ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Four international students at North Carolina Wesleyan University have teamed up to develop a course and textbook that promotes mental well-being among their peers. The Wesleyan Mindset— Inner Journey Journal is the brainchild of former student-athletes Gregor Baum (Germany) and Harjot “Hardy” Singh (New Zealand), with help from sisters Candela Conde Latini and Delfina Conde Latini (Argentina) on design and layout. Both Gregor and Harjot independently took the initiative to create this resource, not as a required class project, completing it in a few short months during the fall 2022 semester.
The two left their home countries to attend NC Wesleyan to grow, learn and succeed. They quickly formed a strong bond over their shared experiences as student-athletes who endured severe injuries which altered their journeys. Gregor was injured during his first week of practice on the Battling Bishops tennis team and Hardy just after his first week of starting at his dream high school. Both faced very tough periods of being hurt, far from home and unprecedented challenges. Each thought their dreams and identities had been crushed. Through perseverance and learning, they both found new passions in leadership, public speaking and service towards others— skillsets they want to share with others in similar situations.
“I was so excited to complete this project that I couldn’t sleep. Hardy and I spent so many late nights in the library to make this journal a reality,” stated Gregor. “I hope that other students will greatly benefit from taking this inward journey. I’m a firm believer in the American dream. If you work hard, align yourself with the right people and remain optimistic, doors will open for you.”
Every Tuesday night from March 14 until April 18, Gregor and Candela will coach NCWU students through the Wesleyan Mindset— Inner Journey Journal, having them explore areas of self-reflection, energy sources, gratitude, adversity and success. With the goal of leaving their University in a better place than they found it, Gregor and Hardy developed the journal they wish they had when transitioning to college. The tools and strategies it presents helps students find the inner hero among themselves.
“The Wesleyan Mindset journal provides introspection from a student’s point of view for establishing a successful mindset to combat the struggles that many students encounter on their life’s journey,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This project demonstrates the benefit of a small, close-knit university. These students came up with a practical way to serve their fellow Bishops and pitched it to the President. Now, they have an opportunity to implement this as a pilot course and potentially turn it into a one-credit hour class in the future. The pilot course will be offered as part of the University’s Practical Skills Academy (PSA), which offers life and professional skills to students in areas not typically covered in traditional coursework.
“I was excited when Gregor and Harjot reached out to me about their Mindset Journal. We talked about what motivated them to write this journal and it was clear that we share the same goal, which is to help students transition to college life,” stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. “We agreed to pilot the journal in the spring sessions of COL 103: Wesleyan Transition. At the start of the course, students were given the journal and Gregor visited the class sessions to introduce himself and share the vision. Students are working through the journals now at their own pace and the COL 103 instructors offer students opportunities to share their growth in class discussions and writings. We look forward to hearing how the Mindset Journal impacted these students and hopefully using the journals in future COL 103 sessions.”
Gregor and Hardy took the practical skills that they learned at NCWU and their passion for helping others to develop GH Inner Performance, LLC in January 2023. The mission of their company is to help others find the hero in themselves.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
A Day for Wesleyan Makes a Lifelong Impact
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On March 28, the community and NC Wesleyan alumni will have an opportunity to show their Bishop Pride and support the University during its annual day of giving, A Day for Wesleyan. This is a day when all NC Wesleyan University supporters—particularly alumni—celebrate the University through donations to support Wesleyan and its students. Together, we can help advance the educational experiences for all students, invest in new technologies for learning, allow students to grow into their passions and help build Wesleyan’s future.
With multiple ways to show your support, your gift can best impact Wesleyan students through the Emerging Needs Fund, Athletics and General Scholarships. Gifts to the Emerging Needs Fund help position NC Wesleyan University to seize unexpected opportunities, respond to new trends and resolve critical issues. This fund also boosts student and faculty-led initiatives not yet imagined or tried. If you’re into sports, give to one or more of NCWU’s 14 athletic teams and direct your contribution to their success. The General Scholarship Fund is also a vital part of the University’s recruitment offerings, attracting the brightest students from all walks of life.
“We hope that our alumni and the community will join us in showing their Bishop Pride on Tuesday, March 28. When alumni and friends of the University unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen,” said Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. “All gifts, regardless of size, make an impact! Help Wesleyan continue impacting this region while also providing our students with a personal, practical and purpose-driven education.”
