North Carolina Wesleyan University mourns the passing of Francis “Marion” Barnes, a longtime member of the University’s Board of Trustees, generous benefactor and devoted champion of Wesleyan and its students. Barnes passed away September 2, 2026, at the age of 81.
For Marion Barnes, Wesleyan was more than an institution he served, it was part of his family’s legacy. His father, Guy E. Barnes, was one of Wesleyan’s founders, and Marion carried that connection forward through decades of service, leadership and generosity to the University.
Barnes served on the NC Wesleyan Board of Trustees from 2012–2020 and again from 2023 until his passing in 2026. During his years of service, he served on numerous committees, including Athletics, Building & Grounds, the Executive Committee, Committee on Trustees, Development, Investment and Finance. He chaired the Investment Committee from 2019–2022, the Committee on Trustees from 2023–2025 and the Athletics Committee from 2025–2026.
“Marion Barnes understood that Wesleyan is a special place because of the people who believe in it and the students whose lives are changed here,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “He carried a deep sense of responsibility for the University that came from his family’s history, but his commitment to Wesleyan was uniquely his own. He gave his time, his leadership, his resources and, most importantly, his heart to this University. We are deeply grateful for his service and friendship, and we will miss his presence on our campus and in our Wesleyan family.”
Barnes’ Passion
Barnes’ commitment to NC Wesleyan was especially visible through his support of athletics. A lifelong football enthusiast, he attended most home football games and took great pride in Wesleyan’s student-athletes. His leadership and fundraising efforts helped generate more than $2 million toward the University’s stadium expansion. His obituary notes that his efforts were instrumental in advancing the stadium project.
In recognition of his longstanding commitment to Wesleyan, the University has designated the future Marion Barnes Press Box, which will be part of Phase II of the stadium project once the project is fully funded and constructed. The naming recognizes Barnes’ many contributions to the University, including his years of dedicated service, personal contributions to the University, personal support of the stadium fundraising effort, leadership in raising more than $2 million toward the stadium project, and the longstanding Barnes family legacy at NC Wesleyan and throughout the Rocky Mount community.
Barnes’ generosity extended beyond athletics. In December 2025, he was the lead donor supporting Wesleyan’s “Angel Scholarships,” which provided financial assistance to working adult students during the Christmas season. The gift reflected his belief in removing barriers for students and helping them pursue their education and build a better future.
“He cared deeply about our students and understood that an investment in Wesleyan is an investment in the future,” Duff said. “Whether he was working to strengthen our athletics programs, helping advance a major campus project, supporting a working adult who needed a little extra help, or simply sitting in the stands cheering for our Battling Bishops, Marion was always showing up for Wesleyan.”
Barnes’ Legacy
Barnes’ connection to Wesleyan was part of a much larger legacy of service to the Rocky Mount community. His father, Guy E. Barnes, was among the University’s founders, and Marion continued the family’s commitment to the institution throughout his life. He was also a successful businessman, athlete, philanthropist and mentor whose influence extended throughout the region and beyond. His obituary notes his leadership in business, his football career at UNC-Chapel Hill, his military service and his extensive philanthropic contributions to education, athletics and health care.
At NC Wesleyan, however, his legacy will be remembered most personally through the students, student-athletes, colleagues and friends who experienced his generosity and enthusiasm firsthand.
From the Board room to the football stands, Barnes was a familiar and steadfast presence. He believed in Wesleyan’s mission, cared about its students and worked to help secure its future.
The future Marion Barnes Press Box will provide a lasting physical reminder of that commitment. His greater legacy, however, will live in the people he supported and in the University he worked so diligently to strengthen.
“Marion believed in Wesleyan’s future,” Duff said. “He wanted to see this University thrive, and he wanted our students to have every opportunity to succeed. We are honored to carry forward the legacy he helped build, and we are grateful that generations of Wesleyans will know his name and the difference he made.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University extends its deepest condolences to Barnes’ wife, Kate, his family and friends, and the many members of the Wesleyan and Rocky Mount communities who knew and loved him.
His legacy will remain an enduring part of NC Wesleyan.
Red Oak United Methodist Church Establishes Endowed Scholarship at NCWU
Red Oak United Methodist Church has deepened its longstanding commitment to North Carolina Wesleyan University by establishing the Red Oak United Methodist Church Endowed Scholarship, creating a lasting investment in students pursuing their educational and vocational calling.
