ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Daniel Erwin “Dan” Jansen is set to address the newest class of North Carolina Wesleyan alumni at the College’s upcoming Spring 2022 Commencement. He is a retired American speed skater and Olympic gold medalist. A multiple world champion in sprint, Jansen won a gold medal in his final race (1,000 meters) in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
Jansen became the World Sprint Champion in 1988 and then competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics in the 500- and 1,000-meter races. In the early hours of February 14, the day of the 500-meter event, Jansen was informed that his 27-year-old sister, Mrs. Jane Marie Beres, was dying of leukemia. Hours later, Jansen was notified his sister had passed. He went on to compete in the 500-meter race that afternoon, but fell in the first turn. Four days later in the 1,000-meter event, he began with record-breaking speed but fell again, just past the 800-meter mark. He left the 1988 Olympics with no medals, but became the recipient of the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award for his valiant efforts.
In 1993, Jansen set a world record in the 500-meter event and was cast as a favorite to win gold at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Between the 1992 and 1994 Olympics, Jansen was the only skater to break 36 seconds in the 500 meters, doing so four times. In 1994, Jansen won his second World Sprint Championship title.
At the 1994 Winter Olympics he finished eighth in the 500-meter event. In preparation for the 1,000-meter event, he was coached by Peter Mueller, who won the same event in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Jansen defied expectations, finishing first to win the only Olympic medal of his career, setting a new world record in the process. He received the 1994 James E. Sullivan Award and was chosen by his fellow Olympians to bear the U.S. flag at the closing ceremony of the 1994 Winter Olympics. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.
“As a longtime North Carolina resident, it is an honor to join the North Carolina Wesleyan University Class of 2022 as they mark this special occasion and embark on the next chapter of their lives. I look forward to sharing my story with them and reinforcing the ideals of perseverance and determination, while equipping them with the tools to overcome any challenges thrown their way,” stated Jansen. “My journey of sacrifice is an excellent illustration of never giving up on your dreams; a vital lesson to today’s young aspiring professionals.”
In memory of his sister, Jane, The Dan Jansen Foundation was established in 1995 to help individuals and families affected by leukemia and related cancers, support youth sports programs and assist high school seniors in the pursuit of higher education. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed more than $900,000 to charitable causes.
“Dan Jansen’s journey demonstrates tenacity, unwavering dedication, a superior work ethic, discipline and a solid understanding that success comes from sacrifice,” stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan D. Duff. “I look forward to Dan’s message to our graduates who are at different points in their life. Many of them will be looking to attain their first job, while others are seasoned practitioners in their career. What they all have in common is that they will inevitably face that “next challenge” in life. I anticipate that Dan will share his wisdom on overcoming any challenge in life.”
The College’s Spring Commencement is planned for Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The time and location are subject to change based on current state and federal guidelines.
NC Wesleyan Named One of the Best Colleges in North Carolina by Intelligent.com
Higher education resource guide releases the best institution programs for 2022
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning, has included North Carolina Wesleyan University to its list of the Best Colleges in North Carolina in 2022. The research identifies 49 top programs in the state based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation.
North Carolina Wesleyan University was awarded Best First-Year Experience on the final list. Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each program on a scale from 0 to 100 across five categories. The scoring system compares each college or university according to program strength, student readiness, return on investment, cost and student engagement. Researchers compared 293 programs from 197 colleges in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina Wesleyan University offers flexible distance learning that appeals to busy adults or hybrid models that include on-campus and online formats. Experts at Intelligent.com assessed programs in Best Colleges in North Carolina that help students enhance and develop advanced skills for a variety of in-demand positions.
Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, with degree holders earning 84% more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as masters, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.1% for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit intelligent.com/best-colleges-and-universities/north-carolina/.
ABOUT INTELLIGENT.COM
Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides that include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships, and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit Intelligent.com.
New Art Exhibit Coming to Mims Art Gallery at NCWC
As a Haliwa-Saponi tribal native, Richardson concentrates much of his photographic work in the Hollister, NC community. His photographs chronicle contemporary history of regional events and the annual tribal powwow where members from a variety of east coast tribes join in fellowship and celebration. A ready-to-serve portrait photographer, he especially values the opportunity to make photographic portraits of tribal elders. In his gallery exhibition, you will see a wide variety of subjects. Portraits of powwows show ceremonial dancers in their colorful, traditional regalia captured in dynamic dance movement.
Ivan’s success and professional reputation have grown since beginning Fotoworkz in 2014. Life itself opens photographic possibilities for him, between family, tribe and twenty-five years as a volunteer fireman. He has regularly exhibited, and received accolades, at the Annual Native American Unity Conference in Raleigh, NC. One of his photographs was featured in the Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald in 2019. He was awarded the front cover of McLane Industries’ MERIT Magazine with one of his colorful powwow photographs. Along with continuing his usual photographic work in portrait and chronicling community events, Ivan is looking forward to expanding his interest into wildlife subjects. This will be his second exhibition at the Mims Art Gallery and many of his photographs will be for sale.
