ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NCWU’s Board of Trustees recently voted to name the future Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Stadium Press Box in honor of Marion Barnes’ family. Barnes’ father, Guy Barnes, was one of the original founders of NC Wesleyan. The Marion Barnes Family Press Box will kick off Phase II of NC Wesleyan’s Sports Stadium Campaign.
Marion Barnes is the owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, NC directly adjacent to Wesleyan’s new stadium. NCWU recognizes the many and longstanding efforts of Mr. Barnes, including years of dedicated service and personal contributions to the University, as well as additional gifts to the Sports Stadium fundraising efforts. To date, he has single-handedly raised over $2 million towards construction of the stadium.
“Marion’s love for Wesleyan and his belief in the ability to shape students’ lives through athletics remains evident in his personal commitments, as well as the tenacity in which he has led the fundraising effort for the stadium. He and his family’s dedication to education in Rocky Mount, specifically at Wesleyan, will forever be one of their family’s legacies,” stated Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics.
Phase I of the Sports Stadium Campaign was unveiled this April when Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. presented a $1 million check. Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium consists of a new turf field, lighting and additional parking. As funding allows, additional phases will include permanent seating, scoreboards and a new fieldhouse. The new fieldhouse will contain an athletic training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices. Others who are interested in helping with Phase II of the campaign can contact Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics, at adenton@ncwu.edu.
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. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for NCWU’s New Outdoor Classroom
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Today, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom. In December 2020, NC Wesleyan announced plans for construction of this unique learning environment, made possible by a generous gift from the Barnes family.
The new outdoor classroom is located at the front of main campus near the Braswell Administration Building. This newly developed space offers students a fun, safe, educational experience which expands their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The three row, brick amphitheater-style classroom seats approximately 20 to 25 students and consists of lighting, power ports and the capability for an outdoor projector.
“The addition of the new outdoor classroom to our campus has been well received. Faculty members have enjoyed having a new venue for teaching and our students have found it attractive for more than just classroom studies. They’ve also used it for club meetings, bible studies and a place to gather with friends. Thanks to the Barnes family, this gift has quickly made a positive impact on Wesleyan’s campus,” said Mark Hinson, Senior Executive for Philanthropic Engagement.
Marvin Barnes, a Rocky Mount native, and his wife, Cynthia, have been active in the North Carolina Methodist Church Conference for over half a century. Mr. Barnes grew up attending First United Methodist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, where he participated in all forms of worship.
Like many of the recent projects at NC Wesleyan, this space was completely donor-funded through the Barnes’ gift. Their new Family Fare Convenience Store is located just down the road from North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
NC Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program Earns High Accolades
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Two recent graduates of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Program have earned First-Year Teacher of the Year awards from Nash County Public Schools. Zack Foster, a spring 2021 graduate, teaches English at Southern Nash High School and Jackie Webb, a fall 2021 graduate, is a Mathematics teacher at Northern Nash High School.
“These students are representative of the quality instruction one receives in Teacher Education at North Carolina Wesleyan University. While we are excited about their individual successes as practitioners, we were not surprised that they had achieved the distinction of First-Year Teacher of the Year at their respective schools,” stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NC Wesleyan’s Director of Teacher Education.
In addition to these awards, the College has also seen great achievement within its award-winning Students Helping Students Afterschool Program. Led by Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWC 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 resources to K-12 children with learning differences in Nash County Public Schools. Since its inception in 2015, the program has received statewide recognition. The program was designed for NCWC education students to provide individualized instruction in math and reading once a week. Additionally, the program provides parent advocacy training. Dr. Brewer conducts weekly sessions for parents of participating K-12 children on how to navigate and advocate services for their children.
Each year, the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (NC CEC) celebrates and recognizes youth with disabilities who demonstrate progress and achievements in nine categories: academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent living skills, self-advocacy and technology. On February 26, 2022 at the upcoming 35th NC CEC Annual Conference, two students mentored by the Students Helping Students program will receive the statewide Yes I Can! Award. Bryson Worsley, a seventh grader at W.A. Pattillo Middle School, will be receiving the Yes I Can! Award for academics. Jordan Contreras, a seventh grader at Nash Everywhere Digital Academy (NEDA), will be receiving the Yes I Can! Award for technology. To date, a total of four recipients from the afterschool program have received the distinguished Yes I Can! Award.
“Much gratitude extends to NCWC’s Teacher Education students and the parents for their tireless efforts to embrace learning differences, explore instructional research-based strategies and advocate for services in the schools. It’s a humbling experience to monitor the growth and development of our pre-service education students,” stated Dr. Brewer.
