranda presented at the Society for Freshwater Science Meeting in Washington, gaining valuable professional insights and networking opportunities.
- Through an NSF GeoPath grant, students engaged with local schools, promoting STEM education in the community.
Notable Student Highlights
- Cosima Geywitz earned the prestigious GlaxoSmithKline Women in Science Scholar Award.
- Mary Bentley achieved remarkable success, including:
- Acceptance into multiple nationally funded research programs
- Internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Over $12,000 in Department of Energy funding
- Multiple research opportunities and publications in progress
- Environmental Science students gained field experience through internships with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, contributing to conservation initiatives statewide.
Student Symposium Highlights Innovation
The annual Student Science Symposium, held April 9, 2026, featured cutting-edge undergraduate research.
Poster Competition Winners:
- Lower-Level: Connor Jones & Daniel Smith
- Upper-Level: Benjamin Sellers & Ayden Harper
Honors Program Milestones
Students in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program completed impactful research projects spanning chemistry and environmental science.
The School also recognized Dr. Bill Yankosky for his extraordinary 18 years of service as Honors Program Director. His leadership fostered strong student mentorship and a thriving academic community.
Faculty Achievements and Leadership
Faculty continued to excel in teaching, research, and service:
- Dr. Brent Dozier was promoted to Professor of Mathematics
- Dr. Emily Weber earned tenure, promotion, and the Excellence in Teaching Award
- Dr. Justin Davis published research through Caltech’s microPublication platform
- Ms. Brittany Al Attabi successfully launched NCWU’s first Regional Science Olympiad, hosting over 300 students
- Dr. Daniel Elías published research, mentored student publications, and led an immersive ecological study abroad experience in Belize
Global and Experiential Learning
Students participated in a transformative field experience in Belize, exploring ecosystems, conservation efforts, and cultural history. This hands-on opportunity reinforced NCWU’s commitment to experiential and global learning.
Building Community Through STEM
The School also hosted engaging campus events, including:
- Science Olympiad Tournament bringing regional students to campus
- Pi Day 2026 celebrations, blending mathematics with campus fun
Looking Ahead
The 2025–2026 academic year reflects the School’s dedication to academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement. With strong student outcomes, innovative research, and passionate faculty, NCWU’s School of Mathematics and Sciences continues to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
Explore more and join our community of scholars. Your journey starts here.
A Legacy of Friendship: New NCWU Endowed Scholarship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix, a permanently restricted endowment created by alumnus Daulton West, Jr. ’72 (listed in official paperwork as Henry D. West, Jr.). The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Martin “Marty” Sarra ’68, while also recognizing the lasting impact of beloved campus figure Rachel T. Dix, longtime namesake of the University bookstore.
This new endowed scholarship reflects what NC Wesleyan is built upon: relationships, tradition, and the deep bonds that form within the Bishop community and last long after graduation.
The scholarship will support junior or senior students of any major, with preference given to students employed in the Rachel T. Dix Bookstore, who demonstrate academic achievement or financial need, and who exhibit strong personal character. Students may be domestic or international. Once the endowment reaches the University’s required minimum funding level, the scholarship will be awarded annually and is renewable in accordance with University guidelines.
“This scholarship is about more than financial support,” said West. “It’s about honoring people who made our lives better and remembering the moments that made Wesleyan feel like home.”
A Homecoming Tradition “Like No Other”
The scholarship’s origin is rooted in a cherished NC Wesleyan Homecoming tradition shared by West and his close friends beginning in the early 1990s. Each year, West reunited with Marty Sarra and Brian Richardson for a weekend filled with Homecoming activities, camaraderie, and the University’s alumni golf tournament. A few years later, Phillip Boone ’70 joined the group, completing the foursome that would continue their tradition for nearly three decades.
One of their most meaningful stops each year wasn’t on the golf course — it was inside the Rachel T. Dix Bookstore.
On Saturday mornings during Homecoming, the friends made it a point to visit the bookstore, pick up new Wesleyan gear, and spend time catching up with “Miss Rachel.” For them, it became one of the most special parts of the weekend.
“Our visits with Rachel were always memorable,” West shared. “We looked forward to seeing Rachel every year, and she looked forward to seeing us too, always welcoming us with open arms, and a big smile on her face.”
Honoring Marty’s Commitment and Character
Marty Sarra’s dedication to this annual tradition was unmatched. In later years, he famously made the long drive from Canada each year to return to Rocky Mount and play in what many know today as the Wesleyan Cup Golf Tournament, simply because the weekend—and the friendships tied to it—meant that much to him.
