ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA– Over 110 students, staff, supporters and family recently gathered at the Hartness Student Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new renovations. The event recognized Dr. John Hartness for his generous contributions and tireless support of the College.
Just before the event began, the room buzzed with conversation as individuals from various backgrounds greeted one another and shared stories of how Dr. Hartness has impacted their lives. Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities, opened the event by expressing his thanks and mentioning all of the recent changes to the building as part of this renovation.
The improvements took place over the past several months. They include: redesigning the ground level to encompass dynamic meeting areas, building a second floor which houses offices and creating a multi-purpose student lounge to accommodate both academic and entertainment needs. Annick Umuliza, a student-worker at the Hartness Center spoke on her pride of working for the center and its mission.
After sharing a story of their friendship, Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark voiced his appreciation saying, “Dr. Hartness had this vision… he wanted to be a part of Rocky Mount because of North Carolina Wesleyan University. How fortunate we are to have Dr. Hartness come and befriend us.”
As Dr. Hartness came forward to say a few words and cut the ribbon, the entire room rose in a standing ovation for a man whose efforts serve as a prime example of a community supporter and leader.
What was originally a building used to supply heat to the College has now transformed into a thriving students center all because of Dr. Hartness and his family’s generosity and vision. He does not take credit for the success, however, humbly saying, “I did not do this, my family did this. I just happened to be there. My family is most generous, and I am most grateful.”
Wesleyan Pledges as a Healthy Campus Partner
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University took the American College Health Association’s Healthy Campus Pledge and is now considered a Healthy Campus 2020 Partner. This pledge demonstrates a campus’ commitment toward achieving the Healthy Campus 2020 goals and objectives. NC Wesleyan has joined a growing group of diverse, motivated institutions and organizations working every day to move campuses across our nation toward better health.
Healthy Campus 2020 is the companion framework to Healthy People 2020, the federal government’s health promotion and disease prevention initiative for achieving better health across the United States. Healthy Campus 2020 provides a framework for improving the overall health status on campuses nationwide. Strategies extend beyond traditional interventions of education, diagnosis, treatment and healthcare at clinical levels. Wesleyan is working to embed health into all aspects of the campus culture, across administration, operations and academics.
“It’s with great pride that we join forces with other fellow institutions and organizations as part of being a Healthy Campus,” said Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark. “We are committed to educating and providing health and wellness opportunities for our students, faculty and staff in an effort to live longer, healthier lives.”
While no two Healthy Campus initiatives are exactly alike, most include a network of people working toward a common vision, priority health needs of your community, a plan with clearly defined strategies and action steps, community- and individual-focused interventions, and tracking progress. For more information about Healthy Campus 2020, please visit www.acha.org/healthycampus.
Becoming a Healthy Campus Partner reflects North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to health and well-being while joining the national movement to create healthier campuses. Wesleyan has been working on Healthy Campus goals and objectives since April 2018. Since that time, they have worked to increase the number of students receiving health education services and to improve access to immunizations, such as the flu shot, to help prevent illness on campus. For more information or to get involved, please visit ncwu.edu/campus-life/resources/health-services.
Wesleyan Student Receives NASA Award
Teacher Education student, Sullivan Reece
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Sullivan Reece, studying Teacher Education, has been awarded a NASA North Carolina Space Grant Scholarship for STEM Pre-Service Teacher Education. Sullivan will complete a series of three NASA STEM Digital Badges, participate in professional seminars and attend a cohort field trip to NASA Langley Research Center. This will equip him with STEM-fields understanding, as well as NASA content and tools as he enters into K-12 science classrooms.
Visit https://ncspacegrant.ncsu.edu/2018/11/13/teachers2018/ for the official announcement.
Wesleyan Receives Grant for Accessibility Improvements
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a $100,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation. The College recognizes the need to provide students, faculty and staff adequate mobility around campus to meet its mission of preparing students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. The grant will be utilized to repair and replace sidewalks and curb ramps throughout the College.
Most of Wesleyan’s buildings and infrastructure were built between 1956 and the mid-70’s. As new buildings and infrastructure have been added or renovated, NCWC has strived to meet all legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act. However, sidewalks on campus are deteriorating due to age, tree roots and weather. The cracks, divots, spall areas and raised edges can make it difficult for all pedestrians, particularly to those with mobility restrictions.
