ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Those looking to advance their career and improve their skillset will now have the opportunity to pursue three new professional development certificate programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The College faculty recently voted to approve certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Management.
The purpose of these certificates is to assist business professionals, who may or may not have a degree, develop specific skills to improve their resume, increase their income, transition to a new industry or obtain a promotion. Some may also pursue the courses for personal growth, licensing requirements, or to modernize an older degree with content directly relatable to the job market. The certificate courses are 100% online with multiple start dates, students can finish in as little as four to six months and they can count toward a degree.
“We are excited to offer these certificate programs to those seeking industry or skill-specific credentials in executive leadership, healthcare or human resources. These programs hone in on practical skills that can yield expanded opportunities for those looking to advance in their current industry or gain knowledge in a new industry. With responsive faculty, these programs are highly interactive and are suited for any type of student,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
Courses begin this summer and consist of 8-week accelerated sessions – a total of 16-credit hours. There is an easy application process and no application fee. To learn more and apply, visit ncwu.edu/academics/certificate-programs.
NCWC Junior Receives CIC/UPS Scholarship
NC Wesleyan junior, Thomas Clark of Cape Carteret, NC, was recently awarded a CIC/UPS Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment. Thirty-six students at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) each received CIC/UPS Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. For more information, please see the attached release.
NC Wesleyan Earns Silver Designation as a Military Friendly® School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School Silver Designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation. NC Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina to obtain Silver Designation.
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 response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic-based scoring assessment. They then measure 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. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to consistently evolve and invest in their programs. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly.®
The Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to schools who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking school in their category. Year after year, NC Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® college. 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
“NC Wesleyan acknowledges the value student veterans bring to our campus. We strive to offer excellent support to military-connected students through the Veterans Advisory Committee formed in 2017. The committee is comprised of faculty, staff and students, as well as representatives from the Rocky Mount community — all of whom have a military connection. We are committed to supporting our students by listening to their needs and working to enhance their educational experience,” 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.
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for 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 www.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 www.viqtory.com.
NCWC Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has named North Carolina Wesleyan University to its 2021 Transfer Honor Roll. Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina, and one of 150 nationwide, to receive this award.
“Personally, having been a transfer student, I understand the importance of making every credit count and receiving a degree of value. NC Wesleyan provides and supports students with a seamless transfer process. We are honored to be recognized by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in our efforts of doing so,” stated Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor.
Learn more about our Transfer Program at ncwu.edu/transfer and view the attached release for more information.
The College is honored to received this award for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, visit ptk.org/news/2021.
Ivy League Educator & Author Slated for NCWC Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Brandon P. Fleming will be North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Spring 2021 Commencement speaker. Fleming is the Assistant Coach of Debate at Harvard University, as well as Founder/CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project.
At the age of 26, he was recruited to join the Harvard Debate Council faculty after coaching The Ron Clark Academy middle school debate team in a high school tournament to an unprecedented, undefeated record. As one of Ron Clark’s “Master Educators,” he also trained over 30,000 educators worldwide on best practices in education.
“Mr. Fleming is the perfect example to demonstrate how hard work, determination and education can transform your life. Your current circumstances do not define your future. Our graduates, of all ages, can learn from his life experience,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Later, Harvard approved Fleming’s proposal to establish a new department within the university system called the Harvard Diversity Project – an unparalleled pipeline program that the Harvard Debate Council adopted as its subsidiary. Today, Fleming leads an executive staff and board that’s raised a million dollars to enroll over 100 students of color into Harvard’s international summer debate residency on full scholarship. Recruiting underserved youth with no prior debate experience, Fleming then trains them to compete against hundreds of elite debaters from over 25 different countries. Since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition, with one group setting a record as global champions.
Fleming has received numerous awards for his work in education and social entrepreneurship. Notably making history as an elected speaker for the inaugural International Day of Education at the United Nations General Assembly. He was also named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized by The Root Magazine as one of the top 100 influential African-Americans in the United States.
“I am thrilled to visit North Carolina Wesleyan University to share a few words of encouragement with the graduates as they launch into the world of endless possibilities,” stated Fleming.
Fleming is also the author of Miseducated: A Memoir, which is scheduled to be released in June 2021. In his book, Fleming describes his transformation from a delinquent, drug-dealing dropout to an award-winning Harvard educator through literature and debate—all by the age of twenty-seven. Through his personal narrative, readers witness Fleming’s transformation, self-education, and how he takes what he learns about words and power to help others like himself. Miseducated is an honest memoir about resilience, visibility, role models and overcoming all expectations.
