ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – It has been a busy summer at North Carolina Wesleyan University as the campus hosted over 1,000 guests across 10 youth camps. The College’s summer camps wrapped up with Athens Drive Band Camp, which returned to NC Wesleyan for its 25th year.
“Each summer, NC Wesleyan welcomes campers from across the state, and this year, from across the nation, who depend on us to provide a fun-filled home away from home. Our purpose is to provide an enduring partnership that can be trusted, year after year, to provide excellence in every facet of every day for every camp,” stated Kimla Brandt, NCWC Summer Camp Director.
Athens Drive Band, an award-winning high school band from Raleigh, has the longest running camp partnership with the College. During their stay, the campus was filled with music as they marched along roadways and parking lots, practiced their instruments under trees, alone and in sections, and with the steady sound of metronomes echoing throughout.
The NCWC Athletic Department also hosted camps including basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and soccer. The Battling Bishop coaches and players provided instruction for all levels of athletic ability, from beginning to advanced.
In addition to sports camps, several other groups utilized the College’s beautiful 200-acre campus including the NC Youth Ministers Camp, United Methodist Church Youth Breakaway Camp and Tennessee Mission Camp.
Local Author & Entrepreneur Set to Speak at NCWC Convocations
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will hold its 65th annual New Student Convocation on Tuesday, August 24 at The Dunn Center. Keynote Speaker for this year’s event will be Etaf Rum, local author and entrepreneur.
Rum is the author of A Woman Is No Man, which became a New York Times bestseller, hit the ninth spot on Amazon’s Bestseller List and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as her book club’s May 2019 read. Rum is also part-owner of two local businesses in Rocky Mount—Barley & Burger, a bold and refined kitchen and bar, and Tipsy Tomato, a premier Italian pizza restaurant. Her newest venture, Books and Beans, centers around two of Rum’s favorite things: writing and coffee. Outfitted with a counter and handful of tables, Books and Beans serves breakfast, lunch and coffee from a North Carolina roaster.
When asked how she plans to motivate Wesleyan’s students, Rum stated she would “share with them tips to encourage discipline and goal-setting throughout their college experience; learning how to overcome adversity for success, transform through suffering and develop the mindset of a winner.”
“New Student Convocation is an important part of the orientation experience at NC Wesleyan,” stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. “This ceremony is a chance for our new students to come together, while being encouraged and challenged as they move forward on their journey as a Bishop. Etaf Rum’s message will help educate our students and motivate them to be agents of change.”
In addition to welcoming NC Wesleyan’s Class of 2025, Rum will also address the College’s professors at their Faculty Convocation on Tuesday, August 17. This event is used to give faculty a fresh perspective on issues in higher education, as well as provide them with exposure to a work, such as Rum’s book, that will give additional perspective to students the College serves. Rum grew up in a Palestinian-American household as the oldest of nine children in Brooklyn, New York. While raising her two children, she enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature, a B.S. in Philosophy and an M.A. in American and British Literature and Philosophy.
Rock the Mount 2021
Rock the mount is back and we’re ready to make it better than ever!
Come out and help us welcome NC Wesleyan’s Class of 2025! Surrounding area business owners, churches and other non-profit organizations are invited to come gain exposure with Wesleyan’s students and promote your organization. General Public is invited.
August 24th, 11am – 1:30 pm
Food Trucks, Music and More!
Volleyball and Soccer Showcase, 2pm -5pm
The Aftershock Party, 6:30pm
Live Concert, Carnival Rides, Free Food and More
Visual Art Enhancements Coming to The Dunn Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Greg Purcell has been selected as the new Art Curator for The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Starting in August, he will be taking over the reins from Everett Adelman, current Wesleyan Art Professor, who will be retiring this summer. Adelman has filled this role since the opening of The Dunn Center in 1996.
As Art Curator, Greg will work with The Dunn Center staff to plan art exhibits and opening receptions for the Mims and Civic galleries located within The Dunn Center. He will present five art shows throughout the year.
