North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is proud to announce its participation in a major scholarship initiative at the 2026 Game and Geek Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. In partnership with Carolina Games Summit, Barton College, Louisburg College, and USC Upstate, more than $500,000 in esports scholarship opportunities were available to competitors across multiple tournaments.
The Game and Geek Expo, held September 5–6 at the Raleigh Convention Center, brought together gamers, families, colleges, industry professionals, and members of the gaming community for a weekend centered around competition, education, and opportunity.
Competitors participated in tournaments featuring titles including Counter-Strike 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart, Forza 6, and Gran Turismo 7, creating an opportunity for talented players to showcase their skills while learning more about collegiate esports programs and scholarship opportunities.
NCWU Esports Delivers Strong Competitive Performances
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports had a strong showing across multiple competitions throughout the weekend.
Lamont Taylor (SoulkingLJ) delivered an impressive performance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, placing 17th out of 74 competitors in Singles. Taylor also competed in Doubles, earning a 5th-place finish out of 14 teams.
Anthony Conner and Shafiq Nuijts also represented NCWU Esports in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles competition, with each finishing 49th in the 74-player bracket.
Nuijts expanded NCWU’s presence beyond Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by competing in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Singles Finals, where he secured an impressive 8th-place finish out of 60 competitors.
These results highlight the continued growth and competitive presence of NCWU Esports across multiple titles and demonstrate the dedication of Wesleyan’s student competitors on a regional stage.
Brightspeed Support Helps NCWU Esports Travel and Compete
The continued support of Brightspeed has played an important role in giving North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports student-athletes the opportunity to travel beyond campus and represent the University at major esports competitions.
Through Brightspeed’s investment in NCWU Esports, the program has been able to help cover important travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals. This support allows NCWU competitors to focus on performing at their best while gaining valuable experience competing against players from other colleges and communities.
Brightspeed’s support has already helped NCWU Esports travel to competitions on larger stages, including previous events in Texas and South Carolina. That continued investment helps make opportunities such as the Game and Geek Expo possible for NCWU students and strengthens the program’s ability to compete throughout the region and beyond.
The partnership extends beyond travel. Brightspeed’s support has contributed to scholarships, equipment upgrades, esports program travel, technology, and expanded competitive opportunities. These resources help NCWU Esports provide students with experiences that connect competition with teamwork, leadership, broadcasting, content creation, technology, and career development.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports, participating in the Game and Geek Expo represents more than competition. It reflects the program’s continued commitment to creating pathways for students who want to turn their passion for gaming, esports, technology, content creation, and digital media into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Chantoni Grant, NCWU Director of Esports, shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is focused on showing students that esports can be much bigger than just playing video games. It can create opportunities for education, leadership, content creation, broadcasting, technology, and future careers. Being part of an event offering more than $500,000 in scholarship opportunities allows us to connect directly with students and families and show them what is possible through collegiate esports.”
The 2026 event also marked the first year that representatives from all four participating colleges were present on the show floor, allowing prospective students and their families to speak directly with college representatives while experiencing the tournaments and activities throughout the weekend.
The partnership aligns with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to hands-on learning and providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. NCWU Esports continues to build opportunities that connect gaming with education, professional development, leadership, media, technology, and community engagement.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports provides students with opportunities to compete, create, lead, and develop professional skills through the rapidly growing esports industry. The program uses gaming as a platform for experiential learning while creating opportunities in competition, broadcasting, content creation, event production, technology, leadership, and community engagement.
Through partnerships, tournaments, scholarships, and educational initiatives, NCWU Esports is working to establish North Carolina Wesleyan University as a destination for students who want to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a college education.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com
NC Wesleyan Mourns the Passing of Longtime Trustee and Champion Marion Barnes
North Carolina Wesleyan University mourns the passing of Francis “Marion” Barnes, a longtime member of the University’s Board of Trustees, generous benefactor and devoted champion of Wesleyan and its students. Barnes passed away September 2, 2026, at the age of 81.