The Yes I Can! International Awards Program was established in 1981 to celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to encourage children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential; and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities.
Olympic Gold Medalist Lined Up as NCWC Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Daniel Erwin “Dan” Jansen is set to address the newest class of North Carolina Wesleyan alumni at the College’s upcoming Spring 2022 Commencement. He is a retired American speed skater and Olympic gold medalist. A multiple world champion in sprint, Jansen won a gold medal in his final race (1,000 meters) in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
Jansen became the World Sprint Champion in 1988 and then competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics in the 500- and 1,000-meter races. In the early hours of February 14, the day of the 500-meter event, Jansen was informed that his 27-year-old sister, Mrs. Jane Marie Beres, was dying of leukemia. Hours later, Jansen was notified his sister had passed. He went on to compete in the 500-meter race that afternoon, but fell in the first turn. Four days later in the 1,000-meter event, he began with record-breaking speed but fell again, just past the 800-meter mark. He left the 1988 Olympics with no medals, but became the recipient of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award for his valiant efforts.
In 1993, Jansen set a world record in the 500-meter event and was cast as a favorite to win gold at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Between the 1992 and 1994 Olympics, Jansen was the only skater to break 36 seconds in the 500 meters, doing so four times. In 1994, Jansen won his second World Sprint Championship title.
At the 1994 Winter Olympics he finished eighth in the 500-meter event. In preparation for the 1,000-meter event, he was coached by Peter Mueller, who won the same event in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Jansen defied expectations, finishing first to win the only Olympic medal of his career, setting a new world record in the process. He received the 1994 James E. Sullivan Award and was chosen by his fellow Olympians to bear the U.S. flag at the closing ceremony of the 1994 Winter Olympics. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.
“As a longtime North Carolina resident, it is an honor to join the North Carolina Wesleyan University Class of 2022 as they mark this special occasion and embark on the next chapter of their lives. I look forward to sharing my story with them and reinforcing the ideals of perseverance and determination, while equipping them with the tools to overcome any challenges thrown their way,” stated Jansen. “My journey of sacrifice is an excellent illustration of never giving up on your dreams; a vital lesson to today’s young aspiring professionals.”
In memory of his sister, Jane, The Dan Jansen Foundation was established in 1995 to help individuals and families affected by leukemia and related cancers, support youth sports programs and assist high school seniors in the pursuit of higher education. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $900,000 to charitable causes.
“Dan Jansen’s journey demonstrates tenacity, unwavering dedication, a superior work ethic, discipline and a solid understanding that success comes from sacrifice,” stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan D. Duff. “I look forward to Dan’s message to our graduates who are at different points in their life. Many of them will be looking to attain their first job, while others are seasoned practitioners in their career. What they all have in common is that they will inevitably face that “next challenge” in life. I anticipate that Dan will share his wisdom on overcoming any challenge in life.”
The College’s Spring Commencement is planned for Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The time and location are subject to change based on current state and federal guidelines.
NCWC Announces the Addition of Five New Board Members
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees has approved five new board members to join the Wesleyan family: Lisa S. Barnes, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr., Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, USA (Ret.), Harry Bynum and Beth B. Covolo. They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and join 21 others that serve on the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Dan Crocker.
“I commend the current members of the Board of Trustees in identifying and adding these exceptional individuals. Each of them will add greatly to the strength of the Board and they will contribute tremendously to the continued progress of the school,” stated Dr. Crocker.
Lisa S. Barnes, a Nash County native, is currently serving District 11 in the North Carolina Senate representing Nash and Johnston counties. She is a member of the Education, Healthcare and Agriculture Energy, and the Environment Committees. A graduate of Peace College and North Carolina State University, she began her career as a real estate paralegal. Today, she works alongside her husband, Johnny, in agribusiness. Lisa has also served in the NC House of Representatives and on the Nash County Board of Commissioners. Lisa and Johnny have three adult children—Bethany, Joshua and Jacy—and are members of Ridgecrest Worship Center. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and paddle boarding.
Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 1980 graduate of NC Wesleyan and a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. As a Battling Bishops tennis player, he enjoyed a solid four-year career that saw him become one of the most decorated athletes in the program’s history. A three-time Most Valuable Player from 1978 to 1980, Vernon was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 as the first NC Wesleyan player to earn Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. After his time on the court at NC Wesleyan, he played professional tennis for three years. The Halifax, NC native has since enjoyed a successful career in real estate and frequently returns to campus to support and encourage current student-athletes. Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is the namesake of several campus landmarks, including the sports complex, residence hall and lobby, among others. His commitment and dedication to North Carolina Wesleyan University is evident throughout campus. He is the highest individual donor in NC Wesleyan’s history.
Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray completed over three decades of service in the United States Army, demonstrating professional leadership skills in strategic communications, combat operations, foreign affairs and effective modernization in support of the Department of Defense and National Interests. He is now an independent consultant and owner of ANGB Consulting, LLC. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College and a Bachelor of Science in Art from the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from North Carolina Wesleyan University. A lifelong learner, he has executive training from UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School and Administrative Management from Central Michigan University.
Harry Bynum is the President of SE&M Constructors, a full-service electrical and mechanical contractor based in Elm City, NC. He is a licensed electrical, mechanical and general contractor in North Carolina and received a Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1976. He has served on the boards of United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of The Tar River Region, The Salvation Army, Rocky Mount Industrial Organization, Citizens Savings Bank, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest University Alumni Association. Harry has three sons — Zack, Alex and Charlie— along with two step children, Jimmy Keel and Margie Gately. He and his wife, Melissa, also have six grandchildren.
Beth B. Covolo is the Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA). She was also the Director of Development and Head of Lower School at RMA from 2005-2011. Prior to her time at RMA, Beth served in Nash County Public Schools for fifteen years. She is currently a trustee for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, as well as President of the Carolina Independent Conference. Beth holds a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and is the mother of three children.
“I am excited to welcome this talented group of professionals to the Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds and work experiences will add value to help us achieve the mission of the College,” stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan. D. Duff. The wide range of skills and expertise that these individuals hold will serve as a valuable asset to the current Board of Trustees. They will serve on the Board until May 31, 2025.
The Dunn Center to Host Methodist Bishop
Due to expected inclement weather, this event will be held virtually. To view, CLICK HERE.
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –The Dunn Center will host Reverend Leonard Fairley, Resident Bishop of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (NCCUMC) on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Fairley will be the guest preacher for an area wide worship service, a joint celebration held by North Carolina Wesleyan University and the United Methodist churches in and around Rocky Mount.
He became Resident Bishop of NCCUMC in September 2021, after serving the North Carolina Conference since 1984. Prior to becoming Resident Bishop, his last appointment in North Carolina was for the Capital District, NCCUMC’s largest district, as the District Superintendent. He was then elected by the delegates of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and appointed as Bishop of the Kentucky Conference in 2016.
“The Wesleyan community is honored to host Bishop Fairley and our area UMC pastors for this special service on our campus. We exist today because of our founders and the NC Methodist Conference. I could not be more excited to have this event in The Dunn Center,” stated NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Bishop Fairley graduated from Pfeiffer College and Duke University’s School of Divinity. He served at St. Peters in Hamlet and Soapstone in Raleigh before becoming the Rockingham District Superintendent. After serving as a District Superintendent for seven years, he returned to the local church in 2012 as Lead Pastor at Saint Francis in Cary, NC.
During the service, Bishop Fairley will welcome Dr. Jung Choi, Senior Director of Wesleyan Formation Initiatives at Duke Divinity School, and acknowledge the partnership that NC Wesleyan has with the school. NC Wesleyan announced in late 2021 that they had signed an agreement with Duke Divinity School to offer NCWC students an accelerated pathway to pastoral leadership. This agreement allows NC Wesleyan students to dual enroll at both institutions during their junior and senior years and work toward the completion of requirements for a Hybrid Master of Divinity (MDiv-H) or Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP) degree.
Bishop Fairley, a pastor, poet and man of deep, quiet faith, often shares his story of being born into poverty and from “the wrong side of town.” “There were times when I didn’t have food,” he remembers. “There were tables that I knew I was not invited to. But there was always room at God’s table… I always knew that at this table there was always enough, that I was always welcome.”
He and his wife, Dawn, currently split their time between Kentucky and North Carolina.
The service is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments.
To view the virtual event, CLICK HERE.
NC Wesleyan Surpasses Annual Fall Fundraising Goal
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Monday, October 25 concluded The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s annual fall fundraiser. The College set a goal of $280,000. Due to the generous support from donors, NCWC surpassed this by over $100,000.
“We received gifts both big and small. Each gift, no matter the size, positively impacts our students to help them reach their potential and meet personal, career and life goals,” stated Mark Hinson, Director of Annual Giving. “Donor funding assists NC Wesleyan to excel in its mission. We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement.”