Established in honor of The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Simpson, pastor of Red Oak United Methodist Church and Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at NC Wesleyan, the scholarship reflects the congregation’s dedication to supporting students with a passion for ministry, faith-based service, and leadership.
About the Scholarship
The endowed scholarship will provide perpetual financial assistance to traditional students from Eastern North Carolina who are minoring in Religious Studies or who demonstrate a strong interest in ministry, faith-based service, or church leadership. Recipients must also demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and exemplify leadership, community involvement, and strong academic progress.
The new endowment is the latest chapter in a relationship that has quietly flourished over many years. Red Oak United Methodist Church has consistently supported NC Wesleyan’s mission, cheering on the University through its involvement in campus initiatives, including sponsorship of the University’s annual Rock the Mount welcome events that greet new and returning students each fall.
The History of the Partnership
That partnership grew even stronger following this year’s Battling Bishops Brunch, NC Wesleyan’s annual scholarship appreciation and fundraising event. Originally reimagined two years ago from the University’s traditional scholarship luncheon, the brunch celebrates scholarship donors while encouraging new investments in student success. The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church has proudly served as the event’s Gold Sponsor since its inception.
Inspired by the stories shared during the brunch and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, several members of Red Oak United Methodist Church met with representatives from NC Wesleyan’s Advancement Office to learn more about scholarship opportunities. Their conversations led to an extraordinary commitment not only to establish an endowed scholarship that will support students for generations, but also to create an annual scholarship that can begin helping students immediately.
“Supporting students has always been an extension of our ministry,” said Rev. Dr. Robert W. Simpson. “We wanted to extend Christ’s mission by supporting young people seeking higher education through religious studies and by investing in students who feel called to ministry, faith-based service, and servant leadership. Our hope is that this scholarship will help remove financial barriers while encouraging students to use their education to serve others and make a lasting difference in their communities.”
The endowed scholarship will become part of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s permanently restricted endowment and will be invested according to University policy. Scholarship awards will begin once the fund reaches the University’s minimum endowment requirements and has been invested for the required period. The scholarship is designed to be renewable, ensuring continued support for deserving students.
As a United Methodist-affiliated institution, North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to providing a transformational education that prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Through partnerships like this one, the University continues expanding access to higher education while honoring its faith-based heritage.
Individuals wishing to contribute to the Red Oak United Methodist Church Endowed Scholarship may make gifts of any amount through the North Carolina Wesleyan University Office of Advancement, helping ensure the scholarship continues to grow and serve future generations of Battling Bishops.
NCWU Receives $200,000 State Appropriation for Campus Facility Improvements
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has received a $200,000 state appropriation, secured through the efforts of Representative Allen Chesser, to support critical capital improvements across campus. The funding will be used for much-needed roofing repairs to two of the University’s most utilized facilities: The Dunn Center and the Taylor Recreation Center (TRC).
The investment will help preserve and enhance spaces that serve not only NCWU students, faculty, and staff, but also thousands of visitors from across eastern North Carolina each year.
The Dunn Center is a cultural hub for the region, hosting professional entertainment, concerts, theatrical productions, lectures, art exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. The venue also serves as a gathering place for university ceremonies, performances, and academic programming.
The Taylor Recreation Center (TRC) supports student wellness and campus life through fitness facilities, recreational programming, intramural sports, and athletic training spaces. It is also frequently utilized for youth camps, community programs, and special events that bring visitors to campus year-round.
“On behalf of North Carolina Wesleyan University, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Representative Allen Chesser for securing this important state appropriation,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “These funds will address critical roofing repair needs for facilities that are central to both our campus and our community. This investment helps ensure these facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Representative Allen Chesser shares, “I am incredibly proud to be a part of securing this funding for NCWU and look forward to continuing to work with Wesleyan to expand the positive impact they have on our community!”
The funding reflects the continued partnership between North Carolina Wesleyan University and state leaders who recognize the University’s role as an educational institution, economic driver, and community resource in eastern North Carolina.
By investing in essential facility improvements, the appropriation will help extend the life of these important campus buildings while ensuring they continue to serve students and the greater Rocky Mount community for years to come.
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to providing exceptional educational experiences while maintaining facilities that foster learning, recreation, the arts, and community engagement.
A Legacy of Friendship: New NCWU Endowed Scholarship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix, a permanently restricted endowment created by alumnus Daulton West, Jr. ’72 (listed in official paperwork as Henry D. West, Jr.). The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Martin “Marty” Sarra ’68, while also recognizing the lasting impact of beloved campus figure Rachel T. Dix, longtime namesake of the University bookstore.
