North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Ethics Bowl team earned second place out of 17 participating institutions at the 15th Annual NCICU Ethics Bowl, marking the strongest finish in the University’s history.
The competition was held at the North Carolina State Legislative Complex and brought together undergraduate teams from North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities to engage in thoughtful, moderated discussions on complex ethical issues.
“We are deeply proud of this team,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “They demonstrated great devotion, teamwork, and understanding throughout the competition.”
NCWU advanced through the regular rounds with an undefeated 4–0 record, securing wins against Catawba College, Salem College, Barton College, and Mars Hill University. The team then earned a victory over Wingate University in the semifinal round before falling to Johnson C. Smith University in the final round to claim second place overall. The final decision was closely contested.
“This was the most fun team I’ve ever been on,” said Niana Gunter, senior and team member. “I learned a lot about formulating an argument in conjunction with other people.”
Senior team member Shafiq Jair Nuijts reflected on the experience, adding, “Going into this bowl, I was nervous considering the tremendous amount of work my teammates and I put into this. Seeing the results of our efforts pay off in this manner was an unforgettable experience.”
This year’s finish represents a milestone for NCWU, surpassing the team’s previous best performance of third place at the 2020 Ethics Bowl.
The award was presented by Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU).
Competition Highlights
Throughout the day, NCWU students addressed a range of contemporary ethical topics, including corporate responsibility, international relations in global sporting events, the ethics of weapons of mass destruction, public education reform, civil-military leadership, and funding public schools during financial crises.
Team Members
Pictured (left to right; students in bold):
- Deon Bailey, Sophomore
- Dr. Jarrod Kelly
- Jolyna Sundbom, Junior
- Dr. Shane Thompson
- Dr. A. Hope Williams, President, NCICU
- Shafiq Nuijts, Senior
- Niana Gunter, Senior
- Dr. Jason Buel
- Maxima Iglesias, Senior
Not pictured: Dunya Salem, Senior, who is a member of the team but was unable to attend the competition.
Participating Institutions
The 2026 Ethics Bowl included teams from:
Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, Pfeiffer University, Queens University, Salem College, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, Wingate University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
The NCICU Ethics Bowl promotes civil discourse, ethical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving—skills central to North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to academic excellence and student development.
Elevating Teacher Preparation: NC Wesleyan’s Education Program Earns National Distinction
The impact of a great teacher lasts a lifetime, and at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), aspiring educators are gaining the experience, knowledge, and values to make that impact from day one. Colleges of Distinction has honored NCWU with the 2025-2026 Education College of Distinction award, recognizing its proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate, and classroom-ready teachers.
“In a field where the stakes are high and the landscape constantly evolving, NCWU has built a program that blends strong academic foundations with real-world practice,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “They’re equipping future educators with the tools and heart to lead diverse classrooms with care.”
This national recognition is based on the institution’s demonstrated excellence in key areas, including:
- Stability – The School of Education has a longstanding presence, operating for at least 10 years with consistent enrollment and an established number of degrees awarded annually.
- Accreditation – The NCWU Education Programs holds regional accreditation from AAQEP, or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Additionally, the NCWU Teacher Education Program is accredited by the state of North Carolina
- Multidisciplinarity – The Education Program offers students the opportunity to specialize in three or more distinct disciplines (Specifically, students can earn a license to teach in one of the following content areas: Elementary Education, K-6; Middle Grades, 6-9 (Math, Science, Social Studies, or English/Language Arts), Secondary, 9-12 (Math, Biology Social Studies, English), and Special Education, K-12).
- Practical Experience – Starting from the first year, students in the Education Program engage in real-world teaching experiences, including urban and rural settings, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and different school sizes.
- Non-Education Specialization – The Education Program requires students to graduate with a minor, emphasis, specialization, or related credential in a subject they intend to teach professionally.
- Dedicated Advising and Counseling – The Education Program provides high-quality academic advising, major-specific advising, and career advising tailored to Education majors.
- High-Impact Practices – Students in the Education Program enhance their undergraduate studies through high-impact practices such as common intellectual experiences in methodology and content, undergraduate research, diverse learning opportunities in and out of the classroom, common first-year experiences such as seminar attendance and field placement experiences of at least 30 hours in a respective school, writing-intensive courses, collaborative assignments and projects, service-/community-based learning like tutoring in our Award Winning After School Program, living-learning communities, internships, and capstone courses and projects.
- Industry Connections – Students enrolled in the Education Program have numerous opportunities to establish professional connections in their field through job placement, internships, co-op opportunities, advisory councils, and networking activities.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer, states “The NCWU Teacher Education program has consistently proven that the personal and professional relationships developed between faculty and students are our formula for success. It is with this model in mind that we will continue our efforts at producing the next generation of quality, licensed teacher”.
