ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 156 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Activities such as Walk with the President, Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) mascot challenge, Lunch n’ Learn Series for Health and other campus wellness initiatives aided NCWC in earning silver level designation from the EIM-OC program.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in healthcare.”
The silver level Exercise is Medicine® On Campus award was made possible through combined efforts of the College’s Exercise is Medicine® On Campus leadership team, the Health and Movement Science Club, Wesleyan Wellness and the campus community.
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC silver distinction for the third year in a row! This illustrates the continued and substantial efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administration to cultivate a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Exercise is Medicine® On Campus program advisor.
Of the 156 campuses recognized this year, 73 received gold, 60 silver and 23 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on Wednesday, June 1 as part of the 2022 Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. Its recognition program launched in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools silver status by engaging students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and making movement part of the daily campus culture.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.
NCWC Students Job Shadow at Grover Gaming in Greenville, NC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – While many college students spend their spring breaks traveling or visiting their favorite beach, several students at NC Wesleyan took the time to learn about career development. The College’s Office of Career Development & Leadership organized an opportunity for a small group of NCWC juniors to visit Grover Gaming in Greenville, NC. On Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9, these students were exposed to many aspects of the organization’s business, including their game development studio. Grover Gaming’s Greenville location is home to game developers, 3D artists, release QA testers, research and development engineers, and several other teams.
All students who participated are Computer Information Systems majors. They were able to learn about the mission, vision and values within the company, benefits of full-time positions and the intersection of various departments. As an added bonus, each student received a professional headshot taken by Grover Gaming.
“When I heard Grover’s president, Garrett Blackwelder, discuss the meaning behind the company name being rooted in the concept of growth, I knew I had brought our students to a great place for a developmental experience. Mr. Blackwelder genuinely explained that “Grover” was selected to reflect his vision for the organization to “grow over and over” in the game development industry and also for his entire team to continually grow professionally and personally,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership at NC Wesleyan. “Our visit confirmed this as I found the Grover culture to be intoxicatingly warm while also laser-focused on the company’s goals.”
Ki Vera Pardillo, one of the NCWC students who took part in this opportunity, witnessed how her training in the classroom could apply to a full-time career after college. She states: “I got to see a real-life setting for the development processes of gaming software ranging from graphic design to the deployment of their products. I was also able to ask software developers and programmers which methods and development tools they use to create the programs, as well as how they improve their products to have a competitive advantage.”
Langley hopes to continue facilitating future visits to Grover Gaming so that additional students can learn specifically about the game development side of the business.
About Grover Gaming
Founded in Greenville, NC, Grover Gaming is a software development and design company with offices and distribution facilities in 9 different states that specializes in electronic gaming throughout the US and Canada. Grover Gaming has evolved from a small gaming route started by founder Garrett Blackwelder in 2003, to a company of over 350 talented employees, focused on building a strong foundation of humble, passionate people, effective processes, and superior products. That vision continues, thanks to our growing team of dedicated employees and their desire to create innovative and entertaining gaming experiences for an ever-changing industry. Grover Gaming is a multiyear recipient of Inc Magazine’s prestigious Inc 5000 award, ranking #194 in 2020.
NC Wesleyan Earns Gold Designation as a Military Friendly® School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced that it has earned the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School Gold designation. This is a step up from the Silver designation that the College earned for the 2021-2022 school year. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools across the nation participated in the 2022-2023 survey with only 282 schools selected for “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs.
The 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.
For the ninth consecutive year, NC Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® school. The College strives to provide the best service to veterans and troops through:
- Administering and accepting DSST
- Providing support and guidance with VA benefits
- Providing campus locations and online education near military bases in eastern NC
- Providing flexible scheduling of classes
- Offering flexible policies for transfer work and military training
“We are excited to have the Military Friendly Gold designation this year. Colleges who complete the Military Friendly questionnaire can easily detect where support might be built upon. At North Carolina Wesleyan, we understand the commitment veterans and their families make for our great Country and recognize the difficulties that come with transitioning into civilian life. We aim to continuously assist military-connected students by increasing support and offering acknowledgement at every opportunity,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active-duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at viqtory.com.