The College’s Spring Commencement is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021. Time and location of commencement will be communicated to graduates in the near future as the College explores its options based on current state and federal guidelines.
Residence Hall Improvements Coming to NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Infrastructure improvements are coming to North Carolina Wesleyan University, thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation, Inc. The funds will be utilized to replace flooring on all three levels of Petteway Hall, which primarily houses freshman male residents.
“The updated flooring in Petteway will be a welcome upgrade for our students. The ability to upgrade the residential areas on campus aid in making a good first impression when students and their families arrive for the first time to move in,” stated Steve Burrell, Director of Residence Life.
Any remaining funds will be used to also replace flooring on the second and third levels of Collins Hall. To avoid any inconvenience to students living in these residence halls, renovations will take place over the summer.
About The Cannon Foundation, Inc.
The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. Cannon, industrialist and humanitarian, who was President and Chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than half a century. The Foundation continues Mr. Cannon’s philanthropy through funding in healthcare, higher education, human services and community.
Blue Cross NC Scholarship Recipients Announced
RALEIGH, NC – Twenty-five students at independent colleges and universities across North Carolina have been announced as the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Scholarship. The scholarships, in the amount of $3,333.34, were distributed by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) and are part of a three-year, $250,000 pledge from Blue Cross NC.
“Blue Cross NC recognizes that our state’s economic, social and cultural health outcomes are tied to our students’ education,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We are proud to partner with ICFNC and strengthen our workforce by supporting North Carolina’s brightest students.”
“We are so grateful to Blue Cross NC for their generous commitment to North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities – providing much needed financial resources for so many deserving students,” said Colleen Kinser, director of the ICFNC.
Scholarship recipients are students from North Carolina who are first generation, underrepresented or from families who demonstrate financial need. They must be a junior or senior and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
This year’s recipients are:
Mercedes Wynn-Walker of Angier, University of Mount Olive, majoring in Psychology
Kayla Trotter of Apex, Montreat College, majoring in Cybersecurity
Alicia Minnihan of Cashiers, Warren Wilson College, majoring in Sociology/Anthropology
Gabriel Covington of Charlotte, Brevard College, majoring in Exercise Science
Mariapaz Gomez of Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, majoring in International Studies
Kenyon Askew of Colerain, Barton College, majoring in Mass Communication
Cristel Baltazar of Concord, Belmont Abbey College, majoring in Theology & Philosophy
Nijia Lewis of Fayetteville, Methodist University, majoring in Forensic Science
Bless Bull of Gastonia, Gardner-Webb University, majoring in Journalism
Nikayla Ross of Greensboro, Guilford College, majoring in Health Science
Maria Soto-Moraga of Hiddenite, Lenoir-Rhyne University, majoring in Nursing
Mackenzie Ulibarri of Hope Mills, Meredith College, majoring in Theatre
Martin Solano Munoz of Kannapolis, Catawba College, majoring in Nursing
Briasia White of Kings Mountain, Wingate University, majoring in Athletic Training
Kendall Bines of Lincolnton, Mars Hill University, majoring in Art
Leilani Nguyen of Morrisville, William Peace University, majoring in Biology
Kyle Williams of Penrose, Brevard College, majoring in Health Science
Christopher Barlow of Raleigh, Greensboro College, majoring in Criminal Justice
Keyshawn Campbell of Vanceboro, Pfeiffer University, majoring in Exercise Science
David Smith of Wade, Campbell University, majoring in Trust & Wealth Management
Eboni Mayle of Williamston, N.C. Wesleyan University, majoring in Biology
JaLisa K. Lumpkin of Winston Salem, Salem College, majoring in Business Administration
Malikah Meyers of Winston-Salem, Lees-McRae College, majoring in Nursing
Dayana Gomez-Alvarado of Zebulon, Chowan University, majoring in Criminal Justice
The Independent College Fund of North Carolina is the division of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) that provides student scholarship aid and enrichment programs. NCICU is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation that represents North Carolina’s 36 private colleges and universities. The mission of NCICU is to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina independent higher education. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. For more information about NCICU, visit www.ncicu.org.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
NCWC Board Chair Provides Funding for RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a recently retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has generously donated a $100,000 gift to support the College’s RN to BSN program. This gift will provide funds for an additional nurse faculty member, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.
