North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce recipients of this year’s North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) Criminal Justice Scholarship. Students at 14 private colleges and universities in North Carolina received the $2,000 awards.
NCSA provides scholarships per academic school year for criminal justice students attending a North Carolina independent college or university. Applications are sponsored by local sheriffs and recipients must be North Carolina residents.
NCICU President Hope Williams thanked the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association for supporting students pursuing a criminal justice curriculum. “We deeply appreciate this partnership with NCSA to assist students who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.” NCICU administers the program for independent college and university students.
| Scholarship Recipient | College/University | Sponsoring Sheriff | County |
| Haley Toler | Barton College | Calvin L. Woodard Jr. | Wilson |
| Meghan Tropeano | Belmont Abbey College | Chad Hawkins | Gaston |
| Nathaniel Mahoney | Brevard College | Chuck Owenby | Transylvania |
| Derrick Wade | Chowan University | Dexter Hayes | Hertford |
| Colby Kirkland | Gardner-Webb University | Alan Norman | Cleveland |
| Ashley Jusso-Hernandez | Guilford College | Danny Rogers | Guilford |
| Xavier Bell | Johnson C. Smith University | Garry L. McFadden | Mecklenburg |
| Kaylee Messick | Lees-McRae College | Mike Henley | Avery |
| Azia Thomas | Livingstone College | Travis Allen | Rowan |
| Brandon Edwards | Mars Hill University | Buddy Harwood | Madison |
| Alexandra Chapman | Montreat College | Quentin Miller | Buncombe |
| Zachary Scott | N.C. Wesleyan University | Keith Stone | Nash |
| Madison Lowery | Pfeiffer University | Jeff Crisco | Stanly |
| Mariana Crespo | University of Mount Olive | Larry Pierce | Wayne |
About the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association
NCSA is the statewide organization of the state’s 100 sheriffs. Through their association, the sheriffs work to strengthen the professional law enforcement services their offices provide to the people of North Carolina.
North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities
NCICU serves as the statewide office of private, nonprofit higher education in North Carolina. Our 36 colleges and universities are liberal arts, comprehensive, and research colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, colleges for women, and Minority Serving Institutions.
City of Rocky Mount and NCWU Team Up for Educational Opportunities
Leaders from North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and the City of Rocky Mount (Rocky Mount) have signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the city. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University recognizes that the City of Rocky Mount is a critical and valuable resource when it comes to serving the needs of our citizens. As a member of the Rocky Mount community, NCWU is proud to partner with the city to advance the quality of services provided. Through this partnership, Wesleyan offers professional development, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees to support their employees,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment.
This partnership allows NC Wesleyan to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each Rocky Mount employee during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and a Public Health Graduate Certificate that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000.
Mutually benefiting all parties, this partnership allows Rocky Mount employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the city will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the City of Rocky Mount will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Rocky Mount employees must remain employed with the city in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
NCWU Provides Educational Opportunities to Town of Nashville
Leaders from North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and the Town of Nashville (Nashville) signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the town. The partnership allows employees and their immediate families to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“We take pride in the ability to provide our community the education, experience and learning environments necessary to for our community partners with their most valuable resource—an educated workforce. We look forward to continuing and facilitating this partnership for the benefit for our community and the Town of Nashville’s employees,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment.
This partnership allows NC Wesleyan to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each Nashville employee during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and a Public Health Graduate Certificate that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000.
Mutually benefitting all parties, this partnership allows Nashville employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the school system will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the Town of Nashville will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Nashville employees must remain employed with the school system in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
Register Now for NC Wesleyan University’s Fall Open House
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Fall Open House is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023 and registration is now open. During this event, students will learn more about scholarships and financial aid, the admissions process, speak with faculty and current students, meet President Evan D. Duff and take a campus tour. Attendees can also bring their transcript in order to potentially receive on-site admission and scholarship decisions. Prospective students will receive a free t-shirt, eat lunch in the newly enhanced café and receive tickets to cheer on the Battling Bishops football team as they take on Southern Virginia that day.
“Open House at NCWU is an exciting time for us to meet prospective students and their families, while giving them a unique opportunity to experience a glimpse of our Wesleyan Family. We’re excited to welcome future Bishops and show them what it means to provide an education that is Personal, Practical and Purpose-Driven,” stated Paige Price Wells, Director of Admissions.
