ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Wednesday, June 15, North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomed its new Provost, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Lane. Dr. Lane comes to Wesleyan from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia where he held the position of Provost and Dean of Faculty.
As an academic administrator at Bethany, Lane was responsible for a broad portfolio including all of the college’s academic programs, student success and retention initiatives, career development, study abroad and accreditation. He played a leading role in creating new programs (including three master’s degree programs), which were connected to admissions and retention strategies. He also led an initiative that resulted in more than a 12% improvement in fall-to-fall retention over a three-year period.
Prior to coming to Bethany, Lane served 17 years on the faculty of Emory & Henry College where he held the Hawthorne Professor of Politics and served as an instructor, department chair and founding director of the College Honors Program. Lane has also held faculty appointments at Bowdoin College and Hampden-Sydney College. He earned his B.A. in Classical Studies and Political Science at Hampden-Sydney and his Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College.
“Dr. Lane’s extensive background in private higher education, paired with his vast skillset, make him an excellent asset to NC Wesleyan University. I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop personal, practical and purpose-driven initiatives positioning Wesleyan, and our students, with a brighter future,” stated President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In his role as Provost, Dr. Lane will serve as Chief Academic Officer overseeing academic and student affairs. This includes Student Life, Residence Life, academic programs, faculty, Registrar’s office, Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library and institutional research. Lane will work with Division Chairs and faculty leaders to maintain appropriate and up-to-date academic programs and curricula. He will also advise the President on all matters concerning University-wide planning, policy and operations, while establishing measures of institutional effectiveness and progress.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
University Honors Marion Barnes Family with Press Box Naming
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NCWU’s Board of Trustees recently voted to name the future Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Stadium Press Box in honor of Marion Barnes’ family. Barnes’ father, Guy Barnes, was one of the original founders of NC Wesleyan. The Marion Barnes Family Press Box will kick off Phase II of NC Wesleyan’s Sports Stadium Campaign.
Marion Barnes is the owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, NC directly adjacent to Wesleyan’s new stadium. NCWU recognizes the many and longstanding efforts of Mr. Barnes, including years of dedicated service and personal contributions to the University, as well as additional gifts to the Sports Stadium fundraising efforts. To date, he has single-handedly raised over $2 million towards construction of the stadium.
“Marion’s love for Wesleyan and his belief in the ability to shape students’ lives through athletics remains evident in his personal commitments, as well as the tenacity in which he has led the fundraising effort for the stadium. He and his family’s dedication to education in Rocky Mount, specifically at Wesleyan, will forever be one of their family’s legacies,” stated Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics.
Phase I of the Sports Stadium Campaign was unveiled this April when Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. presented a $1 million check. Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium consists of a new turf field, lighting and additional parking. As funding allows, additional phases will include permanent seating, scoreboards and a new fieldhouse. The new fieldhouse will contain an athletic training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices. Others who are interested in helping with Phase II of the campaign can contact Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics, at adenton@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
New Graphic Designer Joins NCWU Marketing
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomes Judie Taylor as Graphic Designer. Taylor has gained comprehensive graphic design experience over the last five years in various roles throughout the country and as a freelance designer.
In her new role with NC Wesleyan’s Office of Marketing & Communications, Taylor will be responsible for the design, development and execution of both digital and print marketing. She will also develop new, fresh and distinctive ideas for departmental projects used across a wide variety of platforms to communicate and market the value of NC Wesleyan University. In addition, she will maintain vendor partnerships to ensure quality and timely production of materials, collaborating with them throughout the various phases of a project.
“Attractive graphic design gains high brand visibility,” stated Crystal Hill, NC Wesleyan Director of Marketing and Communications. “The Office of Marketing & Communications provides services to support the advancement of the University’s brand. We’re always striving to develop new, innovative concepts to help tell the story of Wesleyan. Expanding our team brings a new perspective, fresh ideas and growth opportunity. We’re thrilled to have Judie join our team and to continue raising the bar.”
Most recently, Taylor worked for Vida Shoes International as the Marketing Graphic Designer where she designed packaging, catalogs and other print materials for children’s brands such as Stride Rite, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh. She also established branding for new product launches and campaigns and created in-store fixture mock-ups for pitch decks. Taylor is a native of, and currently resides in, Rocky Mount, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
NC Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN Program Receives CCNE Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners acted at its meeting on April 26-28, 2022, to grant accreditation to NC Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN program for three years, extending to June 30, 2025. The accreditation action is effective as of September 22, 2021, which is the first day of the program’s recent CCNE evaluation. North Carolina Wesleyan celebrated the first class of graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing during its recent spring 2022 commencement ceremony.
North Carolina Wesleyan University announced in May 2020 that the program received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January 2020. Classes began during the fall 2020 semester.
Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of the RN to BSN program, called the initial accreditation “a significant accomplishment for the vision of nursing at NCWU.” She went on to say “The accreditation process is an intensive journey requiring participation from not only the program faculty, but also University administration, support services, clinical agencies and the nursing advisory committee. The demand for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses has never been higher and NCWU’s RN to BSN program has a major impact on increasing the quality of clinical services in our local area by. We are incredibly excited about the future of nursing at Wesleyan, as well as the possibilities for growth and future development of additional nursing programs.”
NC Wesleyan’s 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. The 34-credit hour program integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices. This professional baccalaureate nursing practice focuses on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence-based research opportunities that facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students are required to complete clinical practice experiences that allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months. To learn more about the RN to BSN Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu/rntobsn.
*The RN to BSN program at North Carolina Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
About the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency/fellowship programs.
NC Wesleyan University Forges New Community College Partnerships
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – During the Spring 2022 semester, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) signed agreements to help qualified graduates of Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College transfer to Wesleyan. These agreements aim to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at these community colleges. In addition, NCWU also reauthorized agreements with Pamlico, Durham Technical and Beaufort County Community Colleges.
These new agreements add Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College to a list of over 40 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWU.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University has been a leader in the state in partnering with NC community colleges. Our generous transfer policies, positive relationships with community college personnel and a seamless admissions process for AA, AS and AAS students are some of the ways we support our community college graduates throughout the state. We are excited about these latest partnerships with Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Strategy, Partnerships & Assessment.
These agreements will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering community college graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from the student’s community college to NC Wesleyan. These Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) allow Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
Students who graduate from one of Wesleyan’s community college partners and transfer under this agreement may select any of NCWU’s programs of study or transfer to the University’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works transfer pathway. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of community college students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the University.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the University’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs. To learn more about the program, visit ncwu.edu/wesleyanworks.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for NCWU’s New Outdoor Classroom
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Today, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom. In December 2020, NC Wesleyan announced plans for construction of this unique learning environment, made possible by a generous gift from the Barnes family.
The new outdoor classroom is located at the front of main campus near the Braswell Administration Building. This newly developed space offers students a fun, safe, educational experience which expands their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The three row, brick amphitheater-style classroom seats approximately 20 to 25 students and consists of lighting, power ports and the capability for an outdoor projector.
“The addition of the new outdoor classroom to our campus has been well received. Faculty members have enjoyed having a new venue for teaching and our students have found it attractive for more than just classroom studies. They’ve also used it for club meetings, bible studies and a place to gather with friends. Thanks to the Barnes family, this gift has quickly made a positive impact on Wesleyan’s campus,” said Mark Hinson, Senior Executive for Philanthropic Engagement.
Marvin Barnes, a Rocky Mount native, and his wife, Cynthia, have been active in the North Carolina Methodist Church Conference for over half a century. Mr. Barnes grew up attending First United Methodist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, where he participated in all forms of worship.
Like many of the recent projects at NC Wesleyan, this space was completely donor-funded through the Barnes’ gift. Their new Family Fare Convenience Store is located just down the road from North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
NC Wesleyan University Students Complete Inaugural Corporate Adoption Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s new Corporate Adoption Program (CAP) recently wrapped up its inaugural partnership with Envolve Benefit Options. The purpose of the CAP initiative is to enhance the career readiness skills of NCWU students by providing them with direct exposure to professional work settings and contacts. Envolve Benefit Options, which has a corporate office at the Rocky Mount Mills campus, hosted two Wesleyan students in the first cohort. Since completing the program, these two students have been hired as interns with Envolve.
This partnership was announced in November 2021 after a meeting was held at NCWU with students and representatives from the company. These students were then engaged in a full-day learning experience in early October on the Rocky Mount Mills campus.
“It was very rewarding to watch these students present their ideas for addressing a real business need and to see how much the Envolve team benefitted from their contributions. These students took full advantage of this year’s inaugural CAP experience, absorbing and applying a great deal of information about an industry they have no prior experience in. I’m grateful to the Envolve team for the investment they made in these students,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership.
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 consisted of students majoring in Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Information Systems and 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
– Meetings with their assigned CAP group and Faculty Advisor as needed
– Fall Break and a minimum of two days during Spring Break
– Participating and presenting on an assigned corporate project with their CAP team during the spring semester
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 NCWU 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 NCWU 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.
NC Wesleyan Celebrates Class of 2022
On Saturday, May 7, North Carolina Wesleyan University held its Spring Commencement at the Rocky Mount Event Center celebrating 479 graduates. This commemorated the University’s 82nd graduation and included the first class of graduates in its new RN-to-BSN program.
