For more than 25 years, Bonnie Parrish carried a goal she had yet to accomplish: earning her bachelor’s degree. Despite building a successful career in financial services and technology, advancing into senior leadership, and balancing the responsibilities of work and family, completing her degree remained something she wanted to do for herself.
Now, Parrish is turning that long-held goal into reality at North Carolina Wesleyan University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.
“I’m proud of the career I’ve built, but not having my degree was always something I felt was missing,” Parrish said.
With 27 years of experience in financial services, Parrish built her career in technology through hard work, professional opportunities, and the support of people who believed in her potential. Her journey took her from starting as a bank teller to becoming a senior vice president in technology, demonstrating the value of experience, relationships, and leadership.
But even with those professional accomplishments, one personal milestone remained unfinished.
Turning “Someday” Into Now
The opportunity to return to school came when Parrish enrolled in NCWU’s Executive Leadership Certification program to strengthen her leadership skills. During the program, she spoke with her advisor, Katherine Hensley, about her desire to earn a degree and the feeling of being among professional peers who had completed theirs.
Hensley encouraged her to reconsider what was possible and helped her recognize that coursework she had already completed for the certification applied toward the Organizational Leadership degree requirements.
“She told me, ‘If you truly want to obtain your degree, it is possible,’ and showed me how I could make it happen,” Parrish said.
Realizing she had already made progress toward the degree helped Parrish see a path forward. After years of postponing the goal, she decided it was time to take the next step.
“So, I guess the short answer is that I finally realized that ‘someday’ could actually be now,” she said. “After putting it off for more than 25 years, I decided it was time to stop looking at my degree as something that was out of reach and finally finish what I started.”
Balancing Career, Family and Education
Returning to college as an adult brought a new set of challenges. With a demanding career, family responsibilities, and the everyday commitments of life, Parrish had to find time for assignments and studying wherever she could.
There were late nights, weekends, and even middle-of-the-night study sessions. At times, balancing professional deadlines with academic responsibilities left her wondering how she would manage it all.
Yet being an adult learner also gave her an advantage. Years of professional and leadership experience allowed her to connect classroom concepts with situations she had encountered throughout her career.
“I came back with years of real-world and leadership experience, so I was able to connect what I was learning in class to situations I had actually experienced,” she said.
Parrish credits her husband and her faith with helping her persevere throughout the journey. Her husband provided encouragement and support at home, giving her the time and space she needed to focus on her education. She also credits God’s grace with giving her strength during stressful moments.
“There’s no way I could have done this without my husband and God’s grace,” she said.
Her experience reflects an important reality for adult learners: returning to school requires commitment and sacrifice, but the knowledge and experience gained outside the classroom can be just as valuable as what is learned within it.
A Degree With Personal Meaning
For Parrish, earning her degree is about more than professional advancement. Although she has built a successful career without a bachelor’s degree, completing her education represents the fulfillment of a personal goal she has carried for decades.
“I feel blessed to have built a career that took me from starting as a teller to becoming a senior vice president in technology without a bachelor’s degree, and I know I earned what I’ve accomplished along the way,” she said.
“Completing it has given me the satisfaction of finally accomplishing a goal I had carried with me for more than 25 years.”
The experience has also reminded her that learning and personal development do not have to stop at a certain age or career stage. She hopes to continue growing as a technology leader while dedicating more time to developing other leaders.
She has even begun considering graduate school, a possibility she might not have imagined before returning to college.
“More than anything, this experience has reminded me that growth doesn’t have an expiration date,” Parrish said. “At this stage of my career and life, I’m still learning, still growing, and still discovering what I’m capable of.”
Her Advice to Other Adult Learners
For adults who have considered returning to college but worry that too much time has passed, Parrish understands the hesitation. She spent years telling herself that earning her degree could wait.
Her advice is straightforward: stop assuming it is too late.
