North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted its annual Fall Symposium on November 11 at The Dunn Center, featuring the much-anticipated Pinning Ceremony for its Education Candidates. This meaningful event symbolizes the beginning of the candidates’ journey into the teaching profession, as they receive their education pins and certificates, marking their official entry into the Teacher Education Program.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as both a rite of passage and a testament to the candidates’ commitment to a career in education. It celebrates their dedication to lifelong learning while highlighting the rigorous standards required for admission to the program. To be pinned, candidates must meet several requirements, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, successfully completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, securing two positive recommendations, and submitting a well-crafted essay.
The ceremony featured inspiring contributions from faculty, students, and special guests. Jenna Pilkenton began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, followed by an Invocation led by Jordan Contreras. Ivy Chelagat delivered a heartfelt poem, Teaching Matters, capturing the significance of the teaching profession. Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, offered a warm welcome, and SNCAE President Emma Mosley shared the Occasion address. Dr. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Ms. Darsheka Hopkins, Principal of Nashville Elementary School.
In her address, Ms. Hopkins emphasized the importance of intentionality in the teaching profession, outlining three key principles for educators to uphold:
- Empathy – Understanding and connecting with students’ experiences to foster meaningful relationships.
- Lifelong Learning – Remaining committed to personal and professional growth to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
- Resiliency – Embracing challenges with strength and determination, inspiring students to do the same.
The event concluded with a closing prayer from Janiyah Williams.
The 2024 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
La’Quanta Benthall, Angelica Bridgers, Tashonda Brown, Lexie Collins, Regina Edmundson, Virginia Ellis, Preona Ford, Jaycie Hadnott, Grant Harrell, Melanie Johnson, Ashley McGovern, Emma Mosley, Thomas Peay, Wellenscia Richardson-Hardy, Daniella Sehannie, Alina Smith, Jillian Stine, Jackson Thompson, Lovely Thornton, Linda Underdue, Joylette Whitaker, Kaitlin Williams, Molly Winstead, Samantha Winstead, and Isabell Wooten.
These candidates represent a future of dedicated, compassionate educators prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities. NCWU is proud to support these emerging leaders as they embark on their teaching journeys, embracing the challenges and rewards of a profession that shapes lives and inspires lifelong learning.
To view the full photography album, visit https://clewisncwc.smugmug.com/111124-Teacher-Education-Event-
NCWU Receives Multiple Accolades
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has garnered significant recognition in recent weeks, with a series of impressive rankings that highlight the institution’s commitment to excellence in higher education. As the data continues to pour in, it’s clear that NCWU is delivering on its promise to offer a top-tier, affordable, and supportive educational experience—one that is both student and parent-approved.
The accolades started strong in September with rankings from U.S. News & World Report, where NC Wesleyan was ranked Top 50 in Regional Colleges South out of 131 institutions. The University also placed No. 17 in Best Value Schools, No. 11 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and listed as a Top Performer on Social Mobility. These rankings showcase NCWU’s dedication to providing quality education while ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
U.S. News & World Report is widely recognized as a global leader in educational rankings, and NCWU’s continuous recognition reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class value. Year after year, Wesleyan maintains its position among the top colleges, demonstrating a steadfast focus on student success and offering a personalized private higher education experience.
The momentum continued with a prestigious ranking from Forbes Advisor, which named NCWU’s Online MBA program the best in the country for the second consecutive year above Johns Hopkins University. Forbes praised the program’s focus on executive leadership, information security, and supply chain management, highlighting its emphasis on organizational change, ethical decision-making, and economic theory. This recognition underscores Wesleyan’s growing strength in graduate education and its determination to expand and improve its programs.
Further accolades came from Intelligent, which ranked NCWU’s Online Master of Criminal Justice among the top 20 programs in the country. Notably, Wesleyan was one of only two universities in North Carolina to receive this distinction. The program’s flexibility, rigor, and focus on preparing students for impactful careers in criminal justice are key components of its success.
