ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN program celebrated its inaugural class on Wednesday, August 4 in The Dunn Center on the College’s campus. Guest speaker was Dr. Susan Haynes Little, Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Public Health Nurse for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health.
The program’s RN to BSN students, along with two guests, and several community stakeholders were in attendance. All guests were welcomed with appetizers and a punch station as they entered the Garner Lobby of The Dunn Center, followed by a brief Meet & Greet and dinner as they heard from Dr. Susan Haynes Little.
During her speech, Dr. Little encouraged Wesleyan’s nursing students by reinforcing the importance of obtaining their BSN degree. “When I talk to nursing administrators, they tell me that their BSN-prepared nurses are better leaders. They tell me that they are also better at program management, data-informed decision making, writing and communicating. With current challenges facing public health, health equity, social justice and health economies—to name just a few—nurse leaders are positioned to shape the future of healthcare.”
This group included nurses entering the three cohorts of NCWC’s RN to BSN Program during its first full year of operation, which began August 2020. The 100% online, 34-credit hour program allows students to finish in as little as 12 months.
“Our Battling Bishop Nurses made a choice to earn their baccalaureate degree during a time of uncertainty due to the implications set forth by COVID-19 and now the Delta Variant,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NCWC’s Director of RN to BSN. “Thank you, Battling Bishop Nurses, for stepping to the plate during these times to expand your knowledge and nursing practice. It’s because of you that our communities will continue to thrive and be safe.”
A highlight of the event was a special scholarship announcement by Mark Hinson, NCWC’s Director of External Affairs and Annual Giving, reporting that among the nursing students actively taking courses at this time, the two students with the highest GPAs in the program will be receiving scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each. The remaining students will be receiving scholarships worth $500.00 each. This was made possible by two anonymous donors.
In addition, Stephanie Promish, the program’s first recipient of The DAISY Award, was honored and provided with a bouquet of daisy’s. Promish, who works as a Registered Nurse at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, was presented with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students in May 2021, where she received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture symbolizing excellence and a love for nursing that is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. She is the first recipient at NC Wesleyan since the inception of the College’s new partnership with The DAISY Foundation. This award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families.
Calling All Entrepreneurs: Bring Your Best Pitch to NCWC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will host their first Nancy A. Shaw Entrepreneurship Competition on Tuesday, October 19 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center. This competition is open to residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties, as well as faculty, staff and students at NC Wesleyan.
Participating entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase a product, service or idea that they have created for domestic cats and/or dogs. The competition is judged in two parts. All participants will have their initial application and video reviewed by a panel of judges. These will then be narrowed down to the five best entrepreneurs, who will then present their pitch on October 19. Prizes will range from $1,500 for third place to $4,000 for the grand prize. There is no entry fee and the deadline for applying is September 23. The community is invited to come hear the presentations and enjoy light refreshments.
“Dr. Nancy Shaw was a pioneer in health care and a life-long animal advocate. With the help of her endowment, NC Wesleyan will be able to establish its first endowed Professorship for its Pre-Vet major. Along with that, we now have the opportunity to host our new ‘Make Your Pitch’ Competition. What better way to honor an animal lover than to highlight pets and the importance they play in our lives,” stated Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Services and Business Innovation.
The College announced in October 2020 that it had received $2,500,000 from the Dr. Nancy Shaw Trust. In addition to establishing its first endowed Professorship, the funds will create a highly-selective endowed scholarship, develop additional living and learning space and upgrade equipment in the College’s Biology, Biomedical, Environmental Science and Chemistry programs. The primary focus of Dr. Shaw’s trust is to benefit the health and care of felines, which was a passion of hers.
Dr. Shaw attended Brown University where she graduated magna cum laude and entered Brown University Medical School graduating in 1983. She completed her Internship at Framingham Union Hospital, Framingham, Massachusetts in 1985. Her Residency in Internal Medicine was completed at the Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut in 1988. She became Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1989. Dr. Shaw resided in North Carolina from 1992 -2012. During that time, she established the Hospitalist Programs for both Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, Concord, and Boice-Willis Clinic in Rocky Mount. She and her mother resided in Rocky Mount during these years.
Those who are interested in applying can visit bit.ly/ncwcpitch. For further information, please contact Dr. Gena Messer-Knode at gknode@ncwu.edu.
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.