This year’s Open House will begin at 9:00 a.m. with check-in at The Dunn Center. Prospective students planning to attend must register before Thursday, October 19 at ncwu.edu/openhouse or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.
Wesleyan to Offer Hybrid MBA Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University will soon be launching an additional option for its popular Master of Business Administration (MBA) with its new hybrid program — starting May 2024. As an F1-Visa Qualified Program, international students can continue their education in the states immediately after earning their undergraduate degree. This 12-month, interactive program allows students to work and attend accelerated day classes. Each class will be offered 50% face-to-face and 50% online with classes held during the day in 8-week terms.
NC Wesleyan’s MBA is designed to provide the educational knowledge and respected credentials you need to advance your career, increase earning potential and maintain job security. A blended format of both online and in-person classes, the program offers flexible schedules to meet the needs of working adults. NCWU provides students with supportive advisors, one-on-one mentoring, faculty with industry experience and affordable tuition. Forbes recently ranked NC Wesleyan’s MBA program as one of the top ten best online MBA programs nationwide.
“NC Wesleyan’s accelerated MBA program has provided a high quality and successful pathway for graduate students and we are excited to have the ability to extend this opportunity to international students. Our goal at Wesleyan has also been to serve our students and this additional option allows us to expand our graduate options to all students,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies: Strategy, Partnerships & Assessments.
NCWU’s hybrid MBA program will consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of six eight-week sessions, two classes per session and end with a final capstone class. The curriculum is designed to enhance students’ ability to develop and implement organizational strategies that deliver business results. To learn more about this new offering and the admissions process, view the Hybrid MBA InfoSheet.
NCWU Recognized by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has released their 2024 Best Colleges rankings. This report evaluates 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide based on 17 measures of academic quality. Of the reports, North Carolina Wesleyan University was ranked again in the top 50 for Best Regional Colleges (South) and Best Value School. It was also among one of only 13 schools chosen as Best Colleges for Veterans. These ranking pairs well with the University’s recent 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School Gold designation.
“Our dedication to students and the community is reflected in our consistency of being recognized by U.S. News & World Report year after year. The personal, practical and purpose-driven education that we provide our students is something that I’m proud of; in addition, our faculty and staff do an exceptional job of ensuring a quality experience for these future leaders,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Other notable rankings include recognition in the Social Mobility category, which considers a university enrolling and graduating large proportions of first-generation college students and disadvantaged students who are awarded with Pell Grants. To learn more about this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-south.
NC Wesleyan’s MBA Ranked in Top 10 Best Online Programs by Forbes
A September 2023 report by Forbes ranked North Carolina Wesleyan University as having one of the top ten best online MBA programs in the United States. These rankings came from The Forbes Advisor Education team. The Forbes rankings scored 476 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online MBA degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. Data was pulled for these categories from reliable resources such as Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.
Learn more about the rankings and the value of an education at NC Wesleyan University.
NCWU Beekeepers Sell Honey Harvested on Campus
Beginning this month, North Carolina Wesleyan University commenced offering its own local honey for purchase on campus and online. The University’s “B” Club, in a group effort, extracts honey from pollinator garden hives located at the back of campus. The honey is harvested 2-3 times per year. As of 2023, the hives have yielded close to 60-70 pounds of fresh, local honey. Bishop honey is being sold in 8 oz. jars for $6.95 in the Rachel T. Dix Bookstore located in the Hardee’s Student Union on campus.
NC Wesleyan recently became an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators. NC Wesleyan strives to maintain biodiversity throughout its campus and recognizes the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.
With the help of Dr. Carl Lewis, NCWU’s Bee Campus USA Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Wesleyan has created and maintained a pollinator garden for the past several years which is currently home to three active bee hives. The concept of having bee hives on campus was the result of the work of alumna, Carolynn Davern ’18. Caitlin BrabbleRose ‘18, along with several other founding members, helped create The B Club during their time at Wesleyan. This student organization, led by Dr. Ayra Sundbom, allows students to perform research while learning about animals and biodiversity. The “B” in B Club stands for more than just bees— Bees, Bats, Birds, Butterflies and Beasts.
“Being able to offer honey for sale to the public is a goal the University has been working toward for quite a while. I’m happy with the success that we’ve seen with the hives on campus and hope to see more students get involved with the sustainability efforts of the B Club in the upcoming year,” stated Dr. Carl Lewis, NCWU’s Bee Campus USA Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice.
