ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University students, Nayonna Bland and Makaela Stokes, have accepted an internship with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as part of the department’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Internship Program. This paid summer internship is a component of the department’s workforce development initiative to build a strong and inclusive workforce by increasing the number of human services professionals to provide for the growing number of residents in North Carolina.
“We are looking toward the future in NCDHHS by building a strong and inclusive workforce that supports all North Carolinians,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We genuinely applaud each of these young professionals for their assistance in helping NCDHHS protect the health, safety and well-being of the people in our communities now and into the future.”
Stokes and Bland will be working on a project with NCDHHS’ Division of Health Benefits. The internship will last 10 weeks and will include work in the assigned project area, seminars, presentation practice and an immersion event at the end of the internship experience.
“NCDHHS is now in its 6th Cohort of HBCU/MSI Change Champion Interns, connecting with over 150 students since 2022. We are creating a strong and inclusive workforce by building a pipeline to the public health and human services professions for this generation,” said Angela Bryant, NCDHHS’ Assistant Secretary for the Health Equity Portfolio. “NCDHHS is excited that Makaela and Nayonna have chosen to join 41 other graduate and undergraduate interns to help build the workforce needed to improve the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”
NC Wesleyan believes that student engagement is vital to rewarding social lives, strengthening leadership skills, and the desire to make a difference on campus and the community. We encourage students to get involved and make most of their collegiate experience. We are so proud of these Bishops for taking advantage of this opportunity and taking a step further to make most of their journey. Both of these students will be able to apply the skills learned during their internship with DHHS towards their respective careers in the social sector.
NCWU Awarded Longleaf Fund Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Wesleyan University Teacher Education Program received a $10,000 grant from the Longleaf Fund Foundation. This is an anonymous donor advised fund at Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC) that provides grants to organizations in the Carolinas to support capital projects for at-risk youth. The grants are intended to help communities create opportunities for a brighter future for their youth.
Dr. Kelvin L. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, shares “What this Longleaf Fund Grant means to a Teacher Education student is that s/he will learn needed skills required to be successful as an educator when implementing parent, school, and community partnership efforts.”
How this grant will be used
Beginning Fall 2024, proceeds from the grant will be used to support the K-12 public school students who receive tutoring via the NC Wesleyan Award-Winning After-School Program. Dr. Spragley will utilize funds “to purchase 10 laptops (with software) and 10 hotspots (for students who do not have home internet). These materials will be used to aid the K-12 students, who have IEPs and are tutored by students in the NC Wesleyan Teacher Education program, with their work in the primary content areas of Reading, Math, and Science/Biology.”
The critical steps involved in this project are as follows:
- Students will complete as much school work as possible while receiving tutoring at the once-each-week after-school program.
- Students will be allowed to sign out laptops and/or hotspots to complete work at home
- Students will continue with Zoom sessions with tutors between tutoring sessions
- Students will return equipment and NC Wesleyan will track student progress while working in conjunction with parents and building-level teachers.
Dr. Spragley believes “Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading, writing, speaking, making informed ethical decisions, and using new information technologies.” Providing necessary resources for 30+ students will make a lasting improvement on Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program, but also in the students’ lives.
NCWU Awarded NCAA Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has been awarded the NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to the division’s member schools and conferences that are committed to enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in entry-level, intercollegiate athletics administrative positions. These positions should include exposure to a variety of the following areas: strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, campus and NCAA compliance, sport oversight, student-athlete welfare issues and initiatives, academics, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff oversight/ management.
The NCAA grant is for $33,000 annually for a two-year contract totaling $66,000, including $3,000 for professional development.
NC Wesleyan’s specific grant position will start Fall 2024 and hold the title “Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support”. This position will work together with support services from across campus to serve student-athletes. A requirement will be weekly meetings with students, particularly focusing on academic success and strategies for first-year students. The position will additionally impact leadership opportunities and experiences to support student-athletes.
Aaron Denton, NCWU Vice President and Director of Athletics, expresses, “We are appreciative the NCAA recognizes NC Wesleyan’s commitment to both supporting our student-athletes and to working hard to build experiences and opportunities for women and minorities in athletics. This funding will have an immediate impact on the academic success of our student-athletes. It is truly an exciting time at NC Wesleyan.”
