ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) is North Carolina Wesleyan University’s co-ed Esports Program. Established in September 2019, the BGA has quickly become the College’s largest student club with 89 current members. The Program is categorized into three different entities: the Elite Team, Productions and the Club.
The Elite Team is for students who are looking to compete in leagues or tournaments on a collegiate level. Students can compete on both PC and console platforms in multiple games, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros and many more. BGA Elite Team members are part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the Collegiate Star League (CSL). Since its inception, the team has participated in several third-party tournaments. To become a BGA Elite Team member, students must: complete a questionnaire; submit a highlight reel via Twitch, Facebook or YouTube; participate in live tryouts; and play a game with current members to exhibit their communication and skills in a team environment.
Productions is targeted toward students interested in video editing, content creation, graphic design, journalism, TV shows, podcasting and on-air hosting. The BGA Production room allows students to explore their creative ideas and consists of an iMac computer, an Alienware computer and Elgato products for graphic design, podcasting, editing and streaming. Students within BGA Productions shoot, edit and produce a bi-weekly segment called “BGA News,” which is broadcast on televisions throughout campus and shared on The BGA’s social media accounts.
Those who are casual gamers or spectators interested in gaming as an extracurricular activity are able to join the BGA Club. The Club allows casual gamers to participate in various BGA-sponsored gaming events and activities. Those interested in the Club are able to develop their gaming skills, as well as receive education and various perspectives into the development of video games.
Video game tournaments – known as Esports – are quickly becoming a must-have on many college and university campuses. The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), says that there are currently more than 170 active collegiate varsity Esports teams with over 5,000 student-athletes.
“I am excited to return back to North Carolina Wesleyan University to help promote the culture of gaming, media and entertainment in our community. My goal is to provide students with awareness, resources, advice and experience in the gaming industry,” stated Chantoni Grant, Director of Bishop Gaming Association.
The Bishop Gaming Association has developed positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and media outlets while interacting successfully with the College community. It provides students with knowledge to enter the Esports field from any angle. The BGA offers connections, internship programs and desired career opportunities within the Esports and production industry. Students develop skills in community building, team chemistry, managing and organizing teams, planning and organizing events, and creating innovative and unique strategies. The College’s state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed Esports gaming room, The Fortress, opened in January 2021 in The Hartness Center and is equipped with the some of the best equipment in the gaming industry. The room features a row of Alienware computers, multiple flat screen TVs, a small console area and an Esports art wall created by students.
Grant, Community Partnerships Allow for Food Pantry at NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – A long-term study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that food insecurity among college students is associated with decreased college graduation rates and lower chances of obtaining a bachelor’s or advanced degree. North Carolina Wesleyan University is working to change these statistics. Thanks to a grant of more than $10,000 from Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Foundation, the College’s Department of Education partner, NCWC has established a new food pantry on campus.
ECMC Foundation is a nonprofit, national foundation working to improve postsecondary outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds. Thanks to the work of Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost, and Dr. Jason Modlin, Dean of Students, ECMC Foundation accepted the College’s proposal to address food insecurity by issuing two grants. Food insecurity can take on different meanings for different people—struggling to afford food, eating less, not eating as healthy or going hungry.
The College’s new food pantry is located in the Leon Russel Chapel on campus and is open to all members of the Wesleyan community. The ECMC Foundation grant allowed for the purchase of commercial refrigerators and freezers so that both perishable and non-perishable food can be offered.
“Going without food is something that no one should ever have to face. Through the generosity of several organizations, we are fortunate to be able to offer healthy food options for our students so that they can concentrate on excelling in the classroom,” stated Campus Chaplain, Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson.
In addition to the grant from ECMC Foundation, NCWC has partnered with several community organizations, including Ripe Revival Market and The Mercer Foundation, Inc., to provide the pantry with fresh produce and food items. Ripe Revival Market is a local company that delivers product and grocery boxes directly to the homes of its customers. They are committed to helping in the fight against hunger, providing healthy foods to those in need. Ripe Revival supports family farms by finding homes for their excess produce. For every purchase of their goods, they donate back to make a difference for those who are hungry. The Mercer Foundation, Inc., founded by NC Wesleyan’s Director of Military Studies, Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer, seeks to create healthy opportunities for children and provide assistance to disabled veterans. The major goal of the organization is to transform lives. They equip disabled veterans with necessary tools, education and vocational training, and provide balanced meals for children in high-risk environments.