She acknowledges that returning to school is not always easy. Adult learners may need to rearrange priorities, sacrifice free time, and balance assignments with work and family commitments. But she encourages others not to underestimate the knowledge and experience they already bring to the classroom.
“You’ve already lived, worked, succeeded, failed, and learned a lot along the way, and all of that comes with you into the classroom,” she said.
“It may not happen exactly the way you pictured it years ago, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Give yourself a chance. Be willing to make some sacrifices, stay committed, and keep going even when it gets hard. You might be surprised by what you’re able to accomplish.”
Through its Online programs, North Carolina Wesleyan University provides educational pathways for students balancing their studies with professional and personal responsibilities. Parrish’s journey illustrates how returning to college can be about more than earning a credential. It can also mean revisiting a long-held dream, recognizing what is possible, and making the decision to move forward.
For Parrish, the goal that once seemed perpetually out of reach is finally within view. And as she looks toward what comes next, she carries a lesson that extends well beyond the classroom: it is never too late to keep growing.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Announces the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund
North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly announces the establishment of the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund, honoring two individuals whose lives, service, and unwavering commitment to Wesleyan left a lasting impact on the University and the communities they served.
The scholarship memorializes Claire A. Parham, a 1968 graduate of NC Wesleyan College, who passed away on April 17, 2022, and her son, Samuel J. “Jay” Parham, Jr., a 1998 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University, who passed away on December 4, 2008.
Claire Parham dedicated her career to education, teaching English and French for many years at Northern Nash High School, Rocky Mount Academy, and later at her alma mater, North Carolina Wesleyan. Her passion for learning and commitment to student success touched countless lives throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Jay Parham carried forward his family’s deep connection to Wesleyan as an alumnus and supporter of the institution. Together, Claire and Jay represent generations of dedication to higher education, community service, and the values that define the Wesleyan experience.
The Parham Family
The Parham family has maintained a longstanding legacy of support for North Carolina Wesleyan University. In addition to Jay’s graduation from Wesleyan in 1998, his brother, Frank L. Parham ’96, is also an alumnus. Their aunt, Betty A. Sanderson ’64, was a member of Wesleyan’s first graduating class, while Claire Parham was among the early generations of graduates who helped shape the institution’s history.
The Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity of Samuel J. Parham, Sr., Frank L. Parham ’96, and numerous family members and friends who wished to create a lasting tribute to Claire and Jay’s lives and legacies.
Scholorship Details
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving students attending North Carolina Wesleyan University. Preference will be given to students from Nash County, Edgecombe County, or Eastern North Carolina. Both incoming freshmen and upper-class students are eligible for consideration, with no preference given to a particular academic major.
“This scholarship reflects the Parham family’s enduring belief in the transformative power of education and their deep affection for North Carolina Wesleyan University,” said Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement. “By investing in future generations of students, the Parham family is creating opportunities that will continue to impact lives for years to come.”
The family’s philanthropic commitment to Wesleyan extends beyond this newly established fund. In 2020, they established the Lloyd G. Boone and Shirley Parham Boone Endowment, honoring the lives and contributions of Lloyd G. Boone ’77 and Shirley Parham Boone. The scholarship provides preference to students from Nash County, Edgecombe County, or Eastern North Carolina who are pursuing degrees in Logistics or Nursing, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to educational opportunity and workforce development in the region.
NC Wesleyan Criminal Justice Students Work Alongside SBI on Active Cold Case
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, criminal justice students are getting an opportunity that goes far beyond the classroom: working directly with an actual cold case provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Dr. Jay Fortenberry, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, leads the course, which is offered each fall and is limited to 15 students to provide an in-depth, hands-on experience.
How the Class Works
Students work with the SBI’s Cold Case Unit and the originating local agency throughout the semester. After signing confidentiality agreements, students receive access to case reports and documentation. The current case includes more than 1,500 pages of investigative material, including interviews, crime scene photographs and laboratory reports.
