ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – To continue providing a safe, innovative and unique learning environment for its students, North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a $50,000 cash gift to construct what will be known as the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom.
“We are grateful for the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom, as this gift will enhance NC Wesleyan’s opportunity to provide unique learning spaces for our students,” stated Elena Koutouzos, Director of Alumni & Donor Relations.
The new outdoor classroom will be located at the front of campus near the Braswell Administration building. It will offer students a fun, safe, educational experience which will expand their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The outdoor classroom will consist of a 20 to 25-seat amphitheater.
“Wesleyan thrives, and is extremely grateful for, the relationship we have with our community partners. The generosity of the Barnes family and Family Fare Convenience Stores will have a positive impact on our students as they utilize this outdoor classroom for learning, student group meetings and small musical presentations,” noted President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
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 actively participated in all forms of worship.
“Cynthia and I are excited to give back to an educational purpose in my hometown just down the road from our first Rocky Mount store and where I worked as a boy and young adult,” stated Barnes. “It’s a real pleasure to come back and see all the positive changes, and especially witness the impact Wesleyan is making on the region. My father always instilled in me an eagerness to learn. By providing a unique space for learning at Wesleyan, I know that this legacy will be maintained in one of my favorite places.”
A new Family Fare Convenience Store was recently opened near North Carolina Wesleyan’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Family Fare Convenience Stores
Family Fare Convenience Stores is headquartered in Durham and has over 100 locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Sixty-Two Inducted into NCWC’s National Society of Leadership & Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Now in its fourth year as an official chapter, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) recently inducted sixty-two student leaders into the organization. The National Society of Leadership & Success 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 focus this fall was leading new students through completion of the national requirements to become fully inducted members. Although the chapter’s business and events evolved to mostly online, the club’s Chapter Advisor and Student Executive Board were pleased that members engaged in meaningful ways through live video and messaging. Students encouraged and challenged each other as they collectively sought to discover and define their purpose, set action plans on their goals and grow as leaders.
“With this fall semester being extremely different in many ways, one of the many successes sustained at NCWC was our chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, Sigma Alpha Pi,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership. “We have a history of success here at Wesleyan in regards to our NSLS members achieving all steps required to become fully inducted members, with 62 of our 87 new fall members achieving this status.”
With a 71% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal of 40%. While the College was not able to host their traditional induction celebration on campus, a ceremony was live streamed for members to attend in celebration of their accomplishments.
Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Dr. Brent Dozier and Dr. Bill Yankosky. An Excellence in Service to Students award was presented to Atyah Spells. 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. Visit bit.ly/NCWCNSLS to view the induction ceremony and find out more about NC Wesleyan’s chapter of NSLS. Learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success at nsls.org.
NCWC Welcomes New Director of Teacher Education/Coordinator of Diversity & Inclusion
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the addition of Dr. Kelvin Spragley as their new Director of Teacher Education. Dr. Spragley will also serve as Wesleyan’s Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming. He begins on January 4, 2021.
Dr. Spragley is a U.S. Army veteran, who has worked in the Wake County Public School System for seven years as a Social Science teacher. He also served as an Education Consultant for the North Carolina Association of Educators. From 2001-2010, Dr. Spragley worked concurrently as Associate Executive Director of the 60,000-member North Carolina Association of Educators and Executive Director for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that provides support to needy public-school children and grant support to public- school educators.
Dr. Spragley completed his degrees in the following areas and locations: Chowan University (A.A. in History-1991); East Carolina University (B.S. in Education-1993); North Carolina State University (M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-1999); and North Carolina State University (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-2009). During the past nine years, Dr. Spragley served in a variety of roles at Louisburg College, including Interim Academic Dean and VP of Academic Life, as well as Division Chair for Business Studies & Social Sciences. In addition, he was a Professor of History and Education while at Louisburg College, where he also served as the Director of the A.A. in Education program.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dr. Spragley’s vast knowledge, accomplishments and vision to lead both the Teacher Education program and contribute substantively to a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost. “Dr. Spragley will provide strategic direction for initiatives on cultural competencies, gender differences, building a climate of equity and inclusion, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of equity and inclusion values — especially those that affirm the College’s core values of empathy and understanding.”
As Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for teaching two undergraduate courses each semester, working with students in field experiences, supervising student-teachers, serving as chair of the Teacher Education Council and as liaison to State Education activities, coordinating and overseeing licensure, approving adjunct faculty, facilitating and submitting curriculum recommendations to the Curriculum Committee in collaboration with the Division Chair, preparing annual reports for accrediting agencies and leading the accreditation process. In his role as the Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for collaborating with College leadership to create, implement and monitor strategic initiatives designed to build awareness and growth among students as it relates to diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Spragley is married to Mrs. Tracey Lofton Spragley, a public-school teacher of 27 years and wife of 25 years. The couple has two children, Kelsey (24), who is a lab scientist for ThermoFisher Pharmaceuticals, and Kelvin, Jr. (18), who is a freshman at Wake Technical Community College.
NCWC & Cape Fear Community College Reauthorize Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement to help qualified Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) graduates transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement will strengthen an existing partnership between the two schools and provide a seamless transfer experience for students who enroll at Wesleyan after completing their two-year degree at CFCC.
“Cape Fear Community College is proud to partner with NC Wesleyan to strengthen our articulation agreement,” said Jim Morton, CFCC president. “We are committed to partnerships that provide opportunities for our students to excel at Cape Fear Community College and beyond. This partnership helps make it easier for students who choose NC Wesleyan to take their next step.”
The partnership between the two colleges began in 2011 and was the first of its kind for NC Wesleyan. NC Wesleyan maintains an office on Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus to advise CFCC students and help them transition to Wesleyan. The renewed agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of CFCC’s Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering them access to unique benefits at NC Wesleyan. CFCC graduates will have access to the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising and generous transfer credit. What’s more, the agreement allows CFCC Associate in Applied Science students the opportunity to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“Watching our partnership grow over the last nine years has been truly rewarding. We started with one Coordinator and have grown to a full staff of four. This growth is attributed to the supportive relationship between NCWC and CFCC and the dedication to our students. We look forward to continuing to develop new initiatives to best serve CFCC students,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
Students who graduate from CFCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or transfer to the College’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement gives CFCC graduates who might not have otherwise been able to attend NC Wesleyan the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 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 have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan and access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
NC Wesleyan Dedicates Scurry-Drum Theological Library Collection
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently procured a substantial theological library collection from the family of the late Rev. Dr. Frank Scurry. Dr. Scurry was president emeritus of the now defunct Carolina Graduate School of Divinity, an accredited interdenominational seminary located in Greensboro, NC.
Dr. Scurry pastored in the NC Yearly Meeting of Friends for 25 years before starting and leading Carolina Graduate School of Divinity in 1994. Upon closure of the institution, he sought to sell the collection of roughly 25,000 books. Consistent with the interdenominational mission of the Carolina Graduate School of Divinity, the collection contains approximately 17,000 volumes and represents a broad, balanced perspective on church history, theology, pastoral ministry, biblical studies and ethics. The large volume of books is estimated to be worth over $500,000 and will be housed in the Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library in custom-made cherry shelving, also donated with the books.
Rev. Dr. Hugh Hoyle, a Carolina Graduate School of Divinity alum, and wife, Lois Hoyle, the former librarian, connected five years ago with NC Wesleyan’s Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum, about Wesleyan’s possible purchase of the collection. Dr. Drum, in conjunction with the Hoyles and Dr. Scurry, secured the donation during the summer of 2019 with the help of NC Wesleyan’s Advancement Office and Administration. The collection will increase the overall number of volumes in Wesleyan’s library by almost 25 percent.
“This generous gift from Dr. Scurry and the Carolina Graduate School of Divinity will strengthen NC Wesleyan’s commitment to theology as a primary pillar of liberal arts education. All Wesleyan students are required to take introductory general education courses in Religious Studies, as well as related classes in ethics. This collection broadens the relevant resources available to both students and faculty,” stated Rev. Dr. Barry Drum.