The University takes pride in its commitment to minimizing hazards to pollinators by using nearly no neonicotinoids or other potentially dangerous pesticides. To learn more about North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bee Campus USA program, visit ncwu.edu/bee-campus and purchase honey at ncwustore.com.
NCWU Extends Educational Opportunities to Nash County Public Schools
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) recently signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of NCPS. The partnership allows employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“Employees of the Nash County Public School System serve a vital role educating the next generation of young professionals in our region. At NCWU, we’re proud to offer their employees the resources they need to increase their skillset and pursue their educational goals,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment
This partnership allows NC Wesleyan to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each NCPS employee during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management and a Public Health Graduate Certificate that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
“We’re excited to join forces with NCWU to empower our employees through educational opportunities and foster their professional growth. This partnership highlights our dedication to nurturing a talented and skilled workforce for the benefit of our students and community,” noted Nash County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Steve Ellis.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSSL) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000.
Mutually benefitting all parties, this partnership allows NCPS employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, the school system will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, NCPS will afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate their employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. NCPS employees must remain employed with the school system in order for the employee to remain eligible for this award.
NCWU Embraces New Freshman Class
North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 67th annual New Student Convocation today in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center. President Dr. Evan D. Duff gave a warm welcome to over 300 new students who are embarking on their college experience, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey. The newest class of Bishops make up a diverse group of students with 196 hailing from North Carolina, 63 of which are from the local region, and 45 international students from 24 different countries. The top five majors that this cohort will be pursuing include Business Administration, Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, Biomedical Science and Computer Information Systems.
“During your time here, you will learn meaningful skills that will help you to successfully navigate life. Those include communication, collaboration, how to effectively make decisions, being self-aware and information technology skills. Your success in life is our success and we look forward to being an important part of your journey,” stated Duff.
This year’s guest speaker was Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, a 1988 Mathematics alumna and founder of the Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER), which she is currently actively involved in. WISER is the first think tank to focus solely on the social, economic, cultural, and political well-being of women of color. Sharpe was born in New York City, but raised in Virginia. After graduating from NC Wesleyan, she obtained three master’s degrees: Applied Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University (1992); Operations Research from Stanford University (1994); and Economics from Claremont Graduate University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Economics/Mathematics in 1998, also from Claremont Graduate University.
Sharpe has taught at a number of colleges and universities, including Barnard College, Bucknell University, Columbia University, Duke University and the University of Vermont. She is also the co-founder of the Diversity Initiative for Tenure in Economics (DITE), which she served as Associate Director from 2008 until 2014.
While addressing the new class of Bishops, Sharpe stressed the importance of not letting your past dictate your future.
“To the Class of 2027, I say to you: whatever your high school experience—whether you excelled or you had challenges—that was your past. Your future began when you stepped on this campus.” stated Sharpe. She went on to offer several tips for being successful over the next four years: be proactive, get to know your faculty, don’t be afraid to speak up in class even if you’re not always right, embrace and exchange ideas, acknowledge and appreciate those who maintain and clean your spaces, ask for help early and commit to look out for your fellow Bishop.
Throughout her address, Sharpe acknowledged multiple reasons why Wesleyan was a great educational choice for her. She closed by reiterating this sentiment, saying “Whether North Carolina Wesleyan was your first choice, your only choice, or your safe choice, as an alumna, I wish for you an educational experience that makes you feel like it was your best choice. It was for me.”
Afterwards, students exited The Dunn Center greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of NC Wesleyan forming a time-honored tradition— the Bishop Tunnel. As they continued through the tunnel to enter the annual Rock the Mount event, they were each welcomed by President Duff and his wife, Marcy. Rock the Mount is a tradition at NCWU of welcoming new students to campus and to the community. Each year, it takes place the day before the University’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Organizations come out to support and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, almost 110 community organizations lined the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan’s Class of 2027. There were a variety of food options provided by food trucks CP3 Catering & Food Trailer, Integrity BBQ, 3Boys Smoke Pit & Catering, Webby’s, Minnie Amazing Foods and Thingz, and Dewberrys Fruit Smoothies were on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment was provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band “Blind Joy” and DJ 3two1.