Anyone interested in the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support, visit our careers page and apply.
Maryhelen Willhite Endowed Scholarship Established
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Bishops are often asked, “What makes Wesleyan different?” or “Why Wesleyan?” The answer is simple. It is the people, the community. This is proven once again by another generous donor, Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
Maryhelen is the daughter of the late Dr. W. Lyle Willhite who was a professor at NC Wesleyan from 1976 to 1984. Her dedication and commitment to Wesleyan runs deep and in 1996, she was able to assist one of Dr. Willhite’s former students, Rick Bradham III, ’81, in establishing The Dr. W.L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship.
Because of her late father’s influence, Maryhelen made her first contribution in the spring of 2024 to establish The Maryhelen Willhite Jones Endowed Scholarship, her own Second Generation Legacy Scholarship. This award will be given to undergraduate students majoring in Marketing who have excelled in academic and extracurricular accomplishments at NCWU.
Dr. Willhite instilled in Maryhelen to be bold and give with purpose and passion. Now she has been able to “bring that ‘can do’ boldness to NCWU through another endowed scholarship with the Willhite name.”
Maryhelen says “I believe in not only paying things forward, but also paying them inward.”
Although her background is in the Arts, International Relations, and Information/ Library Sciences, she has a passion for all things Marketing: brands, products, companies, non-profits, social causes, innovations, and ideas. Maryhelen states, “If I had to do it over again, I would go into the field of Marketing. What I can do instead is to help support those who decide to do just that.”
Maryhelen knows that Wesleyan’s undergraduate marketing degree involves research skills, critical thinking, demographics, collaboration, creativity, communication, persuasion, information, observation, social, economic, and cultural considerations, and yes, sometimes playfulness!
“My ultimate focus is on the students, who no matter what their career fields end up to be, are ethically grounded and have a strong moral self-compass,” says Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
“The Dr. W. L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship has been financially supporting Wesleyan students for over 27 years. To have a scholarship established by his daughter, Maryhelen, that will impact lives in the same way is a grand gesture. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Willhite family, which will continue to make a difference for future Wesleyan alumni. The relationship developed has been meaningful and of great significance.”
Successful APS NSLS Fast Pass Program Launch
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Sixty-five students were inducted into the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) customized online program offered in the Adult and Professional Studies Program (APS) at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU). NSLS is an honor society and leadership program that aims to assist students develop their leadership skills and have a positive impact on their communities. It is the largest leadership society in the United States with over 1.4 million members and more than 700 chapters nationwide.
Students gathered online for weekly synchronous sessions each Thursday evening for nine weeks to complete the induction program. In addition to meeting the NSLS requirements, students engaged in community service activities, positively impacting the lives of those in need and demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility. Tanisha Reed, Director of Career Development, facilitated the students’ induction process and calls this inaugural effort “a success with excellent results and enthusiastic participation.” The success of this program highlights the commitment of NCWU to fostering leadership and career development among its students, preparing them to excel in their professional lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. “Their dedication and hard work exemplify the core values of leadership and success, and I am confident that this experience will serve as a cornerstone to their future professional endeavors,” Reed said. Students value this unique opportunity and the environment that comes with it. Reginald Wilkinson, recent inductee, shares, “Having Reed as our sponsor and leader at NCWU has been great! She is awesome! I am truly thankful for this induction and being part of the NSLS community!”
What comes next for these inductees? During the Fall 2024 semester the NSLS chapter will resume, combining Traditional and APS students and celebrating the induction on November 20, 2024.
NCWU receives Global Funding for Swale Development and Student Engagement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) anticipates the Fall 2024 semester as their start date for beginning a project highlighting sustainability, improving biodiversity and water quality, as well as erosion prevention on its campus. The project is generously funded by Easyflyers®, a global logistics company that offers comprehensive shipping solutions. The campaign’s focus is developing a vegetated swale in an urban ditch. This green infrastructure will improve stormwater runoff management, reduce erosion, and use native plants.
