North Carolina Wesleyan University’s esports program continues to grow and create new opportunities for students as Brightspeed expands its commitment to strengthening STEM education and esports initiatives across North Carolina through a major statewide investment.
Brightspeed recently announced a $580,000 investment in STEM and esports programs designed to enhance digital learning, support competitive gaming opportunities, and build stronger technology ecosystems throughout the region. The funding supports a wide range of initiatives, including tournament sponsorships, technology lab development, and direct support for school and university esports programs.
As part of this statewide effort, North Carolina Wesleyan University esports received funding support for scholarships, equipment upgrades, and travel opportunities, further strengthening the University’s competitive gaming presence and expanding student access to high-quality esports experiences.
“Esports is about far more than gaming,” said Chantoni Grant, Director of Esports at NCWU. “It provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, strategy, communication, and technical skills that align with today’s workforce. This investment helps ensure our students have the resources to compete and succeed at a higher level.”
Student Spotlight: Doors Open for NC Wesleyan Competitors
For students like Lamont Taylor, an NC Wesleyan esports competitor from Princeton, the program has provided opportunities far beyond the screen. Taylor said the program has opened doors both in competition and in career development.
“This program has changed what I thought was possible for me,” Taylor said. “We’ve been able to compete at a higher level and represent our university on bigger stages. It’s not just about gaming. It’s about learning technology, teamwork and skills that will help us in our future careers.”
Taylor’s experience reflects the growing role esports plays in higher education, helping students gain hands-on experience in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and technical skill development all while building confidence and representing their institution.
Esports Growth Meets Workforce Development
Brightspeed’s investment reflects a growing recognition of esports as an academic and career-building platform, particularly when paired with STEM education. Across the state, funding is supporting initiatives such as:
- Sponsorship of major esports competitions including the Coca-Cola All Stars Golden Ticket Contest, Formula STEM Esports Cup, and Players League Madden NFL Tournament
- Technology lab support for high schools across North Carolina
- Community-based tournament series and youth esports development opportunities
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, this support strengthens the Bishop Gaming Association and provides students with expanded competitive and professional development opportunities.
Esports participation at NC Wesleyan offers students the chance to build skills in areas such as broadcasting, content creation, event production, analytics, digital marketing, and information technology — all while representing the University through competitive play.
Get Involved with NC Wesleyan Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University encourages students, alumni, and community partners to support the University’s growing esports efforts.
Those interested in learning more about the esports program, partnership opportunities, or student involvement can visit ncwu.edu or follow NC Wesleyan on social media for updates, team highlights, and upcoming competitions.
NC Wesleyan Music Production Program Releases First EP, “Indie Rock”
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the release of the first-ever music Extended Play (EP) produced through its Music Production degree program. The four-song cover EP, titled “Indie Rock,” is now available on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, Apple Music, and other major streaming platforms.
Released on April 10, 2026, the Extended Play represents a major milestone for the growing Music Production program and showcases the hands-on learning experiences offered to students at NCWU. The project was a collaborative effort between two music production courses during the Fall 2025 semester, providing students with real-world experience in multiple stages of professional music creation.
Throughout the project, students applied key skills developed through the program, including music analysis, live performance preparation, studio recording techniques, mixing, and mastering, culminating in a polished final production distributed through the University’s official record label, 301 North Records.
Students involved in the project include:
- Noah Jacques – production
- Elly Luna – production, vocals
- Dakota Lynch – production, vocals, guitars
- Edgar Ortiz-Morales – production, bass
- Adrian Parson – production
- Lamont Taylor Jr. – production, vocals, keyboards
Also contributing to the project was Elic Gurganus, Technical Director of the Dunn Center at NCWU, who served as a guest vocalist on the EP. The project’s Executive Producer was Tony Sawyer, Assistant Professor of Music Production, who also performed all drums and percussion for the recordings.
The “Indie Rock” EP features covers of four well-known songs from prominent indie artists: Hozier (“Too Sweet”), Djo (“End of Beginning”), Tame Impala (“Elephant”), and Peter Bjorn and John (“Young Folks”).
With this release, NCWU continues expanding creative opportunities for students through experiential learning and professional-level production experiences. The EP stands as a strong example of the University’s commitment to preparing students for careers in the music and entertainment industries.
The EP is now available on all major streaming services.