Dr. Modlin and Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson, the College’s Chaplain, are exploring options for long-term sustainability of the food pantry, including a continued partnership with Ripe Revival Market. This partnership would consist of Ripe Revival Market donating a box back to the pantry for every box that is purchased by NC Wesleyan employees. The NCWC Alumni Board is also working with NC Wesleyan’s Office of Advancement to establish a pathway for raising funds to expand the pantry. Those who are interested in partnering with the College to support its new food pantry can contact Rev. Edwin M. Ferguson, at 252.985.5575 or chaplain@ncwu.edu.
NC Wesleyan Named One of the Best Colleges in North Carolina by Intelligent.com
Higher education resource guide releases the best institution programs for 2022
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning, has included North Carolina Wesleyan University to its list of the Best Colleges in North Carolina in 2022. The research identifies 49 top programs in the state based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation.
North Carolina Wesleyan University was awarded Best First-Year Experience on the final list. Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each program on a scale from 0 to 100 across five categories. The scoring system compares each college or university according to program strength, student readiness, return on investment, cost and student engagement. Researchers compared 293 programs from 197 colleges in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina Wesleyan University offers flexible distance learning that appeals to busy adults or hybrid models that include on-campus and online formats. Experts at Intelligent.com assessed programs in Best Colleges in North Carolina that help students enhance and develop advanced skills for a variety of in-demand positions.
Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, with degree holders earning 84% more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as masters, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.1% for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit intelligent.com/best-colleges-and-universities/north-carolina/.
ABOUT INTELLIGENT.COM
Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides that include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships, and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit Intelligent.com.
Corporate Adoption Program to Enhance NCWC Career Readiness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has developed a new Corporate Adoption Program (CAP) to enhance the career readiness skills of NCWC students. This program will provide students with direct exposure to professional work settings and contacts. Envolve Benefit Options, which has a corporate office at the Rocky Mount Mills campus, was chosen as the College’s first partner.
Five Wesleyan students were selected to participate in the inaugural program with Envolve. A meeting was held at NCWC with students and representatives from the company in September and students engaged in a full-day learning experience in early October on the Rocky Mount Mills campus.
“Envolve Benefit Options vision operations started in Rocky Mount over 25 years ago and are proud to call Rocky Mount home. This partnership with NCWC allows Envolve to contribute more in community development with hopes that North Carolina Wesleyan students gain experience to become part of Rocky Mount’s growth,” stated Envolve Benefit Options Chief Operations Officer, Michael Grover.
Eligible students are juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher and a major applicable to the partner’s industry and project at hand. Those accepted are assigned to a CAP team that includes five-to-ten students, one faculty mentor and one corporate partner. The Envolve partnership consist of students majoring in Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Information Systems or Marketing.
When students apply to be a part of CAP, they are making a commitment to participate in the following:
- Intentional growth in career readiness skills
- Monthly group meetings for the entire academic year
- Meetings with their assigned CAP group and Faculty Advisor as needed
- Job-shadowing/mentoring on-site with the Corporate Partner for at least one day during Fall Break and a minimum of two days during Spring Break
- Participating and presenting on a assigned corporate project with their CAP team during the spring semester
“It has been a joy seeing Envolve fully embrace our students and expose them to many aspects of their operations. I look forward to witnessing the learning outcomes through the corporate project these students will address in the coming months,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership at NC Wesleyan. “As we continue to grow our Corporate Adoption Program, I expect it will be a significant highlight for our students when they later reflect on their college experience.”
Rocky Mount-based corporations for future CAP partnerships will be selected based on the organizations’ expressed genuine interest in investing in the growth and development of a team of NCWC students and willingness to designate an internal CAP program manager. The CAP program manager will host workshops and meetings led by corporate speakers, while also maintaining ongoing communication with CAP students, faculty and staff. In addition, CAP partners are encouraged to offer paid summer internships to NCWC students in the program. Local organizations that are interested in partnering with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s CAP program can contact Jessie Langley at jlangley@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5177.