For Marion Barnes, Wesleyan was more than an institution he served, it was part of his family’s legacy. His father, Guy E. Barnes, was one of Wesleyan’s founders, and Marion carried that connection forward through decades of service, leadership and generosity to the University.
Barnes served on the NC Wesleyan Board of Trustees from 2012–2020 and again from 2023 until his passing in 2026. During his years of service, he served on numerous committees, including Athletics, Building & Grounds, the Executive Committee, Committee on Trustees, Development, Investment and Finance. He chaired the Investment Committee from 2019–2022, the Committee on Trustees from 2023–2025 and the Athletics Committee from 2025–2026.
“Marion Barnes understood that Wesleyan is a special place because of the people who believe in it and the students whose lives are changed here,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “He carried a deep sense of responsibility for the University that came from his family’s history, but his commitment to Wesleyan was uniquely his own. He gave his time, his leadership, his resources and, most importantly, his heart to this University. We are deeply grateful for his service and friendship, and we will miss his presence on our campus and in our Wesleyan family.”
Barnes’ Passion
Barnes’ commitment to NC Wesleyan was especially visible through his support of athletics. A lifelong football enthusiast, he attended most home football games and took great pride in Wesleyan’s student-athletes. His leadership and fundraising efforts helped generate more than $2 million toward the University’s stadium expansion. His obituary notes that his efforts were instrumental in advancing the stadium project.
In recognition of his longstanding commitment to Wesleyan, the University has designated the future Marion Barnes Press Box, which will be part of Phase II of the stadium project once the project is fully funded and constructed. The naming recognizes Barnes’ many contributions to the University, including his years of dedicated service, personal contributions to the University, personal support of the stadium fundraising effort, leadership in raising more than $2 million toward the stadium project, and the longstanding Barnes family legacy at NC Wesleyan and throughout the Rocky Mount community.
Barnes’ generosity extended beyond athletics. In December 2025, he was the lead donor supporting Wesleyan’s “Angel Scholarships,” which provided financial assistance to working adult students during the Christmas season. The gift reflected his belief in removing barriers for students and helping them pursue their education and build a better future.
“He cared deeply about our students and understood that an investment in Wesleyan is an investment in the future,” Duff said. “Whether he was working to strengthen our athletics programs, helping advance a major campus project, supporting a working adult who needed a little extra help, or simply sitting in the stands cheering for our Battling Bishops, Marion was always showing up for Wesleyan.”
Barnes’ Legacy
Barnes’ connection to Wesleyan was part of a much larger legacy of service to the Rocky Mount community. His father, Guy E. Barnes, was among the University’s founders, and Marion continued the family’s commitment to the institution throughout his life. He was also a successful businessman, athlete, philanthropist and mentor whose influence extended throughout the region and beyond. His obituary notes his leadership in business, his football career at UNC-Chapel Hill, his military service and his extensive philanthropic contributions to education, athletics and health care.
At NC Wesleyan, however, his legacy will be remembered most personally through the students, student-athletes, colleagues and friends who experienced his generosity and enthusiasm firsthand.
From the Board room to the football stands, Barnes was a familiar and steadfast presence. He believed in Wesleyan’s mission, cared about its students and worked to help secure its future.
The future Marion Barnes Press Box will provide a lasting physical reminder of that commitment. His greater legacy, however, will live in the people he supported and in the University he worked so diligently to strengthen.
“Marion believed in Wesleyan’s future,” Duff said. “He wanted to see this University thrive, and he wanted our students to have every opportunity to succeed. We are honored to carry forward the legacy he helped build, and we are grateful that generations of Wesleyans will know his name and the difference he made.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University extends its deepest condolences to Barnes’ wife, Kate, his family and friends, and the many members of the Wesleyan and Rocky Mount communities who knew and loved him.
His legacy will remain an enduring part of NC Wesleyan.
NC Wesleyan Correctional Institutions Class Welcomes Guest Speaker from Nash Correctional Institution
Students in North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Correctional Institutions class received an inside look at the realities of working in corrections when current NCWU psychology student and newly appointed Correctional Officer Ulrick Volk visited the class as a guest speaker.