NC Wesleyan’s Exercise Science Program Presents at Regional Conference
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA — On Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 8 three of NC Wesleyan’s Exercise Science faculty members, along with seven students, attended the regional conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Greenville, South Carolina. These students and faculty members presented research and tutorials on exercise science, exercise physiology and athletic performance.
Megan Mackey, a Biomedical Sciences honor’s student, and Savannah Chenault, an Exercise Science major, collaborated on a scientific poster titled, “Sleep and Depressive Symptoms After Sport Related Concussion.” This poster was presented by Mackey, a top 8 undergraduate student award finalist. Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, served as the faculty mentor on the project.
This was the first time students in NCWC’s Exercise Science Program participated in the Southeastern Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Student Bowl. Savion Young, Matan Amitay and Savannah Chenault finished the competition in the top ten, surpassing many regional, state and private academic institutions.
“We appreciate the support of the College and the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program that allowed us to expose students to this unique opportunity,” stated Dr. Meir Magal, Professor of Exercise Science and NCWC’s Exercise Science Program Director.
In addition, Dr. Alex Ehlert, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, presented a poster titled, “Associations Between GPS-Derived Training Metrics and Subjective Readiness Ratings in NCAA Female Soccer Players.” Dr. Meir Magal presented a tutorial titled, “ACSM Certifications: Defining an Exercise Profession and How to Succeed in the Exercise Profession.”
NC Wesleyan Breaks Ground on New Shaw Learning Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA — On Tuesday, March 1, North Carolina Wesleyan University broke ground on its new Shaw Learning Center. This facility was made possible by funds the College 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.
“NC Wesleyan is very thankful for the generosity of Dr. Nancy Shaw. The Nancy Shaw Trust will continue to help Wesleyan and our students by funding both science initiatives and innovative ideas that support the care of felines,” noted President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
The College announced in 2020 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, NCWC has received over $4,000,000 from the trust which will allow for the construction of the Shaw Learning Center, as well as the Shaw Environmental Center.
The Shaw Learning Center will be located behind the Welcome Center in the middle of campus and will contain four classrooms, four offices and a cat lounge. The Flemish bond-style brick building will be approximately 5,000 square feet with a synthetic slate roof. The building was designed by CPL with EDC providing construction management services. It will be built by Barnhill Contracting Company. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2022. In addition, the Shaw Environmental Center will consist of a pole barn and greenhouse which will be built later this year between the College’s Facilities Department and Bauer Field.
NCWC Receives Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Wesleyan University has received a $250,000 grant from the Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation. These funds will provide NCWC the ability to improve the overall student experience by renovating classroom, bathroom and office space throughout the College’s campus.
“The College is extremely grateful for the Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation’s grant that will enable us to make some needed upgrades to our campus. These improvements contribute to the unique Wesleyan experience we provide while fulfilling our mission. We appreciate the desire of this foundation to help impact our students, faculty and staff,” expressed President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Thomas Winstead, an NCWC Board of Trustees member, helped cultivate the relationship between NC Wesleyan University and the Foundation. This grant will be allocated to renovate over 40 faculty offices, several classrooms, and six bathrooms on the first floor of the Braswell Administration, Pearsall Classroom and Gravely Science buildings. Studies have shown that better facilities and classrooms not only improve the student experience, but also contribute to faculty performing at their best.
The Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Raleigh, NC. The Foundation seeks to impact the lives of men, women and children by providing financial support to programs and organizations that teach and instill Christian values, promote business and entrepreneurship conducted in an ethical manner, educate young people and provide support to educational institutions, and/or help individuals to escape poverty by rewarding individual effort.
Lonnie Poole, a 1959 graduate of the NC State College of Engineering, is the founder and retired CEO and chairman of Waste Industries USA, a leading provider of solid waste and recycling collection services. Poole also founded the Environmental Research and Education Foundation and served as director of its board. Carol Johnson Poole attended Meredith University and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is president of the Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Mims Art Gallery at NCWC to Showcase Durham Artist
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA — Equines and Abstracts, recent paintings by Laura Berendsen Hughes, will soon be adorning the walls of the Mims Art Gallery on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University. Durham artist, Laura Berendsen Hughes, is exhibiting her dramatic and monumental silhouettes of horses and abstract expressionist paintings from March 3, 2022 – March 6, 2022. A reception will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3 to celebrate the opening of this stunning exhibit.