Through these program elements, students are learning how to inspire, adapt, and lead. The Education Program at NCWU reflects the core belief that teaching is both a profession and a calling.
To learn more about NCWU’s award-winning programs, visit https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/north-carolina-wesleyan-university/.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
Heroes Served Here: NC Wesleyan Acclaimed…
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is being recognized for what matters most: a transformative, student-centered undergraduate experience. For the 2025–2026 academic year, NCWU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to institutions whose commitment to engaged learning, experiential education, and student success sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluation framework known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies colleges and universities that make a meaningful, measurable impact on students’ lives—not those driven solely by rankings or prestige metrics.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University has cultivated a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the innovation, intentionality, and personalized support that prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond college.”
Unlike traditional rankings, Colleges of Distinction highlights institutions that prioritize educational impact through high-impact practices such as first-year seminars, collaborative projects, undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. NCWU’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to these practices and to providing individualized support throughout the student journey.
Business College of Distinction
In addition to its institutional recognition, NCWU has also been named a 2025–2026 Business College of Distinction, honoring the University’s undergraduate business programs for their balance of academic rigor and real-world application.
This distinction is awarded to schools that demonstrate accreditation, a well-rounded and multidisciplinary curriculum, applied learning opportunities, and a strong record of graduate outcomes.
“NCWU understands that effective business education is about more than numbers—it’s about developing innovative, ethical leaders,” Schritter said. “Through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and immersive learning experiences, students gain the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Colleges of Distinction highlighted NCWU’s School of Business for its:
- Stability and longevity, with a well-established program and consistent enrollment
- Multidisciplinary offerings, including majors and minors across multiple business disciplines
- Hands-on learning, such as internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities
- Collaborative coursework, including case-method teaching and business plan competitions
- Strong emphasis on business ethics and social responsibility
- Dedicated academic and career advising
- High-impact educational practices, including capstones and service-based learning
- Robust industry connections that support internships and job placement
Graduates of NCWU’s School of Business leave with more than technical proficiency—they develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in environments that mirror the complexity of today’s marketplace.
Military Support College of Distinction
Further reinforcing its commitment to student success, NCWU was also named a Military Support College of Distinction, recognizing the University’s outstanding services and resources for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students.
As more military students pursue higher education, Colleges of Distinction honors only select institutions that provide intentional, comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
“Rather than viewing military students as a statistic, NCWU supports them as individuals—each with their own goals, strengths, and challenges,” Schritter said. “We are proud to recognize institutions that go above and beyond to serve those who have served our country.”
Key elements of NCWU’s military support include:
- Comprehensive educational benefits, including participation in federal tuition assistance and training programs
- A dedicated Military and Veterans Affairs team to assist with enrollment, benefits, transition support, and career services
- Flexible academic options, such as online programs, flexible enrollment, and credit for military service
- Intentional campus community support, including dedicated spaces, student organizations, and counselors trained in areas such as PTSD and suicide prevention
“As a Military Support College of Distinction, NCWU has proven itself as a place where military-affiliated students aren’t just welcomed—they’re championed,” Schritter added.
Dr. Joseph Lane, NCWU Provost and Senior VP for academic affairs shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan takes pride in offering students degree pathways that fulfill our promise of a personal, practical, and purpose-driven education. We appreciate that Colleges of Distinction recognizes our superior educational outcomes and commitment to student success.”
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
Ensuring Opportunity Never Pauses: The Power of Philanthropy
Across higher education, recent federal developments have prompted important conversations—particularly among Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). New guidance and decisions from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education signal changes to how certain discretionary federal grant programs will operate moving forward. Many of these programs have historically provided mission-critical support to both MSIs and the students they serve.
For many colleges and universities, these shifts raise understandable questions. Federal funding has long played a role in helping institutions expand access, support students through challenges, and respond to workforce needs. When the funding landscape changes, institutions must take a step back and thoughtfully consider what comes next.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University, a proud Minority Serving Institution, this moment reinforces the importance of planning ahead, diversifying support, and strengthening partnerships that ensure long-term stability for our students and our mission.
“Higher education is constantly evolving, and moments like this remind us that adaptability and community support are essential,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Our responsibility is to continue serving students with excellence, regardless of shifts in the external environment.”
Understanding the Broader Context
Two recent federal actions have contributed to growing discussion within the MSI community:
One involves increased federal scrutiny of certain programs that previously provided targeted support to Minority Serving Institutions. These changes leave many institutions facing questions about the future funding availability and compliance requirements. Another includes the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue specific discretionary grant programs tied to MSI designation.