Celebrate NC Wesleyan University on March 28 by wearing blue and gold or Wesleyan gear, posting Wesleyan memories on social media using #GiveOnDFW, spreading the news with others to follow Wesleyan or making an online gift. Donors can learn more and participate in A Day for Wesleyan by visiting the secure giving website, dayforwesleyan.com, or by calling 252.985.5581. All gifts are tax-deductible.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Black History Month Special Event Honors African American Servicemen and Women with Award-Winning Documentary
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), Mayor Roberson and the City of Rocky Mount have partnered to present the Wesleyan student body and surrounding communities with a special Black History Month event honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of African American servicemen and women.
“It’s an honor to showcase the stories of the African American men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country over the years,” said Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson. “Thank you, NCWU, for being the host of this important event.”
The event will include a one-hour viewing of the award-winning documentary series, ‘For the Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots.’ This documentary series honors heroic men and women who, despite enormous injustice, fought so valiantly for freedoms they themselves did not enjoy. General Gordon-Bray will then hold a discussion and Q&A to examine the award-winning documentary series.
What: Viewing of the award-winning documentary ‘For the Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots’ followed by discussion and Q&A with General Gordon-Bray
When: Monday, February 27, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: NCWU
Powers Recital Hall at The Dunn Center
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, N.C.
Why: Black History Month Special Event
“North Carolina Wesleyan is excited to partner with Mayor Roberson, the City of Rocky Mount and General Gordon-Bray in honoring the black servicemen and women who have made an incalculable contribution to our nation,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at NCWU. “Celebrating Black History Month is ultimately an exercise in understanding how American history has been shaped and enriched by the contributions of black Americans, and this is an exciting opportunity for our campus to interact with the larger community in discussion about these contributions.”
Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray has completed over three decades of service in the United States Army. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, a Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College and a Bachelor of Science in Art from the University of Central Missouri. He is currently an independent consultant and owner of ANGB Consulting, LLC.
NC Wesleyan and Capitol Broadcasting Company Team up
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has established a new partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC) for students to gain practical, hands-on experience through job shadowing and internship opportunities. CBC is the parent company of the Durham Bulls, the Coastal Plain League and the Holly Springs Salamanders, among other companies. As part of this exclusive agreement, CBC will provide opportunities for NCWU Sports Administration majors to learn the business of sports firsthand.
This partnership will expand career development opportunities for NCWU students through learning about event venue management, ticket and sponsorship sales, enhancing the customer experience and the business aspects of running a successful sports venue. As part of NC Wesleyan’s Practical Skills Academy, a CBC baseball professional will offer their expertise as part of a scheduled class or discussion panel event.
“This exciting opportunity will expose our Sports Administration students to the real-world aspects of sports facilities, programs and businesses. The skills that they develop through job shadowing and internships will prepare them to be competitive candidates in their professional careers,” stated Dr. Robin Pietryk, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Sports Administration.
“We are thrilled to partner with NC Wesleyan University, a sports-minded academic institution that shares our commitment to developing young talent and promoting excellence both on and off the field,” said Chip Allen, Commissioner of the Coastal Plain league. “This collaboration represents a unique opportunity for the Coastal Plain League to expand its reach and impact, while providing student-athletes with a pathway to success in sports and beyond.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University will also provide CBC employees with professional development opportunities and reduced tuition for employees who want to further their education, whether it’s undergraduate or graduate work, or through a certificate program at NCWU. CBC employees will also receive at least one professional development opportunity per year at no cost.
“This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to providing our students with a practical and purpose-driven education,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “By working alongside employees at high-profile companies, these students are developing valuable contacts for their lives after Wesleyan.”
Future internship and job shadowing opportunities will be offered to students in Sports Administration, Marketing, Accounting and other related fields.
About Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC)
CBC is a bold, future-thinking company, transforming media, entertainment & communities. Locally-owned and community-focused, CBC emphasizes excellence, integrity and teamwork in everything it does. CBC owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality in Durham; the Coastal Plain League and The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC. To learn more, visit capitolbroadcasting.com
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Emmy Award-Winning WRAL Anchor Slated as NCWU Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Renee Chou, news anchor and reporter for WRAL-TV, will be the spring Commencement speaker at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Chou will address NCWU’s Class of 2023 during their ceremony at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Chou is a three-time, Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter for WRAL-TV News. You can wake up with her every weekday morning on WRAL from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m. and from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. on Fox 50. She also appears on WRAL’s Noon Newscast, anchoring a total of 4.5 hours of live TV every day in addition to special assignments. She joined WRAL in October 2004 as a general assignment reporter. Over the years, she served as the weekend morning anchor and weekend evening anchor. Chou was promoted to weekday morning anchor in March of 2014.
“I look forward to having Mrs. Chou address our Class of 2023. As a distinguished news anchor with a wealth of experience, I’m confident that she will bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to our graduates,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In 2015, Chou won a Regional Emmy for General Assignment Reporting. Her coverage of Hurricane Sandy also earned her Regional Emmy in 2014, as well as the distinction of “Best Weather Reporting” from the NC Associated Press Broadcast Awards. She won her first Emmy in 2013 for her work on the Kathy Taft murder trial. Her reports have also garnered awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas; Iowa Associated Press Broadcasters Association; and Missouri Broadcasters Association.
“I’m honored and humbled to speak to North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Class of 2023 on their momentous day to celebrate their amazing achievements. As a journalist covering North Carolina communities for nearly two decades, I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights about change, challenges and new chapters,” stated Chou. “Commencement is one of life’s biggest chapters and I’m excited to help the graduates mark the milestone.”
Prior to WRAL, she worked as an anchor/reporter for KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri. Chou earned her broadcast journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She’s a founding member and past President of the North Carolina chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association. Chou enjoys making community appearances throughout the year, from emceeing fundraisers and special events to talking with, and helping, students aspiring to be journalists.
Originally from Michigan, Renee is happy to call North Carolina home with her husband, Mike, and daughter Elsa, who is 8.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
The Dunn Center Gets a Makeover
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Over the last several months, The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University has been the recipient of multiple grants that will allow for the renovation of various spaces in the facility. The Dunn Center was initially opened in 1996, with many of the spaces still in their original form.
The DeLeon Carter Foundation has donated $14,000 for the renovation of the Sweatt Courtyard, located adjacent to the Carlton Board Room. This will permit The Dunn Center to purchase new outdoor furnishings, heaters, art, lighting and an awning for the space. The DeLeon Carter Foundation was established by the late Myrtle Carter Henry in memory of her father, DeLeon Carter, for educational and scientific projects in Nash County. Since it began making grants in 1997, the DeLeon Carter Foundation has given approximately $900,000 in much-needed grants.
Additionally, The Honorable Phil Carlton has pledged $35,000 for the full redesign of the Carlton Board Room, which is named after him. Local interior designer, Leslie Bauer, has donated her time to assist with renovation. This will include paint, lighting, drapery, art, cabinetry, refinished tables and lamps.
“A Board of Trustees member, Thomas A. Betts, Jr., made the presentation to the Carter and Carlton Foundations that led to these awards. In 2022, he secured $30,200 from The Mims Foundation to renovate the Mims Art Gallery. That particular renovation is near completion with a formal reopening planned for early spring,” stated Greg Purcell, Art Curator.
These spaces are also available to the public to rent for board meetings, company gatherings, holiday parties and more. For additional information, visit ncwu.edu/event-venue-rentals.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NC Wesleyan Among Best Online Programs
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been ranked among the 2023 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News assessed schools in the Best Online Programs category based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, as well as services and technologies.
“We understand that many adults are looking to return to school, but may face challenges with balancing work, family and other responsibilities,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gail Marsal, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice. “This recognition by U.S. News & World Report demonstrates the quality education that NCWU provides for online adult learners through practical and purpose-driven experiences. I’m honored that NC Wesleyan was the only private, nonprofit University in NC and one of only three schools total in NC to receive this ranking.”
NC Wesleyan’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice program offers many benefits including: rolling admissions with 100% online classes starting every eight weeks, finish in as little as 12 months, one-on-one mentoring, supportive faculty who have real-world experience offering applied assignments and career assistance. The program offers concentrations in Criminal Justice Administration or Criminal Justice Practice. North Carolina Wesleyan University is the only private, nonprofit higher education school in the region to offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. To learn more about admission requirements and curriculum information, visit ncwu.edu/cjmasters.
Designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education, this year’s edition of U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The Best Online Programs include rankings of bachelor’s programs as well as the following master’s-level disciplines: MBA, business (non-MBA), computer information technology (including computer science), criminal justice/criminology, education, engineering and nursing. While the methodologies are different for each discipline, they all incorporate metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.
“Most of the undergraduate programs in the Best Online Programs rankings are degree completion programs, meaning the vast majority of their students already have some college credit,” said Liana Loewus, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. “The methodologies are developed with those students in mind, setting these rankings apart from those that are focused on recent high school graduates pursuing higher education for the first time.”
Prospective students can see how NCWU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU President Installed for Additional Five Years
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Executive Committee of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees has extended a five-year contract renewal to Dr. Evan D. Duff, expanding his tenure until May 31, 2028.
Duff was appointed Acting President by the Board of Trustees in June 2019, later accepting a two-year contract as Interim President. In May 2020, he was appointed as President extending his contract for an additional two years. That extension positioned Duff as President through May 31, 2023.
“I am enthusiastic and appreciative for the opportunity to continue to serve this great institution for an additional five years. Working with our faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, alumni and community to enrich the lives of the students we serve is extremely rewarding,” stated Duff. “I look forward to our continued growth in graduate programming, while strengthening our undergraduate programs to reinforce theoretical and practical knowledge. Our collective vision is to become a regional university of excellence that equips traditional and adult learners with skills that prepare them for any career or life challenge.”
Since becoming President in 2019, Dr. Duff has led the school from a $2M deficit to a positive change in net assets through 2022, along with securing the highest level of giving in the history of NC Wesleyan. To position the institution for the future, a new vision and core values was established in 2019 and a five-year strategic plan was created with initiatives to improve student success, the financial foundation and Wesleyan’s connection to the community. During his leadership, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the accreditation of North Carolina Wesleyan University through 2030. The University also attained accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Experiencing one of the most difficult times in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic, Duff actively worked with faculty and staff to develop a comprehensive strategy to reopen for in-person classes in fall 2020. He has also created student engagement activities, as well as an advisory council on diversity and inclusion. In just over three years as President, Dr. Duff has helped establish new degree programs such as RN to BSN, Master’s of Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Supply Chain Management and concentrations in the University’s MBA program. In spring 2022, a strategic marketing plan was developed to transition the College to a University with a new identity of Personal. Practical. Purpose-Driven.
Since 2019 Duff has been named a Top 10 Most Influential Education Leader by The Education Magazine (2021), completed a certificate in Employment Law from Cornell University (2021), received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Education 2.0 (2022), as well as became a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (2021) and Certified Career Services Provider (2022). Dr. Duff earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mount Olive College, a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He has served in multiple leadership roles at the University since 2011, including Provost and Vice President of Adult Studies.
Dr. Duff and his wife of 24 years, Marcy, have three sons and a daughter – Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe. Tyson graduated Magna Cum Laude from NC Wesleyan in December 2022 with a degree in Marketing and minors in Cybercrime and Computer Information Systems. Landon currently has NCWU on his short list of schools to attend in fall 2023 and is active in the theater program at Rocky Mount Academy (RMA). Peyton and Chloe also attend RMA in the 8th and 7th grades, respectively. The two are active in competitive cheer and dance, they both play soccer for RMA, and Chloe plays volleyball for RMA as well. Marcy is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Syneos Health. Their family enjoys worshiping at the various Methodist churches in Rocky Mount and visiting Rise Church, adjacent to NC Wesleyan, from time to time. The Duff family enjoys living on campus and supporting all things Wesleyan.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Shaw Learning Center Now Open
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Construction recently wrapped up on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s new Shaw Learning Center. This facility was made possible by funds the University received from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust. Dr. Shaw was a successful physician with ties to Nash County. Her trust’s primary focus was to benefit the health and care of cats.
