North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has garnered significant recognition in recent weeks, with a series of impressive rankings that highlight the institution’s commitment to excellence in higher education. As the data continues to pour in, it’s clear that NCWU is delivering on its promise to offer a top-tier, affordable, and supportive educational experience—one that is both student and parent-approved.
The accolades started strong in September with rankings from U.S. News & World Report, where NC Wesleyan was ranked Top 50 in Regional Colleges South out of 131 institutions. The University also placed No. 17 in Best Value Schools, No. 11 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and listed as a Top Performer on Social Mobility. These rankings showcase NCWU’s dedication to providing quality education while ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
U.S. News & World Report is widely recognized as a global leader in educational rankings, and NCWU’s continuous recognition reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class value. Year after year, Wesleyan maintains its position among the top colleges, demonstrating a steadfast focus on student success and offering a personalized private higher education experience.
The momentum continued with a prestigious ranking from Forbes Advisor, which named NCWU’s Online MBA program the best in the country for the second consecutive year above Johns Hopkins University. Forbes praised the program’s focus on executive leadership, information security, and supply chain management, highlighting its emphasis on organizational change, ethical decision-making, and economic theory. This recognition underscores Wesleyan’s growing strength in graduate education and its determination to expand and improve its programs.
Further accolades came from Intelligent, which ranked NCWU’s Online Master of Criminal Justice among the top 20 programs in the country. Notably, Wesleyan was one of only two universities in North Carolina to receive this distinction. The program’s flexibility, rigor, and focus on preparing students for impactful careers in criminal justice are key components of its success.
Lastly, Niche ranked NC Wesleyan highly in several categories. In North Carolina-specific rankings, the University earned top spots: No. 2 for Diversity of 46, just behind Duke University, No. 5 for Safest Campuses of 40, and No. 14 for Best Colleges for Business of 40. Nationally, Wesleyan was ranked No. 80 out of 1,495 for Most Diverse Colleges in America, reflecting the University’s inclusive and welcoming environment.
The University fosters an environment where students from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can come together to learn and grow. With students representing a wide range of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, NCWU takes pride in creating a campus community that reflects the broader world. This diverse environment not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for success in a global society. The University’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that all students feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. By embracing diversity, NCWU encourages collaboration and understanding, which enriches both the academic and social fabric of the institution.
Beyond the accolades, NCWU remains focused on offering affordable education to both traditional students and adult learners. The University awards $24 million in scholarships, grants, and financial aid annually, making higher education accessible and reducing the financial burden for students. In fact, NCWU’s average scholarship package brings the cost of attending Wesleyan in line with that of public universities.
A recent analysis by The New York Times in March 2023 reinforced Wesleyan’s affordability, ranking the University as one of the top ten most affordable colleges in North Carolina and the most affordable private, nonprofit institution in the state.
As NC Wesleyan continues to excel in rankings and recognitions, its mission remains clear: to provide a high-quality, affordable education that prepares students for success both in their careers and in life. Whether you’re a traditional student just out of high school or a working adult balancing a busy schedule, NCWU offers the resources and support to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
NCWU Donates to Community Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rocky Mount City Council, Ward 7, in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount, is hosting a lively Back to School Bash this Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the front of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus, offering a fun-filled day for local families.
The celebration will feature a range of activities, including inflatables, food trucks, and live music provided by a DJ. In a generous gesture to support education in the community, free backpacks will be distributed to children residing in Ward 7, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
North Carolina Wesleyan University has also shown its commitment to the local community by donating school supplies for the event. These contributions will help ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed as they return to their classrooms.
This Back to School Bash is a testament to the strong community spirit in Rocky Mount, bringing together families, local leaders, and educational institutions to support the city’s youth. Residents are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of fun while preparing their children for a successful school year.
Councilman Jabaris Walker shares that this event was suggested in a meeting and he had to make it come to life. Councilman’s mentality of “together is possible” included having Wesleyan as part of the location. He is a proud Wesleyan Alumni, Class of 2017, and shares “I am so appreciative to Dr. Duff for always opening his doors and supporting me and letting me know that campus will have my back. It will always be my first choice”.
Lancaster Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Lancaster family joined Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, to formalize the creation of The William Ted & Karen Naylor Lancaster Family Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy and contributions of the late William Ted Lancaster and Karen Naylor Lancaster, both proud graduates of NCWU’s Class of 1970.
The scholarship will distribute a minimum of $2,500 annually once the endowment reaches $50,000. Preference will be given to students from Rocky Mount, NC, who demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5), good personal character, and financial need. Recipients may continue to receive the scholarship in successive years if they meet the criteria.
