ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Pearsall Library recently applied for, and was awarded, a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for multimedia production from the State Library of North Carolina.
The purpose of this grant is to enhance the library’s Media Production Lab. These funds will allow the College to purchase an additional computer desk, two Mac desktop computers, 10 Mac laptops with cases, a charging station, new external drives, headphones and three digital cameras, including one combo camera with a tripod and mic. All of these new media technologies will be accessible to students in the fall and laptops will be available for students to check out as well.
“The use of multimedia tools are imperative in library support services. The award of the LSTA Multimedia Production Lab grant will help the library uphold its status as custodian of knowledge and campus information hub. This grant will provide convenient and efficient use of multimedia and digital production services to our students, faculty and staff,” stated Dr. Esther Burgess, Director of the Library.
Awarded 2019-2020 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants total over $2.8 million, and include 47 awards for local library projects that advance excellence and promote equity by strengthening capacity, expanding access and community engagement in North Carolina’s libraries. A list of this year’s grant winners can be viewed at statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/resources/lsta-grants.
LSTA grant awards are made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-00-18-0034-18). LSTA grants are awarded in response to specific needs of public, academic and community college libraries. These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services to their communities.
Wesleyan Taking Care of Business with New MBA Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – After much anticipation, North Carolina Wesleyan University has officially submitted documentation to its regional accreditor to offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Pending approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), the College will offer its first class on January 6, 2020.
If approved, this will be the second graduate-level program launched by Wesleyan in less than two years. The first graduate program, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, was offered in spring of 2018. The MBA program will be 100% online and consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session, and will end with a final capstone class. Like other academic programs offered by the college including their Adult Studies programs, the degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-week session.
“Our faculty have worked extremely hard to develop our MBA curriculum that will provide students with the skills required to excel in their careers. Future plans may include concentrations in areas like healthcare administration, business analytics and logistics. Our faculty will analyze market and industry research to determine how this curriculum may evolve,” stated Wesleyan Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff. This program is the only MBA offered locally to the Twin County region and will serve as a great asset to our community and those interested in advancing their career. NC Wesleyan will begin accepting applications into the program beginning August 1, 2019. Those who are interested in learning more about the MBA program can contact Dani Somers, Director of Graduate Admissions, at DSomers@ncwu.edu.
Strong Storms Cause Damage to College
At approximately 4:00 p.m. this afternoon a strong line of thunderstorms moved through the Rocky Mount area causing damage at the College. Thankfully, all damage was isolated to the sports fields and no one was injured or buildings harmed.
Earlier in the day an alert was sent out by the College regarding the possibility of severe weather. As the storm approached, coaches became concerned, cancelled an active sporting event and others sought shelter in the Field House. The storm resulted in significant damage to Brackettville Softball Field, the most prevalent being downed fencing, moved and damaged bleachers, a torn down scoreboard and the home field dugout was destroyed. Other areas of campus such as the Bauer Baseball Field and Vernon T. Bradley Practice Football Field also sustained fence damage.
Power on campus went out due to power lines being down along Thomas A. Betts Parkway. At this time, emergency generators with limited power are being utilized on campus with hopes that power will be restored by Friday. Approximately fifty trees were broken off or down in the woods along the highway. The National Weather Service in Raleigh has been advised of the incident and may assist in determining whether this was straight line winds or a possible tornado.
Though the College is on summer break, there were still several camps and overnight guests on campus. Many from the Wesleyan family quickly poured in and assisted in removing debris, gathering equipment and collecting field maintenance gear from the damaged softball storage house adjacent to field.
NC Wesleyan Announces Reorganization Plans
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— Responding to the changing landscape in higher education, North Carolina Wesleyan University plans to unveil a reorganization plan that will become effective July 1. The plan will redirect vital resources toward efforts to equip Wesleyan students with the life skills necessary for their success in a society that is increasingly dependent upon highly educated citizens.
Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan’s new Interim President, spoke about the reorganization to the College’s faculty and staff last Friday in a “state of the college” address. He said, “We need to be our best self as a college and help our students to become their best. Becoming our best requires us to look closely at multiple facets of Wesleyan’s operations. As we navigate this journey to become our BEST, it is time to evaluate the organization by examining roles and responsibilities, infrastructure and programs. While some changes will be made, we must maintain a laser focus on the reason behind this reorganization….our students. Providing the best college experience for our students to learn and develop as an individual, regardless of age, has to be our number one priority.”