NC Wesleyan Teacher Education Program Maintains 100% edTPA Pass Rate
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce that its Teacher Education program has once again achieved a 100% pass rate on the edTPA portfolio assessment, a nationally scored and required evaluation used by accredited teacher preparation programs across the country.
A total of 13 NCWU students have successfully submitted and passed the edTPA since the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction required that the item be used as the singular portfolio option for accredited Teacher Education programs beginning Fall 2025. Most recently, three additional students received passing scores, including one traditional student and two Adult and Professional Study (APS) students.
Quotes from NCWU Faculty & Staff
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our students and our faculty,” said Kelvin L. Spragley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education. “The edTPA is a rigorous assessment that requires significant preparation, support, and dedication. To maintain a 100% pass rate reflects the strength of our program and the commitment of our instructors to student success.”
Spragley also recognized the work of the program’s faculty, specifically highlighting Dr. Hart and Dr. Collins for their leadership and support of students throughout the semester in EDU 415.
“The guidance and encouragement provided in EDU 415 played an essential role in helping our teacher candidates complete this important milestone as they finalize their North Carolina teaching licenses,” Spragley said. “And it’s important to note teachers are licensed, not certified.”
Dr. Joseph H. Lane, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, praised the Teacher Education program for its continued success and commitment to preparing highly qualified educators.
“Maintaining a 100% pass rate on a nationally scored assessment like the edTPA is a remarkable achievement,” Lane said. “It reflects the academic excellence of our Teacher Education program and the dedication of our faculty to ensuring that NC Wesleyan graduates are fully prepared to serve and lead in today’s classrooms. We are incredibly proud of our students and the faculty members who support them.”
The Student Experience
One of the students who recently passed the edTPA is Emily Mason, an Elementary Education major in the Fall 2026 graduating class. Mason said the process strengthened her ability to create meaningful lessons that support every learner.
“The edTPA experience taught me about the importance of planning your lessons and using knowledge of students to create the best possible lessons so that every student can learn,” Mason said. “It taught me to look at my students and figure out how to plan my lessons to fit and meet all my students’ needs.”
Mason added that completing the portfolio is an exciting step toward her future career in education.
“Completing this licensure requirement makes me feel excited for what’s to come in my student teaching and beyond,” she said. “It also allows me to breathe a bit easier. I feel a lot more relaxed and prepared for what is to come.”
As she looks ahead, Mason said her goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel supported emotionally and academically.
“I want to make sure that every student who walks in my room feels heard and understood,” she said. “I want to make sure to meet my students where they are emotionally and academically.”
Mason also offered encouragement to future teacher candidates preparing for the edTPA.
“Take your time and manage your time,” she said. “Look at your handbooks and listen to the feedback provided by your professor. Most of all—you’ve got this!”
Why it matters…
Maintaining state and regional accreditation standards, while also preparing students to succeed on licensure assessments such as edTPA, requires extensive faculty effort and resources. Spragley emphasized that achieving these results within a small liberal arts institution makes the accomplishment even more significant.
“To maintain high pass rates on licensure tests and performance portfolios as a small program within a small liberal arts university is a juggernaut of a task,” he said. “While we may not have the resources that many larger institutions possess, we continue to meet the challenge and achieve exceptional outcomes.”
NCWU’s Teacher Education program continues to prepare future educators through rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and strong faculty mentorship ensuring graduates are equipped to lead and succeed in today’s classrooms.
NC Wesleyan to Host NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds This Weekend
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) will serve as host site for the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds this weekend, welcoming some of the nation’s top programs to Rocky Mount for a high-stakes postseason competition.
The tournament will take place Friday through Sunday, May 8–11, with teams arriving on campus Thursday for practice sessions. The championship format features team competition, with both singles and doubles matches contributing to the overall team score.
NC Wesleyan will be one of six teams competing in the tournament, along with Albright College, Stevens Institute of Technology, Penn State Harrisburg, Emory University, and Johns Hopkins University.
“Being selected to host an NCAA postseason competition reflects positively on NC Wesleyan’s facilities, operations, and overall commitment to providing a high-quality student-athlete experience,” said Madison Morrison, Assistant Athletic Director. “It speaks to the trust the NCAA has in our ability to execute a championship-level event.”
Hosting responsibilities involve extensive planning and campus collaboration. From preparing facilities to coordinating travel and accommodations for teams and officials, the event requires alignment across athletics staff, facilities teams, and multiple campus partners.