Officer Volk, a former student of Professor Florence R. Jones, shared his experiences transitioning from college student to correctional officer at Nash Correctional Institution. He was escorted by Warden Talena Lee, who also spoke with students about careers, professional advancement, and opportunities within corrections.
Dressed in his professionally pressed correctional officer uniform, Officer Volk presented “Inside Corrections: The Reality of Working in a Correctional Institution.” His presentation covered a variety of topics, including why he chose corrections, his expectations versus the realities of the profession, the role and responsibilities of a correctional officer, direct supervision, de-escalation, prevention and response, contraband prevention, and lessons he has learned since entering the field.
About Officer Volk
Officer Volk’s journey into corrections began in April 2026, near the end of the Spring semester, when he contacted Professor Jones to express his interest in pursuing a career in corrections. Recognizing his potential and commitment, Professor Jones contacted Warden Lee, who assisted in supporting his transition into the profession.
Officer Volk went on to attend Correctional Officer Basic Training, where he distinguished himself among his peers. He graduated at the top of his class in firearms training, placed second on the final examination, and was selected to serve as the class speaker at graduation.
His presentation generated considerable interest and discussion among the students. Class members asked thoughtful questions about his fears and experiences, daily job responsibilities, balancing college with full-time employment, safety, and the challenges of working in a correctional environment. His professional and candid responses provided students with a realistic perspective on the profession and sparked interest in corrections as a potential career path for several students.
Warden Lee also engaged with the class, sharing her own experiences in corrections, discussing career advancement and promotional opportunities, and providing students with additional information about Nash Correctional Institution. Students eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn from her extensive experience as a correctional leader.
Mr. Lance Woodard also accompanied Officer Volk and Warden Lee. Warden Lee introduced him and provided students with additional insight into his background and experience in corrections, as well as his professional access and connection to Nash Correctional Institution.
Criminal Justice at NCWU
The visit provided students with an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom instruction with real-world correctional experiences. Rather than simply learning about corrections from a textbook, students were able to hear directly from professionals working within the field and gain a better understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, opportunities, and rewards associated with a career in corrections.
On behalf of Dr. Gail Marsal, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice; Professor Florence R. Jones; and North Carolina Wesleyan University, we extend our sincere appreciation to Officer Ulrick Volk, Warden Talena Lee, and Mr. Lance Woodard for taking the time to visit the Correctional Institutions class and share their knowledge, experiences, and professional insight with our students.
Their willingness to invest in the next generation of criminal justice professionals made this an educational and memorable experience for the class.
NC Wesleyan Launches Community Days to Give Students Time to Connect, Recharge and Grow
What happens when a university clears the academic calendar for a day and asks students to step away from their usual routines? At North Carolina Wesleyan University, the answer is Community Day.
NCWU recently hosted its first Community Day of the academic year, giving students a break from classes and athletic practices while providing opportunities to connect with professors, explore career opportunities, participate in campus activities and take care of the “Bishop Business” that can be difficult to fit into a busy college schedule.
The university will host three Community Days during the fall semester and six throughout the academic year. While classes and practices are paused during the day, students are required to participate in one of numerous activities designed to promote connection, personal growth and engagement.
What is Community Day?
“Community Day is intentional time for our students to step away from the demands of their normal schedules and invest in themselves and their Wesleyan community,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We want students to have the opportunity to connect with a professor, explore a career path, meet a mentor, try something new or simply take a breath. All of those experiences are important to a student’s success.”
The inaugural Community Day offered approximately 15 activities across campus, ranging from professional development and academic support to recreation and campus traditions.
Students could meet one-on-one with professors and Student Support staff, attend an intern and job fair hosted with STEP, connect with local professionals through the Bishop Mentoring Alliance, or participate in the Community Day Chapel Service. Other activities included a campus CommUNITY Walk, brunch at the Blue & Gold Café, a billiards tournament, disc golf tournament, Gateway Getaway featuring games and crafts, and a Bishop Gaming Association Game Day with mini esports competitions.
The day also provided student-athletes with an opportunity to participate in campus activities that can sometimes conflict with athletic schedules.