An acrylic painter, Laura’s recent work features both equines and abstractions. Categorically, her works of art reveal her painterly “dance” (so to speak) between their designedly structure and freedom. Her classical silhouettes of horses are realized in wild color and improvisational brush strokes. With creative skills from many years working as a graphic artist, Laura’s abstract expressionist works engage us with an exciting, tensional equilibrium between hard-edge form and the freeing dynamic of loose brushwork. In both equines and abstract expressionist works, you will see an uncompromising point of excellence found in her exploration of the aesthetic process.
Regarding beauty, Laura states, “Beauty isn’t the same as prettiness. For me, beauty is deeper and must contain chaos, decay and imperfection.” About her work she says, “What looks intuitive and spontaneous in my work actually starts with a computer sketch. As an unapologetic copyist, I steal brush stokes, colors, shapes and techniques from my other paintings… every step of the process is open to new inspiration. I’m a materialist at heart, [ultimately] I love to see what the paint wants to do and let it have a say in what finally shows up!”
Laura has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Sculpture from UNC-Chapel Hill and has worked as a professional graphic designer for several years now. She uses her graphic design expertise as an integral part of the creative process of painting. As an active exhibiting artist in a variety of venues, she is experiencing both recognition and success. Laura is represented by The Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC and The Centerpiece in Raleigh, NC.
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 Gallery, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings and sculpture. The Gallery is open weekdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
Esports Thrives at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) is North Carolina Wesleyan University’s co-ed Esports Program. Established in September 2019, the BGA has quickly become the College’s largest student club with 89 current members. The Program is categorized into three different entities: the Elite Team, Productions and the Club.
The Elite Team is for students who are looking to compete in leagues or tournaments on a collegiate level. Students can compete on both PC and console platforms in multiple games, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros and many more. BGA Elite Team members are part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Collegiate Star League (CSL). Since its inception, the team has participated in several third-party tournaments. To become a BGA Elite Team member, students must: complete a questionnaire; submit a highlight reel via Twitch, Facebook or YouTube; participate in live tryouts; and play a game with current members to exhibit their communication and skills in a team environment.
Productions is targeted toward students interested in video editing, content creation, graphic design, journalism, TV shows, podcasting and on-air hosting. The BGA Production room allows students to explore their creative ideas and consists of an iMac computer, an Alienware computer and Elgato products for graphic design, podcasting, editing and streaming. Students within BGA Productions shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and shared on The BGA’s social media accounts.
Those who are casual gamers or spectators interested in gaming as an extracurricular activity are able to join the BGA Club. The Club allows casual gamers to participate in various BGA-sponsored gaming events and activities. Those interested in the Club are able to develop their gaming skills, as well as receive education and various perspectives into the development of video games.
Video game tournaments – known as Esports – are quickly becoming a must-have on many college and university campuses. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), says that there are currently more than 170 active collegiate varsity Esports teams with over 5,000 student-athletes.
“I am excited to return back to North Carolina Wesleyan University to help promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment in our community. My goal is to provide students with awareness, resources, advice and experience in the gaming industry,” stated Chantoni Grant, Director of Bishop Gaming Association.
The Bishop Gaming Association has developed positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and media outlets while interacting successfully with the College community. It provides students with knowledge to enter the Esports field from any angle. The BGA offers connections, internship programs and desired career opportunities within the Esports and production industry. Students develop skills in community building, team chemistry, managing and organizing teams, planning and organizing events, and creating innovative and unique strategies. The College’s state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed Esports gaming room, The Fortress, opened in January 2021 in The Hartness Center and is equipped with the some of the best equipment in the gaming industry. The room features a row of Alienware computers, multiple flat screen TVs, a small console area and an Esports art wall created by students.
NC Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program Earns High Accolades
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Two recent graduates of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Program have earned First-Year Teacher of the Year awards from Nash County Public Schools. Zack Foster, a spring 2021 graduate, teaches English at Southern Nash High School and Jackie Webb, a fall 2021 graduate, is a Mathematics teacher at Northern Nash High School.
“These students are representative of the quality instruction one receives in Teacher Education at North Carolina Wesleyan University. While we are excited about their individual successes as practitioners, we were not surprised that they had achieved the distinction of First-Year Teacher of the Year at their respective schools,” stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NC Wesleyan’s Director of Teacher Education.