The collection enhances Wesleyan’s future endeavors to expand their Religious Studies program in studies of the Bible, church history, theology and ethics.
Dr. Scurry’s wife, Virginia Scurry, and their son, David Scurry, were recognized at a dedication on December 5 in Wesleyan’s Pearsall Library.
NC Wesleyan Holds 80th Commencement Ceremony
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, December 5, North Carolina Wesleyan University held its Winter Commencement for 195 graduates on the front lawn of campus. This was the College’s 80th graduation, with the first occurring in 1964.
The closed event was open only to graduates, faculty and the platform party to allow the College to ensure physical distance and the safety of those participating. Masks were provided to all graduates and each participant was required to wear their mask at all times during this outdoor event. There were 18 international graduates from nine countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, United Kingdom, Nepal, Italy, France, Japan and Mexico. This commencement also included the first cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program, with 22 students graduating. NCWC’s MBA Program began its first cohort in January 2020. The one-year program is 100% online and consists of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session and ends with a final capstone course.
“It is always invigorating to see our students bring their hard work, dedication and learning from Wesleyan to fruition through our commencement exercises. We persevered through one of the most challenging years of our lives and we did it by supporting each other. Commencement is an essential process that fulfills the instructional mission of the College,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Alumna, Ms. Latisha Scott ’06, performed the Star-Spangled Banner followed by a baccalaureate message from College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Barry Drum. In his message, Dr. Drum encouraged students to use their critical thinking skills in their everyday life, challenging them to “think critically, but believe passionately.”
The commencement address was given by Ms. Sharon Lawrence. Lawrence is an award-winning actress with roles on NYPD Blue, the Dynasty reboot, and can most recently be seen opposite Kirsten Dunst in Showtime’s On Becoming a God in Central Florida. She also appears on several different television series, including: Shameless, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I,” and the Apple + series Home Before Dark. A native of North
Carolina, she was born in Charlotte and later moved to Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School. Lawrence attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating: “I learned from my family that education and determination are important. I’ve learned how empowering it is to give back and I hope that you honor and cherish input from your friends and family, that you keep learning every day and you have big goals and dreams and serve others.” She went on to encourage them by saying “There is so much more ahead for all of us and I look forward to seeing where you, the distinguished Class of 2020, will go and how North Carolina Wesleyan continues to grow.”
The event was live streamed and recorded so family and friends could celebrate with their students virtually. Photographs of the event can be found HERE.
NC Wesleyan Freshman Speaks on Native American History
Honoring National Native American Heritage Month
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is home to students from many different cultures and backgrounds. With November being National Native American Heritage Month, NCWC freshman Zachary Blake Scott took the time to educate and enlighten others about his tribe and American Indians in general. National Native American Heritage Month pays tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
Scott, who is a member of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, is majoring in Criminal Justice, minoring in Political Science and outfielder on the NC Wesleyan baseball team. Born and raised in Pembroke, a town in Robeson County, Scott is a community advocate in native outreach among the youth. He is passionate about singing and one of the youngest members of the American Indian drum group, Southern Sun Singers. All of his life, he has enjoyed attending powwows — a way that Native Americans get together to dance, sing and eat. Scott is the grandson of a minister and remains very dedicated to his faith and Christianity.
According to Scott: “The Lumbee are descendants of Siouan, Algonquian, and Iroquoian speaking tribes who lived in North Carolina prior to European contact. We are considered as Eastern Woodland people because we have always depended on the natural resources around us to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, weapons, medicines and tools. We have a culture of agriculture, family, hunting, gathering and Christianity. In fact, I still live on the farmland that my grandfather was raised on. All of my relatives have worked on this farm as their livelihood. My ancestors lived amongst the pines, swamps and the dark waters of the Lumber River, where we get our name. Many of the Lumbee still call this area home. We have never lived on a reservation. After European contact, my tribe, like others in North Carolina, were colonized. Many of our tribal distinctions were lost at the time. We lost our language, we dressed like colonists and most took on the Christian religion. Not much is written about our history because we, like most all tribes, passed down our stories verbally.”