Wes Quest
Beyond creating a day of connection and engagement, Community Day is tied to WesQuest, NCWU’s co-curricular development initiative. Students earn points through the Suitable App by participating in activities, allowing them to track experiences and learning outcomes throughout their college careers.
WesQuest is designed to help students intentionally build the skills employers seek and document their development outside the classroom. Beginning with their freshman year, students can build a co-curricular record that showcases the experiences, competencies and connections they develop at Wesleyan.
“College is about more than what happens in a classroom,” Lane said. “Community Day gives us another way to make sure our students are taking advantage of the people, programs and opportunities around them while building experiences that will serve them well after graduation.”
Community Days are planned by a committee of NCWU faculty and staff dedicated to strengthening the Bishop community and creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect with one another and the university.
NCWU’s next Community Day will take place Wednesday, Oct. 21, with additional and new activities planned for students.
Photos from Community Day can be viewed, downloaded for free, and shared by visiting https://photos.ncwc.edu/.
NC Wesleyan Offers Nursing Students a Path Forward Amid Regional Program Changes
As nursing students across Eastern North Carolina navigate changes in regional nursing education, North Carolina Wesleyan University is highlighting both the strength of its growing nursing programs and the impact its graduates are making throughout the region.
Great 100 Nurses
One example is NC Wesleyan University alumna Celina Hawkins ‘24, BSN, RN, who has been named one of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina for 2026.
Hawkins, who serves as Education Coordinator at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, was selected among 100 nurses statewide recognized for their professional excellence, dedication to the nursing profession and contributions to their communities.
The Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina has recognized nurses across the state since 1989. Each year, thousands of nominations are submitted by patients, healthcare professionals, friends and family members, with 100 nurses ultimately selected for the honor.
Hawkins began her nursing education at Edgecombe Community College, earning her associate degree in nursing before continuing her education at North Carolina Wesleyan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Our RN to BSN program for registered nurses can be completed 100% online and has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state.
She has spent 14 years with ECU Health, beginning her career in the Surgical Unit at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital before moving into nursing education. In her current role, Hawkins supports professional development, clinical excellence and lifelong learning among nursing staff.
Her recognition comes at a time when prospective and current nursing students throughout the region may be reassessing their educational options following recent changes to regional nursing programs.
NC Wesleyan’s Accredited Nursing Programs
North Carolina Wesleyan is prepared to help students explore their next steps.
The university offers a growing prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, along with an established RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree. NC Wesleyan’s RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
“We want students pursuing nursing to know that there are options available to them,” said Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives. “Our goal is to provide students with a strong educational foundation and the support they need to build successful careers in nursing and make a difference in their communities.”
NC Wesleyan recently welcomed 29 students into its prelicensure BSN program, marking another milestone in the university’s growing commitment to nursing education.
For students who are reconsidering their nursing education plans, NC Wesleyan encourages prospective students to connect with its admissions and nursing teams to discuss their individual circumstances, academic backgrounds and potential pathways.
“Every student’s situation is different,” said Dr. Ostheim. “We’re here to listen, answer questions and help students understand what their options may be.”
Hawkins’ recognition as one of North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses provides a powerful example of where a Wesleyan nursing education can lead. From earning her BSN at NC Wesleyan to becoming a nursing educator and now being recognized among the state’s Great 100 Nurses, Hawkins continues to make an impact on the healthcare profession and the communities she serves.
For students considering nursing or exploring a change in their educational plans, NC Wesleyan is ready to help them take the next step.
Our Fall 2027 BSN Nursing Program Application will OPEN on September 15, 2026 in order to accommodate the growing demand for our nursing program. APPLY first using our Traditional Admissions process.
NOTE: The Nursing Program (BSN) application is for students who have met all requirements and desire to apply to the Nursing program. Students MUST apply to Traditional admissions first and then be accepted to NC Wesleyan BEFORE they complete the BSN Application.
