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.
Unique Outdoor Learning Opportunities on the Horizon for NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – To continue providing a safe, innovative and unique learning environment for its students, North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a $50,000 cash gift to construct what will be known as the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom.
“We are grateful for the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom, as this gift will enhance NC Wesleyan’s opportunity to provide unique learning spaces for our students,” stated Elena Koutouzos, Director of Alumni & Donor Relations.
The new outdoor classroom will be located at the front of campus near the Braswell Administration building. It will offer students a fun, safe, educational experience which will expand their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The outdoor classroom will consist of a 20 to 25-seat amphitheater.
“Wesleyan thrives, and is extremely grateful for, the relationship we have with our community partners. The generosity of the Barnes family and Family Fare Convenience Stores will have a positive impact on our students as they utilize this outdoor classroom for learning, student group meetings and small musical presentations,” noted President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Marvin Barnes, a Rocky Mount native and his wife Cynthia, have been active in the North Carolina Methodist Church Conference for over half a century. Mr. Barnes grew up attending First United Methodist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, where he actively participated in all forms of worship.
“Cynthia and I are excited to give back to an educational purpose in my hometown just down the road from our first Rocky Mount store and where I worked as a boy and young adult,” stated Barnes. “It’s a real pleasure to come back and see all the positive changes, and especially witness the impact Wesleyan is making on the region. My father always instilled in me an eagerness to learn. By providing a unique space for learning at Wesleyan, I know that this legacy will be maintained in one of my favorite places.”
A new Family Fare Convenience Store was recently opened near North Carolina Wesleyan’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Family Fare Convenience Stores
Family Fare Convenience Stores is headquartered in Durham and has over 100 locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Minimal COVID Cases at Wesleyan Due to State and Community Support
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has been fortunate in maintaining a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases on its campus since students returned in August. As of October 2, there is only two active cases among students and zero among employees. Since August 1, there have only been 9 positive cases for students and 3 positive cases for employees. This is due in large part to the generous donations that the College has received from the community, as well as grants from Nash County and the State of North Carolina.
Dr. Robert Zipf, Jr., MD, a NC Wesleyan Board Emeritus and Forensic Pathology Specialist in Rocky Mount, provided $30,000 to pay for air purifiers to be placed in every classroom and all common areas on campus. A portion of this gift was designated to the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) on campus. The TLC is now known as the Zipf Teaching and Learning Center, or ZTLC.
Also, NC Wesleyan applied for a grant offered by Nash County. This $2,000 grant is for non-profit organizations to help cover the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE). The College was successful in obtaining this grant and used it to help purchase facemasks for the campus community.
“Research released in July from the University of Maryland on the aerosolization of the virus led the College’s Reopening Committee and Viral Infection Response Team to seek air flow solutions for classrooms and other campus gathering spaces. Air purifiers with appropriate filtration and window exhaust fans were installed to alleviate a potential danger of stagnant air in areas where our students, faculty, and staff would spend a fair amount of time,” stated Interim Provost Dr. Molly Wyatt. “Being attentive to emerging scientific research helped us to be innovative and Dr. Zipf’s donation was crucial in allowing us to afford additional precautious for our campus that addressed this need. We are very grateful for his continued engagement with the College and his generosity.”
North Carolina funds were also provided to the College as part of state funding that was received through the CARES Act. The College just received an additional $466,000 from the State of NC
to support students and expenses as it relates to COVID-19. NC Wesleyan is already working with students to assist with their balances and offsetting some PPE expenses that the College has incurred.
In addition, the College just installed its first touchless water bottle filler in the Pearsall Classroom Building. The College will also be installing them in the Gravely Science Building, Taylor Recreation Center and the Athletics Fieldhouse soon. This will help Wesleyan not only reduce single-use plastics, but also provide a touchless option for filtered water in these buildings.
To learn more about how the College is being Wesleyan Wise and the plans that it has in place for managing COVID, visit ncwu.edu/coronavirus.
Wesleyan’s Professional Closet Gives Students the Chance to Dress for Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University strives for its students to excel both inside and outside of the classroom. To assist with success outside of the classroom, Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Development & Business Innovation, launched The Wesleyan Professional Closet to provide professional attire for NCWC students.
The idea came to fruition almost a year ago, but the initiative was put on hold due to COVID-19. The Wesleyan Professional Closet is located on the second floor of the Gateway Technology Center at the front of NC Wesleyan’s campus. Students are able to borrow clothing for interviews, school events and other community functions. This service is completely free and based on the honor system. Students can show up, try on clothing and then provide dates for their event in order to ensure that the clothes will be available. Once they are finished with the event, the clothes are laundered and placed back on the rack for future use.
“The way we dress affects everything – the way we think and feel. It impacts how we act and react to various scenarios. I want the students at NCWC to feel their best when they have opportunities for growth and development,” stated Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Dean of Career Development & Business Innovation.
NC Wesleyan is especially thankful to two community members who were instrumental in donating a significant amount of clothing to help get the initiative up and running: Pell Foster with First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount and David Farris, President and CEO of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.