The event was open to graduates, faculty, the platform party and seven ticketed guests per graduate. Of the graduates, there were 24 international graduates from 10 countries: Argentina, Colombia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, United Kingdom and Venezuela. University Chaplain, Rev. Edwin Ferguson, gave the invocation, followed by a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by alumna, Ms. Latisha Scott ’06.
“This is indeed a joyous occasion; a time when we celebrate learning and academic achievement,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Your degree is provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good— women and men who care about others. As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world.”
The commencement address was given by Daniel Erwin “Dan” Jansen, 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. 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.
Jansen’s message to the graduates centered around defining success. “Results are going to be there…give your best every time you’re out there, that’s really all that you can ask,” stated Jansen. “You have to learn from every experience. The greatest thing may happen to you, or the worst thing may happen to you— try to take something away and learn something.”
Dr. Daniel Elias, Assistant Professor of Biology, received the 2022 Exemplary Teacher Award This award recognizes excellence in teaching and promotion of student learning, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, service to students beyond the classroom and service to the larger community beyond campus.
Alyssa Brookhart received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community and a commitment to spiritual values. Brookhart obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in both Biomedical Science and Environmental Science.
The President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average, went to Rebecca Mitchell. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and is a graduate of the Honors Program.
In addition, NC Wesleyan’s ROTC program commissioned two graduates into the United States Army. These students took the oath of office from NC Wesleyan’s Director of Army ROTC, LTC (R) James Mercer. The newly commissioned Second Lieutenants include: Second Lieutenant Savion Young and Second Lieutenant Solomon Pownall, both commissioned into the U.S. Army.
The event was live streamed and recorded so family and friends who were not able to attend in person could celebrate with their students virtually. The recording can be viewed at ncwu.edu and the College’s Facebook page.
Nash Correctional Institution Art Exhibit Appears at Mims Gallery at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Finding Freedom Through Art by the Art Club at the Nash Correctional Institution will be coloring the walls of Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus. This free exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday, May 12 to Friday, August 5. A reception will also be held on Thursday, May 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the Art Club at Nash Correctional Institution is to provide academic and technical training for inmates at the Institution. The Art Club offers beginner to advanced classes generated and taught by inmates. For these individuals, art has become a way of life and gives them a way to reconnect with family and friends to heal damaged relationships.
Art transcends all cultural barriers. These classes provide goals to work towards, inspire confidence, promote a strong work ethic, and give better tools to communicate ideas or express emotion. This exhibition will show how current circumstances do not determine your future and how beauty can be found anywhere. It is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, as well as by the NC Department of Public Safety.
The Mims Gallery is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., during evening performances at The Dunn Center and through special appointments with the Art Curator.
Also, see article from OurJourney2gether.
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.
North Carolina Wesleyan University to Become University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Friday, April 22 in a historic move, the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees announced plans for the College to become North Carolina Wesleyan University. Since 2015, the College has been moving in this direction with the addition of its first two master’s programs, a key component of being considered a university.
“The evolution of NC Wesleyan from a college to a university represents the culmination of the excellent work of many dedicated people over previous years and the commitment of the current administration, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees in expanding the institutional offerings to its students for research, as well as career development,” stated Dr. Dan Crocker, Chairman of the NC Wesleyan Board of Trustees. “The impact of this effort on the students and the area will be tremendous.”
Some of the criteria that were considered when changing the name to “university” included: serving adult students, offering professional programs, offering graduate programs, serving a large percentage of international students and having multiple instructional locations. Despite this update to Wesleyan’s name, its values will remain the same:
- To provide one-on-one mentoring opportunities for students with faculty and staff to align their passions with their future career and life aspirations.
- To provide career and research opportunities to all students to enhance their marketability and skills beyond college.
- To create world citizens with vast educational and hands-on experiences to be competent, intelligent, and competitive in a changing world.
- To provide adult students with applied learning assignments and flexible instructional formats to advance their career and life goals
“Becoming a university demonstrates the evaluation of our impact on students and the community over the last 65 years. We are moving in a direction to offer additional academic offerings for a more diverse community of students,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Our foundation in becoming North Carolina Wesleyan University started over 45 years ago when we began offering various modes of instruction to working adult students. With this change, we will continue to be committed to one-on-one mentoring opportunities, hands-on experiences with faculty, research opportunities for undergraduate students, career exploration from day one and remain a teaching-focused institution.”
This announcement comes toward the conclusion of Wesleyan’s 65th anniversary. Over the next several months, North Carolina Wesleyan will transition to its new identity, working with the state and its regional accreditor to finalize this change. Rebranding of its website, social media, campus signage, literature, advertising, and much more will occur during this time as well.