Lastly, Niche ranked NC Wesleyan highly in several categories. In North Carolina-specific rankings, the University earned top spots: No. 2 for Diversity of 46, just behind Duke University, No. 5 for Safest Campuses of 40, and No. 14 for Best Colleges for Business of 40. Nationally, Wesleyan was ranked No. 80 out of 1,495 for Most Diverse Colleges in America, reflecting the University’s inclusive and welcoming environment.
The University fosters an environment where students from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can come together to learn and grow. With students representing a wide range of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, NCWU takes pride in creating a campus community that reflects the broader world. This diverse environment not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for success in a global society. The University’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that all students feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. By embracing diversity, NCWU encourages collaboration and understanding, which enriches both the academic and social fabric of the institution.
Beyond the accolades, NCWU remains focused on offering affordable education to both traditional students and adult learners. The University awards $24 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid annually, making higher education accessible and reducing the financial burden for students. In fact, NCWU’s average scholarship package brings the cost of attending Wesleyan in line with that of public universities.
A recent analysis by The New York Times in March 2023 reinforced Wesleyan’s affordability, ranking the University as one of the top ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina and the most affordable private, nonprofit institution in the state.
As NC Wesleyan continues to excel in rankings and recognitions, its mission remains clear: to provide a high-quality, affordable education that prepares students for success both in their careers and in life. Whether you’re a traditional student just out of high school or a working adult balancing a busy schedule, NCWU offers the resources and support to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NCWU No. 45
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has once again earned a spot in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional value and a personalized private education experience. This year, NCWU was ranked No. 45 among Regional Colleges South, standing out from 131 colleges in the region.
The U.S. News & World Report is widely recognized as a global leader in quality rankings, offering insights that help consumers, business leaders, and policymakers make well-informed decisions. With a reputation built on independent reporting, data journalism, and consumer advice across various sectors—including education, health, money, and real estate—U.S. News reaches over 40 million visitors each month, making it a trusted resource for millions of people worldwide.
Beyond its overall ranking, NC Wesleyan earned several additional distinctions. It was ranked No. 17 in the Best Value Schools category, an accolade that highlights the University’s focus on delivering high-quality education at an affordable price. In recognition of its support for military veterans, NCWU was ranked No. 11 among Best Colleges for Veterans. The University also placed No. 60 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, reflecting its efforts to ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
NC Wesleyan’s continuous presence among the top 50 Regional Colleges South is a testament to its dedication to fostering academic excellence, social mobility, and a vibrant campus community. As the University moves forward, these rankings serve as a proud reminder of its growing impact and leadership in higher education.
Local Talent Meets Local Stage
Rocky Mount is set to enjoy a night of homegrown talent as two local favorites take the stage at The Dunn Center on Friday, October 11. The evening will feature a dynamic blend of music and comedy, with Nashville recording artist Chandler James opening for award-winning comedian John Floyd. Both performers have deep roots in the Rocky Mount community and are eager to entertain their hometown crowd.
About Chandler James
Chandler James, a country musician with a well-rounded sound, is no stranger to the spotlight. A recent graduate of Rocky Mount Academy, James has made waves in the country music scene, drawing inspiration from legends like Chris Stapleton and Brent Cobb. His music is a blend of classic country, southern rock, and blues, a style that showcases both his versatility and deep connection to his roots. As the first-ever “Got to be NC Ag Star,” James proudly represents North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage, touring the state to promote its products while sharing his music.
“I continue to work toward my music goals as an independent artist and have no idea where this journey will take me,” James said. “I am grateful and proud to have you join in and see where the road leads.”
About John Floyd
Following James will be John Floyd, a clean, hilarious comedian who has earned comparisons to Mark Twain and Andy Griffith. Floyd, who grew up attending Rocky Mount schools and now resides in Raleigh, has a comedic career that spans all 50 states and more than two dozen countries. Known for his quick wit and family-friendly humor, Floyd credits the men in his family for his storytelling talent, though he is the first to bring those stories to the stage instead of the front porch.
