ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently signed an agreement that will help qualified graduates of College of The Albemarle (COA) 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 COA.
Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late September. This new agreement adds COA to a list of over 30 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWC.
“We are excited to continue the partnership we have built with North Carolina Wesleyan University that allows COA students a smooth transition to a baccalaureate degree program,” shared COA President, Dr. Jack Bagwell. “Through the signing of this agreement, students who qualify will be guaranteed admission at NCWC, giving them an opportunity to attend a 4-year institution while living at home. It is a win for all parties involved when we have the ability to assist students in their pursuit of an academic degree.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering COA 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 COA to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows COA Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“I am excited about the new agreement that will improve the transfer pathway resulting in a great education and career opportunities for students. Our partnership provides a great benefit to the students and community of Dare County,” stated Joy Smallwood, Executive Director of Adult & Professional Studies at NC Wesleyan.
Students who graduate from COA 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 COA 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 Homecoming Postponed
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – In July, North Carolina Wesleyan University and the USA South Athletic Conference announced the postponement of the College’s conference football games for fall 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Homecoming will also not happen in an official capacity this fall. The College’s Student Activities may plan some events for students on campus with appropriate guidelines in place and alumni groups may get together, but there is no “official” Homecoming event planned. If the College is able to resume its football season in the spring, there may be a similar type of Homecoming experience at that time. NCWC values the health and safety of its faculty, staff, and students; therefore, the College does not want to risk having larger-scale events at this time.
Minimal COVID Cases at Wesleyan Due to State and Community Support
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has been fortunate in maintaining a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases on its campus since students returned in August. As of October 2, there is only two active cases among students and zero among employees. Since August 1, there have only been 9 positive cases for students and 3 positive cases for employees. This is due in large part to the generous donations that the College has received from the community, as well as grants from Nash County and the State of North Carolina.
Dr. Robert Zipf, Jr., MD, a NC Wesleyan Board Emeritus and Forensic Pathology Specialist in Rocky Mount, provided $30,000 to pay for air purifiers to be placed in every classroom and all common areas on campus. A portion of this gift was designated to the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) on campus. The TLC is now known as the Zipf Teaching and Learning Center, or ZTLC.
Also, NC Wesleyan applied for a grant offered by Nash County. This $2,000 grant is for non-profit organizations to help cover the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE). The College was successful in obtaining this grant and used it to help purchase facemasks for the campus community.
“Research released in July from the University of Maryland on the aerosolization of the virus led the College’s Reopening Committee and Viral Infection Response Team to seek air flow solutions for classrooms and other campus gathering spaces. Air purifiers with appropriate filtration and window exhaust fans were installed to alleviate a potential danger of stagnant air in areas where our students, faculty, and staff would spend a fair amount of time,” stated Interim Provost Dr. Molly Wyatt. “Being attentive to emerging scientific research helped us to be innovative and Dr. Zipf’s donation was crucial in allowing us to afford additional precautious for our campus that addressed this need. We are very grateful for his continued engagement with the College and his generosity.”
North Carolina funds were also provided to the College as part of state funding that was received through the CARES Act. The College just received an additional $466,000 from the State of NC
to support students and expenses as it relates to COVID-19. NC Wesleyan is already working with students to assist with their balances and offsetting some PPE expenses that the College has incurred.
In addition, the College just installed its first touchless water bottle filler in the Pearsall Classroom Building. The College will also be installing them in the Gravely Science Building, Taylor Recreation Center and the Athletics Fieldhouse soon. This will help Wesleyan not only reduce single-use plastics, but also provide a touchless option for filtered water in these buildings.
To learn more about how the College is being Wesleyan Wise and the plans that it has in place for managing COVID, visit ncwu.edu/coronavirus.
Annual Tackle the Tar Event Benefits Local Colleges
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University was recently the recipient of a $17,000 scholarship made possible by proceeds raised from the 5th Annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Day. Hosted by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, this event raises funds so area students can attend local colleges. Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, the race was canceled for the year, yet the mission of the event was still a success.
In the past five years, Tackle the Tar has given a total of $285,000 among Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College and NC Wesleyan University. Scholarships provide significant support for many of NC Wesleyan’s students seeking to further their education.
This year’s presentation took place via a Zoom meeting between the Rotary Club and representatives of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Edgecombe Community College and Nash Community College. Rotary leaders presented a total of $51,000 in scholarship funds to the three Colleges. This year’s funds were raised through sponsorships for the 2020 5K Obstacle Course Race. Though canceled, Rotary officials polled those who had already paid or committed to a sponsorship for the event and the consensus was to allow them to keep the funds and distribute to the colleges.