While these decisions are rooted in legal and regulatory considerations, their ripple effects are being felt across higher education. Institutions that serve large numbers of first-generation students, adult learners, Pell Grant recipients, and students from rural or economically challenged regions must now plan amid greater uncertainty.
As leaders across the country reflect on these changes, a common question emerges: How do institutions continue to deliver opportunity and access when traditional funding streams become less predictable?
What This Means for Minority Serving Institutions
Minority Serving Institutions play a critical role in the higher education ecosystem. They often serve students with significant potential and determination, many of whom balance academics with work, family responsibilities, and financial constraints. Federal support has historically helped MSIs:
- Reduce financial barriers for first-generation students and students from economically challenged households
- Build and sustain academic programs
- Provide tutoring, mentoring, and career readiness resources
- Strengthen workforce pipelines in education, healthcare, business, and public service
When funding becomes less certain, institutions must work harder to preserve these supports. Program growth may slow, student services can feel stretched, and workforce pathways that communities rely on may face added pressure.
At the same time, institutions like NC Wesleyan remain deeply committed to innovation, student success, and regional impact even as they navigate these challenges.
NC Wesleyan’s Ongoing Commitment
North Carolina Wesleyan University has long focused on providing a personalized, practical, and purpose-driven education, particularly for students from central and eastern North Carolina. As an MSI, the University places student potential at the center of everything it does, preparing graduates not only for careers but for lives of leadership and service.
“Our students come to us with ambition, resilience, and a desire to make a difference,” said Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our role is to meet them where they are, support their growth, and ensure they have access to the resources needed to succeed.”
Maintaining this level of support in a shifting funding environment calls for new approaches, thoughtful stewardship, and strong relationships beyond federal sources.
Why Private Support Matters More Than Ever
Private philanthropy, whether from individuals, foundations, corporations, or community partners, has always been an important part of NC Wesleyan’s story. Today, it plays an even more critical role.
Private support helps the University:
- Provide emergency and retention funding when students face unexpected challenges
- Create new academic programs and realign existing programs with evolving workforce needs and expectations
- Offer scholarships that reduce financial strain and increase access
- Strengthen career preparation, advising, and student success initiatives
Simply put, philanthropy helps ensure that opportunity does not pause when circumstances change.
In recent years, private philanthropy has played a stabilizing role for many institutions navigating change. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott, who has made significant unrestricted gifts to colleges and universities across North Carolina and beyond, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has invested nationally in strengthening nursing and healthcare education, illustrate how private support can reinforce institutional capacity. Similarly, historic gifts like the more than $370 million pledged to Cornell University to endow and name its College of Engineering show how visionary donors can expand research, teaching, and student opportunity at scale across the higher education landscape.
Where Philanthropy Makes a Difference
Support for NC Wesleyan can take many forms, each with meaningful impact:
- Scholarships and endowed funds for first-generation students, adult learners, and career changers
- Program innovation that opens new academic pathways and created opportunities for hands-on learning
- Student success initiatives including enhanced advising, mentorship programs, internships, and practica to foster career readiness
- Community partnerships that strengthen regional education, healthcare, and workforce development
These investments don’t just support individual students, they strengthen families, employers, and communities throughout the region.
Looking Ahead, Together
Federal policy changes serve as a reminder that higher education thrives best when it is supported by a broad and engaged community. For NC Wesleyan, this moment is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to deepen partnerships, invite new voices into the conversation, and ensure the University remains strong for generations to come.
“Our mission has always been about opening doors,” Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, shared. “With the support of our partners and supporters, we will continue to do just that, creating pathways to success for students and strengthening the communities we serve.”
NC Wesleyan’s students are ready to lead. With stability, opportunity, and shared investment, they will continue to do so—across North Carolina and beyond.
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.
NC Wesleyan & ARTLAB Forge New Science Path!
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce a groundbreaking academic partnership with ARTLAB, the world’s largest IVF training center. This opens the door to one of the few undergraduate-level pathways in reproductive laboratory science in the United States.
This collaboration brings together NC Wesleyan’s student-centered academic experience and ARTLAB’s globally recognized laboratory expertise to create a new, hands-on educational opportunity in the rapidly growing field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). For students interested in science, healthcare, and life-changing innovation, this partnership represents a pathway few universities can offer.
Together, NCWU and ARTLAB are developing a series of credit-bearing academic and professional learning opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in reproductive science laboratories. While program details are still being finalized, the partnership is focused on delivering high-impact, experiential learning aligned with workforce needs and industry standards.
