ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will celebrate its 64th year with its annual Founders’ Day on Thursday, October 22. Due to COVID-19, the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and community members are of utmost concern to the College. Therefore, the decision was made to alter the format of the day.
In lieu of the traditional activities, President Dr. Evan D. Duff announced the decision to focus this year’s celebration on emphasizing the College’s founding and the need to sustain Wesleyan’s future. Highlights for the upcoming week leading to Founder’s Day include a digital display of photos dating back to the groundbreaking for the College. In addition, there will be a series of videos published to the College’s social media accounts and website featuring the Honorable Phil Carlton, Dr. LaWanda Peace, Norris Tolson, CEO & President of Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Judge Brenda Branch and Wilson Police Chief, Thomas Hopkins. Both Judge Branch and Chief Hopkins are NC Wesleyan alumni.
“Our yearly Founders’ Day celebration pays tribute to our rich Methodist heritage, our liberal arts foundation and the community who dedicated immense time and resources to make North Carolina Wesleyan University the institution it is today. We also acknowledge those who are currently selfless with their guidance and financial contributions, raising our beautiful College to the next level,” stated Dr. Duff. Last fall, President Duff started a new tradition for graduating seniors to leave a lasting impression on campus. The occasion allowed seniors an opportunity to plant flower bulbs in a designated area on campus. This year’s senior tradition will coincide with Founders’ Day. Seniors will be able to leave their lasting mark by planting their bulb any time between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. These flower beds will be marked with a class sign and maintained for years to come.
Five New Members Join NC Wesleyan Board of Trustees
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees recently approved five new board members to join the Wesleyan family: Leslie Hall, Janice Byrant Howroyd, Kevin Jones, Melvin Mitchell and Constance Williams. These new members come from a variety of backgrounds and industries joining 19 others that serve on the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Dan Crocker.
“This incoming class of Board members will add value to our existing Board through their rich life experiences, connections beyond Rocky Mount, diversity and the ability to resonate with our students,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Leslie Hall is a retired Nursing Executive with more than 35 years of experience in nursing management, education and patient care. She holds a B.S. in Nursing and M.S. in Nursing from Syracuse University. Prior to retiring, Mrs. Hall was the Senior VP and Chief Nursing Officer at Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount. During her time there, she participated in the development and implementation of multiple new clinical services including a new Emergency Department, Women’s Center and Heart Center.
Janice Bryant Howroyd, a native of Tarboro, NC, is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, educator, ambassador, author and mentor. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, an award-winning, global talent and workforce technology enterprise. Her professional accomplishments include Presidential appointments (U.S. Ambassador for the Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy, U.S. International Trade Advisory Commission Board, and the Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities), plus recognition from world-renowned business organizations like Forbes and BET, who selected her as their first-ever Entrepreneur of the Year. She was also named in the North Carolina Twin County Hall of Fame. Howroyd is a tireless advocate for education and 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.
Kevin Jones holds a B.S. in Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. He is the owner of Katala Industries in Rocky Mount, a small business focused on construction and real estate development. He is also a Transportation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Founder/President of the Bulldog Alumni Community (BAC) Scholarship Fund. This nonprofit organization was created to help underserved children in Eastern North Carolina pay for college and gain the tools needed to compete in a global economy after college graduation. From 2014-2020, the BAC Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $160,000 in scholarships and technology resources to local schools while remaining engaged with scholars to assist with resume writing, career planning and effective relationship building.
Melvin Mitchell is the President of Melvin M. Mitchell Agency Inc., which is affiliated with Allstate Insurance Co. He serves on the Board of Commissioners for Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount, is a founding partner and a member of the Board of Directors for Providence Bank in Rocky Mount and is a past member of the First Carolina State Bank Board of Directors. In addition, he serves on the North Carolina Board of Transportation representing Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties. Mitchell is a member of Alpha Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and is the fraternity’s 41st Sixth District Representative. He is a member of the N.C. Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission, and a member of the Fireman’s Relief Fund Board. He obtained a B.S. in Business Education from Fayetteville State University.
