ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Construction recently wrapped up on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s new Shaw Learning Center. This facility was made possible by funds the University received from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust. Dr. Shaw was a successful physician with ties to Nash County. Her trust’s primary focus was to benefit the health and care of cats.
Back in 2020, NCWU announced that it had received an initial $2,500,000 from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust to invest in its science and pre-vet programs. In total, NC Wesleyan received over $4,000,000 from the trust which allowed for the construction of the Shaw Learning Center and the Shaw Environmental Center, currently under construction. In addition, these funds also allowed for endowed scholarships for Pre-Vet students and NCWU’s first Endowed Professorship was established. The inaugural Nancy A. Shaw Endowed Professor is Dr. Emily Weber who started in 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Weber holds a B.A. in Biology from Augustana University and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester.
The approximately 5,000-square-foot Shaw Learning Center is located behind the Welcome Center in the middle of campus and contains four classrooms and four offices. The facility provides students with unique learning opportunities, scientific initiatives and innovative ideas towards the care of felines. A unique feature of the facility is the cat lounge centrally located as guests enter the building.
The cat lounge will house approximately six to eight rescue or endowed cats from owners who have passed away. In addition to offering a serene space for these cats to live, there will also be space for students to study and socialize. Multiple research studies have shown that cats help reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Over the past 20-25 years, there’s been a huge explosion in canine cognition research; however much less is understood about cats. There are only a small handful of cat cognition labs in existence. Therefore, the field is ripe for areas of investigation and contributions to animal research.
Dr. Dimitri Blondel, NCWU Assistant Professor of Biology and animal behaviorist, is interested in non-human animals, why they do the things they do and how they perceive their own world. In his second year at Wesleyan, he wants to find ways to expand into different exploration areas, such as human-cat interactions. He also aspires to sponsor student-directed research. Teaching an animal behavior class with a lab opens the door for him to hold these labs in the new cat lounge.
“Some of the research that I plan to conduct includes student-directed cat cognition studies. Studies such as these look at animal intelligence, how they receive information through their senses, learn and process the information. Can they understand speech and things like sense of fairness? Intelligence tests such as pointing exercises have shown that they can understand human pointing gestures. This means they have the potential for understanding other areas of cognition as well. Do they know their name, can they choose between a toy and food, how independent are they? All of which can help with training, owner interactions and the way we communicate with felines in general,” stated Dr. Blondel.
Another type of research that will take place in the Shaw Learning Center is behavioral endocrinology, which considers how hormones affect behavior. This is the use of fecal hormone assay to detect levels of stress hormones to determine if there is a connection between these hormones and their personalities. This research will allow NCWU students to determine cat IQs by studying how they learn and process information.
Individuals who are interested in endowing a cat, supporting the cat lounge through supplies, toys and food, or for the naming rights of the lounge should contact Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement, at mhinson@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5145. NCWU is planning an official ribbon cutting for the new facility later this spring and hopes to rescue their first cat by summer 2023.
To support the well-being of the cats in our Shaw Learning Center Cat Lounge, Click HERE.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Teacher Education Program Receives Grant from NCDPI
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Program recently received a $30,000 Education Preparation Program (EPP) grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Office of Exceptional Children. This Special Education Student Teaching Stipend will support two NCWU special education student teachers during the spring 2023 semester.
To be eligible for the stipend, students must be engaging in a special education student teaching opportunity during the 2022-23 school year in pursuit of a special education license. NC Wesleyan students, Chlorinda Lafranque and Taylor Webb, are the grant recipients and will student teach, respectively, at Benvenue and Winstead/Englewood Elementary schools.
In addition, this grant intends to:
- Increase the diversity of the special education teaching profession
- Retain special education teachers in North Carolina after successful completion of an NC Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Provide ongoing support for early-career special education teachers
- Develop a community of practice among a diverse set of early career teachers and their mentors
Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWU Professor and Coordinator of Special Education, continues to highlight the program’s 100 percent licensure passage rate on the North Carolina Licensure PRAXIS Exam: Special Education Core Knowledge and Mild-to-Moderate. Dr. Brewer also recognizes the impact of the Students Helping Students Award-Winning Afterschool Program that provides opportunities for diversity in teaching and service-learning.
“We are so excited about this grant,” stated Dr. Brewer. “The funds will supplement students’ living costs and related expenses during student teaching.”