The show, sponsored by Todd Hinson of Allegra Printing and Marketing Solutions, will begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are selling fast. For those looking to enjoy a night of music, comedy, and community, tickets can be purchased on The Dunn Center’s website or by calling the box office at 252-985-5197.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support local talent and experience an unforgettable evening of entertainment!
NCWU Welcomes Class of 2028
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 68th annual New Student Convocation on Aug. 20 in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center to welcome the Class of 2028. 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.
Keynote Speaker Kevin Snyder
This year’s guest speaker was Kevin Snyder, owner of Southern Swag. Snyder graduated from NCWU in 2000 with a degree in Environmental Science and was a member of the Battling Bishop Men’s Soccer team. His professors and coaches planted the seeds for personal responsibility, and a “trust but verify” mentality which quickly translated to his professional career in Quality Assurance. He has worked on several of the world’s largest energy and utility projects, including the newly constructed nuclear power plants in China, Georgia and South Carolina, and the country’s largest offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts.
In early 2024, Kevin and his wife Jenny started a small business, Southern Swag. Southern Swag is a promotional products company that aims to provide cost effective solutions for business looking to increase their brand awareness.
Throughout his career, Kevin has recognized opportunities to give back, including leading and organizing an annual Golf Tournament fundraiser for Make A Wish of Central and Western Carolina for several years. Kevin has most recently taken his leadership passion to the soccer field as a volunteer goalkeeper coach for the Neuse River Futbol Alliance. He has organized multiple Community Days in conjunction with NCWU in an effort to connect youth soccer with our university athletics program.
Kevin’s desire to link the community to the campus extends beyond the soccer field. He has also worked to obtain sponsorships and foster connections from local businesses to help with improvements of Wesleyan’s Disc Golf Course and the Bishops Disc Golf Club. Kevin has previously served as an Alumni Class Champion and was recently appointed to the Alumni Board, as well as the President’s Advisory Community Council.
Above all, Kevin views his greatest accomplishment as his 18-year marriage with his wife, Jenny, and his children, Payne and Abby. The Snyder family can regularly be found on campus at sporting events, alumni events or volunteering efforts towards the betterment of the NCWU campus and community.
Rock the Mount Event
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 2028. Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone such as: 3 Boys Catering, Minnies Food and Thingz, Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade, Shawarmalicious, and Carolina Shaved Ice. Live entertainment will be provided by Relay Relay; Story Charlamagne, and DJ 3two1!
View the Photo Galleries for Student Convocation and Rock the Mount event!
Campus Photo Gallery >
Carl Lewis Photo Gallery >
NCWU Students participate in NCDHHS Internship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University students, Nayonna Bland and Makaela Stokes, have accepted an internship with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as part of the department’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Internship Program. This paid summer internship is a component of the department’s workforce development initiative to build a strong and inclusive workforce by increasing the number of human services professionals to provide for the growing number of residents in North Carolina.
“We are looking toward the future in NCDHHS by building a strong and inclusive workforce that supports all North Carolinians,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We genuinely applaud each of these young professionals for their assistance in helping NCDHHS protect the health, safety and well-being of the people in our communities now and into the future.”
Stokes and Bland will be working on a project with NCDHHS’ Division of Health Benefits. The internship will last 10 weeks and will include work in the assigned project area, seminars, presentation practice and an immersion event at the end of the internship experience.
“NCDHHS is now in its 6th Cohort of HBCU/MSI Change Champion Interns, connecting with over 150 students since 2022. We are creating a strong and inclusive workforce by building a pipeline to the public health and human services professions for this generation,” said Angela Bryant, NCDHHS’ Assistant Secretary for the Health Equity Portfolio. “NCDHHS is excited that Makaela and Nayonna have chosen to join 41 other graduate and undergraduate interns to help build the workforce needed to improve the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”
NC Wesleyan believes that student engagement is vital to rewarding social lives, strengthening leadership skills, and the desire to make a difference on campus and the community. We encourage students to get involved and make most of their collegiate experience. We are so proud of these Bishops for taking advantage of this opportunity and taking a step further to make most of their journey. Both of these students will be able to apply the skills learned during their internship with DHHS towards their respective careers in the social sector.