“I continue to be amazed by the outpouring of support from our community and specifically the Rotary Club for their yearly fundraising event, Tackle the Tar,” stated NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Their commitment to education in our region is demonstrated by their relentless dedication to funding scholarships for all three higher education providers in Nash and Edgecombe Counties. This is what makes a community resilient.”
Next year’s Tackle the Tar event is set for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The 5K race is packed with obstacles and offers competitive heats and fun runs.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Rotary members provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
NC Wesleyan & ECC Renew Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Edgecombe Community College (ECC) 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 ECC.
Leaders of both colleges attended the September 29 signing held on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expands upon the previously signed agreement, allowing ECC students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits, whereas the last MOU allowed for 60 total transfer credits.
“At Edgecombe Community College, our goal is to strengthen and enrich learning opportunities for our students,” notes ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod. “We have a long history of successful partnerships with NC Wesleyan. For local students who prefer to complete their education in this area, our transfer agreements are especially beneficial.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering ECC 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 ECC to NC Wesleyan.
“Wesleyan has partnered with Edgecombe Community College for over a decade. We are honored that Dr. McLeod and ECC continue to value the undergraduate and graduate opportunities afforded at NCWC by renewing and strengthening this long-standing partnership,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.
Students who graduate from ECC 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 ECC 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.
First Recipients of NC Wesleyan Service Award Recognized
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University congratulates Drs. Carl and Jackie Lewis, as well as Dr. Brittany Bass for being the first recipients of its Wesleyan Service Award. Any full-time employee may be nominated in recognition for consistently demonstrating outstanding service to the College or community that is above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Since March of this year, Dr. Jackie Lewis, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, and Dr. Carl Lewis, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, have been sewing and distributing PPE (masks and cart handle covers) to members of the Wesleyan community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On almost a weekly basis, they have delivered these supplies to the College for faculty, staff and students to pick up for personal use. They also contributed to Dr. Brittany Bass’s campaign this spring for PPE collections for local healthcare providers. Dr. Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program, was able to collect and distribute over 500 masks to these providers.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University implemented this service award opportunity in late 2019. Over the last nine years, I have witnessed the generosity and servant leadership activities of our faculty and staff. It was time for them to be recognized for their efforts and being recommended by their peers is an added bonus,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. All Wesleyan Service Award recipients will be recognized at the College’s annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. Wesleyan Service Award nominations can be submitted by the public. If you have worked or volunteered with a Wesleyan employee and would like to nominate that person for going above and beyond, visit NCWC Service Award.
Wesleyan’s Professional Closet Gives Students the Chance to Dress for Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University strives for its students to excel both inside and outside of the classroom. To assist with success outside of the classroom, Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Development & Business Innovation, launched The Wesleyan Professional Closet to provide professional attire for NCWC students.
The idea came to fruition almost a year ago, but the initiative was put on hold due to COVID-19. The Wesleyan Professional Closet is located on the second floor of the Gateway Technology Center at the front of NC Wesleyan’s campus. Students are able to borrow clothing for interviews, school events and other community functions. This service is completely free and based on the honor system. Students can show up, try on clothing and then provide dates for their event in order to ensure that the clothes will be available. Once they are finished with the event, the clothes are laundered and placed back on the rack for future use.
“The way we dress affects everything – the way we think and feel. It impacts how we act and react to various scenarios. I want the students at NCWC to feel their best when they have opportunities for growth and development,” stated Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Development & Business Innovation.
NC Wesleyan is especially thankful to two community members who were instrumental in donating a significant amount of clothing to help get the initiative up and running: Pell Foster with First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount and David Farris, President and CEO of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.
Those who are interested in donating professional attire can contact Gena Messer-Knode at GKnode@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5151 to arrange a drop off or pick up time.
Two New Counselors Welcome Future Bishops to NCWC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – While the educational landscape may look different this year due to COVID-19, North Carolina Wesleyan University has not altered its commitment to current and future students. The College recently welcomed two new counselors two its Admissions team — Adrian Moore to the traditional program and Jessica Wilkins to the Adult and Professional Studies (APS) program.