As a condition of accepting a stipend, each special education student teacher recipient agrees through an assurance agreement to seek employment in North Carolina for at least one full school year and actively participate in the NC Early Career NCDPI/Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) partnership.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NC Wesleyan Launches New Master’s Degree Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has submitted the substantive change application for its new Master of Public Health* and Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Health programs to its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The 100% online Master of Public Health* program, with a concentration in Physical Activity and Health, will equip graduate students with the knowledge and skills to incorporate physical activity into the core of public health practice in order to improve the health of individuals, communities and populations. It is comprised of 42 graduate-level credit hours, including 20 hours of core public health courses, 15 hours of concentration-specific courses, and 7 hours of experiential and integrated learning courses. Students will learn from world-renowned and accomplished faculty that mentor them through the latest research and practical applications in public health.
“We are excited to add our third graduate program, the Master of Public Health (MPH), and our first certificate of graduate study (Public Health) at NCWU. Wesleyan will be the first in the state of North Carolina to offer an MPH with an emphasis in physical activity and health,” stated Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and MPH Program Director. “Students in the program will learn the foundational concepts of public health, in addition to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate the health-promoting concepts of physical activity into public health programs, interventions and policies. Considering that physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for chronic disease, this program is uniquely poised to equip future public health professionals with the tools necessary to make significant positive impacts on the health of their communities.”
A major focus of the program is to connect students to practical, hands-on experiences in public health by working directly with community partners. In this manner, students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their MPH courses to real-world public health practice, while simultaneously helping to improve the health of their communities. During the MPH program, students will complete their public health practicum in one of a variety of public health-related sites such as community centers, parks and recreation departments, government and nonprofit organizations, grass-roots organizations, public health research, university wellness centers, large healthcare systems and schools.
Through the institution’s Integrated 4+1 MPH program, undergraduate students from North Carolina Wesleyan University can graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Health degree in only five years. The integrated 4+1 MPH option is intended for highly motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing an MPH degree after their undergraduate program. Students also save on tuition because they pay the undergraduate tuition rate for the first year of the MPH program. Students must apply to the integrated 4+1 MPH program during the Junior year of their undergraduate degree at NCWU and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.
The University will also offer a Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Health. This certificate provides students with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of public health, supplement another degree, enhance their current professional or clinical skills, or prepare for further graduate study. While the certificate program can be completed in two semesters, students have three years from the start of the program to finish.
For more information, visit ncwu.edu/master-of-public-health or contact the Office of Adult Studies, at adultstudies@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NC Wesleyan Receives Grant to Fund iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University was recently awarded a grant from NC Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) to help fund the iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠. The grant will be utilized to create opportunities for black male students to engage in a variety of activities that offer academic learning, emotional support, job readiness preparation, and cultural experiences such as field trips, movie nights and counseling sessions.
The NCICU iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠ provides funding to implement strategies designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of minority males at member campuses through mentoring, life coaching and educational forums. NC Wesleyan University joins 13 other NCICU campuses with iBelong Male Mentoring Programs. Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU’s Director of Teacher Education and Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming is providing leadership for this initiative.
“Mentoring programs for college and university students have been proven effective at increasing engagement, as well as persistence and completion rates for participants. This is especially true for male students of color,” stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley. “Studies have shown that African-American students have very different experiences than their majority colleagues, among these are feelings of isolation and lower levels of campus engagement. I’m honored to help guide and mentor these young men through their college experience.”
The iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠ at NC Wesleyan University is working through Black Men Winning, a recently created student organization devoted to uplifting and assisting African-American males in a holistic manner. The Black Men Winning student organization has already scheduled activities for the spring 2023 term, including a field trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Motivational Speaker Forum, Interview Workshops, STEM Forum Participation, and a Policing and the Black Community Forum. Currently, the program has 21 participants. For more information about the program, including how to partner with the University in this initiative, please contact Dr. Spragley at kspragley@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Forty Inducted into NCWU’s National Society of Leadership & Success
Sigma Alpha Pi, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) hosted its sixth induction of student leaders into the organization. The ceremony was held Tuesday, November 29 at 3:00 p.m. in the Garner Lobby of The Dunn Center. The NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, with more than 700 chapters and over 1.2 million members.
NCWU’s chapter seeks to foster personal reflection, goal setting and leadership development amongst its members. The goal this fall focused on helping as many of the students who joined at the start of the semester through completion of the national requirements to become fully-inducted members.