“Easyflyers® has been a sponsor with NC Wesleyan over the last several years. Through campus beautification projects and event sponsorships, we’ve partnered to establish a greener and more sustainable campus”, states Nichol Ally, President and Managing Director of the Americas. “The EasyFlyers® Earth Day 2023 Project at NC Wesleyan provided a natural and beautiful outdoor sitting and mediation area supplemented with unique trees.”
Earth Day 2024
The company’s Earth Day 2024 donation is funding a project referred to as “The Swale”. It will be completed by students in Wesleyan’s biology classes and overseen by Dr. Daniel Elias who states “This project showcases both EasyFlyers® and Wesleyan’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Using native plants, we can reduce some of the impact of urbanization on our ecosystem. We are grateful that EasyFlyers® want to make earth sustainability projects a priority and allows Wesleyan to assist in these efforts.”
Students at NCWU will actively participate in this project through site preparation, plant selection, and maintenance. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to conduct water quality assessments and monitor ecosystem health as part of courses like Global Water Issue (BIO330), Agroecology (BIO226), and Environmental Science (BIO324).
Dr. Elias emphasizes this project’s educational value, “Having our students involved in every part of this project will promote a deeper understanding of environmental science and develop a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices.”
Further, the university plans to conduct regular monitoring to ensure the vegetated swale’s long-term success. Data collected by student-led monitoring and inspections will contribute to addressing the efficacy of green infrastructures as a solution to urbanization.
Local Company Awards Nursing Scholarships to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – SE&M Constructors, Inc., a Rocky Mount based, family-owned company for over 100 years, recently established the SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Nursing Scholarships at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “There is such a high demand for quality nursing in this region and NC Wesleyan is doing a great job of trying to fill that need. As a local company, we care about the communities we serve, so helping Wesleyan students further their education and careers in nursing seems like a tremendous benefit to all of us,” states Harry Bynum, Chairman of SE&M Constructors, Inc. and member of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees.
The SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Scholarship will be awarded to NCWU nursing students enrolled to receive their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The number of recipients may vary annually depending on the number of nursing students applying for the scholarship. NCWU’s BSN degree prepares experienced registered nurses for advanced leadership, management, clinical, research and nurse educator positions. Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, states “This is another example of how our community benefits from organizations who believe in the mission of North Carolina Wesleyan University. These funds will directly impact nursing students who will further their education to meet the needs of our local hospital and medical practices. It directly impacts the public health of Nash and Edgecombe counties.”
The scholarships will be awarded with a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $2,500. Applications for the scholarship will be administered through the Financial Aid Office. Students interested in applying for this scholarship may contact the NCWU Financial Aid Office by emailing FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
The Dunn Center Announces The 28th Season Series
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University will kick off its 28th season series on Friday, September 13 with the family-friendly Fool of Illusion show performed by Reggie Rice. The 2024-2025 season will include seven shows from a variety of genres with season tickets on sale starting June 1 for $150. As a season ticket holder, you get a reserved seat and ticket for all seven shows. The price is right and the parking is free.
Rice’s show has been named the “Comedy Magician of the Year” for the last three years by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He will combine magic and laughter to create Fool of Illusion. You have never seen anything like it. This is a 90- minute, family-friendly show that includes audience participation that will have you on the edge of your seat. Rice makes the adults laugh and the kids scream.
“The Dunn Center is a true gem in eastern North Carolina and I’m proud of the exceptional lineup that we have to offer this season,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “For those who have attended a show here in the past, we look forward to having you back for another exciting performance. For those who have never been to our venue, I encourage you to come check us out and witness all that we have to offer.”
Also joining the lineup is Departure: The Journey Tribute Band who will pay tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time on Friday, September 27. The group has been together for over sixteen years and is considered the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation.
John Floyd, a Rocky Mount native, will return to his hometown on Friday, October 11. Floyd is a comedian, speaker, and author. This particular show will be filled with clean, hilarious comedy. He has performed on the same stage with Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winners such as Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, and Dave Chappelle.
Friday, October 18 will feature the music of Cobain, Novoselia, and Grohl. A Nirvana Experience was formed in 2021 and performs the most accurate and captivating Nirvana live show since the real thing. They use vintage instruments and leave the audience satisfied, yet longing for more.
