ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University congratulates Drs. Carl and Jackie Lewis, as well as Dr. Brittany Bass for being the first recipients of its Wesleyan Service Award. Any full-time employee may be nominated in recognition for consistently demonstrating outstanding service to the College or community that is above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Since March of this year, Dr. Jackie Lewis, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, and Dr. Carl Lewis, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, have been sewing and distributing PPE (masks and cart handle covers) to members of the Wesleyan community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On almost a weekly basis, they have delivered these supplies to the College for faculty, staff and students to pick up for personal use. They also contributed to Dr. Brittany Bass’s campaign this spring for PPE collections for local healthcare providers. Dr. Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program, was able to collect and distribute over 500 masks to these providers.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University implemented this service award opportunity in late 2019. Over the last nine years, I have witnessed the generosity and servant leadership activities of our faculty and staff. It was time for them to be recognized for their efforts and being recommended by their peers is an added bonus,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. All Wesleyan Service Award recipients will be recognized at the College’s annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. Wesleyan Service Award nominations can be submitted by the public. If you have worked or volunteered with a Wesleyan employee and would like to nominate that person for going above and beyond, visit NCWC Service Award.
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.
2020 Brings New Vision for NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Over the past year, North Carolina Wesleyan University has been in the process of developing a new Strategic Plan. The plan, recently approved by the College’s Board of Trustees, will drive the institution’s priorities, focus efforts and set goals for the next five years.
Credo, an independent higher education consultant, worked with the College’s Executive Planning Team and President Dr. Evan D. Duff to discuss the contours and timeline for the planning process. The College wanted to develop a planning process through which it could have meaningful input from all constituencies and members of the community. So in December, Wesleyan held a Community Day and Christmas lunch where all faculty and staff were invited to participate in a college-wide planning workshop hosted by Credo. This allowed employees to come together and provide their thoughts and input about NC Wesleyan’s future.
“Working with Credo and the entire Wesleyan community to develop our new vision and core values has been an inspirational experience. To see how much our students, faculty, staff and Board care about the College demonstrates our commitment to make North Carolina Wesleyan University a place where students can learn about the world, grow their skillsets and develop meaningful relationships,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
From this feedback, the College established its new Vision and Core Values:
Vision Statement
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, we provide students with opportunities to make meaningful connections and learn through innovative teaching approaches. The distinctive Wesleyan experience equips our graduates to make a positive impact on the world.
Core Values
- Knowledge & Understanding
- Integrity & Accountability
- Patience & Respect
- Kindness & Empathy
This new Vision and Core Values will help propel Wesleyan to the next level in the new decade as the College continues to build upon its academic offerings, infrastructure and community relations.
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.
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.
Wesleyan Alum Makes On-Campus Football Possible for 2020 Season
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is thrilled to announce that all home football games are scheduled to be played on campus for the 2020 season due to a generous donation from alumnus, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. The College recently received Bradley’s gift of $150,000 to be used for bleachers, a scoreboard and other signage.
NC Wesleyan saw great success last fall with its first-ever on-campus football game for homecoming on the Vernon T. Bradley Jr. football practice field. A 1980 graduate of Wesleyan, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and the 2016-2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. As a tennis player at Wesleyan, 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, Bradley was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 when he earned Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. Once again, being the first Wesleyan player to achieve such honors.
Bradley has remained an avid supporter of NC Wesleyan over the years and has enjoyed a successful career in real estate. “Vernon T. Bradley Jr. continues to be a leader in many ways and among individual donors, Vernon is our #1 donor, giving more than any other individual in the history of the College”, stated President Duff.
“I am so excited that the opportunity our campus and community enjoyed last year with our first-ever on-campus football game will be expanded by Vernon’s consistent and overwhelming support of the College. The impact on our student-athletes and campus community cannot be overstated,” stated Aaron Denton, Director of Athletics.
The namesake of several campus landmarks, including the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Complex, Residence Hall, Football Practice Field, Field House and Lobby, his commitment and dedication to North Carolina Wesleyan University is evident in his accomplishments both on and off the court.
Wesleyan Senior To Nationally Represent Eastern NC Democrats
Catherine Leake, a senior political science major, has been selected to represent North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District as a delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention! This is a great honor, as there are only about 4,000 delegates selected nationwide.