“I’m proud of this group of students and their dedication to professional development. Their commitment is evident in the fact that our NSLS chapter continues to exceed the national chapter induction rate,” stated Tanisha Reed, Chapter Advisor and Interim Director of Career Development & Leadership. “Our student leaders have been able to overcome obstacles, increase their confidence, empower their goal setting and choose a career path throughout this process.”
With a 66.1% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal by over 35%. As part of the program’s community service efforts this season, attendees were encouraged to bring new or gently used blankets and socks that will be donated to United Community Ministries for distribution to their participants during the cold months ahead.
T.J. Walker, Rocky Mount Ward 4 Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem, served as the celebration’s keynote speaker. Walker encouraged the inductees to define success for themselves, be confident and give their all to everything that they do.
In order to achieve induction, members must attend Orientation, Leadership Training Day, three Speaker Broadcasts and three Success Networking Team meetings. Students are selected by their school for membership based on academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. To learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success, visit nsls.org.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Announces Dates for World’s Largest Bob Ross Exhibit
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, is set to adorn the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center from November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The 2023 exhibition will be open to the public. Purchase Tickets for $15 per person. Free admission for children under five. This will be the first time a Bob Ross exhibit has been to North Carolina. With over 75 paintings, this will be the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
Greg Purcell, previous Art Curator for the Galleries at The Dunn Center, says “there will be more to this event than just the paintings on the walls. As we get closer to the opening, there will be classes taught by Bob Ross Certified Instructors so that you can learn how to paint like Bob Ross. The excitement is already building for this exhibit which is now less than a year away. Keep checking our website regularly and join our email list to be the first to hear about all the fun plans, as well as having the chance to get early access to tickets.”
Bob Ross, Inc. will allow the funds raised from this exhibit to go directly toward bringing future artists to the Galleries at The Dunn Center. Guests are invited to come experience the joy that Ross brought to the art world. For more information, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
Two NCWU Students to Intern at Pfizer
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University and Pfizer recently formed a partnership that will provide hands-on learning opportunities to NCWU students majoring in science. Through the work of Dr. Daniel Elias, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, and Dr. Molly Wyatt, Associate Provost, Pfizer will establish a new student fellowship program beginning in the spring 2023 semester.
“Pfizer’s purpose – ‘Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives’ – is best reflected in the people whom we serve. Our success in achieving our purpose can be accomplished only by finding and cultivating the best talent. Pfizer’s collaboration with NCWU demonstrates both our commitment to our purpose and to community outreach,” stated Kara Price, Ph.D., Vice President, Rocky Mount Site Lead. “NCWU students gain real-world experience, while Pfizer can continue to source excellent talent. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
NCWU students, Rheanna Wilder and Mauro Infante, will be the first two student fellows at Pfizer through this partnership. Rheanna is a senior, women’s soccer player majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. Mauro, a sophomore from Uruguay, is also a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Dr. Joe Lane, NCWU Provost, noted that “This partnership with Pfizer demonstrates the power of Wesleyan’s personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Wesleyan students will have the opportunity to take what they have learned in our lecture halls and labs and apply it to real-world problems with Pfizer’s professionals. We know that Rheanna and Mauro will be the first of many Wesleyan students to build their network and resumés at Pfizer. They will do great work and we look forward to highlighting their experiences.”
During their time at Pfizer, both students will have the opportunity to gain experience in multiple areas. This includes regulatory compliance related activities, Lean/IMEx projects, training and instructional design, science-related laboratory activities, employee performance improvement projects and operational excellence support.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Hosts Homecoming on New Turf Field, Gives Away Car to Student
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – After originally being delayed due to Hurricane Ian, North Carolina Wesleyan University was excited to able to celebrate Homecoming this past Saturday, November 5, with kickoff at noon against Huntingdon College. This year, for the first time ever, Wesleyan’s Homecoming game was held on its new turf field at the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium.
Tailgating began at 9:00 a.m. followed by an alumni football game on the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Lacrosse Field at 9:30 a.m. Returning for its fourth year, NCWU’s annual chili cook-off started at 11:00 a.m. This year’s halftime included a first-of-its-kind giveaway. On September 1, the University announced a partnership with Joey Griffin Kia to give a current NCWU student the deal of a lifetime… a brand-new car!
That lucky and deserving Bishop is Cierra Gamble, an NCWU senior, who received the keys to her new 2022 Kia Rio, courtesy of Joey Griffin Kia, on Saturday during the halftime festivities. From September 1 until November 2, NCWU students, faculty and staff nominated current, full-time students they believe deserved and needed a new car. Students were not allowed to self-nominate, but each student could be nominated more than once.