“There is extensive coordination involved, including facility preparation, team and officials’ travel and accommodations, scheduling, compliance with NCAA championship protocols, and ensuring a strong game-day environment,” Morrison said. “It is a collaborative effort across athletics, facilities, and campus partners.”
Tennis Head Coach Albie Brice highlighted the tradition NC Wesleyan tennis has built in recent years and the significance of being selected once again as a regional host site.
“The Men’s and Women’s programs have established a tradition of excellence through unwavering dedication and hard work both on and off the court,” Brice said. “This marks the third time the Men’s Team has been chosen as an NCAA Regional Host since 2021, while the Women’s Team has hosted twice since then. In the past six years, NCWU has hosted five NCAA Regionals, showcasing its commitment to nurturing top-tier tennis talent.”
Brice also emphasized the competitive level of the tournament field and the opportunity for the weekend to produce memorable postseason moments.
“We anticipate an exceptional tennis tournament this weekend featuring some of the nation’s finest teams,” Brice said. “This regional is expected to be highly competitive, and the victorious team will undoubtedly receive a prestigious accolade to enhance its program’s illustrious history.”
“North Carolina Wesleyan is proud to welcome NCAA postseason competition to our campus,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Hosting the NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds reflects the excellence of our athletic programs and the dedication of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes. We invite the community to join us in celebrating this exciting opportunity and supporting our Battling Bishops.”
Fans are encouraged to attend matches and help create an energetic environment as NC Wesleyan takes the national stage in NCAA postseason play.
“Attending matches, creating an energetic and respectful environment, and helping us showcase the hospitality NC Wesleyan is known for all go a long way,” Morrison added.
Championship Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Friday, May 8
10:00 a.m. – Stevens vs. Penn State Harrisburg (Match 1)
2:00 p.m. – NC Wesleyan vs. Albright (Match 2)
Saturday, May 9
10:00 a.m. – Emory vs. Winner of Match 1 (Match 3)
2:00 p.m. – Johns Hopkins vs. Winner of Match 2 (Match 4)
Sunday, May 11
12:00 p.m. – Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4 (Match 5)
Event Details
Event: NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championship Preliminary Rounds (First, Second, Third Rounds)
Location: North Carolina Wesleyan University (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Dates: May 8–11, 2026
Teams Competing: NC Wesleyan, Albright, Stevens, Penn State Harrisburg, Emory, Johns Hopkins
Format: Team competition including singles and doubles matches
Other Bishops Competing
In addition to hosting the NCAA Men’s Tennis preliminary rounds, NC Wesleyan Women’s Tennis will begin NCAA Tournament play on Thursday, May 7, traveling to Emory University for a first-round matchup against Asbury University at 10:00 a.m. The NC Wesleyan Softball team will also continue postseason competition this weekend, competing in the USA South Conference Championship Series beginning Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Pfeiffer University.
All matches and games will be streamed live through the NC Wesleyan athletics website at ncwsports.com
NCWU Students Present at SETAC Conference
Six North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) students recently attended the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Carolinas Conference, a regional scientific meeting that brings together researchers, professionals, and students working in environmental science and ecotoxicology. NCWU students presented original research posters, gaining hands-on experience sharing scientific findings with experts in the field.
The Carolinas SETAC Conference serves as an important venue for environmental scientists to share research, receive professional feedback, and stay current on emerging environmental challenges. For students, the conference also provides valuable exposure to the professional scientific community and offers an opportunity to develop confidence in public speaking and research communication.
The students attended as part of BIO325 (Ecotoxicology), a course designed around independent student research that develops into a manuscript for publication and a professional presentation. Students prepared throughout the semester by developing research questions, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and creating professional scientific posters. They also practiced presenting their findings and answering questions to prepare for conference discussions.
The students presented two posters focused on the environmental impacts of fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, and microplastics on freshwater snails.
Poster presentations included:
Poster 1: Ecotoxicological Effects of Fluoxetine on a Freshwater Bioindicator Snail, Physa acuta
Ben Sellers, Ayden Harper, Dr. Jason Doll, and Dr. Daniel Elías
Poster 2: Individual and Combined Effects of Fluoxetine and Microplastics on Physa acuta
Ben Sellers, Andrea Elaez Miranda, Kayla Atkins, Lauren Martin, Jadyn Smith, Christian Thompson, Dr. Jason Doll, Dr. Daniel Elías
To conduct their research, students completed controlled laboratory experiments using freshwater snails as a model organism. Methods included exposing snails to fluoxetine and microplastics, measuring biological responses such as movement, egestion, and reproduction, and analyzing data using statistical software.