The Mims Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and during evening performances at The Dunn Center.
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.
Board Chair Gifts $100K to NCWC’s RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has generously donated $100,000 to support North Carolina Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN program. The gift will provide funds for nurse faculty, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.
Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program in summer or fall 2022. Recipients accepted and registered for classes are eligible to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must be an NC resident, maintain an overall 3.0+ GPA, be accepted into the RN to BSN Program, provide a letter of recommendation, submit a personal statement and attend the College’s Annual Scholarship Award program.
“Our BSN-prepared nurses are catalysts of change and drive improvements in care,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan’s Director of RN to BSN Program. “The overwhelming generosity shown through this second gift will make a tremendous impact on Battling Bishop nurses and every patient they encounter throughout their nursing careers.” Additional details can be found at ncwu.edu/crocker-nursing-scholarship. Interested students should reach out to Fabiola Kinney, Assistant Director of Adult Studies Advising, at fkinney@ncwu.edu for more information.
NCWC Announces the Addition of Five New Board Members
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees has approved five new board members to join the Wesleyan family: Lisa S. Barnes, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr., Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, USA (Ret.), Harry Bynum and Beth B. Covolo. They come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and join 21 others that serve on the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Dan Crocker.
“I commend the current members of the Board of Trustees in identifying and adding these exceptional individuals. Each of them will add greatly to the strength of the Board and they will contribute tremendously to the continued progress of the school,” stated Dr. Crocker.
Lisa S. Barnes, a Nash County native, is currently serving District 11 in the North Carolina Senate representing Nash and Johnston counties. She is a member of the Education, Healthcare and Agriculture Energy, and the Environment Committees. A graduate of Peace College and North Carolina State University, she began her career as a real estate paralegal. Today, she works alongside her husband, Johnny, in agribusiness. Lisa has also served in the NC House of Representatives and on the Nash County Board of Commissioners. Lisa and Johnny have three adult children—Bethany, Joshua and Jacy—and are members of Ridgecrest Worship Center. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking and paddle boarding.
Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 1980 graduate of NC Wesleyan and a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. As a Battling Bishops tennis player, he enjoyed a solid four-year career that saw him become one of the most decorated athletes in the program’s history. A three-time Most Valuable Player from 1978 to 1980, Vernon was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 as the first NC Wesleyan player to earn Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. After his time on the court at NC Wesleyan, he played professional tennis for three years. The Halifax, NC native has since enjoyed a successful career in real estate and frequently returns to campus to support and encourage current student-athletes. Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is the namesake of several campus landmarks, including the sports complex, residence hall and lobby, among others. His commitment and dedication to North Carolina Wesleyan University is evident throughout campus. He is the highest individual donor in NC Wesleyan’s history.
Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray completed over three decades of service in the United States Army, demonstrating professional leadership skills in strategic communications, combat operations, foreign affairs and effective modernization in support of the Department of Defense and National Interests. He is now an independent consultant and owner of ANGB Consulting, LLC. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College and a Bachelor of Science in Art from the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, he holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from North Carolina Wesleyan University. A lifelong learner, he has executive training from UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School and Administrative Management from Central Michigan University.
Harry Bynum is the President of SE&M Constructors, a full-service electrical and mechanical contractor based in Elm City, NC. He is a licensed electrical, mechanical and general contractor in North Carolina and received a Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1976. He has served on the boards of United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of The Tar River Region, The Salvation Army, Rocky Mount Industrial Organization, Citizens Savings Bank, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest University Alumni Association. Harry has three sons — Zack, Alex and Charlie— along with two step children, Jimmy Keel and Margie Gately. He and his wife, Melissa, also have six grandchildren.
Beth B. Covolo is the Head of School at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA). She was also the Director of Development and Head of Lower School at RMA from 2005-2011. Prior to her time at RMA, Beth served in Nash County Public Schools for fifteen years. She is currently a trustee for the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, as well as President of the Carolina Independent Conference. Beth holds a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and is the mother of three children.
“I am excited to welcome this talented group of professionals to the Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds and work experiences will add value to help us achieve the mission of the College,” stated NCWC President, Dr. Evan. D. Duff. The wide range of skills and expertise that these individuals hold will serve as a valuable asset to the current Board of Trustees. They will serve on the Board until May 31, 2025.
The Dunn Center to Host Methodist Bishop
Due to expected inclement weather, this event will be held virtually. To view, CLICK HERE.
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –The Dunn Center will host Reverend Leonard Fairley, Resident Bishop of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (NCCUMC) on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Fairley will be the guest preacher for an area wide worship service, a joint celebration held by North Carolina Wesleyan University and the United Methodist churches in and around Rocky Mount.
He became Resident Bishop of NCCUMC in September 2021, after serving the North Carolina Conference since 1984. Prior to becoming Resident Bishop, his last appointment in North Carolina was for the Capital District, NCCUMC’s largest district, as the District Superintendent. He was then elected by the delegates of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and appointed as Bishop of the Kentucky Conference in 2016.
