North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) will serve as host site for the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds this weekend, welcoming some of the nation’s top programs to Rocky Mount for a high-stakes postseason competition.
The tournament will take place Friday through Sunday, May 8–11, with teams arriving on campus Thursday for practice sessions. The championship format features team competition, with both singles and doubles matches contributing to the overall team score.
NC Wesleyan will be one of six teams competing in the tournament, along with Albright College, Stevens Institute of Technology, Penn State Harrisburg, Emory University, and Johns Hopkins University.
“Being selected to host an NCAA postseason competition reflects positively on NC Wesleyan’s facilities, operations, and overall commitment to providing a high-quality student-athlete experience,” said Madison Morrison, Assistant Athletic Director. “It speaks to the trust the NCAA has in our ability to execute a championship-level event.”
Hosting responsibilities involve extensive planning and campus collaboration. From preparing facilities to coordinating travel and accommodations for teams and officials, the event requires alignment across athletics staff, facilities teams, and multiple campus partners.
“There is extensive coordination involved, including facility preparation, team and officials’ travel and accommodations, scheduling, compliance with NCAA championship protocols, and ensuring a strong game-day environment,” Morrison said. “It is a collaborative effort across athletics, facilities, and campus partners.”
Tennis Head Coach Albie Brice highlighted the tradition NC Wesleyan tennis has built in recent years and the significance of being selected once again as a regional host site.
“The Men’s and Women’s programs have established a tradition of excellence through unwavering dedication and hard work both on and off the court,” Brice said. “This marks the third time the Men’s Team has been chosen as an NCAA Regional Host since 2021, while the Women’s Team has hosted twice since then. In the past six years, NCWU has hosted five NCAA Regionals, showcasing its commitment to nurturing top-tier tennis talent.”
Brice also emphasized the competitive level of the tournament field and the opportunity for the weekend to produce memorable postseason moments.
“We anticipate an exceptional tennis tournament this weekend featuring some of the nation’s finest teams,” Brice said. “This regional is expected to be highly competitive, and the victorious team will undoubtedly receive a prestigious accolade to enhance its program’s illustrious history.”
“North Carolina Wesleyan is proud to welcome NCAA postseason competition to our campus,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Hosting the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds reflects the excellence of our athletic programs and the dedication of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes. We invite the community to join us in celebrating this exciting opportunity and supporting our Battling Bishops.”
Fans are encouraged to attend matches and help create an energetic environment as NC Wesleyan takes the national stage in NCAA postseason play.
“Attending matches, creating an energetic and respectful environment, and helping us showcase the hospitality NC Wesleyan is known for all go a long way,” Morrison added.
Championship Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday, May 8
10:00 a.m. – Stevens vs. Penn State Harrisburg (Match 1)
2:00 p.m. – NC Wesleyan vs. Albright (Match 2)
Saturday, May 9
10:00 a.m. – Emory vs. Winner of Match 1 (Match 3)
2:00 p.m. – Johns Hopkins vs. Winner of Match 2 (Match 4)
Sunday, May 11
12:00 p.m. – Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4 (Match 5)
Event Details
Event: NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds (First, Second, Third Rounds)
Location: North Carolina Wesleyan University (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Dates: May 8–11, 2026
Teams Competing: NC Wesleyan, Albright, Stevens, Penn State Harrisburg, Emory, Johns Hopkins
Format: Team competition including singles and doubles matches
Other Bishops Competing
In addition to hosting the NCAA Men’s Tennis preliminary rounds, NC Wesleyan Women’s Tennis will begin NCAA Tournament play on Thursday, May 7, traveling to Emory University for a first-round matchup against Asbury University at 10:00 a.m. The NC Wesleyan Softball team will also continue postseason competition this weekend, competing in the USA South Conference Championship Series beginning Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Pfeiffer University.
All matches and games will be streamed live through the NC Wesleyan athletics website at ncwsports.com
NCWU Grad Hits Home Run with Internship Mentorship!
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to highlight the power of experiential learning and alumni engagement through a unique internship opportunity connecting a current student-athlete with a Bishop alumna working in professional sports.