NC Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Academy Launch BGA NEXTGEN Media Fellowship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Rocky Mount Academy (RMA) are partnering to launch BGA NEXTGEN, a new media production fellowship designed to give RMA students hands-on experience in digital storytelling, video production and post-production while connecting them with college-level mentors and industry-standard technology.
The partnership marks the first collaboration of its kind between North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) and a K-12 school, extending NCWU’s commitment to experiential learning beyond the university campus and into the local community.
Through BGA NEXTGEN, a select group of RMA students will work alongside collegiate media specialists Chantoni Grant, NCWU Director of Esports, and Shafiq Nuijts ’26, a current NCWU senior, who will provide mentorship and hands-on instruction in digital media production.
“NC Wesleyan has given me the experience and tools to develop and hone my editing and audiovisual skills,” said Nuijts. “The fact that I am now able to pass that knowledge on to the next generation is both an honor and a privilege.”
What to expect
Students participating in the inaugural fellowship will learn DaVinci Resolve, an industry-standard platform used for professional video editing, visual effects and color grading. Rather than functioning as a traditional extracurricular club, BGA NEXTGEN is structured as a focused, project-based fellowship in which students will create public-facing media for RMA, including athletic highlight videos, hype videos, event documentaries and short-form film content.
Alec Lockhart, RMA Upper School Chemistry & Physics, Esports, Media Productions, shares “We are moving past the traditional model of a high school AV club. By partnering with NC Wesleyan, we’re giving our students a direct pipeline to collegiate-level mentorship and industry-standard tools. This partnership allows our students to treat the Rocky Mount Academy campus as their own production studio, transforming theoretical tech skills into a public-facing, professional portfolio before they even graduate.”
“BGA NEXTGEN is an opportunity to take what our students have learned through the Bishop Gaming Association and create a meaningful pipeline for younger students who are interested in digital media,” said Grant. “We want these students to not only learn the technical skills, but to understand what it means to create content for a real audience, meet deadlines and build a professional body of work.”
The fellowship will be limited to five students during its inaugural fall session. While prior editing experience is beneficial, the program is designed for students who demonstrate creativity, reliability, dedication and a willingness to learn. All necessary cameras, editing hardware and software will be provided.
About BGA
Established in 2019, the Bishop Gaming Association has grown into one of NCWU’s largest and most active student organizations, engaging approximately 80 to 100 students through competitive esports, media production, content creation and professional development. The organization has evolved beyond gaming to provide students with opportunities to develop skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, broadcasting, technology and digital media.
Through BGA Productions, NCWU students have explored areas including broadcasting, journalism, graphic design, social media management, podcasting, streaming and video production. Students have produced original programming, including BGA News, while building portfolios that connect their collegiate experiences to potential career pathways.
The association has also developed community partnerships that provide students with opportunities to gain professional experience. Collaborations with WHIG-TV, for example, have connected BGA students with internships, job-shadowing experiences and broadcast production opportunities.
The Merging of Opportunities
BGA NEXTGEN builds on that experiential learning model by giving RMA students the opportunity to begin developing their own professional portfolios before entering college.
Students who successfully complete the fall fellowship will be positioned to take on leadership roles in the spring and following academic year, helping serve as technical mentors for future participants. The goal is to create a sustainable student-led program in which each cohort helps prepare the next generation.
The inaugural BGA NEXTGEN fellowship will take place in two phases between September and October. By the conclusion of the program, participating students will have completed real-world media projects, gained experience with professional production tools and developed a portfolio that can strengthen their future college and career opportunities.
BGA NEXTGEN reflects the shared commitment of North Carolina Wesleyan University and Rocky Mount Academy to creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop career-ready skills and see what is possible when education and community partnerships come together.
NCWU Set to Host Second Annual Women’s Volleyball Invitational
Following a highly successful debut in 2025, North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to announce the return of the N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Invitational, set to take place September 4-5, 2026, inside Everett Gymnasium on the University’s campus.
The unique event will once again bring together NCAA Division III programs from across the East Coast for two days of high-level competition and an unmatched student-athlete experience. Participating institutions in this year’s invitational include North Carolina Wesleyan University, Hollins University, Regent University, Randolph College, Mary Baldwin University, and Mount Aloysius College.