Students received strong feedback and thoughtful questions from conference faculty, scientists, and professionals, which helped them strengthen their work and expand their understanding of the research process.
Dr. Daniel Elías, who helped guide the student research, said the experience of bringing students to a professional scientific conference is especially rewarding. “Students get to see how other undergraduate and graduate researchers present their work, and they also learn about emerging topics where science is currently focused,” Elías said. “It broadens their perspective and gives them an opportunity to interact with professionals in the field. At the same time, they build confidence in their presentation skills and begin expanding their professional network for future career or graduate opportunities.”
The conference experience directly aligns with the goals of BIO325, which emphasizes applied research and professional-level communication. The objective of the course is for students to complete independent research that leads to both publication-ready writing and a formal presentation of results.
NC Wesleyan supports undergraduate research opportunities through funding for supplies and conference attendance, helping ensure students can participate in meaningful, real-world academic experiences.
EasyFlyers Establishes Annual Scholarship at North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is pleased to announce the creation of the EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship, established through the generosity of EasyFlyers, a global company recognized for its work in transportation and logistics solutions. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a Wesleyan student majoring in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
As a leader in the movement of goods, materials, and critical shipments, EasyFlyers Logistics understands firsthand the growing demand for professionals who are well‑educated in supply chain systems, distribution strategies, and logistics technology. By supporting students in this field, the company is helping prepare future industry leaders who will drive efficiency, innovation, and reliability across global transportation networks.
“Supporting students pursuing supply chain management is a natural extension of what we do,” Nichol Ally, President of EasyFlyers USA shared. “Today’s logistics environment requires talent with strong analytical skills, practical problem‑solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We believe Wesleyan students will help shape the future of our industry.”
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, scholarships are typically created with the long‑term goal of growing the fund through additional contributions, ensuring that students can rely on ongoing support throughout their academic journey. The EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship will follow this model. Recipients will be selected each fall in the academic year, however contributions to the scholarship fund are welcomed year‑round in order to expand the award’s impact.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mark Hinson, noted, “Scholarships like this do more than reduce financial barriers – they open doors for students to enter high‑demand career fields that power our regional and national economy. We are grateful to EasyFlyers for investing in our students and their futures.”
EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship
The University looks forward to celebrating future scholarship recipients and strengthening its partnership with EasyFlyers in the years ahead. If you would like to contribute to the EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship, visit our dedicated scholarship funding website or you can also give at ncwu.edu/donate and follow link to our GiveCampus Donation website, type “EasyFlyers” in the designation field to select the scholarship fund.
Transforming NCWU Classrooms with AI
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is embracing artificial intelligence in a creative, hands-on way through its AI for Professionals Honors Class, taught by Dr. Jackie Lewis. Made up of a mix of sophomores and juniors from a wide variety of majors, the course encourages students to explore AI in ways that are both innovative and practical.
Dr. Lewis was inspired by the platform BoodleBox, a secure, FERPA-compliant, and collaborative AI tool that provides access to multiple AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. She felt confident bringing it into the classroom because it allows her to set clear restrictions and boundaries for student use. Students shared that working with the platform has helped them better understand both the power and the limitations of AI, learning that while it offers endless possibilities, it also requires careful evaluation and responsible use.
With about 15 students in the class, creativity has been at the center of every project. Each student built their own AI “robot” for a specific purpose based on their personal goals, academic needs, or interests. In addition, the class worked in teams of four to design a unique class mascot. Students combined the traits they felt represented their group, entered those ideas into AI, and refined prompts until they generated images that truly captured their vision. The mascots ranged from a strong butterfly in a business suit and heels, symbolizing growth and empowerment, to a pack of fierce wolves, representing teamwork, strength, knowledge, and confidence.
Throughout the semester, students have taken their projects even further by collaborating one-on-one with professors within their majors to make their bots more customized and effective. Their inspirations have varied widely. Some were motivated by dietary restrictions, others by fitness goals, and many connected their projects to their academic field such as IT, physics, marketing, or athletics. Others created bots based on personal hobbies like murder mystery games, hiking, climbing, or cars.
One student, Ksenia Goncharuk, works with NCWU’s Residence Life Office and designed her bot to simplify manuals and student handbook information. By uploading Residence Life documents into her bot’s knowledge base, she can ask questions such as, “What is allowed versus not allowed in the dorms?” She is also working to make it bilingual to better support Spanish-speaking students.