“We are very excited about the passion and experience that Greg brings to The Dunn Center staff. For 26 years, the Mims and Civic galleries have played an integral part in our ability to build a bridge from North Carolina Wesleyan University to the region that we serve,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “Our visual and performing arts patrons have supported the College for almost 65 years. Greg’s knowledge and energy will grow and strengthen those relationships.”
Greg graduated from Catawba College, a private college in Salisbury, NC, with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and holds an Internship Certificate from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University. He brings a wealth of knowledge to The Dunn Center with 24 years of experience including television, staging, lighting and maintenance.
NCWC Library Begins New Chapter
Longtime Employee Named Director
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rachel McWilliams Roy has been named the new Director of the Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library at North Carolina Wesleyan University. In this role, she will lead a team of six full-time and part-time library staff members. She has served as the Interim Director of the Library since April 2020.
Rachel began working at the College in the fall of 2012 as a Collection Development Librarian. Prior to joining Wesleyan, she served as an Instructional Services Librarian for Wayne Community College.
“Rachel led the library through an unprecedented pandemic maintaining the library’s status as a hub of academic activity and a center for student gathering. We look forward to implementing the great plans Rachel and the library team have to maintain and advance the library’s role as a vital resource for our students’ success,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
“I am excited about my new role at NCWC and look forward to working with the staff to show the College community that the library is more than just a place for books and for people to hang out – it’s a place of learning, research and creativity,” stated Roy. Rachel is an alumna of Milligan College in Tennessee and earned her Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University in 2006.
NCWC Now Offering Expanded Study Abroad Option
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently finalized an agreement with the Irish American Scholars/Study USA Program, in partnership with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of the United Methodist Church. The partnership will create study abroad opportunities for students at North Carolina Wesleyan University and in Northern Ireland.
Starting this fall, NC Wesleyan will host a student from Northern Ireland, and in exchange, NCWC will be able to nominate students to spend a semester at one of five universities in Northern Ireland, beginning in fall 2022. These universities include: Belfast Metropolitan College, Queens University, Ulster University, St. Mary’s University and Stranmillis University College. NC Wesleyan students will be responsible for room and board in Northern Ireland, but will be able to study tuition-free. This opportunity is available to current sophomores and juniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20.
This agreement was facilitated by Dr. Andrew Stern, Director of Study Abroad at NC Wesleyan. “We are grateful to Rev. Dr. Tamara Gieselman with GBHEM for inviting us to participate. As Wesleyan continues to grow and develop new opportunities for our students, we want to promote studying abroad as a way for students to broaden their horizons and cultivate the skills and experiences that will help them succeed,” stated Dr. Stern. “The Irish American Scholars Program is an exciting, accessible and cost-effective way for our students to learn in another culture.”
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church helps coordinate this partnership with universities in Northern Ireland. Now in it’s 27th year, Study USA is managed by the British Council Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy. Each year, it sends 54 students from Northern Ireland to the U.S. to study business, STEM and a host of electives at church-related (United Methodist, Catholic or Presbyterian) institutions.
Two New Residence Life Coordinators Join Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – When students return to North Carolina Wesleyan University in the fall, they will be greeted by two new faces— Derick Stephenson, Jr. and Mackenzie Stamper. Both have joined the College’s Residence Life staff as Area Coordinators.
“We are excited to welcome Derick and Mackenzie to our Residence Life professional staff. I look forward to developing this team to serve our residential students and continuing to build our Resident Advisor team. These two new professionals are coming to campus at an exciting time! We look forward to preparing them for RA Training in August and to serve our residents who will move in shortly thereafter,” stated Steve Burrell, Director of Residence Life.
Residence Life Area Coordinator
As an Area Coordinator, Derick will be responsible for residents in Petteway Hall and the Wesleyan Inn. He comes to NC Wesleyan most recently from Profound Gentlemen where he served as a coach to undergraduate males of color enrolled in teacher education programs. His emphasis is on social-emotional learning as a tool for setting and achieving goals, as well as building strong relationships. Derick previously served as an educator through the Teach for America program in the Edgecombe County Public School System. He brings a wealth of mentoring experience and a passion for young people, as well as knowledge of developing workshops and programs to facilitate personal growth. Derick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Christopher Newport University.