Invitational Structure
Building upon the foundation established during its inaugural year, the 2026 invitational continues to reflect N.C. Wesleyan’s commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience while creating a premier event atmosphere. Teams will compete in a pool-play format on Friday before advancing into championship bracket play on Saturday, with prize money awarded to the top five finishers.
“Our goal has always been to create an event that goes beyond the matches being played on the court,” said N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Vicky Gentile. “The invitational is an opportunity to showcase our campus, our community, and our commitment to providing a first-class experience for student-athletes. We are excited to welcome another outstanding field of programs to Rocky Mount and continue growing this event.”
Prize Pool
The tournament champion will receive $3,000, while the runner-up will earn $2,000. Third place will receive $1,000, fourth place will earn $750, and the fifth-place finisher will take home $500. The competitive structure ensures meaningful matches throughout the weekend while rewarding excellence on the court.
The six-team field will be divided into two three-team brackets during Friday’s pool play, with Saturday’s schedule featuring a fifth-place match, third-place match, and championship contest. The format guarantees every team multiple opportunities to compete while creating an exciting championship atmosphere for fans and participants alike.
As the tournament enters its second year, N.C. Wesleyan remains committed to growing the event into one of the premier early-season tournaments in NCAA Division III volleyball. With competitive programs, a championship atmosphere, and a focus on student-athlete experience, the 2026 N.C. Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Invitational is poised to build upon the momentum generated during its inaugural season.
Additional tournament information, including team previews, match coverage, and event details, will be released in the coming weeks through N.C. Wesleyan Athletics social media channels and ncwports.com.
NC Wesleyan Emphasizes Access and Opportunity in Higher Ed
North Carolina Wesleyan University is adapting to an increasingly unpredictable higher education landscape by expanding flexible learning pathways for a diverse student population. As a federally designated Minority-Serving Institution, NCWU serves a very diverse student body that includes African-american, first-generation, adult, international, and rural students. Across campus and in the classroom, Wesleyan continues to provide college access and opportunity that is practical for our students.
In a recent interview with WUNC, President Evan Duff highlighted the importance of meeting students where they are through programs designed for working adults, community college transfers, and traditional undergraduates. Despite enrollment pressures facing many private colleges, Wesleyan is focused on creating multiple pathways to success while continuing its mission of serving economically disadvantaged communities across eastern and central North Carolina. READ ARTICLE >
NCWU Welcomes 29 Students to BSN Program at White Coat Ceremony
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated the newest members of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program during the university’s White Coat Ceremony on August 20th.
The ceremony formally welcomed 29 students to the Fall 2026 BSN cohort and recognized their commitment to pursuing a career in nursing. The special evening brought together students, faculty, university leadership, family members and friends to mark this important milestone in their nursing education.
The Ceremony
The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and BSN Program Director, and Dr. Monica Massey, BSN Program Coordinator. This was followed with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Robert Simpson, NC Wesleyan University Chaplain, and Dr. Evan D. Duff, NC Wesleyan President, provided opening remarks.
The evening also featured the introduction of the university’s nursing faculty and a welcome statement from Dr. Meir Magal, Chair of the School of Health Sciences. Students then received their white coats, symbolizing their entry into the nursing profession and their commitment to the values and responsibilities of patient care.
A highlight of the ceremony was the White Coat Ceremony Oath, led by Dr. Massey and Dr. Brittany Bass, followed by an Academic Integrity Oath led by Drs. Christa Jones-Hooker and Consuela Blaizes.
The ceremony featured guest speaker Dr. Brittany Bass, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, who addressed the incoming students as they began this next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.
The evening concluded with remarks from Dr. Ostheim and a Blessing of the Hands led by Reverend Dr. Simpson, which offered a meaningful reflection on the role nursing students will soon play in caring for others.
The Future of the Program
“White Coat Ceremony is an important milestone for our students as they begin their journey into the nursing profession,” said Dr. Ostheim. “We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of students to our BSN program and look forward to supporting them as they develop the knowledge, skills and compassion needed to become outstanding nurses.”
