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.
Celebrating the Legacy of Late Artist J. Chris Wilson
The local community is mourning the loss of J. Chris Wilson, a North Carolina landscape artist, educator, cultural advocate and historic preservationist for over 40 years. Wilson, who recently passed away in Wilmington, NC on Saturday, August 5, was known for his paintings that are part of public, corporate, and private collections in the United States, England, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Photo by Ronald L. Sowers
Wilson received his undergraduate degree in art from Valdosta State University, studied drawing, bronze casting and art history in the University of Georgia Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy, and completed his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in drawing and painting in addition to post-MFA studies at the University of Georgia.
His artistic touch spread to Wesleyan beginning in 1988. When the historic Bellemonte House was originally moved from the back of campus to the front of campus in the fall of 1988, he served as the project coordinator and was highly involved in many aspects of its restoration. Wilson was instrumental in the successful nomination of the Bellemonte House for the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. He also painted the portrait of former NC Wesleyan professor and art collector, Daisy Thorp, that currently hangs in the President’s House in the dining room. In addition, Wilson and two others painted the large mural of chairs that previously hung outside The Dunn Center’s Carlton Boardroom. His tie to Wesleyan extends beyond the artistic work that he bestowed upon the University. He was also close with former NC Wesleyan President, Les Garner, and met his wife, Kathy, at the President’s house on campus.
Kathy served Wesleyan as a member of the Business faculty from August 1990 until her retirement with faculty emerita status in January 2017. A longtime friend and avid supporter of Wesleyan, Chris made many contributions to the University over the last several decades.
“Those who were fortunate enough to know Chris are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and their children during this difficult time,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “There are a number of areas on campus he left a lasting legacy on. I’m glad to know these will live on for generations to come. I am honored to get to display a piece of his art in my home.”
Many of his North Carolina “Murphy to Manteo” landscape paintings have been on long-term exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber in the North Carolina Legislative Building and The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. His art work has been shown in galleries and museums throughout the Southeast including The Albany Museum of Art, The Burroughs-Chapin Museum of Art, The Spartanburg Museum of Art, The Fayetteville Museum of Art, The Greenville Museum of Art and in exhibitions at Blue Spiral Gallery and The Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art.
Wilson was a faculty member at Barton College from 1974-2012. He was awarded professor emeritus status in 2012 and from then until 2015, he was Barton’s first artist-in-residence. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and children, Matthew and Singleton.
The Dunn Center Announces Season Opener, Celebrates 27th Season
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University will kick off its 27th season of performing arts series with the very funny and extremely talented 3 Redneck Tenors. The 2023-24 season will include five shows from a variety of genres with season tickets on sale now for $150. As a season ticket holder, you get a reserved seat at all five shows. Individual show tickets are also available with prices ranging from $20-$55.
The “infamous” 3 Redneck Tenors have seen it all and sing it all, making us laugh till we double over. They remind us that in life, it is not the destination, it’s the journey. Get ready for a sidesplitting ride as we go on an excursion only the 3 Redneck Tenors could have had, delighting audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music ranging from gospel, to country, to Broadway, pop and classical. You’re going to love them and so will anyone with a sense of humor and an appreciation for incredible voices.
“The Dunn Center is a true gem in eastern North Carolina and I’m proud of the exceptional lineup that we have to offer this season,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center. “For those who have attended a show here in the past, we look forward to having you back for another exciting performance. For those who have never been to our venue, I encourage you to come check us out and witness all that we have to offer.”
Also joining the lineup for the first time on October 13 is Rockland Road, six musicians representing four generations of musical heritage—all vocalists who among them play 23 different instruments. The Breakfast Club®, with real 1980s clothes, real vocals and real musical talent, will come to The Dunn Center on November 10.