This new endowed scholarship reflects what NC Wesleyan is built upon: relationships, tradition, and the deep bonds that form within the Bishop community and last long after graduation.
The scholarship will support junior or senior students of any major, with preference given to students employed in the Rachel T. Dix Bookstore, who demonstrate academic achievement or financial need, and who exhibit strong personal character. Students may be domestic or international. Once the endowment reaches the University’s required minimum funding level, the scholarship will be awarded annually and is renewable in accordance with University guidelines.
“This scholarship is about more than financial support,” said West. “It’s about honoring people who made our lives better and remembering the moments that made Wesleyan feel like home.”
A Homecoming Tradition “Like No Other”
The scholarship’s origin is rooted in a cherished NC Wesleyan Homecoming tradition shared by West and his close friends beginning in the early 1990s. Each year, West reunited with Marty Sarra and Brian Richardson for a weekend filled with Homecoming activities, camaraderie, and the University’s alumni golf tournament. A few years later, Phillip Boone ’70 joined the group, completing the foursome that would continue their tradition for nearly three decades.
One of their most meaningful stops each year wasn’t on the golf course — it was inside the Rachel T. Dix Bookstore.
On Saturday mornings during Homecoming, the friends made it a point to visit the bookstore, pick up new Wesleyan gear, and spend time catching up with “Miss Rachel.” For them, it became one of the most special parts of the weekend.
“Our visits with Rachel were always memorable,” West shared. “We looked forward to seeing Rachel every year, and she looked forward to seeing us too, always welcoming us with open arms, and a big smile on her face.”
Honoring Marty’s Commitment and Character
Marty Sarra’s dedication to this annual tradition was unmatched. In later years, he famously made the long drive from Canada each year to return to Rocky Mount and play in what many know today as the Wesleyan Cup Golf Tournament, simply because the weekend—and the friendships tied to it—meant that much to him.
West said Marty’s presence brought something special to everyone around him.
“Marty was a dear friend for life,” West said. “All our lives were better because he came our way.”
A Scholarship Rooted in Service and Memory
By centering the scholarship around students who work in the bookstore, West hopes to honor Rachel Dix’s spirit of kindness and connection, while also supporting today’s students who balance employment with academic responsibility.
The Martin A. Sarra Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Rachel T. Dix will be invested as part of NCWU’s permanently restricted endowment and awarded in perpetuity. In accordance with University policy, the scholarship will be awarded once the fund meets the required minimum endowment level. Annual scholarship amounts will follow NC Wesleyan’s endowment payout guidelines.
A Call to Celebrate Bishop Friendships
NC Wesleyan hopes this scholarship will inspire alumni and friends to reflect on the people who shaped their college experience—and to consider honoring those memories through giving.
This new scholarship serves as a reminder that the Wesleyan experience does not end at graduation. It continues through friendships, traditions, and the people who make the campus feel like home.
Those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, or establishing an endowed scholarship of their own, are encouraged to contact the NC Wesleyan Office of Advancement.
To learn more about giving opportunities at NCWU, visit ncwu.edu/give.
EasyFlyers Establishes Annual Scholarship at North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is pleased to announce the creation of the EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship, established through the generosity of EasyFlyers, a global company recognized for its work in transportation and logistics solutions. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a Wesleyan student majoring in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
As a leader in the movement of goods, materials, and critical shipments, EasyFlyers Logistics understands firsthand the growing demand for professionals who are well‑educated in supply chain systems, distribution strategies, and logistics technology. By supporting students in this field, the company is helping prepare future industry leaders who will drive efficiency, innovation, and reliability across global transportation networks.
“Supporting students pursuing supply chain management is a natural extension of what we do,” Nichol Ally, President of EasyFlyers USA shared. “Today’s logistics environment requires talent with strong analytical skills, practical problem‑solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We believe Wesleyan students will help shape the future of our industry.”
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, scholarships are typically created with the long‑term goal of growing the fund through additional contributions, ensuring that students can rely on ongoing support throughout their academic journey. The EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship will follow this model. Recipients will be selected each fall in the academic year, however contributions to the scholarship fund are welcomed year‑round in order to expand the award’s impact.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Mark Hinson, noted, “Scholarships like this do more than reduce financial barriers – they open doors for students to enter high‑demand career fields that power our regional and national economy. We are grateful to EasyFlyers for investing in our students and their futures.”
EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship
The University looks forward to celebrating future scholarship recipients and strengthening its partnership with EasyFlyers in the years ahead. If you would like to contribute to the EasyFlyers Annual Scholarship, visit our dedicated scholarship funding website or you can also give at ncwu.edu/donate and follow link to our GiveCampus Donation website, type “EasyFlyers” in the designation field to select the scholarship fund.
Ensuring Opportunity Never Pauses: The Power of Philanthropy
Across higher education, recent federal developments have prompted important conversations—particularly among Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). New guidance and decisions from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Education signal changes to how certain discretionary federal grant programs will operate moving forward. Many of these programs have historically provided mission-critical support to both MSIs and the students they serve.
For many colleges and universities, these shifts raise understandable questions. Federal funding has long played a role in helping institutions expand access, support students through challenges, and respond to workforce needs. When the funding landscape changes, institutions must take a step back and thoughtfully consider what comes next.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University, a proud Minority Serving Institution, this moment reinforces the importance of planning ahead, diversifying support, and strengthening partnerships that ensure long-term stability for our students and our mission.
“Higher education is constantly evolving, and moments like this remind us that adaptability and community support are essential,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Our responsibility is to continue serving students with excellence, regardless of shifts in the external environment.”
Understanding the Broader Context
Two recent federal actions have contributed to growing discussion within the MSI community:
One involves increased federal scrutiny of certain programs that previously provided targeted support to Minority Serving Institutions. These changes leave many institutions facing questions about the future funding availability and compliance requirements. Another includes the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue specific discretionary grant programs tied to MSI designation.
While these decisions are rooted in legal and regulatory considerations, their ripple effects are being felt across higher education. Institutions that serve large numbers of first-generation students, adult learners, Pell Grant recipients, and students from rural or economically challenged regions must now plan amid greater uncertainty.
As leaders across the country reflect on these changes, a common question emerges: How do institutions continue to deliver opportunity and access when traditional funding streams become less predictable?
What This Means for Minority Serving Institutions
Minority Serving Institutions play a critical role in the higher education ecosystem. They often serve students with significant potential and determination, many of whom balance academics with work, family responsibilities, and financial constraints. Federal support has historically helped MSIs:
- Reduce financial barriers for first-generation students and students from economically challenged households
- Build and sustain academic programs
- Provide tutoring, mentoring, and career readiness resources
- Strengthen workforce pipelines in education, healthcare, business, and public service
When funding becomes less certain, institutions must work harder to preserve these supports. Program growth may slow, student services can feel stretched, and workforce pathways that communities rely on may face added pressure.
At the same time, institutions like NC Wesleyan remain deeply committed to innovation, student success, and regional impact even as they navigate these challenges.
NC Wesleyan’s Ongoing Commitment
North Carolina Wesleyan University has long focused on providing a personalized, practical, and purpose-driven education, particularly for students from central and eastern North Carolina. As an MSI, the University places student potential at the center of everything it does, preparing graduates not only for careers but for lives of leadership and service.
“Our students come to us with ambition, resilience, and a desire to make a difference,” said Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our role is to meet them where they are, support their growth, and ensure they have access to the resources needed to succeed.”
Maintaining this level of support in a shifting funding environment calls for new approaches, thoughtful stewardship, and strong relationships beyond federal sources.
Why Private Support Matters More Than Ever
Private philanthropy, whether from individuals, foundations, corporations, or community partners, has always been an important part of NC Wesleyan’s story. Today, it plays an even more critical role.
Private support helps the University:
- Provide emergency and retention funding when students face unexpected challenges
- Create new academic programs and realign existing programs with evolving workforce needs and expectations
- Offer scholarships that reduce financial strain and increase access
- Strengthen career preparation, advising, and student success initiatives
Simply put, philanthropy helps ensure that opportunity does not pause when circumstances change.
In recent years, private philanthropy has played a stabilizing role for many institutions navigating change. Philanthropists such as MacKenzie Scott, who has made significant unrestricted gifts to colleges and universities across North Carolina and beyond, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has invested nationally in strengthening nursing and healthcare education, illustrate how private support can reinforce institutional capacity. Similarly, historic gifts like the more than $370 million pledged to Cornell University to endow and name its College of Engineering show how visionary donors can expand research, teaching, and student opportunity at scale across the higher education landscape.