NCWU receives Global Funding for Swale Development and Student Engagement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) anticipates the Fall 2024 semester as their start date for beginning a project highlighting sustainability, improving biodiversity and water quality, as well as erosion prevention on its campus. The project is generously funded by Easyflyers®, a global logistics company that offers comprehensive shipping solutions. The campaign’s focus is developing a vegetated swale in an urban ditch. This green infrastructure will improve stormwater runoff management, reduce erosion, and use native plants.
“Easyflyers® has been a sponsor with NC Wesleyan over the last several years. Through campus beautification projects and event sponsorships, we’ve partnered to establish a greener and more sustainable campus”, states Nichol Ally, President and Managing Director of the Americas. “The EasyFlyers® Earth Day 2023 Project at NC Wesleyan provided a natural and beautiful outdoor sitting and mediation area supplemented with unique trees.”
Earth Day 2024
The company’s Earth Day 2024 donation is funding a project referred to as “The Swale”. It will be completed by students in Wesleyan’s biology classes and overseen by Dr. Daniel Elias who states “This project showcases both EasyFlyers® and Wesleyan’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Using native plants, we can reduce some of the impact of urbanization on our ecosystem. We are grateful that EasyFlyers® want to make earth sustainability projects a priority and allows Wesleyan to assist in these efforts.”
Students at NCWU will actively participate in this project through site preparation, plant selection, and maintenance. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to conduct water quality assessments and monitor ecosystem health as part of courses like Global Water Issue (BIO330), Agroecology (BIO226), and Environmental Science (BIO324).
Dr. Elias emphasizes this project’s educational value, “Having our students involved in every part of this project will promote a deeper understanding of environmental science and develop a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices.”
Further, the university plans to conduct regular monitoring to ensure the vegetated swale’s long-term success. Data collected by student-led monitoring and inspections will contribute to addressing the efficacy of green infrastructures as a solution to urbanization.
Local Company Awards Nursing Scholarships to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – SE&M Constructors, Inc., a Rocky Mount based, family-owned company for over 100 years, recently established the SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Nursing Scholarships at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “There is such a high demand for quality nursing in this region and NC Wesleyan is doing a great job of trying to fill that need. As a local company, we care about the communities we serve, so helping Wesleyan students further their education and careers in nursing seems like a tremendous benefit to all of us,” states Harry Bynum, Chairman of SE&M Constructors, Inc. and member of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees.
The SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Scholarship will be awarded to NCWU nursing students enrolled to receive their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The number of recipients may vary annually depending on the number of nursing students applying for the scholarship. NCWU’s BSN degree prepares experienced registered nurses for advanced leadership, management, clinical, research and nurse educator positions. Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, states “This is another example of how our community benefits from organizations who believe in the mission of North Carolina Wesleyan University. These funds will directly impact nursing students who will further their education to meet the needs of our local hospital and medical practices. It directly impacts the public health of Nash and Edgecombe counties.”
The scholarships will be awarded with a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $2,500. Applications for the scholarship will be administered through the Financial Aid Office. Students interested in applying for this scholarship may contact the NCWU Financial Aid Office by emailing FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
New Scholarship Opportunities Announced
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has announced three new scholarships that will accept applications starting Fall 2024. Each scholarship was generously offered in memory of a loved one and aligns with Wesleyan’s beliefs of being personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
The Charles Randall Ranke Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Stephen Ranke (Infrastructure and Systems Administrator with NCWU), in memory of his father, Charles Randall Ranke. Charles Randall Ranke was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, and an Eagle Scout with the B.S.A. The scholarship will be available to any student with preference given to an Eagle or Gold Scout with the next consideration being any Veteran student. The student must be of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and have a financial need. In the event no student meets the aforementioned preference, it will be awarded to a worthy student according to the Universities’ general financial aid criteria. This will become available Fall 2025.