Larry and Joe come to The Dunn Center Friday, October 25 to present a little bluegrass, Latin grass, and folk music. There will be sounds of a harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, guitar, bass and whatever else the duo decides to bring along in the van. Joe Troop is a Grammy-nominated musician from North Carolina and Lairy Hails, from Venezuela, is a legend of Llanero music.
Friday, November 1 will be a night to remember as Damn Tall Buildings (DTB) will perform bluegrass with a little punch, attitude, grit and gravy. Assured is a love for the floor-stomping old-time music from the incredibly talented musicians.
The grand finale for the season will be The Prince Xperience on Friday, February 7, 2025. This group brings the most authentic production of Prince and Revolution in the world. Lead singer, Marshall Charloff, together with world-class performers, have entertained over 30,000 fans since the group formed fourteen years ago.
For more information on these season shows, as well as other cultural events and art shows, please visit dunncenter.com. All season shows are on Friday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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 and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
NC Wesleyan University Sends Off Class of 2024
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, May 4, North Carolina Wesleyan University held its annual commencement ceremony at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The University celebrated 300 graduates, marking its 84th graduation.
The event was open to graduates, faculty, the platform party and guests of graduates where over 2,000 were in attendance. University Chaplain, Rev. Edwin Ferguson, gave the invocation, followed by a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by alumna, Ms. Latisha Scott ’06.
President Dr. Evan D. Duff welcomed the crowd to the momentous occasion and congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments noting, “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 and individuals who care about others. As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world.”
Keynote Address
The commencement address was given by Dr. Kara Renai King, Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals – Rocky Mount facility. Dr. King delivers value to organizations through her servant leadership style complimented by her strong foundation in science, strategic mindset, and the ability to create an environment that fosters joy, creativity and innovation. Hallmarks of her leadership are building high performing teams, elevating leadership capability, and delivering results.
Dr. King sits on the board of Eastern University and the International Leadership Association (ILA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hampton University, a master’s degree in Cell Biology & Biotechnology from University of the Sciences, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.
Dr. King addressed the graduates stating, “You, the class of 2024, have shown remarkable adaptability and perseverance in completing your studies amid these unprecedented challenges. You have demonstrated that you are not only ready for the future, but that you are also capable of shaping it. You have proven that you are not only scholars, but also leaders, activists, innovators, and changemakers. You have earned the right to celebrate your achievements today.”
She went on to offer the Class of 2024 two things to keep in mind “Life is about continually discovering and developing yourself. To reach your own version of greatness, you will need deliberate attention, deliberate actions and a deliberate attitude. So, activate your GRIT.” GRIT being an acronym for Greatness Requires Intentional Transformation. She also encouraged them to “overcome your inner war.”
Dr. King ended with “There’s no need to look to your left or to your right nor in front or behind you—instead, everything you need to activate your GRIT is already inside you.”
After Dr. King’s inspiring speech, Mark Hinson inducted the Class of 1974 into the Golden Bishops Circle. The Golden Bishops Circle, affectionately known as GBC, was started in 2021 by the Office of Advancement in collaboration with University leadership as a way to honor graduates that have reached their 50th year as Bishop alumni. In creating the GBC, Wesleyan aims to keep the history of Wesleyan and the educational journey alive … to celebrate its past, honor its present, and inspire the future.
Student and Faculty Awards
Dr. Patricia Brewer, Professor of Education and Coordinator of Special Education, was presented with the 2024 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.
Candela M. Diaz Babilani 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. This humanitarian award is meant to recognize those who have selflessly given to others or served others in some way.
Ms. Babilani is a Political Science graduate from Argentina who has distinguished herself on the Wesleyan campus and in the community by her leadership of the Worldwide Welcome Team for international students at North Carolina Wesleyan and by coordinating a number of Optimist International events on campus including a clothing drive to support families in crisis and efforts to provide supplies for the campus food bank. She plans to work for a year before entering graduate school.
The President’s Cup Award was presented to Alexis May Reinert, a senior who best exhibits those characteristics considered most desirable in a graduate. Of particular importance is the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The recipient is also chosen by the Honors Awards Committee.