NC Wesleyan Partners with Local Packaging Solutions Company
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Office of Career Development & Leadership at North Carolina Wesleyan University has established a new partnership with Ossid, a local corporation headquartered in Battleboro, to provide several job shadowing opportunities for its students. Ossid manufactures and sells machinery to a variety of businesses in need of wrapping, labeling and sealing equipment to package their products.
This unique learning opportunity was presented to all NC Wesleyan juniors and seniors with a major or minor in Marketing or Communications. Ossid’s Senior Marketing Specialist, Stacie Eberly, typically works out of Charlotte, but travels to the Battleboro location on a monthly basis. During her visit the week of September 13, she hosted a group of NC Wesleyan students to work on trade show preparations, digital marketing, blog content and meeting with other executives.
“It was a pleasure opening our doors to NC Wesleyan University students. They were engaged, asked great questions and provided support across multiple marketing projects. I look forward to continuing this partnership with Wesleyan,” stated Eberly.
Bijou Patel, a North Carolina Wesleyan senior majoring in Marketing, was able to shadow Eberly on Tuesday, September 14. During her time there, she participated in a business meeting, toured the facility and learned about the machinery and how it’s marketed. Patel had the opportunity to witness what she’s learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, stating “I got to see a lot of the things I learned in my classes implemented and thoroughly explained. I even got to provide input, which was heard and applied.”
This partnership came to fruition when Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development and Leadership at NC Wesleyan, met with Eberly to tour Ossid’s local facility. After learning more about Eberly’s role, Langley explored ways in which NCWC students could gain knowledge within the field.
“I can’t think Ms. Eberly enough for investing time in our students. I look forward to continuing to send students to shadow with her on a monthly basis. This model sets a precedent for other area businesses to consider. Structured job shadowing is one ideal way to invest in our students’ career development,” stated Langley.
About Ossid
Ossid is the industry leader for leak-resistant tray sealing for case-ready products, flexible packaging for healthcare, horizontal thermoform, fill and seal equipment, weigh/price labeling equipment, flow wrappers and case scales. Catering to customers of all sizes around the world, Ossid’s packaging solutions are ideal for fresh and processed meats, produce, convenience foods, consumer goods, and medical devices. Ossid is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Flexibles & Trays business line, Ossid helps our packaging customers protect their reputation and grow the trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. Learn more about Ossid at Ossid.com
Local Author & Entrepreneur Set to Speak at NCWC Convocations
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will hold its 65th annual New Student Convocation on Tuesday, August 24 at The Dunn Center. Keynote Speaker for this year’s event will be Etaf Rum, local author and entrepreneur.
Rum is the author of A Woman Is No Man, which became a New York Times bestseller, hit the ninth spot on Amazon’s Bestseller List and was selected by Jenna Bush Hager as her book club’s May 2019 read. Rum is also part-owner of two local businesses in Rocky Mount—Barley & Burger, a bold and refined kitchen and bar, and Tipsy Tomato, a premier Italian pizza restaurant. Her newest venture, Books and Beans, centers around two of Rum’s favorite things: writing and coffee. Outfitted with a counter and handful of tables, Books and Beans serves breakfast, lunch and coffee from a North Carolina roaster.
When asked how she plans to motivate Wesleyan’s students, Rum stated she would “share with them tips to encourage discipline and goal-setting throughout their college experience; learning how to overcome adversity for success, transform through suffering and develop the mindset of a winner.”
“New Student Convocation is an important part of the orientation experience at NC Wesleyan,” stated Taylor Stone, Director of Student Success. “This ceremony is a chance for our new students to come together, while being encouraged and challenged as they move forward on their journey as a Bishop. Etaf Rum’s message will help educate our students and motivate them to be agents of change.”