Constance Williams is a Senior Human Resources Executive and has served in senior level roles with Sony Music, Time Inc, and American Express to name a few. Ms. Williams was also a part-time Professor at North Carolina Wesleyan University from 2016-2018, credentialed to teach courses in Psychology, Business Administration and Organizational Administration at all levels. She has over 28 years of exceptional HR and business experience having contributed to the success of several blue chip firms in diversified industry sectors. A double Ivy League graduate, Ms. Williams holds an M.A. in Organization Psychology from Columbia University and a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, as well as an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from North Carolina Wesleyan University. Ms. Williams has displayed a significant commitment to NC Wesleyan students by providing rich developmental experiences including one-on-one mentorship, speaking engagements and comprehensive on-site job shadowing. She resides in New York City, but also has a home in Rocky Mount and is a board member of Hunter College High School AA.
The combined skills, knowledge and expertise presented by these new board members will help chart a course for success at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Their fresh perspectives and new ideas will be an asset to the current Board of Trustees and to the students, faculty and staff of the College.
NC Wesleyan & College of The Albemarle Sign Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently signed an agreement that will help qualified graduates of College of The Albemarle (COA) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at COA.
Leaders of both colleges signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late September. This new agreement adds COA to a list of over 30 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWC.
“We are excited to continue the partnership we have built with North Carolina Wesleyan University that allows COA students a smooth transition to a baccalaureate degree program,” shared COA President, Dr. Jack Bagwell. “Through the signing of this agreement, students who qualify will be guaranteed admission at NCWC, giving them an opportunity to attend a 4-year institution while living at home. It is a win for all parties involved when we have the ability to assist students in their pursuit of an academic degree.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering COA graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from COA to NC Wesleyan. This MOU allows COA Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“I am excited about the new agreement that will improve the transfer pathway resulting in a great education and career opportunities for students. Our partnership provides a great benefit to the students and community of Dare County,” stated Joy Smallwood, Executive Director of Adult & Professional Studies at NC Wesleyan.
Students who graduate from COA and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of COA students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
NC Wesleyan Homecoming Postponed
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – In July, North Carolina Wesleyan University and the USA South Athletic Conference announced the postponement of the College’s conference football games for fall 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Homecoming will also not happen in an official capacity this fall. The College’s Student Activities may plan some events for students on campus with appropriate guidelines in place and alumni groups may get together, but there is no “official” Homecoming event planned. If the College is able to resume its football season in the spring, there may be a similar type of Homecoming experience at that time. NCWC values the health and safety of its faculty, staff, and students; therefore, the College does not want to risk having larger-scale events at this time.
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.
Annual Tackle the Tar Event Benefits Local Colleges
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University was recently the recipient of a $17,000 scholarship made possible by proceeds raised from the 5th Annual Tackle the Tar 5K Obstacle Course Race & Family Fun Day. Hosted by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, this event raises funds so area students can attend local colleges. Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, the race was canceled for the year, yet the mission of the event was still a success.
In the past five years, Tackle the Tar has given a total of $285,000 among Nash Community College, Edgecombe Community College and NC Wesleyan University. Scholarships provide significant support for many of NC Wesleyan’s students seeking to further their education.
This year’s presentation took place via a Zoom meeting between the Rotary Club and representatives of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Edgecombe Community College and Nash Community College. Rotary leaders presented a total of $51,000 in scholarship funds to the three Colleges. This year’s funds were raised through sponsorships for the 2020 5K Obstacle Course Race. Though canceled, Rotary officials polled those who had already paid or committed to a sponsorship for the event and the consensus was to allow them to keep the funds and distribute to the colleges.
“I continue to be amazed by the outpouring of support from our community and specifically the Rotary Club for their yearly fundraising event, Tackle the Tar,” stated NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Their commitment to education in our region is demonstrated by their relentless dedication to funding scholarships for all three higher education providers in Nash and Edgecombe Counties. This is what makes a community resilient.”