Val Disano created a bot called “College Sous-Chef,” which helps generate dorm-friendly recipes that fit her dairy-free diet. The bot is also trained to break down measurements and cooking terms to make recipes easier to follow.
Taking a fun and imaginative approach, Grace Walls built a bot that generates an interactive murder mystery game. The bot creates scenic locations, multiple characters to interview, and even includes red herrings to challenge the player. Once the user believes they’ve solved the case, they can prompt the bot with “I want to arrest this person,” and it will walk them through the clues and reveal whether they were correct.
Makenzie Thornton designed her bot to help her loved one who suffers from severe allergies. The bot can generate allergy-safe recipes and even pull from standard recipe PDFs to substitute ingredients that would make meals safe to eat.
To support organization and academic success, Caleb Allen created a bot that helps students manage a full course load. It can build sample syllabi, create calendars, assist with study planning, and even help students understand how their grades are weighted and how to best use their free time.
Joaquin Goldman, a soccer player, created a motivational bot inspired by coaching advice. The bot is restricted from giving medical guidance but can recommend foods, exercises, and routines to help users reach goals such as weight loss or muscle gain, all while keeping an encouraging tone.
Davis Wells, a Computer Information Systems major, built a bot designed to simplify coding language by breaking down acronyms, defining technical terms, and explaining concepts in beginner-friendly ways. Davis emphasized that the process requires constant reviewing and correcting to ensure the bot is accurately interpreting the data.
Zachariah Johnson, a Business Administration major, developed a bot to simplify the car-buying process for high school and college students. Unlike a traditional pushy salesman approach, his bot uses a welcoming and supportive tone. It asks questions about budget, seating needs, and whether the buyer wants a new or used vehicle, then generates options with explanations for why they may be a good fit.
Ivy Chelagat, a Physics student, worked closely with Dr. Allen to create a tutoring-style bot, especially helpful since the program currently has no tutors. The bot pulls strictly from uploaded course notes and is designed to guide students through problems using hints and questions before giving the final answer—helping students learn without being misled by inaccurate outside information.
Yubraj Bhandari, who named his bot “Mount Everest,” is using it to support his personal goal of climbing Mount Everest before turning 40. His bot analyzes research and advice from experienced climbers, including common mistakes and dangerous areas of the climb. His inspiration comes from his passion for hiking and climbing in his home country, Nepal.
Alex Rodriguez created a bot to assist with identifying coding errors for his Senior Seminar. His bot uses a Claude-based database and focuses on clear explanations and defining acronyms.
Arlando Neal, a marketing major, designed a bot that reads consumer reports and marketing databases to generate SWOT analyses, comparisons, charts, and written summaries, helping marketers better understand audience behavior and preferences.
Through this course, NCWU students are not only learning how to use AI, but they are also learning how to build with it, question it, refine it, and apply it responsibly. Their creativity and drive have turned the classroom into a space where innovation is thriving, and where students are preparing for the future in a truly hands-on way.
NCWU Recognized for Wellness by ACSM’s EIM® Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is one of only 200 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on its campus. Faculty/Staff Personal Training, Wesleyan Wellness initiatives, the Walk with the President, the Health and Movement Science Club Pickleball Tournament, the Lunch and Learn Series for Health, and other physical activity events conducted by the NCWU Health and Movement Science Club helped NCWU earn a Silver-level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program. Exercise is Medicine is a community-impact initiative of the American College of Sports Medicine.
“This is truly a team effort! The success of our Exercise Science program at NCWU is built on the strong and sustained support of the administration, particularly Dr. Duff; the leadership and engagement of the Health and Movement Science Club under Presidents Ava Lowry and Sam Colesano; the Lunch and Learn lecture series launched by Dr. Shannon Crowley; and the faculty and staff personal training program and Wesleyan Wellness program led by Kimla Brandt,” said Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science and advisor to the Exercise is Medicine on Campus program.”
All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on May 29 at the EIM recognition ceremony at ACSM’s Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to the health of our university community. We believe that an active lifestyle is vital to our students’ success and overall well-being and together, students, faculty, and staff we foster a culture that prioritizes health, fitness and wellness.
About Exercise Is Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at www.acsm.org.
OnlineMasters.com Ranks North Carolina Wesleyan University Among Best in the U.S.