Many of the crosswalks do not have curb ramps, and those that do are not ADA-compliant. Those with mobility difficulties either have to alter their route or place their personal safety at risk when navigating through crosswalks. This project involves the excavation and replacement of 1,821 feet of sidewalks and 180 feet of curbing, along with the installation of four handicap ramps with mats.
“This grant is vital to providing all students with equal access to all buildings, institutional programs and activities. Removing architectural barriers and making the campus accessible continues to be a priority for Wesleyan. It was recently determined that the repair and replacement of sidewalks, as well as curb ramps at crosswalks, were our most critical needs for accomplishing this,” stated Linda Jones, Grant Writer for NC Wesleyan’s Office of College Advancement.
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.
Wesleyan Celebrates Founders’ Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA– North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated its 62nd year with its annual Founders’ Day ceremony and awards presentation in Minges Auditorium of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts on October 25.
The impressive opening processional was led by 40 international students carrying flags representing their native countries, the highest number in college history. After recognition of veterans, the presentation of colors by the NCWC ROTC and Will Plyer, SGA President, singing the national anthem, North Carolina Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark, welcomed a large crowd in Minges Auditorium. “As we celebrate our 62nd birthday today, we must reflect on our past and the vision our founding fathers had many years ago. While the last few years have been outstanding in many ways, I believe our best days are ahead,” noted Clark.
Guest speaker for the event was Justice Paul Newby, the Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Newby is also an adjunct professor at Campbell University School of Law, an active member of the NC Bar Association and co-author of a book on the North Carolina State Constitution. Newby graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy Studies and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
In his address, Justice Newby shared statistics about the high levels of anxiety and depression and the associated dependency on drugs and alcohol that plague students of today. Referencing the teachings of John Wesley, he stated, “Unfortunately people are looking for peace and satisfaction in all the wrong places. There is hope and you can experience a sense of peace and joy when you believe that God of the Universe knows you by name and He will give you purpose and meaning in your life.”
Following the convocation address, the North Carolina Wesleyan Singers, under the direction of Thomas Parker, offered an inspiring performance of “Look at the World” by John Rutter.
Special recognition was given to Roger G. and Gaile Davenport Taylor for their many years of friendship and support to NC Wesleyan. Taylor, a 1970 NCWC graduate, is one of the best basketball players to wear a Bishop uniform. As team captain, he was named Most Valuable Player and All-Conference two years in a row as well as Conference Co-Player of the Year in 1970 after leading the NAIA District 29 in scoring. He was inducted in the NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999 and the USA South Conference Hall of Fame in 2011. Taylor earned an associate degree from Louisburg College before getting his bachelor’s degree at Wesleyan. He also attained a master’s degree from East Carolina University.
An immensely successful businessman, Taylor has served as the President of the Alumni Association and was honored with Wesleyan’s Distinguished Alumnus Service Award in 1978. He was awarded the college’s highest honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 2009. He has been a member of the Wesleyan Board of Trustees since 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee.
Through a generous donation from the Taylors, Wesleyan’s Taylor-Crocker Honors Program was established 11 years ago and with their continued support, along with Dr. and Mrs. Dan Crocker, the program has grown immensely. “The couple is also responsible for numerous endowed scholarships, the Roger G. and Gaile D. Taylor Center and Athletics Hall of Fame adjacent to Everett Gymnasium. Due to their continued tremendous support of the college, the Eli Residence Hall is being renamed the Roger G. and Gaile D. Taylor Hall.
“Roger and Gaile’s substantial contributions, friendship and support of Wesleyan is unrivaled. We proudly display the Taylor name on the Taylor Center and now Taylor Hall in appreciation and recognition of their unwavering dedication to Wesleyan,” stated Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark.
The Wesleyan Singers concluded the ceremony by leading the audience in singing the College’s Alma Mater.
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Wesleyan Staff Named to 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame
Lt. Col. James Mercer US Army (Ret.)