West said Marty’s presence brought something special to everyone around him.
“Marty was a dear friend for life,” West said. “All our lives were better because he came our way.”
A Scholarship Rooted in Service and Memory
By centering the scholarship around students who work in the bookstore, West hopes to honor Rachel Dix’s spirit of kindness and connection, while also supporting today’s students who balance employment with academic responsibility.
The Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix will be invested as part of NCWU’s permanently restricted endowment and awarded in perpetuity. In accordance with University policy, the scholarship will be awarded once the fund meets the required minimum endowment level. Annual scholarship amounts will follow NC Wesleyan’s endowment payout guidelines.
A Call to Celebrate Bishop Friendships
NC Wesleyan hopes this scholarship will inspire alumni and friends to reflect on the people who shaped their college experience—and to consider honoring those memories through giving.
This new scholarship serves as a reminder that the Wesleyan experience does not end at graduation. It continues through friendships, traditions, and the people who make the campus feel like home.
Those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, or establishing an endowed scholarship of their own, are encouraged to contact the NC Wesleyan Office of Advancement.
To learn more about giving opportunities at NCWU, visit ncwu.edu/give.
NCWU Celebrates 2026 Commencement
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated the accomplishments of more than 360 graduates during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The ceremony marked the University’s 86th graduating class and welcomed more than 2,000 attendees, including graduates, faculty, platform party members, and guests.
The ceremony opened with an invocation by University Chaplain Rev. Edwin Ferguson, followed by a performance of the national anthem by NCWU alumna Latisha Scott ’06.
NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff welcomed graduates and guests, congratulating the Class of 2026 and emphasizing the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.
“Your degree is provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good and individuals who care about others,” Duff said. “As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world.”
Keynote Address
The Commencement address was delivered by Jessica Daniels Harrison ’10, a proud NCWU alumna and public servant currently serving as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon. Harrison made history as the first woman elected mayor of Zebulon. She was appointed to the town’s Board of Commissioners in February 2022, elected as a commissioner in November 2023, and later elected mayor in November 2025.
Harrison encouraged graduates to recognize their accomplishments and the perseverance that brought them to Commencement Day.
“Today is a day of celebration. A day of reflection. And a day of crossing over,” Harrison said. “Graduates—today, you didn’t just complete a program… you proved something to yourself. And I stand here not just as your commencement speaker… but as someone who once sat exactly where you are.”
Harrison challenged graduates to become “catalysts” for change, reminding them that success is strengthened through community and connection. She urged the Class of 2026 to advocate for others, reach back to support those following behind them, and remain connected to their purpose and their NCWU community.
Awards & Honors
Following the keynote address, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Lane presented the Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Emily Weber, Associate Professor of Biology, recognizing outstanding commitment to student learning, civility, value-centered education, and service to both students and the broader community.
Several student honors were also presented during the ceremony. Jillian Alexis Stone received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies strong character, leadership, service, and commitment to spiritual values.
The President’s Cup Award was presented to Emily Foraker, honoring a senior who demonstrates the highest standards of academic achievement and the qualities considered most desirable in a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Upon recommendation of the Honorary Degree Committee and approval of the NCWU Board of Trustees, Harrison was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her leadership and service.
The ceremony included a special tribute honoring Joshua Gregory Moore, who passed away on April 9, 2022. Moore was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Information Systems. University officials recognized his resilience, compassion, and servant leadership, honoring his memory and the impact he made on those around him.
For those unable to attend in person, the event was livestreamed and recorded. The full Commencement ceremony is available for viewing at ncwu.edu.
Photos from commencement can be found here: https://gradphotos.ncwc.edu/.
University Celebrates 2026 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC – April 2, 2026 – North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Mathematics.
- School of Business & Professional Studies: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Health Sciences: Recognized excellence in fields like Exercise Science, Nursing, Public Health, Sports Science and more.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To view entire 2026 honors list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
NCWU Alumnus Releases New Single
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce that alumnus Jackson Nethercutt ’23 has released his latest single, “These Illustrations,” which debuted March 28. The song is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and iTunes.
Following his graduation from Wesleyan in 2023, Nethercutt moved to Salt Lake City for a yearlong internship at the University of Utah. After completing the experience, he returned to North Carolina and began a new chapter as an elementary school music teacher near Wilmington in 2024. While the transition brought exciting opportunities, it also came with significant personal and professional adjustments.
“These Illustrations tells the story of how a relationship formed and blossomed from a friendship to a romance,” said Nethercutt. “It became an irreplicable interconnectedness created by shared hardship.”