Residence Life Area Coordinator
Mackenzie Stamper will be the Area Coordinator for Collins, Pash, Bradley, Taylor, Boddie and Jin Halls. Mackenzie previously served in a number of residence life roles at Indiana Wesleyan University, including Resident Advisor (RA), Resident Director (RD) and Graduate Assistant of Community Learning. She brings extensive experience and knowledge of campus residence life, including new student orientation. Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Communication from Indiana Wesleyan and will complete her Master of Arts degree in Student Development this December, also with Indiana Wesleyan University.
NCWC Office of Advancement Welcomes Newest Member
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Amanda Cutchin has joined North Carolina Wesleyan University as Coordinator of Donor Gifts and Information. A current student in the College’s Adult and Professional Studies program, Cutchin will complete her degree this December graduating with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership. Amanda comes to Wesleyan from BB&T, where she recently worked as an Engagement Specialist in their commercial loan department.
Coordinator of Donor Gifts and Information
“Amanda prides herself in her ability to resolve problems and process transactions in a timely manner. I look forward to watching her utilize those strengths to impact our department, as well as the overall donor experience,” stated Eddie Coats, Vice President of Advancement.
In her new role, Amanda will manage and enhance the Advancement Office’s data base system, including the transfer of all student information upon graduation and ensuring accuracy of donor information. With an alumni base of over 14,000 graduates, Amanda will maintain and update available contact information for each. She will also assist in planning and implementing appropriate donor recognition strategies and process all gifts to the College.
“As an upcoming graduate of the Adult Studies program at Wesleyan, I look forward to utilizing my degrees in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership to make an impact in the Advancement Office. I’m excited to work with donors and fellow alumni of the College,” stated Cutchin.
Alums Join NC Wesleyan Recruitment Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to welcome back two alumni as employees in the Admissions Office. Starting this month, both Elijah “Blaise” Gourley and Chantoni Grant have joined the office as Admissions Counselors.
“The Office of Admissions could not have hired two more qualified staff members than Blaise and Chantoni. These two alumni are committed to the values of NC Wesleyan and are well-suited to exemplify these, as well the many benefits of the College, to future NCWC prospects,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.
Admissions Counselor
Blaise is a 2021 graduate with degrees in Marketing and Liberal Studies. He was also the 2021 recipient of the President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance as demonstrated by the overall grade point average. As a student, Blaise worked in student life as a Residential Assistant (R.A.), with the Marketing Department and for the College’s Youth Theology Institute (YTI). He was a student-athlete, as well as a member of the Business Honors Society and the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program. In addition, he also worked with several area organizations and nonprofits.
“NC Wesleyan University has done so much for me in the past four years. At Wesleyan, it’s the people that make it more than simply an institution. I’m thrilled to be serving future Bishops as an Admissions Counselor. I look forward to making the same kind of positive impact on others that I was blessed to receive as a student,” stated Gourley.
Admissions Counselor
Chantoni graduated from the College in 2020 with a degree in Organizational Administration. He went on to obtain a master’s in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. During his time at Wesleyan, Chantoni served as an intern in the President’s Office and as a Financial Aid Assistant. He is the Founder of North Carolina Wesleyan’s Bishop Gaming Association, currently the second largest student club on campus, and was President during his time at the College.
“NC Wesleyan University provided the tools and skills I needed to grow and develop. Returning to Wesleyan, I aim to help a new class of students create a successful future for themselves by receiving their four-year degree,” stated Grant.
Third Annual Issue of Omnium Now Released
The third annual issue of Omnium: The Undergraduate Research Journal at North Carolina Wesleyan University is now live. This publication is sponsored by the NCWC Writing Center, the Writing Program and Sigma Tau Delta. Click Here to view the latest issue, as well as our Interdisciplinary Writing Competition winners!
