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.
NC Wesleyan Surpasses Annual Fall Fundraising Goal
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Monday, October 25 concluded The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s annual fall fundraiser. The College set a goal of $280,000. Due to the generous support from donors, NCWC surpassed this by over $100,000.
“We received gifts both big and small. Each gift, no matter the size, positively impacts our students to help them reach their potential and meet personal, career and life goals,” stated Mark Hinson, Director of Annual Giving. “Donor funding assists NC Wesleyan to excel in its mission. We are grateful for all of the support and encouragement.”
The campaign raised monies for various purposes including student scholarships, the latest in cutting-edge technology, lab enhancements, recruitment of students and faculty, additional library resources and more. Donors consisted of faculty, staff, alumni, the College’s Board of Trustees, local organizations and community members. The campaign kicked off strong with check presentations from First Carolina Bank and NC Wesleyan alumna, Jane Gravely. To support the new Sports Stadium Project, First Carolina Bank presented the College with $25,000. The College also received $24,000 donated by Jane Gravely ’74 to establish the Gravely Arts Gallery in The Dunn Center and start an endowment supporting the visual arts programs at NC Wesleyan. To learn more about The Wesleyan Promise Campaign and ways you can support NC Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu/give.
Corporate Adoption Program to Enhance NCWC Career Readiness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has developed a new Corporate Adoption Program (CAP) to enhance the career readiness skills of NCWC students. This program will provide students with direct exposure to professional work settings and contacts. Envolve Benefit Options, which has a corporate office at the Rocky Mount Mills campus, was chosen as the College’s first partner.
Five Wesleyan students were selected to participate in the inaugural program with Envolve. A meeting was held at NCWC with students and representatives from the company in September and students engaged in a full-day learning experience in early October on the Rocky Mount Mills campus.
“Envolve Benefit Options vision operations started in Rocky Mount over 25 years ago and are proud to call Rocky Mount home. This partnership with NCWC allows Envolve to contribute more in community development with hopes that North Carolina Wesleyan students gain experience to become part of Rocky Mount’s growth,” stated Envolve Benefit Options Chief Operations Officer, Michael Grover.
Eligible students are juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher and a major applicable to the partner’s industry and project at hand. Those accepted are assigned to a CAP team that includes five-to-ten students, one faculty mentor and one corporate partner. The Envolve partnership consist of students majoring in Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Information Systems or Marketing.
When students apply to be a part of CAP, they are making a commitment to participate in the following:
- Intentional growth in career readiness skills
- Monthly group meetings for the entire academic year
- Meetings with their assigned CAP group and Faculty Advisor as needed
- Job-shadowing/mentoring on-site with the Corporate Partner for at least one day during Fall Break and a minimum of two days during Spring Break
- Participating and presenting on a assigned corporate project with their CAP team during the spring semester
“It has been a joy seeing Envolve fully embrace our students and expose them to many aspects of their operations. I look forward to witnessing the learning outcomes through the corporate project these students will address in the coming months,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership at NC Wesleyan. “As we continue to grow our Corporate Adoption Program, I expect it will be a significant highlight for our students when they later reflect on their college experience.”
Rocky Mount-based corporations for future CAP partnerships will be selected based on the organizations’ expressed genuine interest in investing in the growth and development of a team of NCWC students and willingness to designate an internal CAP program manager. The CAP program manager will host workshops and meetings led by corporate speakers, while also maintaining ongoing communication with CAP students, faculty and staff. In addition, CAP partners are encouraged to offer paid summer internships to NCWC students in the program. Local organizations that are interested in partnering with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s CAP program can contact Jessie Langley at jlangley@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5177.
NCWC’s Annual Lighting of Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will host its 16th annual Lighting of Wesleyan on Friday, November 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This free community event includes a live nativity, Christmas carols, hayrides, Christmas inflatables, a meet-and-greet with Santa, hot beverages, concessions and a 12-foot tree.
Take a stroll through the College commons and enjoy a large collection of Christmas lights, inflatables and luminaries that line the campus sidewalks. Hayrides will begin and end at the clock in the center of campus. Guests will have an opportunity to be dropped off at the front of campus to view the lit, 12-foot Christmas tree and wander through the front lawn luminaries and Christmas inflatables. On the Southern Bank Green, behind the Braswell Administration Building, there will be a live manger scene and performances of Christmas favorites by The Wesleyan Singers. In addition, Will Plyler ’21, will perform several songs and will be promoting his new Christmas album, Once Upon a Silent Night. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase by women’s soccer and volleyball to help support their athletic programs. Also, be sure to stick around for a surprise visit as Santa and his elf make their grand entrance on a fire truck. Other characters will be mingling with the crowd as well.
“Last year’s Lighting of Wesleyan had to be altered due to COVID-19 and was a drive-through-only event. This year, we’re excited to have the community back on campus to enjoy the festivities and help us usher in the holiday season,” stated Suzanne Brackett, Senior Vice President of Administration.
This family-friendly event is open to children of all ages. Come out and experience NC Wesleyan’s beautiful campus while kicking off the Christmas season!
NCWC Alum and Musician Produces Christmas Album
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Will Plyler ’21, a graduate of NC Wesleyan University’s Entertainment Arts Music Production program, will soon release his first Christmas album. The new album, Once Upon a Silent Night, will be available on all streaming platforms beginning November 19, 2021.
The album will contain original Christmas songs and new arrangements of classic carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and more. Those interested in purchasing the CD can do so by sending an email directly to wpmusicofficial@gmail.com.
“I am very excited to be releasing my first Christmas album this November! I recorded and produced this entire project from my home studio in Goldsboro, North Carolina,” expressed Plyler. “I owe the ability to make my own music and the knowledge I gained pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Music Production to NC Wesleyan University. My education truly prepared me to pursue my life dream of making music.”
An avid instrumentalist, Plyler played all the instruments on his album except for drums, which were played by his brother, Bentley. Plyler’s wife, Kaitlyn, also a Wesleyan alum, sang vocals on the album along with Abby Patterson.
“Will is one of our dynamic recent graduates in music production and is doing great things in his community and in the world of music. We are all proud of what Will has accomplished, both during his time here at Wesleyan and in his professional career, and are looking forward to his newest release, Once Upon A Silent Night,” noted Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production at NC Wesleyan University.
Since graduating from NC Wesleyan University, Plyler has served as Creative Arts Pastor at The Bridge in Mount Olive, North Carolina. He also produces and teaches music at Triple-Knot Studios. To listen to more from Will Plyler, follow him on Facebook and Instagram at @wpmusicofficial.