Dr. Duff further stated, “It is up to all of us to attract and retain not just the brightest minds but anyone who has a desire to learn, grow as an individual, and make an impact on their community. We want our students to be transformed and leave with the life skills required to be successful citizens in the world. I know you will step up to the challenge because you love this College, this community and most importantly, our students. We absolutely cannot let them down.”
Dr. Dan Crocker, local physician and Chairman of Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, introduced Dr. Duff to the faculty and staff. He said that the members of the Trustees’ Executive Committee are unanimous in their support of Dr. Duff and have every confidence that he will help propel NCWC to new heights.
He told the assembly that, “the Board of Trustees is fully aware of the challenges facing small colleges and universities nationwide, challenges that have been brought on by changing technology and rising costs. The Board must maintain strong leadership, leadership with vision, leadership with the business savvy to create resources that can be invested in new, innovative programs of study.”
Dr. Crocker continued, “At all levels, it is paramount that NCWC be student-centered and focused. You, the faculty and staff, hold the keys to making this happen. Your commitment, ingenuity and willingness to develop new academic programs and to adapt to the new forces such as changing technology are essential to the success of this institution. The faculty and staff are also the keys to building the spirit and pride of the College by embracing the students, providing a new home away from their own and providing life lessons beyond their course work. With drive, determination, will and pride we can create a New Wesleyan in Eastern North Carolina.”
Board Chairman Crocker also introduced Mr. Charles “Chuck” Taylor. Mr. Taylor will serve Wesleyan as the president’s Chief of Staff. He has spent his entire career of more than 50 years in higher education. A Rocky Mount Native, Taylor was the first chief financial officer at Nash Technical Institute, now Nash Community College. He served Meredith College as its Vice President for Business and Finance and later its Executive Vice President for seventeen years. Before his retirement in 2011, he was Executive Vice President and CFO at Wingate University for eleven years. Since then, he has been a consultant for several North Carolina independent colleges and the NC Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. In March of 2015, Taylor was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his service to higher education in North Carolina.
On Tuesday, June 18, the Wesleyan Trustees officially endorsed the reorganization plan. The College will move quickly to implement the plan so that the faculty and staff will be ready to welcome the new incoming and returning students in August.
Wesleyan Hosting Over Twenty Summer Camps
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NC Wesleyan’s campus is bustling with activity this summer as the College plans to host more than twenty summer camps, including academic and athletic camps. Every summer, Wesleyan opens its campus to a wide variety of camps, each ranging from 25 to 300 students.
Teach for America, returning for its eleventh year, kicked off the NC Wesleyan Summer Camps last week. The group significantly extended their stay this year beginning with a 14-day induction phase, followed by an additional 36-day stay later this month. The East Carolina Council Cub Scouts, supported by the United Way Tar River Region, and the Thompson NCWC Basketball Camp held half-day and full-day camps last week as well. UMC Youth Breakaway is expected to be the largest camp of the summer with 270 students in attendance, followed by the Ed Joyner Mission Camp to wrap up the month of June.
Wesleyan’s Connect: Youth Theology Institute (YTI) will host two, week-long camps for rising tenth through twelfth grade students for its fourth year in a row on NCWC’s campus. Connect exists to help high school students connect to Christ, Community and the Church. The program’s goal is to encourage, empower and equip students to live out their faith wherever God places them. YTI presents many opportunities for students to draw closer in their faith and their peers through daily devotionals, small group exercises and prayer. Following students’ week-long experience, students will be placed with a mentor who will help guide them throughout the rest of the year. Students who participate in YTI will be eligible to receive a scholarship opportunity from Wesleyan.
“Connect is a one of a kind experience! To see students from such diverse backgrounds and churches come together in the name of Christ is truly beautiful to witness each summer,” stated Mikah Brondyke, NCWC Director of Connect. “My hope is that students will continue to grow in God’s love for them and others. Love is what it’s all about!”
The Shelton Challenge will return to NC Wesleyan’s campus for another six-day residential leadership experience. The Shelton Challenge builds ninth through twelfth graders’ leadership skills through General Shelton’s five cornerstones of values-based leadership: honesty, integrity, compassion, diversity and social responsibility. Students will participate in team building activities, service projects and fun activities to get to know one another throughout their experience. A $1,000 scholarship will be offered to students who complete the Shelton Challenge and plan to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student at NC Wesleyan.
The Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) camp will bring approximately 150 cheerleaders to campus at the end of June. CCA is a sports ministry that aims to use cheerleading as a means to disciple young people for Jesus Christ. Campers will be taught fundamental cheerleading techniques along with how to maintain Christian standards in their daily lives.