Starting the 2024 year off on January 26 will be one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music, Tony Jackson, who has been touted as a strong emotionally-charged and engaging voice that captured the hearts of millions, seemingly overnight. Finally, The Dunn Center will wrap up their season with Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters on February 9. Singer and playwright, Lisa Rock, has compiled a moving tribute to the music and life of Karen Carpenter and brings it to the stage with her six-piece backing band.
For more information on these season shows, as well as other cultural events and art shows, please visit dunncenter.com. All season shows are on Friday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Global Corporation Funds Sustainability Project at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has once again received Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. To celebrate this achievement, Easyflyers® collaborated with the University to enhance its campus by creating more green space through the planting of additional trees, installing a gravel walkway and adding a natural teak wood bench.
Easyflyers®, a global logistics company that offers comprehensive shipping solutions, has been a sponsor with Wesleyan over the last several years at their annual Wesleyan Cup Golf Outing. This donation to NCWU helps contribute to a more sustainable earth, while providing the campus community and visitors with a natural, outdoor sitting and meditation area. The newly-renovated space sits directly adjacent to the President’s House and contains two Mountain Gordlinia trees, a rare hybrid tree developed by NC State University, and five October Glory Maple trees arranged in a semi-circle.
Earlier this year, John Nelson, VP of North American Sales for Easyflyers®, attended the Wesleyan Cup Golf Outing and had the chance to ride through NC Wesleyan’s beautiful campus and thought to become more involved. “At Easyflyers®, we’re always looking for a way to give back and reduce our carbon footprint,” stated Nichol Ally, Managing Director for Easyflyers®. “We were looking for a great opportunity for an Arbor Day project and after speaking with John, thought what better way than to help create this green space on campus to help the environment and NCWU.”
The Tree Campus USA® program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. North Carolina Wesleyan University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project. To assist with this mission, Easyflyers® is involved in social responsibility projects, supporting numerous schools and charitable organizations that improve the quality of life for individuals and improve the standards of education, environmental care and fairness in the community.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Come Rock the Mount at NC Wesleyan University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rock the Mount is an annual tradition held each fall at North Carolina Wesleyan University to celebrate and welcome new students to campus, as well as to the local community. Each year, Rock the Mount is held the day before students’ first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. This semester, the event is sponsored by Southern Bank and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15. Business owners, churches and other nonprofits are invited to come promote their organization and gain exposure with NCWU students.
That day, hundreds of students take their rite of passage through a time-honored tradition—the Bishop Tunnel—formed by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. As they pass through the tunnel, they are met with a warm welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff and wife, Marcy. They then proceed down the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to help the Bishop family welcome these new students to Wesleyan, Rocky Mount and the surrounding community. Businesses and organizations are set up with tents and booth displays that decorate the street and Southern Bank Green, creating a runway for students to stop and browse their products and services.
Last year, Rock the Mount brought nearly 80 vendors to campus; this year, NC Wesleyan aims to have even more businesses and organizations on campus to make the event even more of a success. Are you the owner of a restaurant or coffee shop? Students love to eat and run on coffee! Do you have an automotive shop? Unlike many colleges and universities, NCWU allows students to bring their cars their freshman year, so they too will need oil changes and tire rotations. Are you part of a local church? Use this opportunity to connect with students looking for a local, faith-based family to join. By celebrating the start of another exciting school year with Wesleyan, you form a bond with new students who could potentially become customers, interns and even future employees. Come make a great first impression as NCWU welcomes the Class of 2027.
Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone and live entertainment will be provided by Meredith Davis Johnson, the band “Blind Joy” and DJ 3two1. Those interested in participating should bring a six-foot tablecloth—NCWU will provide the table. A tent is not required, but it’s August in North Carolina so you may appreciate the shade— just keep it 10’x10’ or less. Also, giveaways are completely optional, but they are a great way to stand out from the rest and maybe even become the crowd favorite!
Participation is free, but display spaces are limited. The registration deadline is Monday, July 31; however, businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible at bit.ly/RockTheMount23. For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