There are eight state recognized tribes in the state of North Carolina, with only the Cherokee being federally recognized. In 1885, the state of NC recognized the Lumbee Tribe (not originally called Lumbee) and established a separate school system for tribal members. In 1953, the tribe’s name was changed to Lumbee.
Scott notes: “In 1956, Congress recognized the Lumbee as Indian, but failed to give us the status of a federally recognized tribe, which denied us benefits granted to federally recognized tribes. For years, my people have been fighting for federal recognition. There have been numerous bills regarding this to pass the House but has always stalled in Senate. Just this week, the Lumbee Recognition Act was passed out of the House of Representatives again. I am hopeful that it will not be long before we are granted the recognition we deserve.”
About the Lumbee Tribe
The 55,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties. The Lumbee Tribe is the largest tribe in North Carolina, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the nation. The Lumbee take their name from the Lumbee River which winds its way through Robeson County. Pembroke, North Carolina is the economic, cultural and political center of the tribe.
NCWC & Pitt Community College Reauthorize Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Pitt Community College (Pitt CC) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement will strengthen the partnership the two have had in place since 2012 and provides a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at Pitt CC.
“Pitt Community College is proud and excited to continue our transfer partnership with NC Wesleyan. This partnership has provided our graduates with a seamless transfer to a four-year institution, and this enhanced agreement will bring additional opportunities to our students,” stated Dr. Thomas Gould, VP of Academic Affairs for Pitt CC.
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering Pitt CC 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 Pitt CC to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows Pitt CC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Pitt Community College and are excited to enhance this agreement which provides additional opportunities for their students. Our goal has always been to support the community college mission and provide their graduates with a convenient and affordable pathway to complete their 4-year degree,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
Students who graduate from Pitt CC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. 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 Pitt CC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College. NC Wesleyan remains committed to Pitt CC as a partner and has staff members on their campus designated specifically to assisting graduates of Pitt CC with the admission and advising processes.
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 College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
NC Wesleyan & Wilson Community College Renew Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Wilson Community College (WCC) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at WCC.
Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) virtually on November 19. The MOU expands upon the previously signed agreement, allowing WCC students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits, whereas the last MOU allowed for 60 total transfer credits.
WCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Mr. Rob Holsten shared, “We are excited to continue and expand our partnership with North Carolina Wesleyan University to offer more options for students to continue their studies after completing their two-year degree here at Wilson Community College. This type of partnership furthers the College’s mission to help students reach their educational goals and adds to existing opportunities for transferable degrees.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering WCC 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 WCC to NC Wesleyan.
“NC Wesleyan and Wilson Community College continue to be strong partners for the matriculation of WCC graduates to an affordable, local education at the undergraduate and graduate level. North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to WCC as a partner and has staff members designated specifically to assisting graduates of Wilson Community College with the admission and advising processes,” according to Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions and Adult Studies. “Our community, businesses and region rely on Wesleyan’s commitment to these partnerships to fulfill these educational opportunities”
Students who graduate from WCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. 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 WCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.
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 College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
NC Wesleyan Celebrates 15th Annual Lighting of Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University hosted its 15th annual Lighting of Wesleyan event on Tuesday, November 17. As with most recent events in 2020, the format of the celebration had to be altered due to COVID-19. In lieu of North Carolina Wesleyan’s typical yearly festivities, the College opted to decorate the campus for students and the community to enjoy in a COVID-appropriate setting.
In years past, the College has held a community event that included a live nativity, Christmas carols, free hayrides, a meet-and-greet with Santa, hot beverages, concessions and ended with the viewing of a Christmas show at The Dunn Center. Guests were also able to stroll through the College commons while enjoying a large collection of Christmas lights and inflatables. The College’s semester is set to end early due to the pandemic. With students leaving campus for Christmas break on November 24, this event was moved up several weeks in order to allow students time to admire the sights. To continue spreading the holiday spirit, the community is invited to drive through Wesleyan’s beautiful campus from November 25-December 11. Guests must remain in their vehicles at all times, as this is a drive-through viewing only. Come out and experience NC Wesleyan’s beautiful campus while kicking off the Christmas season!