Those who are interested in donating professional attire can contact Gena Messer-Knode at GKnode@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5151 to arrange a drop off or pick up time.
New Residence Life & Student Activities Coordinator Joins NCWC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomed a new Residence Life & Student Activities Coordinator this fall. Ms. Nadine Verner will manage and reside in Roberson Hall, as well as work with Wesleyan’s Greek Life students in the Student Activities department.
Nadine was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and is an alumna of Alverno College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she studied Communication. As a continuous learner, she is currently in her second year pursuing her master’s degree in Education at Abilene Christian University in Texas. Nadine’s experience in higher education includes residence life, student activities and various support services. She has been a part of many organizations, both as a student and advisor, and is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In addition to overseeing Roberson Hall, a first-year female residence hall housing up to 130 students, she will also provide leadership development and event management support to the Office of Student Activities. She is charged with encouraging and supporting students’ academic, social, cultural and emotional growth and retention. Her responsibilities will also include managing and recruiting resident advisors, desk assistants and game room attendants.
“We are excited to have Nadine join our team due to her previous experiences with residence life and student activities. Her background, energy and professionalism will allow Nadine to connect with students to advise, mentor and help shape them during their college career,” stated Steve Burrell, Director of Residence Life.
In her free time, Nadine loves to explore new places and craft. Nadine recently joined the College in welcoming the NCWC community back to campus for fall 2020 and looks forward to supporting the Bishops and fulfilling the mission of the College.
NC Wesleyan Hires New Dean of Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently welcomed Dr. Jason Modlin as its new Dean of Students. Modlin comes to Wesleyan from Louisburg College, where he previously served as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.
Among his many accomplishments at Louisburg College, Modlin was instrumental in developing a Residence Hall Mentor program, an innovative approach to staffing residence halls with full-time professional relationship-builders. He also led a short-term retention effort that increased fall-to-fall retention by 7% over the previous year.
Modlin holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. With a 25-year career in small, private higher education, he brings a wealth of knowledge to NCWC.
In his role as Dean of Students at NC Wesleyan, Modlin will be responsible for overseeing all student affairs operations, including the departments of Health & Wellness, Campus Life, Residential Life, Religious Life and Food Services. He will also serve as the Chief Judicial Officer of the College and the Title IX Coordinator and Adjudicator. Modlin assumes the role of Dean of Students from Dr. Molly Wyatt who had previously taken on the responsibilities of both Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Students.
“NC Wesleyan is fortunate to have brought in a highly-qualified and experienced Student Affairs professional who is both familiar with the small private college environment as well as the Eastern North Carolina region, stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost. “Dr. Modlin is making a big impact already, having had a summer forum with the College’s traditional students and contributing to reopening plans and retention strategies.” Modlin is a long-time resident of Nash County and currently resides near Red Oak with his wife, Ami, and their three daughters.
President Duff to Participate in Educational Panel
Join us on a Webinar learn about the impact of COVID-19 on our local education systems and find out what the next steps will be for the Fall 2020 school year. All proceeds are going to Tackle the Tar which will support our local students for scholarships at Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Webinar Panel Featuring:
Dr. Valerie Bridges, Superintendent, Edgecombe County Public Schools
Dr. Evan Duff, President North Carolina Wesleyan University
Dr. Steve Ellis, Superintendent, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools
Dr. Lew Hunnicutt, President Nash Community College
Dr. Gregory McLeod, President, Edgecombe Community College
Wesleyan Alum Makes On-Campus Football Possible for 2020 Season
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is thrilled to announce that all home football games are scheduled to be played on campus for the 2020 season due to a generous donation from alumnus, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. The College recently received Bradley’s gift of $150,000 to be used for bleachers, a scoreboard and other signage.
NC Wesleyan saw great success last fall with its first-ever on-campus football game for homecoming on the Vernon T. Bradley Jr. football practice field. A 1980 graduate of Wesleyan, Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. is a 2007 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and the 2016-2017 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. As a tennis player at Wesleyan, he enjoyed a solid four-year career that saw him become one of the most decorated athletes in the program’s history.
A three-time Most Valuable Player from 1978 to 1980, Bradley was the first tennis player to receive MVP accolades on three occasions. He also claimed another Bishop milestone in 1978 when he earned Dixie All-Conference honors at #1 singles. Once again, being the first Wesleyan player to achieve such honors.
Bradley has remained an avid supporter of NC Wesleyan over the years and has enjoyed a successful career in real estate. “Vernon T. Bradley Jr. continues to be a leader in many ways and among individual donors, Vernon is our #1 donor, giving more than any other individual in the history of the College”, stated President Duff.
“I am so excited that the opportunity our campus and community enjoyed last year with our first-ever on-campus football game will be expanded by Vernon’s consistent and overwhelming support of the College. The impact on our student-athletes and campus community cannot be overstated,” stated Aaron Denton, Director of Athletics.
The namesake of several campus landmarks, including the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Complex, Residence Hall, Football Practice Field, Field House and Lobby, his commitment and dedication to North Carolina Wesleyan University is evident in his accomplishments both on and off the court.