Where Philanthropy Makes a Difference
Support for NC Wesleyan can take many forms, each with meaningful impact:
- Scholarships and endowed funds for first-generation students, adult learners, and career changers
- Program innovation that opens new academic pathways and created opportunities for hands-on learning
- Student success initiatives including enhanced advising, mentorship programs, internships, and practica to foster career readiness
- Community partnerships that strengthen regional education, healthcare, and workforce development
These investments don’t just support individual students, they strengthen families, employers, and communities throughout the region.
Looking Ahead, Together
Federal policy changes serve as a reminder that higher education thrives best when it is supported by a broad and engaged community. For NC Wesleyan, this moment is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to deepen partnerships, invite new voices into the conversation, and ensure the University remains strong for generations to come.
“Our mission has always been about opening doors,” Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, shared. “With the support of our partners and supporters, we will continue to do just that, creating pathways to success for students and strengthening the communities we serve.”
NC Wesleyan’s students are ready to lead. With stability, opportunity, and shared investment, they will continue to do so—across North Carolina and beyond.
Wesleyan Donors Provide “Heaven Sent” Initiative
In the spirit of compassion, generosity, and belief in second chances, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to share the profound impact of a new Angel Donor Initiative supporting adult learners through the University’s Adult Professional Studies (APS) Scholarship Fund.
Over the past two weeks, the initiative, sparked by the generosity of NCWU supporters, has helped 13 adult students overcome financial barriers that threatened to derail their education. These timely gifts allowed students to pay current or future balances, register for upcoming courses, and remain on track toward graduation.
Over the past two weeks, the initiative, sparked by the generosity of NCWU supporters, has helped 13 adult students overcome financial barriers that threatened to derail their education. These timely gifts allowed students to pay current or future balances, register for upcoming courses, and remain on track toward graduation.
For many recipients, this support arrived at a critical moment. More than 75% of the students who were assisted had exhausted their federal financial aid eligibility due to life interruptions, prior enrollment attempts, or unforeseen hardships. Others were navigating deeply personal crises, including homelessness, the loss of a parent, recovery from a massive stroke, or job loss tied to a government shutdown.
“These gifts were not just scholarships; they were lifelines,” said Katie Farrell, Dean of Adult and Professional Studies. “They met students where they were and provided exactly what was needed at exactly the right time.”
Turning Deferred Dreams into Degrees
The immediate outcomes of the Angel Donor initiative are powerful and measurable:
- A Healthcare Administration student described the support as “Heaven-sent,” allowing her to complete the final course needed to graduate in May 2026.
- Multiple Educational Studies and Leadership students were able to overcome financial barriers. This funding not only prevented delays but also accelerated degree completion and career trajectories, allowing future educators to enter the classroom sooner, helping address critical workforce gaps in education across the region.
Stability During Life’s Hardest Moments
Some stories speak not only to academic persistence, but to human resilience:
- A Leadership student, also a retired grandmother, unexpectedly assumed custody of three grandchildren and experienced temporary homelessness. She used the funds to secure housing, cover tuition, meet basic needs, and create a modest holiday for her family.
- A Criminal Justice student experiencing homelessness was able to remain enrolled and complete her final credits.
- A police officer finishing a Criminal Justice degree received support during the loss of his father.
- A Leadership student, a recently elected Town Commissioner recovering from a massive stroke, was able to continue his education while focusing on recovery and community service.
While this summary highlights selected stories shared with permission, additional funds continue to be distributed to other deserving students whose privacy is being respectfully protected.
A Season of Hope
The Angel Donor initiative affirms NC Wesleyan’s unwavering commitment to adult learners, students who balance education with work, family, and life’s unexpected challenges. Through strategic, compassionate support, the University is proving that persistence paired with opportunity can change lives.
As the holiday season approaches, these gifts stand as a reminder that generosity can be transformational, not someday, but today.
NC Wesleyan extends its deepest gratitude to the Angel Donors whose belief in students made these life-altering moments possible.
Academic Honor Lists Announced for Fall 2025
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Fall 2025 President’s Honor List and President’s List are issued at the end of the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible for inclusion, a student must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours on the “A-F” grading system, with no grades of “INC.” A student must attain a 3.75 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s Honor List and a 3.25 grade point average with no grade below “C” for the President’s List for the semester. Congratulations to these students for an outstanding academic year!
To view entire Honor Lists for Fall 2025, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our Presidents List honorees have displayed outstanding academic efforts inside the classroom. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and we are confident that they will continue to excel in their future endeavors.”