“We are excited to collaborate with North Carolina Wesleyan University on an initiative that expands access to formal education in reproductive science,” said Dr. Eva Schenkman, MS, PhD, Founder of ARTLAB. “By combining academic instruction with immersive laboratory exposure, we are creating a pathway that is both accessible and exceptional—one that reflects the future of this field.”
ARTLAB brings decades of applied experience training professionals in embryology and andrology, offering students exposure to real-world laboratory environments and techniques rarely available at the undergraduate level.
“This partnership reflects exactly what we strive to offer at NC Wesleyan—personal, practical, purpose-driven education,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It creates new possibilities for students interested in science and healthcare while positioning the University at the forefront of an emerging and highly specialized field.”
Additional information regarding program structure, admissions, and enrollment timelines will be shared in the coming months.
New Partnership Expands NCWU Careers…
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Innatrix, an innovative biotechnology company committed to advancing agricultural and environmental solutions. This collaboration will significantly expand career development opportunities for NCWU students, particularly those pursuing studies in the sciences.
Through this partnership, NCWU students will gain enhanced access to real-world learning experiences, including guided tours of Innatrix’s laboratory facilities, professional engagement with industry experts, and exposure to biotechnology and agriscience career pathways. The partnership will create new avenues for students to participate in job shadowing, internships, mentorship opportunities, and discussions led by Innatrix professionals on topics ranging from industry trends to workplace professionalism.
Innatrix will also take part in academic events at NCWU, such as the University’s annual Science Symposium, further strengthening the connection between classroom learning and industry application.
Partnership Details
A highlight of this collaboration will be Dr. Li Jiarui, CEO of Innatrix, serving as a featured speaker at NCWU’s annual Student Symposium in April. This event provides students in environmental sciences and other majors with a platform to present their research across a wide range of academic fields. The Symposium has become a showcase for undergraduate scholarships, with many students achieving remarkable outcomes. For example, every student who completed the BIO325 Environmental Science course at NCWU in Spring 2022, 2023, and 2024 has had their research published, demonstrating the University’s commitment to rigorous, hands-on scientific research. Their work includes studies on the effects of pharmaceuticals and microplastics on freshwater snails, several of which have appeared or will soon appear in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
“This partnership represents a meaningful step forward for our students,” said NCWU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joe Lane. “By connecting academic study with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge industry, we are helping prepare our graduates for the demands of an evolving workforce.”
NCWU will continue to highlight Innatrix’s involvement through coordinated communications and collaborative initiatives, reinforcing the shared commitment to developing the next generation of scientific talent within the region.
“We’re excited about this partnership. Our scientists are committed to mentoring the next generation, giving them hands-on experience to develop solutions to the world’s pressing challenges,” said Innatrix CEO and President, Dr. Jiarui Li. “Together, we can make a greater impact on improving public health and feeding a growing population.”
Together, NCWU and Innatrix look forward to building a partnership that enriches student learning, strengthens the local workforce, and supports innovation in North Carolina’s growing biotechnology sector.
About Innatrix Inc.
Innatrix, Inc. (Research Triangle Park, NC) is redefining crop protection with a patented, target-based platform and over $4M in secured capital. Our environmentally friendly biologicals reach market faster, cut costs by up to 95% versus chemical pesticides, and reduce carbon footprint by 80–90%. By precisely targeting pathogens, we eliminate harmful off-target effects.
Wesleyan Donors Provide “Heaven Sent” Initiative
In the spirit of compassion, generosity, and belief in second chances, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to share the profound impact of a new Angel Donor Initiative supporting adult learners through the University’s Adult Professional Studies (APS) Scholarship Fund.
Over the past two weeks, the initiative, sparked by the generosity of NCWU supporters, has helped 13 adult students overcome financial barriers that threatened to derail their education. These timely gifts allowed students to pay current or future balances, register for upcoming courses, and remain on track toward graduation.
Over the past two weeks, the initiative, sparked by the generosity of NCWU supporters, has helped 13 adult students overcome financial barriers that threatened to derail their education. These timely gifts allowed students to pay current or future balances, register for upcoming courses, and remain on track toward graduation.
For many recipients, this support arrived at a critical moment. More than 75% of the students who were assisted had exhausted their federal financial aid eligibility due to life interruptions, prior enrollment attempts, or unforeseen hardships. Others were navigating deeply personal crises, including homelessness, the loss of a parent, recovery from a massive stroke, or job loss tied to a government shutdown.
“These gifts were not just scholarships; they were lifelines,” said Katie Farrell, Dean of Adult and Professional Studies. “They met students where they were and provided exactly what was needed at exactly the right time.”