OnlineMasters.com, a trusted resource for accredited online graduate education, has recognized North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) in its annual rankings, naming the University among the Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for 2026.
This distinction reflects NCWU’s commitment to delivering high-quality, career-focused graduate education, particularly for adult learners balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities while pursuing advanced degrees.
Unlike traditional ranking systems, OnlineMasters.com uses a data-driven methodology designed to provide prospective graduate students with practical insights into academic quality, affordability, graduation outcomes, and student support. Institutions are evaluated using a proprietary scoring model that incorporates national data sources such as the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, and institutional disclosures, as well as benchmarking indicators from organizations including U.S. News & World Report.
NCWU’s Criminal Justice program stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and emphasis on real-world preparation. The program is designed with the adult learner in mind, providing a supportive, engaging online environment that allows students to advance professionally while continuing to meet the demands of everyday life.
“At North Carolina Wesleyan, we understand that many of our graduate students are working professionals already serving in their communities,” said Katie Farrell, Dean of Adult & Professional Studies. “Our online programs are built to meet students where they are, providing flexibility, individualized support, and coursework that directly connects to career advancement in the criminal justice field.”
NCWU’s Master of Criminal Justice program equips students with advanced knowledge in criminal justice leadership, policy, ethics, and contemporary challenges in law enforcement and public safety. Graduates leave the program prepared to pursue higher-level roles in corrections, law enforcement administration, investigative services, homeland security, and other related fields.
“Our goal is to ensure students are not only earning a degree, but also gaining the confidence and expertise needed to take the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Gail Marsal, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Program Coordinator. “This program supports students as they transition into leadership roles and expand their impact within the criminal justice system.”
OnlineMasters.com’s rankings are focused exclusively on accredited, nonprofit institutions offering online and hybrid master’s programs. Each school is assigned an Online Master’s Score ranging from 0 to 100, measuring overall performance across the criteria most predictive of graduate student success.
NCWU’s recognition in the 2026 rankings reinforces the University’s growing reputation for providing adult learners with innovative graduate opportunities that lead to meaningful career outcomes.
To view the complete ranking, visit:
https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/criminal-justice/
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.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
About ONLINEMASTERS.COM
OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to helping students identify high-quality online master’s programs. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates separately from editorial and marketing functions to preserve objectivity and methodological integrity.
Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. Its mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education.
To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com.
NCWU Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) hosted its annual Education Pinning Ceremony on March 30 in The Dunn Center, recognizing students as they officially entered the University’s Teacher Education Program. The ceremony marked an important milestone in each candidate’s academic journey as they received education pins and certificates symbolizing their commitment to the teaching profession.
The Pinning Ceremony serves as a meaningful rite of passage for future educators and highlights the high standards required for admission into the program. Candidates must successfully complete several requirements prior to being pinned, including passing the Praxis Core Pre-Professional Skills Test, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, completing an interview with the Teacher Education Council, earning two positive recommendations, and submitting a written essay.
The ceremony included remarks and presentations from faculty, students, and special guests. Jordan Contreras delivered the invocation and shared brief remarks about NCWU’s award-winning Afterschool Program. Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, Dean of Traditional Enrollment, welcomed attendees, followed by an occasion address from Alexis Williams-Jackson, President of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE). Additional performances included “God is My Everything” presented by Willenscia Richardson-Hardy and a heartfelt poem titled Teaching Matters delivered by Ivy Chelagat.
Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas McGeachy, the 2025 Principal of the Year for Nash Early College and Nash County Schools.
The ceremony also included recognition of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship Foundation, established and sponsored by Glinda Williams in honor of her daughter, Taunja Cox. The foundation supports students majoring in special education at NCWU while also promoting extracurricular opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Lenoir County. The scholarship award totals $1,500 and is presented annually to one selected student. This year’s recipient of the scholarship was Willenscia Richardson-Hardy, a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer delivered by Alijah Battle.
The 2026 cohort of NCWU Education Candidates includes:
Ella Barfield, Dana Barlow, Brianna Clemons, Geovanni Dixon, Whitley Griffin, Emily Mason, Uniqua McDowell, Amiyah Murphy, Jermonta Powell, Shaylee Price, Bethany Tant, Krystal Taybron, Lashaniqua Vines, Felicia Wilkerson, and Alexis Jackson Williams.
These candidates represent the next generation of educators—prepared to serve with dedication, compassion, and purpose. North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to support these future teachers as they begin a profession that shapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires lifelong learning.