Each student is assigned different sections of the investigation and works to identify potential leads. As a class, students then come together to analyze the information, brainstorm investigative possibilities and develop recommendations.
At the conclusion of the course, students present their findings and recommendations to the SBI and local agencies, with the hope that their work can contribute to the successful clearance of the case.
Exclusive Experience
“This course gives our students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a very real-world setting,” Fortenberry said. “They are working with actual investigative materials, collaborating as a team and seeing how the different pieces of an investigation come together.”
This is the third time NC Wesleyan has offered the course, and Fortenberry plans to continue offering it every fall.
The course is currently offered exclusively in a traditional, face-to-face format because of the confidential nature of the case materials. The limited enrollment also allows students to engage closely with the investigation and with one another throughout the semester.
For NC Wesleyan students, the experience offers a unique look at what it means to put criminal justice knowledge into practice, while potentially making a meaningful contribution to an ongoing investigation.
2027–28 FAFSA Available Now: Take the Next Step Toward Your Future at NC Wesleyan
Whether you’re new to NC Wesleyan or returning, now is the time to start planning for financial aid for the year ahead. The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available, giving future and returning Bishops an opportunity to explore assistance for the year ahead.
Students who are preparing for their first college experience, transferring to NC Wesleyan, pursuing a degree online, or continuing their education, completing the FAFSA is an important step toward understanding their financial aid options.
The 2027–28 FAFSA applies to enrollment between July 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028. Students should visit StudentAid.gov and include NC Wesleyan’s school code: 002951.
Start Early. Plan with Confidence.
The FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Federal Work-Study. It is also used to evaluate eligibility for certain state and institutional aid programs.
For students considering Wesleyan, completing the 2027-28 FAFSA early helps them understand their financial aid options and plan for college costs. Some aid programs have limited funding or priority deadlines, so completing the application early can help students make the most of available opportunities. It also gives families more time to ask questions, provide any additional information, and prepare for college costs.
Students do not need to wait until they make their final college decision to submit the FAFSA and list NC Wesleyan. Families who are unsure whether they will qualify for need-based aid are encouraged to apply rather than assume they are ineligible.
An Easier Process for Students and Families
The U.S. Department of Education has continued improving the FAFSA experience. Students and families can expect:
- Clearer questions and instructions to help them navigate the application
- More convenient contributor invitations, including text messages and QR codes to invite a required parent or spouse
- A simpler review and signing process
- Faster access to results for many applicants, including estimated federal aid eligibility after submitting the form
These estimates provide a starting point; students will receive their financial aid offer separately from NC Wesleyan.
What You’ll Need for FAFSA 2027-28
Before starting, students and any required parent or spouse contributors should have:
- StudentAid.gov account, also known as a FSA ID
- Social Security number, if applicable
- 2025 federal tax information
- Current income and asset information, as requested
- Contributor contact information, when required
Each required contributor must complete and sign their portion of the application, provide consent and approval for access to federal tax information.
Future and Returning NC Wesleyan Students: Take the Next Step
New students planning to join Wesleyan on campus or online should complete the 2027–28 FAFSA and enter school code 002951 so their information can be sent to the University for financial aid review.
Returning students should also complete the application, the FAFSA must be submitted each year. All students should review their FAFSA Submission Summary and watch for communications from NC Wesleyan’s Office of Financial Aid about any additional requirements.
Our Financial Aid Team Is Here to Help
Planning for college is exciting, and questions about paying for it are a natural part of the process. NC Wesleyan’s Financial Aid team is available to help students and families complete the FAFSA, understand available assistance, and identify their next steps.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 252.985.5290 or FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
Complete your 2027-2028 FAFSA today, stay connected with our office, and start planning for an affordable and accessible NC Wesleyan education.
NCWU MPH Student: Theory to Practice
For Allan Sessoms, pursuing a Master of Public Health at North Carolina Wesleyan University is about more than earning another degree. It is about preparing for the work he hopes to do in the communities he cares about.