Next year’s Tackle the Tar event is set for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The 5K race is packed with obstacles and offers competitive heats and fun runs.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Rotary members provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
NC Wesleyan & ECC Renew Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement that will help qualified graduates of Edgecombe Community College (ECC) transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement aims to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at ECC.
Leaders of both colleges attended the September 29 signing held on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expands upon the previously signed agreement, allowing ECC students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits, whereas the last MOU allowed for 60 total transfer credits.
“At Edgecombe Community College, our goal is to strengthen and enrich learning opportunities for our students,” notes ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod. “We have a long history of successful partnerships with NC Wesleyan. For local students who prefer to complete their education in this area, our transfer agreements are especially beneficial.”
The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering ECC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from ECC to NC Wesleyan.
“Wesleyan has partnered with Edgecombe Community College for over a decade. We are honored that Dr. McLeod and ECC continue to value the undergraduate and graduate opportunities afforded at NCWC by renewing and strengthening this long-standing partnership,” stated Michael Drew, Dean of Admissions & Adult Studies.
Students who graduate from ECC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of ECC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the College.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
First Recipients of NC Wesleyan Service Award Recognized
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University congratulates Drs. Carl and Jackie Lewis, as well as Dr. Brittany Bass for being the first recipients of its Wesleyan Service Award. Any full-time employee may be nominated in recognition for consistently demonstrating outstanding service to the College or community that is above and beyond their job responsibilities.
Since March of this year, Dr. Jackie Lewis, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, and Dr. Carl Lewis, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, have been sewing and distributing PPE (masks and cart handle covers) to members of the Wesleyan community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On almost a weekly basis, they have delivered these supplies to the College for faculty, staff and students to pick up for personal use. They also contributed to Dr. Brittany Bass’s campaign this spring for PPE collections for local healthcare providers. Dr. Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program, was able to collect and distribute over 500 masks to these providers.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University implemented this service award opportunity in late 2019. Over the last nine years, I have witnessed the generosity and servant leadership activities of our faculty and staff. It was time for them to be recognized for their efforts and being recommended by their peers is an added bonus,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. All Wesleyan Service Award recipients will be recognized at the College’s annual Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. Wesleyan Service Award nominations can be submitted by the public. If you have worked or volunteered with a Wesleyan employee and would like to nominate that person for going above and beyond, visit NCWC Service Award.
The Lasting Value of the Liberal Arts
Featured article featured on evolllution.com written by our very own Dr. Evan D. Duff.
This pandemic has given the liberal arts the time and space to begin building upon and traditional models and innovating new methods to deliver the education and skills that employers are looking for…
Nonprofit Founded by NCWC’s Director of Military Studies Fights Hunger Locally
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Mercer Foundation, Inc., founded by NC Wesleyan’s Director of Military Studies, Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer, has partnered with Thornes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church , The Alpha Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. and Conetoe Family Life Center to assist Nash, Edgecombe and Rocky Mount communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the current pandemic, Thornes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Alpha Omicron chapter members, volunteers from The Mercer Foundation, Inc. and Conetoe Family Life Center have been committed to serving their communities in various ways. These groups have made it their mission to provide donated food from the Eastern and Central North Carolina Food Banks and Conetoe Family Life Center to those in need and also helping the elderly of their communities.
During these unprecedented times, their members and volunteers have answered the call by assembling, packaging and distributing over 10,000 pounds of donated food to area residents and have helped more than 350 families in the month of July alone.
“Sadly, most people believe that hunger only affects people who are lazy, people who are just looking for a handout or people who don’t want to work. However, many of us who are on the front-lines fighting hunger know that is not true. Here in our community, over one-third of our hungry people are innocent children who are members of households that simply cannot provide enough food or proper nutrition,” Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer said.
Mercer, who serves as the Director of Military Studies and coordinates the ROTC program for North Carolina Wesleyan University, founded The Mercer Foundation, Inc. in late 2017. The organization seeks to create healthy opportunities for children and to 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. Knowing well the challenges that face his community, Mercer founded this organization to make a positive impact. Understanding what veterans go through as a retired Lt. Colonel of 31 years, Mercer has firsthand experience in transitioning back into the work force after serving in the military.