“Each summer, Wesleyan welcomes approximately 2,500 campers who depend on us to provide detailed customer service and the concentrated attention of a home away from home atmosphere. It is our goal to provide a partnership that can be trusted year after year to provide excellence in every facet of every day for every camp. If you bring your camp to Wesleyan, we will take exceptional care of you.” stated Wesleyan Summer Camp Director, Kimla Brandt.
Returning in July for its twenty-fourth year at the College is Athens Drive Band, an award-winning, high school band from Raleigh. For a full list of activities and Wesleyan summer camps open to the public, visit the College’s main Facebook page.
Presidential Transition
On Monday, June 10th, the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees received and accepted President Dewey Clark’s resignation. The Board of Trustees and the College community appreciate the many accomplishments and milestones reached during Dr. Clark’s tenure, all of which have helped make Wesleyan the college it is today. After dedicating over 30 years of his life to Wesleyan as a student, employee, board of trustee member and President, Dr. Clark now wishes to explore other opportunities.
The Chair of Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Dan Crocker, commented that Dr. Clark has worked tirelessly since he became president. His love for the college is reflected in the improvements made on campus, just one of a number of successes. All the Wesleyan Trustees wish Dr. Clark and his family the very best as he pursues other endeavors.
Effective immediately, Dr. Evan Duff will become Wesleyan’s Interim President. Dr. Duff has served Wesleyan over the last eight years in the capacities of Vice President of Adult and Professional Studies, Interim Provost and currently as the College’s Provost/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Combined, he has over sixteen years of higher education experience.
Wesleyan Broadens Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the expansion of its Logistics and Supply Chain Management concentration into an official major. Starting this fall, Wesleyan will offer a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online. According to universities.com, the program will be one of two baccalaureate level institutions in the state to offer the degree, with Wesleyan being the only private college in the state providing the declared major.
In August 2018, the NC House Appropriations Committee awarded the College a grant to assist with the program expansion. John Check, Senior Advisor to the President together with Board Member Jeff Collins and Lt. Governor Dan Forest were instrumental in helping secure the grant. These funds enable Wesleyan to hire an admissions representative, a full-time faculty member, issue new classroom software and complete additional classroom enhancements.
Alumna, Cheryl Barnhill joined Wesleyan’s team this past September as an Aspire Recruiter for the program and Dr. Zhaoqiong “Julie” Qin will come aboard in August 2019 as a full-time Assistant Professor of Logistics. Qin holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Management from Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master’s of Science in Logistics and Operations and Bachelors of Material Engineering from Southwest Jiaotong University of China.
With CSX and Triangle Tire both expected to break ground this quarter, Wesleyan’s new program comes at the ideal time for potential partnerships with the two. The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program allows residences of the community and surrounding areas access to a quality education with opportunities for employment right here in their hometown.
Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistic and Supply Chain Management degree builds upon NCC and ECC’s programs and provides students with coursework at the senior institution level, opening the door for middle and senior level management positions. In most cases, students from NCC and ECC can transfer in up to 60 hours from their AAS degree.” N.C. Wesleyan is leading the way with their commitment to providing students with the best quality programs in the state. To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.
North Carolina Wesleyan, Wake Tech Announce Degree Completion Program for Exercise Science Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University and Wake Technical Community College recently announced a new partnership allowing graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Health and Fitness to earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree from N.C. Wesleyan. The comprehensive agreement includes all college transfer degrees (AA/AS), as well as over 25 AAS programs.
Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President, said, “We are excited to enhance our long-term partnership with Wake Tech to expand the educational opportunities for their students. Our goal at Wesleyan is to align our mission and resources to meet the ever-changing needs of students in our communities. For Wake Tech students seeking a four-year degree, this program provides a clear path and seamless transition while maximizing each student’s financial investment in their education.”
Through this partnership, students complete Exercise Science coursework over the summer at Wake Tech’s Northern Campus or online and general education requirements during the fall and spring semesters at Wesleyan’s Durham campus or online. Wake Tech will provide 2-3 classrooms, along with access to their Exercise Science Laboratory at the Northern Campus, during summer terms.
“We are excited to expand our education partnership with NC Wesleyan through this agreement! This greatly impacts our student-body by providing students the opportunity to continue their education without leaving their city. Agreements like this improve the health and wellness industry in the triangle.” commented Chris Kacyon, Department Head of Health and Fitness Science at Wake Technical Community College.
Wesleyan also offers Wake Tech students the ability to transfer their associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Healthcare Business Informatics to Wesleyan’s bachelor degree programs in Logistics and Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Healthcare respectively.