Ms. Reinert is from Orrtanna Pennsylvania. She graduated in December with a double major in Mathematics and Computer Science, and she earned the highest overall grade point average in the senior class while playing many roles on campus as a tutor, a leader in the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program, and a member of the women’s soccer team.
Closing
Dr. Kara King was awarded a Doctor of Science Honorary Degree from NC Wesleyan University. This was presented to her from the graduating Pfizer interns, was recommended by the Honorary Degree Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. In addition, NC Wesleyan’s ROTC program commissioned five graduates into the United States Army. These students took the oath of office from Major William Burgdorf. The newly commissioned Second Lieutenants include: Robert Augburn, Comaggio Brady, Cullen Davis, Joshua Denton, and Morgan Waters 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 University’s Facebook page.
NC Wesleyan Commencement 2024
NCWU Recognizes Outstanding Employees at 2024 Awards Ceremony
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently held its 2024 Annual Employee Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The University’s Employee Awards ceremony provides recognition to coaches, faculty and staff for their years of service to the University and for exemplary service to the campus and community.
Wesleyan Service Awards
Recipients of the Wesleyan Service Award were Kimla Brandt, Carl Lewis, Margaret Love, Doreen Thierauf and Jay Quinan. These employees demonstrated outstanding service to the campus and/or community that was above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Kimla Brandt worked with Ascent Studios and their production of the locally filmed movie “RENNER.” She went above and beyond her job responsibilities to make sure the needs of their production crew and cast were taken care of during their stay at Wesleyan.
Dr. Carl Lewis donated a new bee hive to campus and went through the steps to become an affiliate university for Bee Campus USA. Through his efforts, NCWU is only 1 of 8 universities with this distinction in NC and only 1 of 170 in the nation.
Dr. Margaret Love, Dr. Doreen Thierauf and Dr. Jay Quinan are employees that donate much of their time practicing and performing with the Wesleyan Singers. The Wesleyan Singers not only perform at campus events, but they also perform in the community and have gone above and beyond their job functions.
Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award
This year’s Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award winner was Dr. Shannon Crowley who presented her Lecture on April 25th. Regarded as one of the highest honors and form of recognition a faculty member may receive, this award is designed for the faculty members scholarly contributions to their students, the campus, and their professional field of study. Nominations are made by Faculty Council and a grant is made available to the recipient for professional development.
Distinguished Staff Award
The Distinguished Staff Award was presented to Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success Services. This award is designed to honor those staff members who have exhibited outstanding work performance and/or service and dedication to the University or the community. Examples include, but are not limited to, outstanding program development, positive attitude in relationships with faculty, staff and students, noteworthy achievement or exemplary leadership on the campus or in the community.
Justin Clark was presented with the Inspirational Award honoring an employee who exemplifies a positive attitude and demeanor that is inspirational to students, faculty, staff, and the greater campus community. This person makes an extraordinary effort to support others whose efforts improve morale and positively impacts students, faculty, and staff as well as demonstrate the University’s core values.
Chuck Taylor Leadership Award
The Chuck Taylor Leadership Award was given to Mike Armbruster, Assistant Athletic Director, Internal Operations. This award is presented to employees who demonstrate and live the following: Principles of servant leadership; Building community by promoting a work environment that is respectful, collegial and supportive; Orienting goals and achievements in line with the University’s mission; Exhibiting strong stewardship of institutional resources (time, talent, financial); Developing a shared vision of institutional excellence; fosters an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity, which contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of productivity. This individual is also an effective leader of people.
Longevity Awards were also given to various full-time and part-time employees for their years of service. Recognition was awarded in 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, etc. increments of service to the University for the contractual or fiscal year.
Also, our very own Coach John Brackett received a framed jersey in honor of his 800th win at Wesleyan. Coach John Brackett’s journey has come full circle, as an alumnus of Wesleyan. With his unparalleled dedication, remarkable achievements and lasting impact on the softball program, his 800th career win stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and the lasting legacy he has created within the University.
Congratulations to all employees who were honored and we thank each employee for your dedication and commitment to NC Wesleyan University! For more information regarding Faculty and Staff Awards or to nominate an employee, visit https://ncwu.edu/faculty-staff-resources/faculty-staff-service-awards/.