“I am privileged to work with the NCWC Board, administration, faculty and staff as this institution provides a complementary nursing program to augment the excellent nursing programs that exist in our area community colleges (Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson and Halifax – to name a few),” stated Dr. Crocker. The nursing program at NCWC is just one of many ways the College works to improve the lives of our area’s citizens while providing a first-rate education for its students.”
Six new scholarships will be provided, each including $5,000 for tuition. Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program by fall 2021. Recipients must be accepted and registered for classes in order to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must:
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Have an overall 3.0 GPA in prior nursing education
- Have been accepted into the RN to BSN Program at NCWC
- Provide a letter of recommendation from their employer or RN faculty member that highlights the student’s good character and potential for success in continuing their education
- Write a personal statement of 500 words about the contribution they will make in the nursing profession with their BSN
- Attend the College’s Annual Scholarship Award program
“The landscape of healthcare is transforming and challenging the nursing profession to advance the delivery of care provided to patients and populations, unlike ever before. Students seeking to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are striving for advancement in care outcomes,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan’s Director of RN to BSN Program. “This generous donation by Dr. Dan Crocker for our future RN to BSN students facilitates the ongoing community support for NCWC and the nursing profession.”
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.
Jim Brickman Supports the Arts Concert
WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
JIM BRICKMAN SUPPORTS THE ARTS WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
Jim Brickman donated over $100,000 to the arts across the US this past holiday season, and now is doing it again by performing LIVE virtual concerts in February.
WHAT:
Jim Brickman “Share The Love, LIVE!” Virtually
WHEN:
Friday, February 12 at 9pm ET
Saturday, February 13 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
Sunday, February 14 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
WHERE:
Your couch, your bed, your comfy chair
WHY:
To enjoy a one of a kind personal concert experience with Jim Brickman and support your local theatre.
PRICES:
Early Bird $40 ($50 starting February 1)
INFO: Jim Brickman will wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly, “LOVE BY REQUEST” CONCERT.
Support local Performance Arts!
PROMO CODE: lovedc
Use this code and a portion of each ticket price ($10) will go to The Dunn Center!
Tickets On Sale Now EXCLUSIVELY at www.jimbrickman.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Grammy Nominated Songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman will continue to entertain fans in February with “Share The Love” LIVE Virtually. A portion of each ticket purchased to this LIVE event will be benefit theatres across the country. Fans and their families can enjoy this unique virtual concert experience from the comfort of home, while supporting the arts during this challenging time.
Brickman will bring the LIVE concert experience up close and personal with his “LOVE BY REQUEST: concerts filled with his own hit songs such as, “Love of My Life,” “Destiny,” “Angel Eyes” and “Valentine.” Brickman will warm the hearts of all as sweet sounds love bringing family and friends together to Share the Love.
The Jim Brickman’s Valentine’s tradition continues, with a front row experience like never before.
NCWU Kicks Off Stadium Campaign
College Seeks Donors for Multi-Phased Approach
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently secured donor funds to kick off their Stadium Campaign. These funds will go toward the development of a new turf field with lights on the south side of campus. This project is just one part of the University’s long-term vision.
The new Stadium consists of a turf field, lighting, additional parking, fencing, permanent seating, scoreboards, a press box and a new fieldhouse. While the initiative will support Athletics, it will also benefit the University academically. In the past, athletes have had to miss afternoon classes to travel and practice prior to sundown. A new turf field and lighting will allow student-athletes to practice and play games later in the evenings. The new fieldhouse will contain a training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices.
“In the spring of 2020, two major donors committed almost $2,000,000 to establish a multi-phase, multi-year project that will be known as the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. Future phases will include a field house that is yet to be named, as well as other infrastructure you would expect to find at a college stadium,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “This project will not only change the landscape of the University but also the athletic and academic opportunities we can provide our students.”
The Stadium Campaign will be completely donor-funded and consist of four project phases, as funding allows. The University is actively seeking donors in hopes of raising $700,000 to complete Phase One and to unlock an additional $850,000 pledge from Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. for Phase Two. Phase One will include the turf field, lighting and additional parking.
The University is planning future fundraising events for those who have a love for the game of football and Wesleyan. These events will be held in spring and summer of 2021 with specific dates to be announced soon based on state guidelines. These exclusive events will unfold the vision of the new stadium, give participants first access to the future of North Carolina Wesleyan University and invite them to be a philanthropic part of this project.