The campaign raised monies for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more. Donors consisted of faculty, staff, alumni, the College’s Board of Trustees, local organizations and community members. The campaign kicked off strong with check presentations from First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. To support the new Sports Stadium Project, First Carolina Bank presented the College with $25,000. The College also received $24,000 donated by Jane Gravely ’74 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. To learn more about The Wesleyan Promise Campaign and ways you can support NC Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu/give.
NCWC Alum and Musician Produces Christmas Album
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Will Plyler ’21, a graduate of NC Wesleyan University’s Entertainment Arts Music Production program, will soon release his first Christmas album. The new album, Once Upon a Silent Night, will be available on all streaming platforms beginning November 19, 2021.
The album will contain original Christmas songs and new arrangements of classic carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and more. Those interested in purchasing the CD can do so by sending an email directly to wpmusicofficial@gmail.com.
“I am very excited to be releasing my first Christmas album this November! I recorded and produced this entire project from my home studio in Goldsboro, North Carolina,” expressed Plyler. “I owe the ability to make my own music and the knowledge I gained pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Music Production to NC Wesleyan University. My education truly prepared me to pursue my life dream of making music.”
An avid instrumentalist, Plyler played all the instruments on his album except for drums, which were played by his brother, Bentley. Plyler’s wife, Kaitlyn, also a Wesleyan alum, sang vocals on the album along with Abby Patterson.
“Will is one of our dynamic recent graduates in music production and is doing great things in his community and in the world of music. We are all proud of what Will has accomplished, both during his time here at Wesleyan and in his professional career, and are looking forward to his newest release, Once Upon A Silent Night,” noted Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at NC Wesleyan University.
Since graduating from NC Wesleyan University, Plyler has served as Creative Arts Pastor at The Bridge in Mount Olive, North Carolina. He also produces and teaches music at Triple-Knot Studios. To listen to more from Will Plyler, follow him on Facebook and Instagram at @wpmusicofficial.
NCWC Homecoming Returns
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will kick off its Homecoming week festivities on Monday, October 4 leading up to the Bishops’ football game against Greensboro College on Saturday, October 9. For the second time, the Battling Bishops will play their Homecoming game on-campus at the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Football Field, after first doing so in 2019.
Throughout the week, many activities will take place both on-campus and throughout the community for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. There will also be opportunities to cheer on men’s and women’s soccer, as well as baseball. An alumni football game is scheduled for Friday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. on the field adjacent to the Gateway Technology Center (GTC), located at the front of campus.
Saturday, tailgating will begin at 9:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., the College will be dedicating a plaque recognizing and honoring alumni who served in harm’s way during the Vietnam War. This will be an addition to the existing Vietnam Memorial Courts at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center. Also at 10:00 a.m., the Alumni & Kid Zone opens at the football field or catch the alumni softball game at Edge Field. A chili cook-off will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Homecoming golf cart parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Kickoff against Greensboro College is at noon and alumni plan to round out the day at The Rocky Mount Mills from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
For a full list of activities, times and locations, visit ncwu.edu/homecoming or the NCWC Homecoming 2021 event on Facebook. Individual tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are $5 for adults (18+), $3 for ages 12-18 and FREE for all under age 12. Alumni Homecoming Packets can be purchased online for $35 and include a game ticket, t-shirt, parking pass, bookstore discount and a list of Community Partner discounts.
NC Wesleyan Kicks Off Annual Fall Fundraising Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University launched their annual fall fundraiser, The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, on Monday, September 27 at a kickoff breakfast in The Dunn Center. This campaign seeks vitally important support for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more.
To help usher in the campaign, two highlights of the event included check presentations by First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. Lank Dunton, First Carolina Bank’s Market Executive for the Rocky Mount Area, presented the College with $25,000 to support the Sports Stadium Project. First Carolina Bank has been a banking partner with NC Wesleyan and is a strong supporter of the Sports Stadium Project and other ongoing efforts at the College. Jane Gravely ’74 donated $24,000 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. She is a current NC Wesleyan Board of Visitors member and fan of the arts.
“We are so grateful for the support this community shows the College. For 65 years we’ve been serving not only our students, but the community as well. That partnership, from its beginning to today, has been mutually beneficial,” stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement. “As NC Wesleyan continues to grow and thrive, so will the opportunities we offer back to the area through the arts, academic excellence, quality athletics, entertainment and volunteer support. Regardless of the size, we are grateful for all gifts of support during this campaign.”
The College has set a goal of raising $280,000 by October 25. Those who are interested in supporting this campaign can give securely online at ncwu.edu/donate or by calling 252.985.5581.