A Bertie County native and longtime professional with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, operations and problem-solving, Sessoms returned to the classroom with a clear purpose: to build the knowledge and skills needed to eventually establish a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and resource navigation throughout Eastern North Carolina.
“I wasn’t pursuing an MPH just to add letters after my name,” Sessoms said. “I wanted to better understand the challenges facing the communities I care about and gain the tools to become part of the solution.”
Connecting the Classroom to the Community
Sessoms chose NC Wesleyan’s MPH program in part because it allowed him to continue working full-time while pursuing his degree. The program’s Social Epidemiology concentration also aligned with his interest in understanding the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.
That connection between classroom learning and real-world challenges has become one of the most meaningful parts of his experience.
During a summer internship, Sessoms worked directly with community members, conducted surveys, identified community needs and developed resources designed to address those needs. The experience allowed him to apply concepts from the classroom, including community engagement, health disparities, social determinants of health and public health planning, to work in the community.
“The internship helped me connect theory to practice,” he said. “It showed me how public health is not just about collecting data but about listening to communities, understanding their challenges, and developing solutions that are meaningful and sustainable.”
The experience has also changed the way Sessoms looks at public health challenges.
Rather than focusing only on the immediate problem, he has learned to examine the factors behind it, including transportation, housing, education, income, employment opportunities and access to resources.
“The program helped me move from looking at individual problems to looking at systems, root causes, and long-term solutions,” Sessoms said.
A Purpose Beyond the Degree
For Sessoms, that perspective is especially important as he works toward his long-term goal of creating a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and resource navigation.
His passion for that work is personal. Living with HIV has given Sessoms firsthand insight into the challenges people can face when navigating healthcare systems, finding support and accessing accurate information and resources.
He hopes to use his public health education, professional experience and community connections to help others navigate those challenges.
“The goal is to help people access information, find support, and know that they don’t have to navigate their journey alone,” he said.
Sessoms also plans to pursue a Doctor of Public Health degree, continuing to build his knowledge and leadership abilities as he works toward making a lasting impact throughout Eastern North Carolina.
It’s Never Too Late to Keep Learning
Returning to school after building a career has given Sessoms a new perspective on lifelong learning.
He credits his NC Wesleyan professors and classmates as some of the most valuable parts of his experience. His cohort has brought together people with different backgrounds and perspectives, while his professors have challenged him to look beyond surface-level problems and consider the broader factors influencing health outcomes.
As a working professional balancing school and other responsibilities, Sessoms knows pursuing a graduate degree requires commitment. But he also believes waiting for the “perfect” time can mean waiting forever.
“Growth often happens in the middle of the chaos, not after it,” he said.
For Sessoms, the journey has reinforced a perspective he plans to carry throughout his career and one that perhaps best captures what he hopes to gain from his NC Wesleyan education.
NCWU Awarded $2.9 Million Federal Grant to Launch COMPASS Student Success Center
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a four-year, $2.9 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to support a comprehensive student success initiative known as COMPASS (Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success).
The federal grant will enable NCWU to expand student support services, strengthen retention and graduation outcomes, enhance career readiness programs, modernize technology infrastructure, and create innovative approaches to student success through the establishment of the new student support services hub featuring the COMPASS Center.
“This award represents a tremendous investment in our students and our future,” said Dr. Anne Aichele, Director of the COMPASS Center. “The COMPASS Center will create a more connected and comprehensive support system that helps students navigate their personal and academic journey, identify meaningful career pathways, and develop the skills necessary to thrive after graduation.”
The COMPASS Center will serve as a centralized hub where students can access academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, accessibility services, career development resources, academic coaching, and retention support in one location. The project is designed to strengthen institutional capacity while improving outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and academically at-risk students.
Major project initiatives include:
- Renovating library space to create the COMPASS Center.
- Expanding first-year transition and orientation programming.