In addition to welcoming NC Wesleyan’s Class of 2025, Rum will also address the College’s professors at their Faculty Convocation on Tuesday, August 17. This event is used to give faculty a fresh perspective on issues in higher education, as well as provide them with exposure to a work, such as Rum’s book, that will give additional perspective to students the College serves. Rum grew up in a Palestinian-American household as the oldest of nine children in Brooklyn, New York. While raising her two children, she enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature, a B.S. in Philosophy and an M.A. in American and British Literature and Philosophy.
Rock the Mount 2021
Rock the mount is back and we’re ready to make it better than ever!
Come out and help us welcome NC Wesleyan’s Class of 2025! Surrounding area business owners, churches and other non-profit organizations are invited to come gain exposure with Wesleyan’s students and promote your organization. General Public is invited.
August 24th, 11am – 1:30 pm
Food Trucks, Music and More!
Volleyball and Soccer Showcase, 2pm -5pm
The Aftershock Party, 6:30pm
Live Concert, Carnival Rides, Free Food and More
2021 Honor Students Receive Awards
NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2021 Honors Convocation Award Ceremony. These Awardees and Honor Society Members have displayed outstanding contributions inside and outside of the classroom. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
Recipients of the 2021 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| BUSINESS | |
| Accounting Outstanding Student Award | Jodie L Summerlin |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | David Enrique Bolivar Alvarado |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Elijah Blaise Gourley |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Nichole Mooney |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Natalie Larson |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award (1) | Enrique Chang |
| Biology Award (2) | Maria Padron |
| Environmental Science Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Exercise Science Award | Emily A. Ketchum |
| Mathematics Award (1) | Julia Trimmer |
| Mathematics Award (2) | Summer Phillips |
| Chemistry Award | Julia Trimmer |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| Communications Outstanding Student Award | Mary Cat Davis |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Abigail Shah |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Marisa Corcoran |
| Political Science Award | Bijaya Lamichhane |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Garrett Wesley Barger |
| Criminal Justice Outstanding Student Award | Grace deMontesquiou |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Senior English Award | Chasadie Searcy |
| Religious Studies | Kevin L. Teague |
| ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AWARDS | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Maria Padron |
| Internship Award (1) | David Bolivar |
| Internship Award (2) | Leonardo Guzman |
| Internship Award (3) | Alissa Avery |
| ROTC | |
| ROTC Highest GPA Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC Golden Joe Award | Cadet Deshawn Finley |
| ROTC Golden Jane Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC “Hooah” Award | Cadet Savion Young |
| OUTSTANDING ADULT STUDENT AWARD | |
| Outstanding Adult Student Award | Eronger (Roger) Norman Kornegay III |
Honor society members who were recognized at the 2021 Honors Convocation Ceremony. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
PHI ETA SIMGA
John-Colby P. Branham
Zoe R. Branstetter
Joshua C. Denton
Tyson A. Duff
Quincey L. Packer
Aseel S. Qasem
Mary K. Raynor
Alexis M. Reinert
Zachary B. Scott
Noah Jacob Strange
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Jacob Aldridge
Kate Avila
Alyssa Brookhart
Angela Groeneveld
Grant Harrell
Sierra Joyner
Michael Parker
Stephanie Reid
Dimon Robeson
Allison Wichrowski
Jessie Langley
Sigma Tau Delta
Colin Long
Eboni Mayle
Chasity Ebron
Doneshia Rowe
Kappa Mu Epsilon
Latrell McDougald
Eugene Okoko
Summer Phillips
Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu
Hannah Thomas
Victoria Thompson
Maria Padron
Angela Groeneveld
Siphra Briggs
Robert Hart
Rebecca Mitchell
Christa McClain
Alpha Phi Sigma
Cassandrena Gabrellia Balloon
Sharon Lynn Bright
Tracey Nicole Brown
Daniel Grisham
Gregory Joseph Groff
Jacob Scott Winstead
Jerry Thomas Wood
Jessica Willis Baird
Jennifer Cornelia Basler
Siphra Briggs
Cynthia Ann Buffaloe
Robert Allen Greenfield
Appiffany Hansley
Madelaine Jean Meyers
Jy’maca Nyava Nneeka Revis
Angelica Raquelle Richardson
Dimon Roberson
Kelley Ann Catherine Siboun
Rolanda Marie Richardson
Taylor Elizabeth Roberson
Tiana Kameel Squire
Timothy Marinos
Sigma Beta Delta
Makenzie Renee’ Avery
Desiree Blackley
Shenita D. Bethea
Consuela décor Staton
Jodie L. Summerlin
Rebecca Monaco Demeritte
Keorra Rynazah Taylor
Shelby McClure Oliver
Elijah Blaise Gourley
Elisabeth G. Evans
ActOne Group Provides Career Development Services for NCWC Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has developed an agreement with the ActOne Group (ActOne), a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Janice Bryant Howroyd (Howroyd), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, is a native of Tarboro, NC and a NC Wesleyan Board Member.