Turning Deferred Dreams into Degrees
The immediate outcomes of the Angel Donor initiative are powerful and measurable:
- A Healthcare Administration student described the support as “Heaven-sent,” allowing her to complete the final course needed to graduate in May 2026.
- Multiple Educational Studies and Leadership students were able to overcome financial barriers. This funding not only prevented delays but also accelerated degree completion and career trajectories, allowing future educators to enter the classroom sooner, helping address critical workforce gaps in education across the region.
Stability During Life’s Hardest Moments
Some stories speak not only to academic persistence, but to human resilience:
- A Leadership student, also a retired grandmother, unexpectedly assumed custody of three grandchildren and experienced temporary homelessness. She used the funds to secure housing, cover tuition, meet basic needs, and create a modest holiday for her family.
- A Criminal Justice student experiencing homelessness was able to remain enrolled and complete her final credits.
- A police officer finishing a Criminal Justice degree received support during the loss of his father.
- A Leadership student, a recently elected Town Commissioner recovering from a massive stroke, was able to continue his education while focusing on recovery and community service.
While this summary highlights selected stories shared with permission, additional funds continue to be distributed to other deserving students whose privacy is being respectfully protected.
A Season of Hope
The Angel Donor initiative affirms NC Wesleyan’s unwavering commitment to adult learners, students who balance education with work, family, and life’s unexpected challenges. Through strategic, compassionate support, the University is proving that persistence paired with opportunity can change lives.
As the holiday season approaches, these gifts stand as a reminder that generosity can be transformational, not someday, but today.
NC Wesleyan extends its deepest gratitude to the Angel Donors whose belief in students made these life-altering moments possible.
NC Wesleyan Marks Historic 100% edTPA Success
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce a major achievement within its Teacher Education program: every NCWU student who submitted the edTPA assessment this semester earned a passing score, marking a 100% pass rate on one of the most rigorous teacher preparation assessments in the nation.
This milestone follows a 10-month institutional transition to edTPA, a nationally benchmarked performance assessment used to evaluate teacher readiness. Despite the challenges of implementing a new system, both traditional and Adult & Professional Studies (APS) students excelled—demonstrating the strength, resilience, and adaptability of Wesleyan’s future educators.
“Our students met an incredibly high standard, and they did it with determination, professionalism, and heart,” said Dr. Kelvin L. Spragley, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education. “This accomplishment reaffirms that NC Wesleyan’s Teacher Education program is equipped to meet the needs of all learners and to prepare exceptional teachers for North Carolina’s classrooms.”
Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the broader impact of this achievement on the region and state:
“Our Education faculty and students are truly building an extraordinary record. North Carolina Wesleyan University is committed to filling the much-publicized teacher shortage in our region’s public schools with inspiring and fully credentialed teachers who will raise the bar for classroom instruction in North Carolina.”
For some students, passing edTPA brings them one step closer to earning a clear North Carolina teaching license; for others—including Samantha Winstead, Grant Harrell, and Geovanni Dixon—it represents the completion of their final licensure requirement.
Dr. Spragley also recognized the collective effort behind the success, praising faculty and staff across departments who supported students throughout the demanding assessment process—from academic mentoring to technical assistance and data coordination.
Dr. Spragley praised not only the students’ perseverance but also the collaborative effort of faculty and staff who supported them throughout this demanding semester. He acknowledged:
- Dr. Hart for designing the internal edTPA infrastructure and supporting a dual-responsibility student;
- Drs. Brewer and Collins for guiding the first cohort, including APS students and those completing the Special Education portfolio;
- Dr. Gary and Mrs. Credle for serving as portfolio readers;
- Dr. Sundbom, Ms. McKinney, and Allen Meszaros from IT for hands-on assistance during the submission process—twice;
- Mrs. Lamm for her stewardship of edTPA data and communications.
“This semester stretched all of us,” Spragley noted. “But our shared commitment to excellence carried us through. As we celebrate this accomplishment, we also look ahead to next semester with optimism and a continued dedication to preparing great teachers.”
NC Wesleyan University congratulates its students, faculty, and staff on this exceptional achievement—a powerful testament to the University’s growing reputation for academic rigor, professional preparation, and student success.
Academic Honor Lists Announced for Fall 2025
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Fall 2025 President’s Honor List and President’s List are issued at the end of the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for inclusion, a student must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours on the “A-F” grading system, with no grades of “INC.” A student must attain a 3.75 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s Honor List and a 3.25 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s List for the semester. Congratulations to these students for an outstanding academic year!
To view entire Honor Lists for Fall 2025, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our Presidents List honorees have displayed outstanding academic efforts inside 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. We are proud to stand alongside these students to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