- Increasing peer mentoring and student engagement opportunities.
- Enhancing career coaching, experiential learning, and employer partnerships.
- Implementing advanced student success technologies and analytics tools.
- Providing faculty and staff professional development in student success and Life Design practices.
- Advancing artificial intelligence literacy and AI-enhanced student support services.
The project also aligns with national priorities related to innovation and emerging technologies in higher education. Through faculty, staff, and student development programs, NCWU will promote responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence while preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The initiative builds upon NCWU’s longstanding commitment to personalized education and student-centered learning. By integrating support services, strengthening academic and career planning, and leveraging technology to improve student outcomes, the University aims to create a sustainable framework for student success that will continue well beyond the grant period.
Funding for the project begins October 1, 2026, and continues through September 2031. The first year of funding totals approximately $1.66 million and will support renovation, technology modernization, staffing, professional development, and implementation of student success initiatives.
CIS 210 Students Bring Computer Hardware Concepts to Life
Students in NC Wesleyan University’s Computer Information Systems (CIS210) course recently took a hands-on approach to learning computer hardware by assembling miniature, 3D-printed desktop computer models.
The activity gave students the opportunity to move beyond diagrams and terminology and physically explore how major computer components—including the motherboard, memory, storage, graphics card, cooling system and power supply—fit together within a computer.
Designed as a low-risk introduction to computer assembly, the project allowed students to manipulate and assemble components without the complexities of working with full-size hardware. The hands-on experience supported tactile learning while encouraging curiosity, discussion and peer collaboration.
Beyond reinforcing technical concepts, the project helped students build confidence as they prepare to work with actual computer hardware. Students also received their miniature computers as keepsakes they can display, reassemble or use to share what they learned with friends and family.
The project is one example of how experiential learning in the classroom can make technical concepts more approachable, engaging and memorable.
NC Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Academy Establish Partnership to Expand Teacher Education Experiences
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Rocky Mount Academy (RMA) have entered into a new partnership that will provide NC Wesleyan teacher education students with expanded opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a private-school setting.
Through the agreement, NC Wesleyan students pursuing teacher education will have opportunities to participate in field placements, practicums and student teaching experiences at Rocky Mount Academy. Students may also engage in classroom observations, tutoring, mini-lessons and other educational activities alongside experienced educators.
The partnership represents a new dimension of experiential learning for NC Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program. The university has previously established formal partnerships with traditional public-school systems and public charter schools, but this agreement marks an opportunity for teacher candidates to gain experience within a private-school environment.
“This MOU represents a creative and important partnership for both NC Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Academy that will allow our candidates for teacher education to gain valuable experience in the RMA classrooms and activities while strengthening our relationship to RMA,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NC Wesleyan University. “We look forward to strengthening these institutional connections as well as the many opportunities for our students to gain valuable experiences with RMA students and classes.”
Accreditation Specific
The agreement also provides NC Wesleyan students with the opportunity to learn from fully licensed teachers while experiencing the distinct instructional environment of a private school.
“While our program accreditation with the North Carolina State Board of Education and our national accreditation agency, AAQEP, both require official agreements with school systems and schools for pre-service teachers to gain experience, this one is different,” said Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer at NC Wesleyan University.
“This agreement is with a private school, which provides a great opportunity since we do have graduates who will decide to teach at private, and not public, institutions upon graduation.”
Under the agreement, NC Wesleyan teacher education students will be able to complete placement activities at Rocky Mount Academy while gaining experience through activities such as tutoring students, observing teachers and teaching mini-lessons. The agreement also establishes expectations for cooperating teachers, student teachers and college supervisors throughout the placement experience.
Meet Lily Taylor
Lily Taylor, NCWU rising junior, is a Special Education major who is currently taking prerequisite Teacher Education courses prior to formally applying for entry into the program. She will be the first to participate in this opportunity.