“Winning the car, to me, is a dream come true! It means that I am one step closer to reaching my goals than I was before,” stated Gamble. “No longer do I have to turn down opportunities due to lack of transportation. The Lord really provided. Thank you, Mr. Joey Griffin, for this opportunity!”
After the excitement of the game, students and alumni headed into the heart of Rocky Mount to see what the city had to offer. The Wesleyan community was able to stop by and take advantage of discounts at Aroma Bar & Bistro or Moe & D’s Restaurant Grill & Bar. There was an exclusive alumni-only event at Blanche’s Bistro. Larema Coffee House hosted an open mic night with talent from NCWU and offered discounts for both students and alumni.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Local High School Student Debuts Photography Exhibit at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The newest exhibit to grace the walls of the Gravely Art Gallery in The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University is The Study of Composition by Nick Dupont. A talented, local sophomore at Rocky Mount Academy, this will be his first time ever exhibiting his photography to the public. This eye-catching exhibit is free and open to the public running from November 17, 2022 through January 31, 2023. A reception will be held on opening night from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Photography has been a passion for Nick ever since he got his first point-and-shoot camera as a young child. As he has grown, he has developed his own way of telling a story through a lens. Whether a portrait or landscape, his use of light and depth of field really capture his subject to draw in viewers.
Greg Purcell, Gallery Curator, is thrilled that the Gravely Gallery will be the first place that Nick will exhibit his photographs. “We are getting a chance to see the world through the talented eye of a young man who is still developing his own world view and finding his way through life,” stated Purcell. “This will be an exhibit to remember as his subjects are wide-ranging and exciting.”
The Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and during events at The Dunn Center. To stay up-to-date on future shows coming to the Mims & Gravely Galleries, visit ncwu.edu/artgalleries, where you can join the mailing list as well. Upcoming shows include:
Colorful Chaos by artist Delayna Robbins from January 19, 2023 – March 9, 2023
Action Paintings by Wes Day from March 16, 2023 – April 27, 2023
Just Imagine by Mark Cole from May4, 2023 – August 4- 2023
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
NC Wesleyan Honors Program Receives Donation for Upgrades
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Taylor and Crocker families recently provided funds to refurnish the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program Lounge at NC Wesleyan University and purchased Honors Jackets for all 50 students in the Program. The lounge was relocated to a larger space on campus and received new carpet, paint and furniture, along with cupboards that are stocked with snacks and drinks for students to enjoy.
“The recent changes and updates to the Honors Lounge are simply amazing! On behalf of the program, I personally want to express my sincerest thanks to the Taylors and Crockers. Their efforts will ensure the lounge is a special place for Honors Program students now and for years to come,” stated Dr. Bill Yankosky, Director of the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program. “We are very appreciative of the support these two families have given to the program and look forward to strengthening that relationship in the years to come.”
Originally established in 1988 under the leadership of former English Professor, Dr. Steve Ferebee, the Program was renamed in 2009 when Roger G. Taylor, class of 1970, and his wife, Gaile, met with former President James A. Gray III. The funding that was provided for The Roger G. and Gaile Davenport Taylor Honors Program covered memberships and attendance to Honors Association Conferences, Honors Project supplies and thesis binding, guest speakers, social events for team building, professional development, Honors symposiums and travel.
In 2014, NCWU Board Chair, Dr. Dan Crocker and wife Brenda, came alongside the Taylors to support the initiative and a $100,000 pledge was made to fund the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program. The Crockers also established the Dr. James Durant Melton Outward Bound Scholarship that supports Honors Students who participate in the NC Outward Bound Program which offers challenging outdoor adventure programs.
“The Taylors and Crockers have been avid supporters of North Carolina Wesleyan University and their investment in the Honors Program has definitely been impactful for our students,” stated Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement. “The newly furnished Honors Lounge is a beautiful and welcoming space for our Honors students. It’s a comfortable, dedicated space just for them, equipped with snacks to relax, study, read or socialize. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Taylors, the Crockers and all those who have given to the Honors Program.”
Incoming students with a combined score of at least 1170 on the Critical Reading and Mathematics sections of the SAT (or equivalent ACT scores) and a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to apply to the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program. Freshmen enrolled in the Program take special freshman courses in English and Humanities. Honors Program students then take one honors course each semester during their sophomore and junior years. During senior year, these students design and complete a supervised, interdisciplinary project consisting of a written and oral component. The project gives honors students the unique opportunity to work on an individual basis with a faculty member.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