North Carolina Wesleyan University remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and leadership. We are proud to stand alongside these students to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
NC Wesleyan University Alumni Honor Brotherhood, Legacy, and Student Success with Endowed Scholarship Gift
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly announces a generous $7,000 gift presented to President Dr. Evan Duff by alumnus Bobby Thompson on behalf of Alpha Delta Chi Fraternity. The donation supports the Charles Livingston Rogers II Endowed Scholarship, a fund created to honor the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of beloved alumnus and fraternity brother, Charles “Charlie” Livingston Rogers II.
The gift represents the proceeds from “The Big Chill,” an annual alumni reunion rooted in the deep camaraderie of the former Alpha Delta Chi (ΑΔΧ) Fraternity, Beta Chapter, founded at NCWU in 1965. What began decades ago as a small gathering of brothers has transformed into a spirited tradition celebrating fellowship, memories, and the powerful bonds formed on NC Wesleyan’s campus.
Known for his enthusiasm, humor, and dedication to bringing people together, Charlie organized the fraternity’s “Big Chill” reunions for more than 40 years. What was intended to be the final “Bill Chill,” hosted October 23–26, evolved instead into an extended celebration of his life and his unparalleled commitment to keeping the Brotherhood connected.
The ΑΔΧ alumni group, known for legendary stories that include rerouting Hwy 301 traffic through campus and frequenting local favorites like The Rainbow Club and Mack’s, continues to channel its energy into giving back to today’s students. Their support of the Rogers Scholarship ensures that incoming freshmen from North Carolina, especially those pursuing theatre or with strong civic engagement, receive meaningful financial support as they begin their own Wesleyan journey.
This year’s contribution reflects both pride in the Brotherhood’s enduring legacy and a friendly, unspoken challenge: the alumni of Alpha Delta Chi hope their commitment to giving inspires others to match their dedication to the next generation of Bishops.
“In my lifetime, I have watched a ton of movies and a ton of football, and after a while, you can’t hardly list any that stick out, but what I can tell you is the list of people that have made a huge impact in my life,” said Thompson. “One of the greatest hard lessons I have learned is to understand what is premeditated and understand what is and what isn’t.”
NC Wesleyan University extends heartfelt appreciation to the Alpha Delta Chi alumni for their ongoing generosity, loyalty, and example of what it means to uplift the Bishop community.
NC Wesleyan University Announces the Establishment of the Betty A. Price Endowed Scholarship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is honored to announce the signing of the Betty A. Price Endowed Scholarship, established by author and pastor Rev. Dr. Michael A. Price in loving memory of his late wife, Betty A. Price. Dr. Price was joined at the signing by his sister-in-law, Sondra Bledsoe of Rolesville, who came to support the legacy being created in Betty’s name.
The endowed scholarship pays tribute to a woman whose life embodied resilience, faith, intellect, and service. Betty Price passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s — a journey marked not by struggle alone, but by courage and enduring grace.
Born in Raleigh on February 4, 1949, Betty began her working life as a cashier at Roses Discount Store before embarking on an inspiring academic and professional path. She graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina Wesleyan University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1992. Her dedication to learning continued with the completion of her MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2009.
Betty’s career spanned roles as Controller and Financial Manager for respected organizations such as Memorex/Telex, Martin-Marietta, Progress Energy, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Her commitment to education extended to the classroom as well, where she taught at both the University of Mount Olive and her alma mater, NC Wesleyan University.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Betty was a devoted Christian whose heart for service shaped countless ministries — from assisting with new church builds to supporting inner-city food pantries. She served faithfully as an assistant treasurer, a member of the Diaconate, and a Sunday School teacher, touching lives through both leadership and compassion.
Her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Price, a pastor, educator, and author known for his work on faith and leadership, established this scholarship to honor Betty’s legacy and continue the work she cared so deeply about. The Betty A. Price Endowed Scholarship will support single mothers pursuing higher education, offering them the kind of opportunity and encouragement that defined Betty’s own journey.
Betty is survived by her husband of 17 years, Rev. Dr. Michael Price; her son Rodney; siblings Julia Herring, Sondra Bledsoe, and Mike Adams; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her final resting place — the shoreline of Ft. DeSoto County Park in Pinellas County, Florida — reflects her spirit: peaceful, enduring, and full of quiet strength.
NC Wesleyan University is humbled and grateful to carry forward Betty’s legacy through this endowed scholarship, ensuring her story continues to inspire generations of scholars to come.