Karen Naylor Lancaster shared, “When I walked on campus for the first time in 1966, I had no idea the influence Wesleyan would have on me. Not only did I get an excellent education, but I met my life partner. Ted and I met in a history class, we were both history majors, and married in 1970. We moved to Raleigh and had our two children, Jon and Melissa. It was so special to be able to share Wesleyan’s beautiful campus with my family including my two grandchildren. It is an honor to help Rocky Mount students achieve their academic goals through this scholarship.”
Jon Lancaster, representing the family, added, “Knowing the significant role NC Wesleyan played in our parents’ lives, it was important to us to give back to the institution. We hope this endowment will assist future students in fulfilling their educational goals.”
Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, stated, “The Lancaster family’s generosity began over five years ago with gifts supporting Wesleyan students through an annual scholarship. It is gratifying to have another endowed scholarship that will leave a legacy for Wesleyan alumni. This gift will continue to impact and make a difference for our students.”
NCWU Receives Funding from NSF
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a significant grant of $251,835 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for an innovative project titled “WESPATHS: Waterways for Environmental Science-Promoting Advancement and Training for Hands-On Supports.” This prestigious award marks NCWU’s first NSF grant since 1972 and aims to bolster the university’s Environmental Science Program through strategic recruitment and retention efforts.
The grant, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Elias and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. John Temple, seeks to increase the number of students majoring and minoring in Environmental Science at NCWU. A primary focus will be on the recruitment and retention of students from historically excluded groups. This project advances NCWU’s marked successes in teaching students from under-represented groups aligns with the NSF’s goals for increasing diversity and inclusion in science related fields.
Dr. Elias elaborates on the project’s vision: “By integrating activities and creating a supportive environment that begins more than a semester before students matriculate, we will lower barriers to recruitment, retention, and graduation for a more diverse student body in the regional workforce and improve social mobility.”
The WESPATHS initiative aims to develop a geoscience learning ecosystem that will provide students with the skills and competencies necessary for career readiness. Central to the program is the use of project-based learning, where students engage directly with stakeholders to address pressing local water quality and quantity issues. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of self-efficacy and belonging among students.
In addition to strengthening NCWU’s Environmental Science Program, the project is set to have a lasting impact on the Rocky Mount region. By establishing strong connections with area high schools, WESPATHS will offer high school students, teachers, and counselors’ greater opportunities to explore higher education and NCWU specifically. This outreach effort is designed to create a pipeline of local talent, encouraging students to pursue careers in environmental science and related fields.
The program’s emphasis on local problems and local solutions is particularly noteworthy. By focusing on regional issues and involving local organizations, WESPATHS aims to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can effectively address the environmental challenges facing the community. This collaborative effort is expected to yield new opportunities for both students and stakeholders, enhancing social mobility and community resilience.
As NCWU embarks on this transformative journey with the support of the NSF, the university stands poised to make significant strides in environmental science education and community engagement. The WESPATHS project represents a promising step towards a more inclusive, skilled, and socially mobile future for the Rocky Mount region and beyond.
NCWU Awarded Longleaf Fund Grant
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Wesleyan University Teacher Education Program received a $10,000 grant from the Longleaf Fund Foundation. This is an anonymous donor advised fund at Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC) that provides grants to organizations in the Carolinas to support capital projects for at-risk youth. The grants are intended to help communities create opportunities for a brighter future for their youth.
Dr. Kelvin L. Spragley, Director of Teacher Education, shares “What this Longleaf Fund Grant means to a Teacher Education student is that s/he will learn needed skills required to be successful as an educator when implementing parent, school, and community partnership efforts.”
How this grant will be used
Beginning Fall 2024, proceeds from the grant will be used to support the K-12 public school students who receive tutoring via the NC Wesleyan Award-Winning After-School Program. Dr. Spragley will utilize funds “to purchase 10 laptops (with software) and 10 hotspots (for students who do not have home internet). These materials will be used to aid the K-12 students, who have IEPs and are tutored by students in the NC Wesleyan Teacher Education program, with their work in the primary content areas of Reading, Math, and Science/Biology.”
The critical steps involved in this project are as follows:
- Students will complete as much school work as possible while receiving tutoring at the once-each-week after-school program.
- Students will be allowed to sign out laptops and/or hotspots to complete work at home
- Students will continue with Zoom sessions with tutors between tutoring sessions
- Students will return equipment and NC Wesleyan will track student progress while working in conjunction with parents and building-level teachers.
Dr. Spragley believes “Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, reading, writing, speaking, making informed ethical decisions, and using new information technologies.” Providing necessary resources for 30+ students will make a lasting improvement on Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program, but also in the students’ lives.