Wesleyan’s Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest external, programmatic accrediting body of the health sciences professions. The accredited program is one of three in the entire state and one of 64 in the United States to receive such recognition. “There’s tremendous growth in the health sciences sector and Exercise Science is one of our most sought-after programs,” noted Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science. “Students have a wide array of career options in fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/health, personal training in public and corporate settings, corporate wellness and strength and conditioning. Our program also prepares our students for acceptance into physical therapy, occupational therapy and other graduate programs.”
Lewin Promoted to Head Men’s Soccer Coach
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – NC Wesleyan University Director of Athletics, Aaron Denton has announced assistant men’s soccer coach Meir Lewin has been promoted to the head men’s soccer position for the Battling Bishops in the 2019-20 season.
Lewin is replacing the departing Frankie Taal, who went back to his alma mater at Bethany College (WV) to become the head coach after 9 stellar seasons as the head soccer coach at Wesleyan including two USA South regular season titles and one conference tournament crown with a trip to the 2017 NCAA tournament.
Lewin spent one season as Taal’s assistant coach and helped lead the team to a 9-7-1 record and 8-3-1 in the USA South along with a conference semifinal berth.
“I am very excited to have Meir as our new men’s soccer coach,” said Denton. “Meir has a unique set of experiences as a player, coach and education professional which will serve him well at Wesleyan and in the DIII setting. He is committed to our student-athletes as well as building on the storied success of our men’s soccer program.”
“It is an honor to be named the head coach of NC Wesleyan men’s soccer. I would like to thank our president, Dr. Clark, and our athletic director, Mr. Denton for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this program. Additionally, I would like to thank Frankie Taal for everything he has done in building such a strong foundation here,” commented Lewin.
Lewin comes to Wesleyan after most recently serving as the assistant coach at Mary Washington University (VA) while he was also the assistant for two seasons at Washington College in Maryland from 2012-2014. While at Washington College, Lewin coached 4 Centennial All-Conference award winners and 6 honor roll members.
He was also a former scout for the Israeli Football Association National Team. Lewin played professionally in Israel serving as the team captain from 2007-11 starting 72 games and being named to the league-best-11 in 2009-10 as well.
Lewin was also a teaching assistant and Instructor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Maryland since 2014. He will serve as an adjunct English faculty at Wesleyan this Fall.
Lewin graduated with a B.A. in Government in 2011 from the Interdisciplinary Center of Herzliya, Israel. He also completed his Masters in English from Washington College in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Kinesiology and Physical Cultural Studies from the Univ. of Maryland.
Wesleyan Staying Abreast of Student Safety
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – As part of Wesleyan’s continued efforts to increase security on campus, the College recently started offering women’s self-defense classes. College security personnel patrols the campus 24 hours a day and the Rocky Mount Police Department on the evenings and weekends; however, the safety of students off-campus and for commuters is also imperative.
Though Wesleyan cannot prevent off-campus attacks, they hope to give students the tools to be self-reliant and to prioritize their safety. Prior to the end of the semester, the College partnered with Kuntaw Legacy International Martial Arts Academy holding two well-attended sessions in May. Those in attendance were taught key self-defense tactics they can utilize to protect themselves in an unsafe predicament.
Safety is a top priority to NC Wesleyan faculty and staff. In the past few years, Wesleyan has beefed up on-campus security features through Eddie and Allison Smith Foundation grants and crime has continued to remain low. In addition to adding self-defense classes, Wesleyan provides sexual assault and domestic violence seminars and has sent out anonymous surveys to foster open communication with students about any concerns. Additional emergency blue light 911 call boxes and video surveillance cameras have also been installed in the past year.
Feedback regarding the value of the self defense program was very positive from those in attendance. One student, Natalie Larson, has also stepped forward to seek funding from her non-profit organization, Brace Change, to ensure the program can be a monthly fixture on campus next year.
“The opportunity to bring self-defense classes to NCWC is another positive step in keeping our students safe. We plan on continuing this and other similar components in the fall semester,” stated Wayne Sears, Director of Security at NC Wesleyan.
Kuntaw Legacy International Martial Arts is a training facility owned by William and Alicia Kossmann in Wilson, NC. William is a seventh degree black belt in the art of Kuntaw, an international champion and a multiple gold medalist of the NC State Games. Alicia is a ninth degree red belt with over 45 years of experience in Kuntaw Legacy martial arts, as well as a multiple gold medalist of the NC State Games.