Nethercutt shared that the first half of the song reflects his internal conflict about allowing love into his life during a time when he already felt emotionally overwhelmed. As the song progresses, it shifts toward the peace and warmth he found through the relationship, ultimately capturing the exhilaration of falling in love while navigating a difficult season of life.
In addition to its personal meaning, Nethercutt noted that the song was also his most challenging production project to date. With its extended length and complex structure, including key and time signature changes, the recording process required significant time and attention to detail. Nethercutt wrote, performed, recorded, and produced the track entirely on his own from his apartment studio.
“I did a lot of experimenting with things like unique vocal harmonies, layering eight different acoustic guitar parts in the chorus, and having two bass lines going back and forth at each other in the hook,” he explained.
Nethercutt credits his experience in NCWU’s Music Production (MUP) program for preparing him to independently produce music at a professional level. He also expressed gratitude to Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records, who helped him develop key recording and mixing skills, as well as songwriting abilities through courses such as Music Theory and History of Popular Music.
“I gained a lot of skill and experience in the MUP program at Wesleyan that allows me to be able to do it all myself instead of having to pay someone else to do it for me,” said Nethercutt.
“These Illustrations” is Nethercutt’s second release under his stage name Kneethercute, a nickname stemming from a mispronunciation of his last name that has followed him since high school. He has also released music collaboratively under the name Camp Runaway.
Looking ahead, Nethercutt is currently working on his next musical project, expected later this summer, as well as a new YouTube channel titled “A Human Adventure,” which will document his life and music in an authentic and personal way.
Fans can follow Nethercutt on social media @kneethercute to stay updated on future releases.
NCWU congratulates Jackson Nethercutt on this exciting new release and proudly celebrates the continued achievements of its alumni in the music and production industries.
First Year to Doctoral Success
One of life’s most challenging questions is, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” For many, the answer is not only about choosing a path, but also understanding the steps, time, and dedication required to achieve it—while still finding joy in the journey and a community that supports you along the way.
At North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), that sense of community is at the heart of the student experience. From the first campus visit to graduation and beyond, students are surrounded by mentors, faculty, and peers who are deeply invested in their success—personally and professionally.
For Dr. Caitlin Brabblerose ’18, that support system proved transformative. A double major graduate in Biology and Environmental Science, Brabblerose recently reached a significant milestone: successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Her journey is a testament to the power of personalized education and meaningful mentorship.
“Wesleyan provided me with such a unique undergraduate experience that prepared me in ways I never anticipated for graduate school,” said Brabblerose.
Post-Undergrad Applied Learning Experience
After graduating in 2018, Brabblerose began her career as a Laboratory Technologist with LabCorp, working in Genomics and Toxicology. She later pursued her Master of Science in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, eventually continuing into the Ph.D. program, where she spent more than five years studying the biological rhythms of intertidal organisms.
Her dissertation, Entrainment of Biological Rhythms in Fiddler Crab Embryos and Larvae, explored the complex internal clocks that guide these organisms, including circadian and circatidal rhythms. Through behavioral, molecular, and chemical research, her work contributes to a longstanding body of scientific knowledge dating back more than a century.
Reflection and Relationships
While her research is impressive, Brabblerose credits much of her success to the foundation built at Wesleyan. She explained that the small class sizes created high expectations, and her professors consistently pushed her to work harder and achieve more. The writing‑intensive courses prepared her for the reality that science involves communication as much as discovery.
She encourages students to take advantage of small class sizes and to get to know their professors, noting that they are the ones who will advocate for students, write recommendation letters, and continue to offer support long after graduation.
Her experience in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program further mirrored the demands of graduate school, culminating in an undergraduate thesis defense that foreshadowed her doctoral journey.
That support came full circle when several of her former professors attended her dissertation defense—a moment Brabblerose describes as both meaningful and surreal. She shared that having the same professors who supported her honors thesis being present at her Ph.D. completion made the experience feel complete, as though everything had come full circle.
What’s next?
Now, as she looks ahead, Brabblerose plans to continue her journey in academia, pursuing postdoctoral opportunities with the long-term goal of becoming a principal investigator. She hopes to combine her passions for research, teaching, and outreach to inspire future generations. Caitlin’s goal is to give back to students the same way her professors gave and to share her story as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone—it is built through community, mentorship, and the willingness to embrace every step of the journey.
At NCWU, that journey doesn’t end at graduation. It continues to be shaped by relationships, fueled by opportunity, and celebrated through the accomplishments of its alumni.