Maryhelen Willhite Endowed Scholarship Established
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Bishops are often asked, “What makes Wesleyan different?” or “Why Wesleyan?” The answer is simple. It is the people, the community. This is proven once again by another generous donor, Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
Maryhelen is the daughter of the late Dr. W. Lyle Willhite who was a professor at NC Wesleyan from 1976 to 1984. Her dedication and commitment to Wesleyan runs deep and in 1996, she was able to assist one of Dr. Willhite’s former students, Rick Bradham III, ’81, in establishing The Dr. W.L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship.
Because of her late father’s influence, Maryhelen made her first contribution in the spring of 2024 to establish The Maryhelen Willhite Jones Endowed Scholarship, her own Second Generation Legacy Scholarship. This award will be given to undergraduate students majoring in Marketing who have excelled in academic and extracurricular accomplishments at NCWU.
Dr. Willhite instilled in Maryhelen to be bold and give with purpose and passion. Now she has been able to “bring that ‘can do’ boldness to NCWU through another endowed scholarship with the Willhite name.”
Maryhelen says “I believe in not only paying things forward, but also paying them inward.”
Although her background is in the Arts, International Relations, and Information/ Library Sciences, she has a passion for all things Marketing: brands, products, companies, non-profits, social causes, innovations, and ideas. Maryhelen states, “If I had to do it over again, I would go into the field of Marketing. What I can do instead is to help support those who decide to do just that.”
Maryhelen knows that Wesleyan’s undergraduate marketing degree involves research skills, critical thinking, demographics, collaboration, creativity, communication, persuasion, information, observation, social, economic, and cultural considerations, and yes, sometimes playfulness!
“My ultimate focus is on the students, who no matter what their career fields end up to be, are ethically grounded and have a strong moral self-compass,” says Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
“The Dr. W. L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship has been financially supporting Wesleyan students for over 27 years. To have a scholarship established by his daughter, Maryhelen, that will impact lives in the same way is a grand gesture. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Willhite family, which will continue to make a difference for future Wesleyan alumni. The relationship developed has been meaningful and of great significance.”
NCWU receives Global Funding for Swale Development and Student Engagement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) anticipates the Fall 2024 semester as their start date for beginning a project highlighting sustainability, improving biodiversity and water quality, as well as erosion prevention on its campus. The project is generously funded by Easyflyers®, a global logistics company that offers comprehensive shipping solutions. The campaign’s focus is developing a vegetated swale in an urban ditch. This green infrastructure will improve stormwater runoff management, reduce erosion, and use native plants.
“Easyflyers® has been a sponsor with NC Wesleyan over the last several years. Through campus beautification projects and event sponsorships, we’ve partnered to establish a greener and more sustainable campus”, states Nichol Ally, President and Managing Director of the Americas. “The EasyFlyers® Earth Day 2023 Project at NC Wesleyan provided a natural and beautiful outdoor sitting and mediation area supplemented with unique trees.”
Earth Day 2024
The company’s Earth Day 2024 donation is funding a project referred to as “The Swale”. It will be completed by students in Wesleyan’s biology classes and overseen by Dr. Daniel Elias who states “This project showcases both EasyFlyers® and Wesleyan’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Using native plants, we can reduce some of the impact of urbanization on our ecosystem. We are grateful that EasyFlyers® want to make earth sustainability projects a priority and allows Wesleyan to assist in these efforts.”
Students at NCWU will actively participate in this project through site preparation, plant selection, and maintenance. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to conduct water quality assessments and monitor ecosystem health as part of courses like Global Water Issue (BIO330), Agroecology (BIO226), and Environmental Science (BIO324).
Dr. Elias emphasizes this project’s educational value, “Having our students involved in every part of this project will promote a deeper understanding of environmental science and develop a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices.”
Further, the university plans to conduct regular monitoring to ensure the vegetated swale’s long-term success. Data collected by student-led monitoring and inspections will contribute to addressing the efficacy of green infrastructures as a solution to urbanization.
Local Company Awards Nursing Scholarships to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – SE&M Constructors, Inc., a Rocky Mount based, family-owned company for over 100 years, recently established the SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Nursing Scholarships at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “There is such a high demand for quality nursing in this region and NC Wesleyan is doing a great job of trying to fill that need. As a local company, we care about the communities we serve, so helping Wesleyan students further their education and careers in nursing seems like a tremendous benefit to all of us,” states Harry Bynum, Chairman of SE&M Constructors, Inc. and member of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees.
The SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Scholarship will be awarded to NCWU nursing students enrolled to receive their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The number of recipients may vary annually depending on the number of nursing students applying for the scholarship. NCWU’s BSN degree prepares experienced registered nurses for advanced leadership, management, clinical, research and nurse educator positions. Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, states “This is another example of how our community benefits from organizations who believe in the mission of North Carolina Wesleyan University. These funds will directly impact nursing students who will further their education to meet the needs of our local hospital and medical practices. It directly impacts the public health of Nash and Edgecombe counties.”
The scholarships will be awarded with a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $2,500. Applications for the scholarship will be administered through the Financial Aid Office. Students interested in applying for this scholarship may contact the NCWU Financial Aid Office by emailing FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
New Scholarship Opportunities Announced
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has announced three new scholarships that will accept applications starting Fall 2024. Each scholarship was generously offered in memory of a loved one and aligns with Wesleyan’s beliefs of being personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
The Charles Randall Ranke Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Stephen Ranke (Infrastructure and Systems Administrator with NCWU), in memory of his father, Charles Randall Ranke. Charles Randall Ranke was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, and an Eagle Scout with the B.S.A. The scholarship will be available to any student with preference given to an Eagle or Gold Scout with the next consideration being any Veteran student. The student must be of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and have a financial need. In the event no student meets the aforementioned preference, it will be awarded to a worthy student according to the Universities’ general financial aid criteria. This will become available Fall 2025.
Gail B. Fields Annual Scholarship is established by Keiya Fields McKoy and Denikee Fields Davis (Student Affairs Administrative Assistant for Wesleyan) in memory of their mother. Gail Fields was not only Wesleyan’s loyal and dedicated receptionist, but friend and family. The scholarship is open to students majoring in Religious Studies to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. The recipient should be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Student selection will be determined by the Financial Aid Office and the Religious Studies Department.
Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship is established by Judith Vilagos Parsons ‘75 in memory of her husband, Howard T. Parsons ‘74. Judith Parsons established an annual scholarship in 2022 that honored her late husband, but she wanted a scholarship that would remain even after her memory. Mrs. Parsons shares, “The quest for knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and for Howard and me, Wesleyan was pivotal in shaping not only our lives and careers, but also our understanding of how we can best serve others. Our hope is that this gift will assist students in their own journeys, and allow the same wonderful experience of learning Wesleyan provided us.” Primary consideration will be given to Biomedical Science students or other areas of science to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Biomedical Science faculty, with preference given to those who would most benefit academically and financially. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in the sciences and 2.5 overall GPA.
For more information about Wesleyan’s scholarship opportunities, please visit https://ncwu.edu/scholarships/ or information about donating for a cause you are passionate about, visit https://ncwu.edu/give/.
Dr. Janice B. Howroyd Named as NCC Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The ActOne Group and a native of Tarboro, will give the keynote address during Commencement at Nash Community College on Friday, May 10. To learn more about NCC’s Commencement, visit https://www.nashcc.edu/campus-life/graduation/.
Howroyd is a wonderful partner for both NCWU and NCC. She joined NCWU’s Boards of Trustees in 2020 and also established The Janice Bryant Howroyd Endowment that allows eligible students an annual scholarship opportunity. NCWU also established a partnership with Howroyd’s company The ActOne Group to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni.
Through a partnership with NCWU’s Adult and Professional Studies Program, students who graduate from NCC have automatic acceptance and can take advantage of our transfer friendly policies, competitive transfer scholarships and tuition breaks, as well as the 2+ Wesleyan Grant Program.
The ActOne Group is a multi-billion-dollar, award-winning, international talent and talent technology enterprise with multiple divisions that serve all areas of employment. Founded by Howroyd in 1978, it now operates in over 35 countries and offers staffing services via Apple One, A-Check Global and AgileOne, among other platforms. The organization also aggregates some of the world’s best technologies and systems that support worldwide staffing and HR needs.
Her leadership style stems from her experience in a segregated educational system during her youth. Her leadership style is framed on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion values, while providing transparency and accountability for her organizational and philanthropic culture.
Howroyd is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Black Enterprise’s coveted 2022 Woman of the Year award. She was the first-ever BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year. She has been a presidential appointee to several committees, including Barack Obama’s Presidential Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, an appointment to the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), and continues to serve on the ITAC 10 (International Trade Advisory Committee – Professional Services). She is the newly elected Chair of the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University and supports inclusive programs for women and minorities as the first African American to gift $10 million to the University of Southern California, as well as millions to other institutions that include her Alma mater, the nation’s largest HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Howroyd uses her presence as an innovator and as a connector for humanity, saying, “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally!”