NC Wesleyan student Brooklynn Covic, a communications major and member of the Bishops Volleyball team, gained hands-on experience this past summer as a Creative Video Intern with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Covic’s internship was guided by Callie Cline, a North Carolina Wesleyan alumna and the Grasshoppers’ Manager of Social Media and Media Services.
Covic’s journey began on campus, where she works as a student assistant with NC Wesleyan Athletics, creating social media content and graphics to promote Bishop athletic programs. That foundational experience helped prepare her for the professional sports environment she now navigates daily.
“I really hope to bring these skills back to our athletic department to continue capturing and celebrating our student-athletes,” Covic said. “This internship has allowed me to grow creatively and professionally while seeing how the skills I’ve learned at NC Wesleyan translate to the real world.”
For Cline, the opportunity to mentor a current Bishop is both personal and purposeful. As a former NC Wesleyan volleyball student-athlete and multimedia intern, she understands the impact early professional experience can have on a student’s career trajectory.
“I wish I would have started sooner and prioritized internships and experience earlier,” Cline said. “Being able to give back and help a current student see what’s possible is incredibly rewarding. NC Wesleyan helped lay the foundation for my career, and it’s exciting to be part of that process for someone else.”
This internship reflects NC Wesleyan’s commitment to hands-on learning, career readiness, and fostering meaningful alumni connections. By creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, the university continues to prepare students for success in competitive professional fields.
For more information about internship opportunities and experiential learning at North Carolina Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu.
WESmagazine Edition Released
WESmagazine includes articles featuring areas of academics, student life, athletics and advancement. You’ll get a glance at the growing campus and thriving community. WESmagazine is published twice per year by the Office of Marketing & Communication along with The Advancement Office at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
See what some of our Alumni are up in Alumni Class Notes and enjoy many featured articles such as:
- The Pulse of Progress: Expanding Nursing at NCWU
- Wesleyan Launches “The Deep End” Podcast
- Beyond the Classroom: A Decade of Difference
- Faculty & Staff Spotlight – Dr. Gail Marsal
- Hartness Student Center Upgrades
- Club Highlight – The Bishop Billiards Club
- NCWU Student Spotlight – Andy Rizzo
- Student Life
- Legacy of Leadership, John Brackett, Beyond the Spotlight Legacy Achievement Award
- Bishop Coach Spotlight – Albie Brice
- Spirit on the Rise: Cheer & Dance finish 2nd place at the 2025 NCA College Nationals
- Empowering Communities, Fueling Futures: Economic Impact Study
- A Heart That Never Retired: Rachel T. Dix.
- The Voice of Wesleyan: Latisha Scott ’06
- Inaugural Battling Bishops Brunch
- Alumni Champion Spotlight – Felicia Pierce-Daniel
Learn more about publication and give us your feedback >
A Day for Wesleyan Giving Campaign- March 25th
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On March 25, 2025, friends and alumni of NC Wesleyan will have an opportunity to show their Bishop Pride and support the University during its six annual, 24-hour day of giving campaign, A Day for Wesleyan
WHAT IS A DAY FOR WESLEYAN?
This is a day when all NC Wesleyan University supporters, particularly alumni, celebrate the University through donations to support its vision and its students. In a short period of time, donors to the campaign can help advance the educational experiences for all students, help invest in new technologies for learning, create more scholarship opportunities, allow students to grow into their purpose, and help build Wesleyan’s future in the region.
“The A Day for Wesleyan campaign this year is focusing on the emerging needs for the University. Supporting the Annual Fund, also known as the Wesleyan Fund, gives the university the flexibility to grant more scholarships and financial aid to students in need, create more internships within our business community, invest in relevant technologies for the library and classrooms, and provide more co-curricular activities for all students,” said Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. “All gifts during A Day for Wesleyan Giving Day, regardless of size, add up to make a huge impact!”
When asked about the importance of A Day for Wesleyan , NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan Duff, stated; “We hope that our alumni and the community will join us in showing their Bishop Pride and support this campaign on Tuesday, March 25. When alumni and friends of the University unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen for this entire community.”
