Pinning Ceremony Held March 22nd
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Teacher Education Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University held their Spring Symposium, featuring a pinning ceremony for program candidates, on March 22. Guest speaker was Corey Williams, an alumnus of Wesleyan and honoree of the 2021 Teacher of the Year for Northampton County Schools.
Williams, a sixth grade Mathematics and Science teacher at Gaston Middle School, just entered his eighth year in public education and third year teaching in the classroom. Over the course of his career, Williams has served in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Halifax County Schools and currently, Northampton County Schools. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, his continued commitment to excellence celebrates students’ learning differences and diversity in a responsive classroom.
During the Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony, forty candidates received certificates and education pins. This rite of passage marks the initial journey into teacher education where students transition into a noble career and dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
“The Teacher Education Program promotes a holistic approach to learning and embracing the whole child. I am extremely happy with the students’ commitment to engage, love, share, foster and embrace teaching and life practices within the context of the K-12 students’ experiences,” stated Dr. Patricia Brewer, Associate Professor of Education.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship— a $1,000 award given annually to a selected Wesleyan student majoring in special education. This opportunity was created by NC Wesleyan alumna, Glinda Williams of Kinston, North Carolina, in honor of her 34-year-old daughter, Taunja Cox, who was diagnosed with developmental disabilities at 18 months.
Since graduating from Kinston High School in the special education curriculum, Taunja has participated in work programs, volunteered with children at local daycares and is currently attending Lenoir Community College in the compensatory education class. This scholarship seeks to give back to students in the special education program who aspire to make a difference in the lives of those like Taunja. This year, the scholarship was awarded to two students— Emily Bissette and Paige Gardner, who are both double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
ActOne Group Provides Career Development Services for NCWC Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has developed an agreement with the ActOne Group (ActOne), a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Janice Bryant Howroyd (Howroyd), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, is a native of Tarboro, NC and a NC Wesleyan Board Member.
At no cost to the College, ActOne’s team of professionals will work alongside NC Wesleyan’s career services department to enhance internships, career development, and job placement for Wesleyan students and graduates. The College will allocate office space to the ActOne team so they can fully connect with staff and provide students with hands-on career guidance and advice. This partnership will provide students with access to a fully-dedicated team of staffing professionals, career counselors, talent advisors and trainers on campus. In addition, ActOne will work with area organizations to meet their talent acquisition goals. Implementation of this initiative is expected by summer 2021.
“Service with impact is a blessing…to the giver as much as to the receiver. The executives of ActOne Group are honored to make an impact on the lives of NCWU students and the Nash/Edgecombe community. We are committed to developing talent at the student level and preparing graduating seniors for professional lives beyond learning institutions. We know that the work we do across the globe is instrumental in helping people to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. It is a privilege to be able to provide this valuable service to the students of NCWU, especially under the leadership of President Evan Duff and his team,” said Howroyd. “With NCWU being the first college campus I ever stepped foot on, which happened during my first year as a Project Upward Bound student, I am truly blessed to give back to an institution from where I received some of the first foundational tools that helped to shape the person I am today.”
To help enhance personal and professional development, ActOne will provide NC Wesleyan students with college-to-career transition classes, career preparation, career building workshops and global awareness opportunities. In addition, ActOne will provide access to an online library of training courses, skill assessments, and tutorials that will benefit all students, regardless of their career path. Students will work with the ActOne team of talent advisors and counselors to develop leadership skills and gain insight into a variety of professions. As an added benefit to NCWU students, ActOne will provide two to four internships per year, allowing students to gain experience in customer service, recruiting, front office systems and database management.
About Janice Bryant Howroyd
As a tireless advocate for education, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ActOne Group, has dedicated her resources to funding scholarships and serving on several boards, including the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government, her alma mater North Carolina A&T State University, University of Southern California, and many others. Her passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is rooted in her belief that STEM will be one of the great equalizers in 21st-century employment and has led her to work with Girls in Tech, a non-profit that works to create STEM opportunities for underserved communities. She attended NCA&T State University and holds honorary doctorates from California State University Channel Islands, NCA&T State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
About ActOne Group
ActOne Group is a global enterprise that provides employment, workforce management and procurement solutions to a wide range of industries, Fortune 500 organizations, local and mid-market companies, and government agencies. Started in 1978 by Founder and CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd (JBH). ActOne operates in 19 countries with over 17,000 clients and 2,600 employees worldwide. It is the largest privately-held, woman and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S.
NCWC Hosting Barefoot Mile to Combat Human Trafficking
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has partnered with JOY International and their mission to rescue, restore and reintegrate children, teens and women affected by human trafficking around the world. On Saturday, April 10, the College will host its first NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile fundraiser where faculty, staff and students will walk to raise awareness of the effects of human trafficking.
JOY International is a nonprofit organization based in Conifer, Colorado that has helped over 2,000 children, teens and women. JOY works closely with law enforcement to find, persecute and prevent sex traffickers around the world. After a rescue, those affected are placed in carefully selected and equipped homes to help promote healing and a positive future.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest crime internationally. Globally, two million children are targeted and exploited each year in this $150 billion-dollar industry. While this is a worldwide issue, it occurs locally as well. The U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500- 17,500 children, teens and women are trafficked into the United States each year.
The NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile is hosted by Refuge Campus Ministries, in partnership with JOY International, BraceChange and PATCH, Inc. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s on-campus event is limited solely to NC Wesleyan students, faculty and staff; however, community members are invited to sign up to walk virtually between April 4 and April 10. To help promote the event, two self-defense classes for women are being held on Friday, April 9 at Rise Church in Rocky Mount. Community members can participate from 5:15 p.m.– 7:15 p.m. and Wesleyan students can join from 7:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. Event organizers are also hosting a virtual silent auction for businesses to donate items if they’re unable to partner financially.
“The call from those with no voice needs to be answered and JOY is doing just that. I hope you will join me and these other ministries and organizations to fight for those being trafficked and exploited,” stated Natalie Larson, NC Wesleyan student and event organizer. I pray our goal will be met and through this initiative God will receive all the glory!”
North Carolina Wesleyan University hopes to be a catalyst in the fight against human trafficking by raising $15,000. Various levels of sponsorship are available for any business or individual wanting to help contribute to this goal. Your contribution can help at least one person escape from the bondage of human trafficking. For more details and to register, visit joy.org/barefoot-mile-events.
NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 153 colleges and universities around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Programs and promotions such as the physically active, virtual scavenger hunt, the Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge and other campus wellness initiatives helped NCWC earn Silver level from the EIM-OC program for the second year in a row. NC Wesleyan also obtained EIM’s COVID Conqueror badge, a new honor given to campuses that demonstrated creative adaptations to physical activity programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the second year in a row, and to be recognized with a ‘COVID Conqueror’ badge for adapting our physical activity promotion and programming to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This distinction illustrates the resolve of our students, faculty, staff and administration to continue to prioritize a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, EIM-OC advisor.
Of the 153 campuses recognized this year, 73 received Gold, 59 Silver and 21 Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized in June as part of the 2021 virtual Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess students’ physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture, while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine®
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.
NC Wesleyan University to Offer New Professional Development Certificates
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.