Back in 2020, NCWU announced that it had received an initial $2,500,000 from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust to invest in its science and pre-vet programs. In total, NC Wesleyan received over $4,000,000 from the trust which allowed for the construction of the Shaw Learning Center and the Shaw Environmental Center, currently under construction. In addition, these funds also allowed for endowed scholarships for Pre-Vet students and NCWU’s first Endowed Professorship was established. The inaugural Nancy A. Shaw Endowed Professor is Dr. Emily Weber who started in 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Weber holds a B.A. in Biology from Augustana University and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester.
The approximately 5,000-square-foot Shaw Learning Center is located behind the Welcome Center in the middle of campus and contains four classrooms and four offices. The facility provides students with unique learning opportunities, scientific initiatives and innovative ideas towards the care of felines. A unique feature of the facility is the cat lounge centrally located as guests enter the building.
The cat lounge will house approximately six to eight rescue or endowed cats from owners who have passed away. In addition to offering a serene space for these cats to live, there will also be space for students to study and socialize. Multiple research studies have shown that cats help reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Over the past 20-25 years, there’s been a huge explosion in canine cognition research; however much less is understood about cats. There are only a small handful of cat cognition labs in existence. Therefore, the field is ripe for areas of investigation and contributions to animal research.
Dr. Dimitri Blondel, NCWU Assistant Professor of Biology and animal behaviorist, is interested in non-human animals, why they do the things they do and how they perceive their own world. In his second year at Wesleyan, he wants to find ways to expand into different exploration areas, such as human-cat interactions. He also aspires to sponsor student-directed research. Teaching an animal behavior class with a lab opens the door for him to hold these labs in the new cat lounge.
“Some of the research that I plan to conduct includes student-directed cat cognition studies. Studies such as these look at animal intelligence, how they receive information through their senses, learn and process the information. Can they understand speech and things like sense of fairness? Intelligence tests such as pointing exercises have shown that they can understand human pointing gestures. This means they have the potential for understanding other areas of cognition as well. Do they know their name, can they choose between a toy and food, how independent are they? All of which can help with training, owner interactions and the way we communicate with felines in general,” stated Dr. Blondel.
Another type of research that will take place in the Shaw Learning Center is behavioral endocrinology, which considers how hormones affect behavior. This is the use of fecal hormone assay to detect levels of stress hormones to determine if there is a connection between these hormones and their personalities. This research will allow NCWU students to determine cat IQs by studying how they learn and process information.
Individuals who are interested in endowing a cat, supporting the cat lounge through supplies, toys and food, or for the naming rights of the lounge should contact Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement, at mhinson@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5145. NCWU is planning an official ribbon cutting for the new facility later this spring and hopes to rescue their first cat by summer 2023.
To support the well-being of the cats in our Shaw Learning Center Cat Lounge, Click HERE.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Teacher Education Program Receives Grant from NCDPI
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education Program recently received a $30,000 Education Preparation Program (EPP) grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) Office of Exceptional Children. This Special Education Student Teaching Stipend will support two NCWU special education student teachers during the spring 2023 semester.
To be eligible for the stipend, students must be engaging in a special education student teaching opportunity during the 2022-23 school year in pursuit of a special education license. NC Wesleyan students, Chlorinda Lafranque and Taylor Webb, are the grant recipients and will student teach, respectively, at Benvenue and Winstead/Englewood Elementary schools.
In addition, this grant intends to:
- Increase the diversity of the special education teaching profession
- Retain special education teachers in North Carolina after successful completion of an NC Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Provide ongoing support for early-career special education teachers
- Develop a community of practice among a diverse set of early career teachers and their mentors
Dr. Patricia Brewer, NCWU Professor and Coordinator of Special Education, continues to highlight the program’s 100 percent licensure passage rate on the North Carolina Licensure PRAXIS Exam: Special Education Core Knowledge and Mild-to-Moderate. Dr. Brewer also recognizes the impact of the Students Helping Students Award-Winning Afterschool Program that provides opportunities for diversity in teaching and service-learning.
“We are so excited about this grant,” stated Dr. Brewer. “The funds will supplement students’ living costs and related expenses during student teaching.”
As a condition of accepting a stipend, each special education student teacher recipient agrees through an assurance agreement to seek employment in North Carolina for at least one full school year and actively participate in the NC Early Career NCDPI/Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) partnership.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