Help Wesleyan continue impacting this community while also providing its students with a personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Donors can learn more and participate in A Day for Wesleyan by visiting the secure giving website, A Day for Wesleyan , or by calling 252.985.5581.
NCWU Awarded NCAA Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has been awarded the NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to the division’s member schools and conferences that are committed to enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in entry-level, intercollegiate athletics administrative positions. These positions should include exposure to a variety of the following areas: strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, campus and NCAA compliance, sport oversight, student-athlete welfare issues and initiatives, academics, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff oversight/ management.
The NCAA grant is for $33,000 annually for a two-year contract totaling $66,000, including $3,000 for professional development.
NC Wesleyan’s specific grant position will start Fall 2024 and hold the title “Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support”. This position will work together with support services from across campus to serve student-athletes. A requirement will be weekly meetings with students, particularly focusing on academic success and strategies for first-year students. The position will additionally impact leadership opportunities and experiences to support student-athletes.
Aaron Denton, NCWU Vice President and Director of Athletics, expresses, “We are appreciative the NCAA recognizes NC Wesleyan’s commitment to both supporting our student-athletes and to working hard to build experiences and opportunities for women and minorities in athletics. This funding will have an immediate impact on the academic success of our student-athletes. It is truly an exciting time at NC Wesleyan.”
Anyone interested in the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support, visit our careers page and apply.
Faculty Member Earns Advanced Credential in Sports Science
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Exercise Science faculty member, Vanessa Batchelor, recently earned an advanced credential through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®). This highly regarded certification in Exercise and Sport Science fields emphasizes applying scientific principles to improve athletic performance and prevent injury.
This enhancement to Batchelor’s credentials expands her certified skill sets in research, statistics, and data analytics as they apply to sport. She earned her initial strength and conditioning certification—NCSA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)—in 2018. Batchelor is a 2016 alumna of North Carolina Wesleyan, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science, and earned an M.S. in Exercise Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2019.
This CPSS® credential opens a variety of future career avenues for Batchelor, who has served as a Visiting Instructor of Exercise Science since the fall of 2022, and as the North Carolina Wesleyan Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach since 2021. CPSS®-certified scientists are hired as qualified Sports Science Coordinators or Directors, Sports Performance Analysts, or research and data scientists for sports teams/organizations at the collegiate or professional level, research organizations, or private practices.
Batchelor added that her certifications set North Carolina Wesleyan’s programs apart from other small universities by utilizing recently acquired top-of-the-line advanced sport science technology to its full extent—enriching the student and student athlete experience over other small NCAA DIII institutions. Her advanced credentials will also significantly enhance the academic and athletic experiences of North Carolina Wesleyan’s current students through her mentorship of student interns, applying a hands-on approach with student research, and designing unique learning experiences using advanced technological resources.
Working directly with exercise science students at North Carolina Wesleyan, Batchelor has helped foster the major’s active undergraduate research program—yielding several student presentations at the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) and ACSM annual meetings and a 2023 publication in Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche she co-authored with students and colleagues at North Carolina Wesleyan.
Dr. Meir Magal, Chair of the School of Math and Science and Program Coordinator for Exercise Science acknowledges the added value Batchelor brings to the Exercise Science program and coaching staff. “I am very excited to have Vanessa on the exercise science team. With her extensive education, wealth of experience, and the attainment of this challenging and quality NSCA certification, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to the program.”
University Recognized by ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine® Program
NCWU among 145 Campuses Honored Worldwide
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 145 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on its campus. Faculty/Staff Personal Training, Wesleyan Wellness initiatives, the Walk with the President, the Lunch and Learn Series for Health, and other physical activity events conducted by the NCWU Health and Movement Science Club helped NCWU earn Silver level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program. Exercise is Medicine is a community-impact initiative of the American College of Sports Medicine.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,”said interim CEO Katie Feltman, CAE. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the fifth year in a row! This distinction was made possible by the collaborative efforts of our students, faculty, staff, and administration, who continue to support our efforts to promote the health benefits of physical activity on campus,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Public Health, and Exercise is Medicine on Campus program advisor.
Of the 145 campuses recognized this year, 83 received Gold, 44 received Silver and 18 received Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on May 29 at the EIM recognition ceremony at ACSM’s Annual Meeting.