April Whitehead, Director of Exceptional Children at RMA, shares “Rocky Mount Academy is excited to partner with North Carolina Wesleyan University to help enhance the educational experiences of future educators. We are thrilled to welcome Lily to RMA and provide her with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills she has gained through her coursework in a real classroom setting.
We are excited to watch Lily grow as an educator, build meaningful relationships with our students, and gain valuable hands-on experience. We are honored to have Lily learn alongside some of the best educators in the business and become part of the RMA community. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to develop the skills, confidence, and passion needed to make a difference in the lives of her future students.”
Program Distinction
For NC Wesleyan, the partnership adds another important perspective to the preparation of future educators.
“During my five-year stint at NC Wesleyan, we have only partnered with traditional public-school systems and public charter schools,” Spragley said. “This MOU provides an opportunity for our Teacher Education students to gain valuable experience in a high-quality private school. As a result, our students will be able to concretely compare and contrast their respective experiences between a traditional public, public charter and private school. To say I am excited is an understatement.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting future educators with authentic classroom experiences while building stronger relationships between NC Wesleyan and the Rocky Mount community.
For NC Wesleyan students, the experience will offer an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the educational landscape and explore the different environments in which they may ultimately build their teaching careers.
NCWU Esports Joins $500,000 Scholarship Initiative at Game and Geek Expo
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is proud to announce its participation in a major scholarship initiative at the 2026 Game and Geek Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. In partnership with Carolina Games Summit, Barton College, Louisburg College, and USC Upstate, more than $500,000 in esports scholarship opportunities were available to competitors across multiple tournaments.
The Game and Geek Expo, held September 5–6 at the Raleigh Convention Center, brought together gamers, families, colleges, industry professionals, and members of the gaming community for a weekend centered around competition, education, and opportunity.
Competitors participated in tournaments featuring titles including Counter-Strike 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart, Forza 6, and Gran Turismo 7, creating an opportunity for talented players to showcase their skills while learning more about collegiate esports programs and scholarship opportunities.
NCWU Esports Delivers Strong Competitive Performances
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports had a strong showing across multiple competitions throughout the weekend.
Lamont Taylor (SoulkingLJ) delivered an impressive performance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, placing 17th out of 74 competitors in Singles. Taylor also competed in Doubles, earning a 5th-place finish out of 14 teams.
Anthony Conner and Shafiq Nuijts also represented NCWU Esports in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Singles competition, with each finishing 49th in the 74-player bracket.
Nuijts expanded NCWU’s presence beyond Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by competing in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Singles Finals, where he secured an impressive 8th-place finish out of 60 competitors.
These results highlight the continued growth and competitive presence of NCWU Esports across multiple titles and demonstrate the dedication of Wesleyan’s student competitors on a regional stage.
Brightspeed Support Helps NCWU Esports Travel and Compete
The continued support of Brightspeed has played an important role in giving North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports student-athletes the opportunity to travel beyond campus and represent the University at major esports competitions.
Through Brightspeed’s investment in NCWU Esports, the program has been able to help cover important travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals. This support allows NCWU competitors to focus on performing at their best while gaining valuable experience competing against players from other colleges and communities.
Brightspeed’s support has already helped NCWU Esports travel to competitions on larger stages, including previous events in Texas and South Carolina. That continued investment helps make opportunities such as the Game and Geek Expo possible for NCWU students and strengthens the program’s ability to compete throughout the region and beyond.
The partnership extends beyond travel. Brightspeed’s support has contributed to scholarships, equipment upgrades, esports program travel, technology, and expanded competitive opportunities. These resources help NCWU Esports provide students with experiences that connect competition with teamwork, leadership, broadcasting, content creation, technology, and career development.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports, participating in the Game and Geek Expo represents more than competition. It reflects the program’s continued commitment to creating pathways for students who want to turn their passion for gaming, esports, technology, content creation, and digital media into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Chantoni Grant, NCWU Director of Esports, shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports is focused on showing students that esports can be much bigger than just playing video games. It can create opportunities for education, leadership, content creation, broadcasting, technology, and future careers. Being part of an event offering more than $500,000 in scholarship opportunities allows us to connect directly with students and families and show them what is possible through collegiate esports.”