In addition to these awards, the College has also seen great achievement within its award-winning Students Helping Students Afterschool Program. Led by Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWC Professor and Coordinator of Special Education, Students Helping Students is a service learning project within the College’s Teacher Education Program. The initiative provides afterschool resources to K-12 children with learning differences in Nash County Public Schools. Since its inception in 2015, the program has received statewide recognition. The program was designed for NCWC education students to provide individualized instruction in math and reading once a week. Additionally, the program provides parent advocacy training. Dr. Brewer conducts weekly sessions for parents of participating K-12 children on how to navigate and advocate services for their children.
Each year, the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (NC CEC) celebrates and recognizes youth with disabilities who demonstrate progress and achievements in nine categories: academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent living skills, self-advocacy and technology. On February 26, 2022 at the upcoming 35th NC CEC Annual Conference, two students mentored by the Students Helping Students program will receive the statewide Yes I Can! Award. Bryson Worsley, a seventh grader at W.A. Pattillo Middle School, will be receiving the Yes I Can! Award for academics. Jordan Contreras, a seventh grader at Nash Everywhere Digital Academy (NEDA), will be receiving the Yes I Can! Award for technology. To date, a total of four recipients from the afterschool program have received the distinguished Yes I Can! Award.
“Much gratitude extends to NCWC’s Teacher Education students and the parents for their tireless efforts to embrace learning differences, explore instructional research-based strategies and advocate for services in the schools. It’s a humbling experience to monitor the growth and development of our pre-service education students,” stated Dr. Brewer.
The Yes I Can! International Awards Program was established in 1981 to celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to encourage children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential; and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities.
Grant, Community Partnerships Allow for Food Pantry at NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – A long-term study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that food insecurity among college students is associated with decreased college graduation rates and lower chances of obtaining a bachelor’s or advanced degree. North Carolina Wesleyan University is working to change these statistics. Thanks to a grant of more than $10,000 from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Foundation, the College’s Department of Education partner, NCWC has established a new food pantry on campus.
ECMC Foundation is a nonprofit, national foundation working to improve postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds. Thanks to the work of Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost, and Dr. Jason Modlin, Dean of Students, ECMC Foundation accepted the College’s proposal to address food insecurity by issuing two grants. Food insecurity can take on different meanings for different people—struggling to afford food, eating less, not eating as healthy or going hungry.
The College’s new food pantry is located in the Leon Russel Chapel on campus and is open to all members of the Wesleyan community. The ECMC Foundation grant allowed for the purchase of commercial refrigerators and freezers so that both perishable and non-perishable food can be offered.
“Going without food is something that no one should ever have to face. Through the generosity of several organizations, we are fortunate to be able to offer healthy food options for our students so that they can concentrate on excelling in the classroom,” stated Campus Chaplain, Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson.
In addition to the grant from ECMC Foundation, NCWC has partnered with several community organizations, including Ripe Revival Market and The Mercer Foundation, Inc., to provide the pantry with fresh produce and food items. Ripe Revival Market is a local company that delivers product and grocery boxes directly to the homes of its customers. They are committed to helping in the fight against hunger, providing healthy foods to those in need. Ripe Revival supports family farms by finding homes for their excess produce. For every purchase of their goods, they donate back to make a difference for those who are hungry. The Mercer Foundation, Inc., founded by NC Wesleyan’s Director of Military Studies, Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer, seeks to create healthy opportunities for children and provide assistance to disabled veterans. The major goal of the organization is to transform lives. They equip disabled veterans with necessary tools, education and vocational training, and provide balanced meals for children in high-risk environments.
Dr. Modlin and Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson, the College’s Chaplain, are exploring options for long-term sustainability of the food pantry, including a continued partnership with Ripe Revival Market. This partnership would consist of Ripe Revival Market donating a box back to the pantry for every box that is purchased by NC Wesleyan employees. The NCWC Alumni Board is also working with NC Wesleyan’s Office of Advancement to establish a pathway for raising funds to expand the pantry. Those who are interested in partnering with the College to support its new food pantry can contact Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson, at 252.985.5575 or chaplain@ncwu.edu.