Gail B. Fields Annual Scholarship is established by Keiya Fields McKoy and Denikee Fields Davis (Student Affairs Administrative Assistant for Wesleyan) in memory of their mother. Gail Fields was not only Wesleyan’s loyal and dedicated receptionist, but friend and family. The scholarship is open to students majoring in Religious Studies to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. The recipient should be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Student selection will be determined by the Financial Aid Office and the Religious Studies Department.
Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship is established by Judith Vilagos Parsons ‘75 in memory of her husband, Howard T. Parsons ‘74. Judith Parsons established an annual scholarship in 2022 that honored her late husband, but she wanted a scholarship that would remain even after her memory. Mrs. Parsons shares, “The quest for knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and for Howard and me, Wesleyan was pivotal in shaping not only our lives and careers, but also our understanding of how we can best serve others. Our hope is that this gift will assist students in their own journeys, and allow the same wonderful experience of learning Wesleyan provided us.” Primary consideration will be given to Biomedical Science students or other areas of science to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Biomedical Science faculty, with preference given to those who would most benefit academically and financially. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in the sciences and 2.5 overall GPA.
For more information about Wesleyan’s scholarship opportunities, please visit https://ncwu.edu/scholarships/ or information about donating for a cause you are passionate about, visit https://ncwu.edu/give/.
19th Annual Student Research Symposium on Campus
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA- North Carolina Wesleyan University hosted their 19th Annual Student Symposium for the 2024 Spring Semester on Wednesday, April 10 at The Dunn Center. The Symposium included student oral presentations, guest speaker, Meredith Gringle, and concluded with a student poster presentation.
Co-Coordinator, Dr. Heather Louch, shares that the Student Symposium started in 2004 as a way for students conducting research to share that research with the university community. It was modeled after a conference, where research is shared either through poster sessions or oral presentations. Louch states, “Presenting at a conference is something that most students do if they go on to graduate school; with the Symposium, they gain a similar experience and see the full circle of research from developing an inquiry to sharing the results with a broader audience. It has been a successful event for so many years only due to the ongoing support of colleagues at the University.”
Louch often asks students what they learned about “doing science,” and the admittance of frustration, lack of motivation or interest, and realization of how much work it requires is also paired with how rewarding and fun it can be. Louch responds, “All of these comments encompass the sentiments felt by researchers as they work through their investigations and prepare to share their research, so in that regard, students have experienced first hand the ups and downs of the research investigation while also being able to discuss those findings with the community. What better way to learn about ‘doing science’?”
Winners of the poster competition have received a certificate and a cash prize courtesy of the School of Mathematics and Sciences (all poster presenters were enrolled in science courses). The winners are as follows (upper and lower designation refers to the course number with 300/400 being the upper-level courses):
1st Place Lower-Level Category:
Dunya Salem – Does Texture Protect Caterpillars from Predation?
2nd Place Lower-Level Category:
Mackenzie Landers, Wesley Owens, Stephanie Valle – How Ladybug Spots Affect Predation
1st Place Upper-Level Category:
Chloe Lynch, Kristalyn Minchew, Christian Van Norden – The Effects of Acetaminophen and Microplastics on Physella acuta Movement, Growth, and Reproduction
2nd Place Upper-Level Category:
Gracie Wade – Investigating and Observing Feline Activity Through the Eyes of Hunger
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Joseph Lane, states, “The Student Symposium represents the very best example of North Carolina Wesleyan’s personal, practical, and purpose-driven approach to education. We are so proud of the students who presented their research and who demonstrated excellent command of their topics when answering questions from the judges, faculty, and community.”