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
About Exercise Is Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at www.acsm.org.
Biancur Candidate for United Soccer Coaches Board of Directors Vice President
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NCWU Women’s Soccer Coach, Beverly A. Biancur was chosen as one of five candidates for the position of Vice President to serve on the United Soccer Coaches Board of Directors.
The United Soccer Coaches by-laws require all elections for Board of Directors positions to include two to five candidates on the final ballot. In this case, Biancur was incredibly honored to be one of five represented. To ensure integrity, voting was completed by the third-party service, Intelliscan. Personalized ballots were sent out via email to members of United Soccer Coaches beginning on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Voting concluded on January 12.
While Biancur did not win, she felt incredibly appreciated stating, “I was honored to be nominated and hope to remain in consideration for future positions”. Winner, Nancy Feldman, was the former Head Coach of Women’s Soccer at Boston University. “Nancy will do an exceptional job on the Board,” Biancur noted.
Serving on the Board of Directors is the ultimate way for a coach to give back to the association and the game as a whole. Feldman will have a six-year cycle on the Board. During that time, she will spend four years as Vice President, ascend to President and then serve a final year on the Board as Past President.
Currently in her sixteenth year at the University, Biancur has been Head Coach of NCWU Women’s Soccer for twelve years. In all, she boasts over twenty-five years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school and club levels. Her podcast has gained a lot of interest from the coaching body and is available on the United Soccer Coaches Podcast.
Tolson Awarded Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award
For his great career in serving the region’s people and needs, North Carolina Wesleyan University presented Norris Tolson with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at their Homecoming game on Saturday, October 14. Mr. Tolson is the Vice President of Special Projects for the Carolinas Gateway Partnership. The award is presented to a community leader who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community and a commitment to spiritual values. This humanitarian award is meant to recognize those who have selflessly given and served others and the community.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan rose to success in New York City as a respected lawyer and a man who “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness” to others. After his death in 1887, the Society sought to honor him and the award bearing his name was established in 1925 by the Sullivan Memorial Committee and the New York Southern Society, which Mr. Sullivan had served as its first president.
“Mr. Tolson, for many years, has been a remarkable public servant in this region and statewide. When considering the attributes someone should possess in order to be awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, he was a clear choice and is well deserving of this honor,” stated Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive of Philanthropic Engagement at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Before joining the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Tolson served as a senior advisor for economic development with the Williams Mullen law firm, was President and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, served as both the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and the North Carolina Secretary of Transportation. He was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly and served in the House of Representatives from 1994 until 1997 representing parts of Edgecombe, Nash, Pitt and Wilson Counties at the time. In 1999, Tolson served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Hurricane Floyd Relief Fund and in 2001 he was appointed to be the North Carolina Secretary of Revenue and stayed in this role until 2007.
Tolson proudly resides in Pinetops, NC. He has three children and five grandchildren.
First Carolina Bank Champions NCWU Sports Stadium Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – First Carolina Bank supports North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Sports Stadium Campaign with an additional $25,000. Chief Banking Officer, Maxie Coker, presented the check on campus last Thursday, May 4. The funds will be used, in part, to go towards construction of the stadium’s press box.
Last year, NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees voted to name the future 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 a former longtime trustee of the University and owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, directly adjacent to the new stadium.
First Carolina Bank gave an initial $25,000 in 2021 in support of the stadium initiative. A banking partner with NC Wesleyan over the years, First Carolina Bank continues to be a strong supporter of Wesleyan and the Sports Stadium Campaign.
“We are appreciative and proud to partner with First Carolina Bank. Their unwavering support of NC Wesleyan, and specifically the stadium project, will pay dividends for Wesleyan students and community members for years to come. Strong, consistent advocates like First Carolina Bank are why this project continues to move forward and I cannot thank them enough,” stated Aaron Denton, Vice President of Athletics.
The Sports Stadium Campaign is completely donor-funded and consists of four project phases, as funding allows. Additional phases will include permanent seating and a new Sports and Entertainment Facility that will include classrooms, laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, as well as other sports and entertainment venue related amenities.
Those 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, Instagram and YouTube.