Adrian Moore is a 2018 alumnus of NC Wesleyan and graduated with a B.S. in Organizational Administration with a concentration in Sports Administration. While at Wesleyan, Adrian was the captain of the men’s basketball team and led the team to two conference championships. Now back at Wesleyan, he will serve as an Admissions Counselor and continue to share his passion for the College to prospective students.
Admissions Counselor
“As a recent graduate, Adrian has a deep passion and understanding of the value of a Wesleyan education. With his experiences, knowledge base and leadership qualities, prospective students will receive the individualized and professional attention that is needed during the admissions process,” stated Paige Price Wells, Director of Admissions. “There has been a recent shift in what we perceive as our normal routines, and Adrian, along with the rest of the Wesleyan community, is here to help the educational needs of prospective students.”
Jessica Wilkins joined the Adult and Professional Studies team as Admissions and Advising Coordinator for the Rocky Mount campus after recently relocating to North Carolina from her home state of Virginia. Jessica earned a B.S. in Communications from Old Dominion University in December 2009. She also holds a Master of Science in Media and Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Norfolk State University. During her time in Virginia, Jessica developed experience in the nonprofit, K-12/higher education industries. She and her husband have three kids– Jawan, 11, Savannah 3 and Kingston, 10-months. Jessica’s hobbies include dancing, cooking, enjoying nature and spending time with family.
Admissions and Advising Coordinator
“With Jessica’s experience in higher education, bundled with her infectious and inviting personality, there was no doubt that she would be the perfect fit for the APS team. In her first month being a part of North Carolina Wesleyan, Jessica has already made an immediate operational impact and made lasting first impressions on all of her students,” stated Robert Benson, Director of Adult & Professional Studies– Rocky Mount.
NC Wesleyan kicked off its fall semester on August 19 with enhanced cleaning practices, smaller class sizes, practicing social distance between students, faculty and staff, and providing face masks and hand sanitizer for all students, faculty and staff.
NCWC Welcomes Bishops Back to Campus Under Wesleyan Wise Safety Measures
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University kicked off its fall semester on August 19 by welcoming 275 new and 731 returning students to campus. Recruitment efforts for this incoming class were focused on local recruitment, a diverse representation and building upon the College’s growing academic programs.
Local students continue to comprise a significant portion of the 2020 freshman class. Sixty-five students arrived at North Carolina Wesleyan from Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Halifax and Franklin counties, accounting for approximately 24% of the incoming student body. Three local students have made a great impact on the NCWC campus already – William, Sarah and Morgan Waters. The three are from Scotland Neck and attended Hobgood Academy in Halifax County. The fact that all three are from Hobgood Academy is not unique, but it is rare for triplets to enroll and stay at a local college.
According to Paige Wells, Director of Admissions, “North Carolina Wesleyan is overjoyed to welcome a new class of Battling Bishops to the campus. This academic year looks much different than any other and students are craving a sense of normalcy. Wesleyan is proud to offer this to students, while being Wesleyan Wise.”
A Global Community
While NC Wesleyan University continues to place a strong focus on recruiting state and local high school graduates, the fall 2020 class also has a national and global presence. The incoming class consists of students from 13 different states and 12 different countries around the world. New international students originated from countries such as Argentina and Germany. NC Wesleyan’s Director of International Recruitment, Alex Rodriguez, states “Wesleyan continues its recruitment of international students. Our class was challenged this year, as many, with different regulations and restrictions due to the pandemic. However, we look forward to continuing the academic success of our new and current international student population.”
Graduate Programs Expand
North Carolina Wesleyan continues to see academic gains from adding a second graduate degree program. In January, Wesleyan began a second graduate program with the start of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program began in spring 2017 and has since graduated 32 students starting with the first cohort in 2018. The MBA program currently has 83 students enrolled in the fully online, one year, 33-credit-hour program. In total, NC Wesleyan has 120 students enrolled in both the MSCJ and the MBA programs.
Students interested in North Carolina Wesleyan University should contact Admissions at 252.985.5200 or ncwu.edu/admissions.
SRU Signs Articulation Agreement with NCWC to Place Students in New Athletic Training Program
“We are honored to have this opportunity to work with such a prestigious academic institution as SRU,” said Meir Magal, professor of exercise science at NCWC. “This option will allow our students the opportunity to join an outstanding athletic training program that provides rigorous academic curricula and a superior hands-on, patient-centered clinical experience.”
The connection between Slippery Rock University and NC Wesleyan was spurred by Tim Donovan, a 2009 SRU graduate with a degree in athletic training, who is the head athletic trainer at NCWC.