At no cost to the College, ActOne’s team of professionals will work alongside NC Wesleyan’s career services department to enhance internships, career development, and job placement for Wesleyan students and graduates. The College will allocate office space to the ActOne team so they can fully connect with staff and provide students with hands-on career guidance and advice. This partnership will provide students with access to a fully-dedicated team of staffing professionals, career counselors, talent advisors and trainers on campus. In addition, ActOne will work with area organizations to meet their talent acquisition goals. Implementation of this initiative is expected by summer 2021.
“Service with impact is a blessing…to the giver as much as to the receiver. The executives of ActOne Group are honored to make an impact on the lives of NCWU students and the Nash/Edgecombe community. We are committed to developing talent at the student level and preparing graduating seniors for professional lives beyond learning institutions. We know that the work we do across the globe is instrumental in helping people to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. It is a privilege to be able to provide this valuable service to the students of NCWU, especially under the leadership of President Evan Duff and his team,” said Howroyd. “With NCWU being the first college campus I ever stepped foot on, which happened during my first year as a Project Upward Bound student, I am truly blessed to give back to an institution from where I received some of the first foundational tools that helped to shape the person I am today.”
To help enhance personal and professional development, ActOne will provide NC Wesleyan students with college-to-career transition classes, career preparation, career building workshops and global awareness opportunities. In addition, ActOne will provide access to an online library of training courses, skill assessments, and tutorials that will benefit all students, regardless of their career path. Students will work with the ActOne team of talent advisors and counselors to develop leadership skills and gain insight into a variety of professions. As an added benefit to NCWU students, ActOne will provide two to four internships per year, allowing students to gain experience in customer service, recruiting, front office systems and database management.
About Janice Bryant Howroyd
As a tireless advocate for education, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ActOne Group, has dedicated her resources to funding scholarships and serving on several boards, including the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government, her alma mater North Carolina A&T State University, University of Southern California, and many others. Her passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is rooted in her belief that STEM will be one of the great equalizers in 21st-century employment and has led her to work with Girls in Tech, a non-profit that works to create STEM opportunities for underserved communities. She attended NCA&T State University and holds honorary doctorates from California State University Channel Islands, NCA&T State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
About ActOne Group
ActOne Group is a global enterprise that provides employment, workforce management and procurement solutions to a wide range of industries, Fortune 500 organizations, local and mid-market companies, and government agencies. Started in 1978 by Founder and CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd (JBH). ActOne operates in 19 countries with over 17,000 clients and 2,600 employees worldwide. It is the largest privately-held, woman and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S.
Residence Hall Improvements Coming to NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Infrastructure improvements are coming to North Carolina Wesleyan University, thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation, Inc. The funds will be utilized to replace flooring on all three levels of Petteway Hall, which primarily houses freshman male residents.
“The updated flooring in Petteway will be a welcome upgrade for our students. The ability to upgrade the residential areas on campus aid in making a good first impression when students and their families arrive for the first time to move in,” stated Steve Burrell, Director of Residence Life.
Any remaining funds will be used to also replace flooring on the second and third levels of Collins Hall. To avoid any inconvenience to students living in these residence halls, renovations will take place over the summer.
About The Cannon Foundation, Inc.
The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. Cannon, industrialist and humanitarian, who was President and Chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than half a century. The Foundation continues Mr. Cannon’s philanthropy through funding in healthcare, higher education, human services and community.