“The Wesleyan community is honored to host Bishop Fairley and our area UMC pastors for this special service on our campus. We exist today because of our founders and the NC Methodist Conference. I could not be more excited to have this event in The Dunn Center,” stated NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Bishop Fairley graduated from Pfeiffer College and Duke University’s School of Divinity. He served at St. Peters in Hamlet and Soapstone in Raleigh before becoming the Rockingham District Superintendent. After serving as a District Superintendent for seven years, he returned to the local church in 2012 as Lead Pastor at Saint Francis in Cary, NC.
During the service, Bishop Fairley will welcome Dr. Jung Choi, Senior Director of Wesleyan Formation Initiatives at Duke Divinity School, and acknowledge the partnership that NC Wesleyan has with the school. NC Wesleyan announced in late 2021 that they had signed an agreement with Duke Divinity School to offer NCWC students an accelerated pathway to pastoral leadership. This agreement allows NC Wesleyan students to dual enroll at both institutions during their junior and senior years and work toward the completion of requirements for a Hybrid Master of Divinity (MDiv-H) or Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP) degree.
Bishop Fairley, a pastor, poet and man of deep, quiet faith, often shares his story of being born into poverty and from “the wrong side of town.” “There were times when I didn’t have food,” he remembers. “There were tables that I knew I was not invited to. But there was always room at God’s table… I always knew that at this table there was always enough, that I was always welcome.”
He and his wife, Dawn, currently split their time between Kentucky and North Carolina.
The service is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments.
To view the virtual event, CLICK HERE.
NC Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Recipients Announced
RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) have announced the recipients of a $2,000 scholarship provided by the Association who attend private colleges in North Carolina. READ MORE >
SACSCOC Reaffirms NC Wesleyan’s Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – This month, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools– Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees reaffirmed the accreditation of North Carolina Wesleyan University through 2030. Reaffirmation grants the College the authority to continue awarding baccalaureate and master’s degrees. SACSCOC serves as the accrediting body for degree-granting, higher education institutions in the southern states.
“This SACSCOC evaluation demonstrates we have exceptional faculty, educational programs and student support services. This is excellent news and I want to thank the faculty and staff who have helped us maintain this accreditation,” stated NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
North Carolina Wesleyan University was originally granted accreditation by SACSCOC on January 1, 1966. To gain or maintain accreditation, an institution must comply with SACSCOC policies, procedures, and with all standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement in the professional judgment of peer reviewers. SACSCOC’s institutional accreditation includes all degree levels regardless of location or mode of instruction.
Twenty-Four Inducted into NCWC’s National Society of Leadership & Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Sigma Alpha Pi, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s official chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) hosted its fifth induction of student leaders into the organization. The NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, with more than 700 chapters and over 1.2 million members.
NCWC’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.
“Our members continue to report meaningful outcomes from the NSLS induction process. This semester students reported that their involvement helped them stay grounded, connect with peers, get out of their comfort zone, overcome obstacles, increase their confidence, empower their goal setting, choose their career path and shape them into better leaders,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership.
With a 68% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal by 28%. The College returned to hosting its traditional induction celebration on campus, which was held Tuesday, November 30 at 3:00 p.m. in the Garner Lobby of The Dunn Center. As part of the program’s community service efforts this season, attendees were encouraged to bring new blankets. These blankets were donated for distribution to participants of Ripple Effects, a community transformation organization providing multi-generational services, community resourcing and people development opportunities for those in Nash and Edgecombe counties.
Keisha Spivey, Executive Director of Ripple Effects served as the celebration’s keynote speaker. Spivey shared leadership advice with the inductees from her own personal experiences in establishing her non-profit. Her comments echoed the inspiration that each student will choose to “live decided.”
Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Dr. Jarrod Kelly, Amy Lunceford and Dr. Katrina Sweet. This year’s Excellence in Service to Students award was presented to Jessie Langley and Elliott Smith. New for this year,
NCWC Junior and NSLS Vice President, Daniella Umubyeyi, was recognized with an Impact Leader award.
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 college 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 at nsls.org.
Former Teacher Joins Wesleyan Adult Studies Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomes Joselyn Blount to its Office of Adult Studies team. As Admissions Coordinator, she will be based on the College’s main campus in Rocky Mount and manage the enrollment module for Wesleyan’s undergraduate and graduate programs at its 10 adult locations.
Joselyn is an alumna of Elizabeth City State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Higher Education from Walden University in 2016 and an M.B.A in 2018. Prior to joining NC Wesleyan, Joselyn was a teacher for ten years with most of her career in the Beaufort County School District.
“With an extensive background in education, Joselyn brings a lot of enthusiasm, attention to detail and eagerness to jump in. Her professionalism and skills will be a great asset to the APS admissions team. We are excited to have her join the Wesleyan Family,” stated Dani Somers, Director of Adult Studies & Graduate Admissions at NC Wesleyan.
Joselyn, a native of Plymouth, currently resides in Winterville, North Carolina with her husband, Bennie, and their three children: DaShaun, Elijah and Ava. During the week, she can be found in her office located in the Welcome Center.