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Lt. Col. James Mercer, US Army (Ret.) was recently named as one of twelve to be inducted into the 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame. He will be honored during the 15th Annual Induction Banquet at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Mercer is currently the Director of Military Studies at NC Wesleyan University and also coordinates the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for the college. Lt. Col. James Mercer was born in Edgecombe County and raised in Nash County. He joined the US Army after graduating from North Edgecombe High School. He retired with 30 years of military service in the US Army, US Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. During his distinguished civilian career, he served in multiple roles including: police officer and firefighter for the City of Rocky Mount, Deputy Fire Marshal for Nash County Emergency Services, Public Safety Instructor at Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges, Director of Public Safety Training for Nash Community College, Director of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal for Edgecombe County, Director of Emergency Management for Fayetteville State University and later for the City of Raleigh, where he retired in 2012.
“This is a big deal for me and pretty cool, I must say. What an incredible honor it is to be recognized by my community. I want to thank all those who mentored me, impacted me and helped me along the way. It was a village that got Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer from Battleboro, North Carolina, to where I am today,” stated Mercer.
The Twin County Museum and Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate the history, culture, people and accomplishments of Edgecombe and Nash counties in eastern North Carolina. For more information about the Twin County Hall of Fame and for tickets to the 15th Annual Induction Banquet, visit www.tchof.org.
Walking Trail Coming to NC Wesleyan Campus
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NC Wesleyan University is adding a 2-mile walking trail around the perimeter of campus, creating a complete 5K path. The trail will serve as a safe place for Wesleyan students and the Rocky Mount community to exercise or go for a stroll while enjoying the campus’ beautiful scenery.
The Longleaf Foundation and the Nash County Tourism Authority each contributed $50,000 to fund the new trail. The trail will start at the front entrance of Wesleyan’s campus, snake around the perimeter, and connect to the interior loop, forming 3.2 miles.
Wesleyan Director of Security Wayne Sears assures the trail will be safe and well-marked. “Safety on campus is one of our top priorities. The new trail is a favorable alternative to walking or running on high-traffic roads.” The trail’s safety features include lighting, 6 footbridges, and 911 Emergency Towers. Two of footbridges are Eagle Scout projects. To rest during your walk or run, benches will be provided at intervals throughout the course.
Wesleyan President Dewey Clark encourages the Rocky Mount community to take full advantage of the new walking trail. “We welcome everyone to come and explore all our campus has to offer. We know our new trail will be a way for Wesleyan students and the rest of the Rocky Mount community to connect.” NC Wesleyan’s Facebook page posted about the new walking trail and received an outpour of positive feedback. Wesleyan students past and present have expressed their excitement about the coming project. The NCWC Facebook page will continue to post updates on the trail as development continues.
NCWC Named “Military Friendly” Again in 2018
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— For the fifth consecutive year, North Carolina Wesleyan University has been named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. This year, the college was awarded the Bronze Designation. Bronze Award winners have programs that scored within 40 percent of the 10th-ranked institution within a given category.
“At Wesleyan, we are committed to serving our active military, veterans, and their families,” commented President Dewey Clark, “We want to do our part in helping make college affordable and attainable.”
Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active duty military students, veterans and their spouses.”
Victory Media’s “military friendly” designation places Wesleyan in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide that are embracing military service members, veterans and spouses to ensure their success on campus. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation. Victory Media’s Chief Product Officer Daniel Nichols stated, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for veterans.”
Wesleyan offers students a program in Military Science (ROTC–Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) that combines college courses with summer training sessions to prepare students who show potential to serve as commissioned officers in the Army, Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, James Mercer heads Wesleyan’s Army ROTC program. He is a 25-year highly decorated Army veteran and public safety program professional who has worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and as the Director of Emergency Management Services for the City of Raleigh.
LTC James Mercer USA (Ret) stated “The NCWC ROTC’s aim is to develop student leadership skills, provide an understanding of military customs and traditions, and offer students’ excellent ways to jumpstart their military or civilian careers.”
Enrollment in ROTC is open to all Wesleyan students, including those at the community colleges that participate in a Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with NC Wesleyan University.
A complete list of the 2017-2018 Military Friendly® Schools can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. More information on Wesleyan can be found at ncwu.edu. Contact ROTC@ncwu.eduor 252-985-5340 or more information on the NCWC ROTC program.