The 2026 event also marked the first year that representatives from all four participating colleges were present on the show floor, allowing prospective students and their families to speak directly with college representatives while experiencing the tournaments and activities throughout the weekend.
The partnership aligns with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commitment to hands-on learning and providing students with practical experiences that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. NCWU Esports continues to build opportunities that connect gaming with education, professional development, leadership, media, technology, and community engagement.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University Esports provides students with opportunities to compete, create, lead, and develop professional skills through the rapidly growing esports industry. The program uses gaming as a platform for experiential learning while creating opportunities in competition, broadcasting, content creation, event production, technology, leadership, and community engagement.
Through partnerships, tournaments, scholarships, and educational initiatives, NCWU Esports is working to establish North Carolina Wesleyan University as a destination for students who want to pursue their passion for gaming while earning a college education.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com
NC Wesleyan Correctional Institutions Class Welcomes Guest Speaker from Nash Correctional Institution
Students in North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Correctional Institutions class received an inside look at the realities of working in corrections when current NCWU psychology student and newly appointed Correctional Officer Ulrick Volk visited the class as a guest speaker.
Officer Volk, a former student of Professor Florence R. Jones, shared his experiences transitioning from college student to correctional officer at Nash Correctional Institution. He was escorted by Warden Talena Lee, who also spoke with students about careers, professional advancement, and opportunities within corrections.
Dressed in his professionally pressed correctional officer uniform, Officer Volk presented “Inside Corrections: The Reality of Working in a Correctional Institution.” His presentation covered a variety of topics, including why he chose corrections, his expectations versus the realities of the profession, the role and responsibilities of a correctional officer, direct supervision, de-escalation, prevention and response, contraband prevention, and lessons he has learned since entering the field.
About Officer Volk
Officer Volk’s journey into corrections began in April 2026, near the end of the Spring semester, when he contacted Professor Jones to express his interest in pursuing a career in corrections. Recognizing his potential and commitment, Professor Jones contacted Warden Lee, who assisted in supporting his transition into the profession.
Officer Volk went on to attend Correctional Officer Basic Training, where he distinguished himself among his peers. He graduated at the top of his class in firearms training, placed second on the final examination, and was selected to serve as the class speaker at graduation.
His presentation generated considerable interest and discussion among the students. Class members asked thoughtful questions about his fears and experiences, daily job responsibilities, balancing college with full-time employment, safety, and the challenges of working in a correctional environment. His professional and candid responses provided students with a realistic perspective on the profession and sparked interest in corrections as a potential career path for several students.
Warden Lee also engaged with the class, sharing her own experiences in corrections, discussing career advancement and promotional opportunities, and providing students with additional information about Nash Correctional Institution. Students eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn from her extensive experience as a correctional leader.
Mr. Lance Woodard also accompanied Officer Volk and Warden Lee. Warden Lee introduced him and provided students with additional insight into his background and experience in corrections, as well as his professional access and connection to Nash Correctional Institution.
Criminal Justice at NCWU
The visit provided students with an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom instruction with real-world correctional experiences. Rather than simply learning about corrections from a textbook, students were able to hear directly from professionals working within the field and gain a better understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, opportunities, and rewards associated with a career in corrections.
On behalf of Dr. Gail Marsal, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice; Professor Florence R. Jones; and North Carolina Wesleyan University, we extend our sincere appreciation to Officer Ulrick Volk, Warden Talena Lee, and Mr. Lance Woodard for taking the time to visit the Correctional Institutions class and share their knowledge, experiences, and professional insight with our students.
Their willingness to invest in the next generation of criminal justice professionals made this an educational and memorable experience for the class.