The Fall 2026 BSN cohort includes students from a variety of backgrounds who are beginning their nursing education at NC Wesleyan. The university’s BSN program is designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice through rigorous academic coursework, hands-on learning and clinical experiences.
The White Coat Ceremony is a milestone not only for the students but also for their families, faculty and the NC Wesleyan community as the university celebrates the next generation of nursing professionals.
Our Fall 2027 BSN Nursing Program Application will OPEN on September 15, 2026 in order to accommodate the growing demand for our nursing program. APPLY first using our Traditional Admissions process.
NOTE: The Nursing Program (BSN) application is for students who have met all requirements and desire to apply to the Nursing program. Students MUST apply to Traditional admissions first and then be accepted to NC Wesleyan BEFORE they complete the BSN Application.
NCWU Welcomes Students for First Day of Classes During 70th Anniversary Year
A new academic year is underway at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) as students return to campus today for the first day of classes and the beginning of a milestone year for the University.
As NC Wesleyan celebrates its 70th anniversary, the university is welcoming new students, new cohorts and new academic opportunities while celebrating recent accolades and the continued growth of the Wesleyan community.
The 2026-27 academic year marks seven decades of preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership and impact. This year, that tradition continues with expanded programs, new students joining the Battling Bishop community and exciting momentum across the university.
A Celebration to Kick Off the Semester
The University officially kicked off the semester Monday with Rock the Mount, NC Wesleyan’s annual campus welcome event sponsored by First Carolina Bank.
More than 80 vendors and campus and community partners gathered on campus to welcome students and help launch the new academic year. The event gave students an opportunity to connect with local organizations, campus resources and one another while celebrating the start of a new semester.
The day also included Welcoming Convocation for the Class of 2030, officially welcoming the University’s newest traditional undergraduate students to the Wesleyan community.
The keynote address was delivered by Jessica D. Harrison, mayor of Zebulon, who challenged the incoming class to think differently about success and the impact they can make during their college years.
“Success isn’t having the perfect GPA. Success isn’t having the perfect résumé. Success isn’t becoming famous,” Harrison told the Class of 2030. “Success is becoming faithful to the person God created you to be. Success is leaving people better than you found them. Success is using your gifts to make someone else’s life a little brighter.”
Harrison encouraged students to focus less on impressing others and more on making a meaningful difference.
“Don’t spend your college years trying to become impressive. Spend them becoming impactful,” she said. “The world already has enough people chasing applause. What it needs are people willing to make a difference.”
She closed her message by reminding students that their Wesleyan experience will ultimately be defined by more than their academic accomplishments.
“Don’t just earn a degree here. Build relationships here. Build memories here. Build character here,” Harrison said. “Because one day, years from now, when someone asks you about North Carolina Wesleyan, I hope you won’t just talk about classes. I hope you’ll talk about the people who believed in you, the moments that changed you and the version of yourself you discovered here.”
A Year of Growth and Momentum
The new academic year arrives as NC Wesleyan celebrates new accolades, continued academic growth and the expansion of programs designed to meet the needs of today’s students and workforce.
The University is welcoming new cohorts across its academic programs, including students beginning their journeys in growing fields and professional programs. These students join a campus community that continues to expand its academic offerings while maintaining its commitment to personalized learning and student success.
NC Wesleyan is also entering its 70th anniversary year with a growing list of accomplishments and recognitions that reflect the University’s commitment to serving students and the broader community.
From new academic programs and partnerships to recognition for excellence across the University, the 2026-27 academic year represents both a celebration of Wesleyan’s history and a look toward its future.
For today’s students, however, the beginning of the semester is about something much more immediate: a new chapter.
For the Class of 2030, it is the beginning of their Wesleyan story. For returning students, it is another opportunity to learn, grow and create memories with the people who make the University home.
And for NC Wesleyan, it is the beginning of the next chapter in a 70-year story of pride, purpose and progress.
Welcome back, Battling Bishops. Here’s to 70 years and everything still to come.
