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.
2020 Brings New Vision for NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Over the past year, North Carolina Wesleyan University has been in the process of developing a new Strategic Plan. The plan, recently approved by the College’s Board of Trustees, will drive the institution’s priorities, focus efforts and set goals for the next five years.
Credo, an independent higher education consultant, worked with the College’s Executive Planning Team and President Dr. Evan D. Duff to discuss the contours and timeline for the planning process. The College wanted to develop a planning process through which it could have meaningful input from all constituencies and members of the community. So in December, Wesleyan held a Community Day and Christmas lunch where all faculty and staff were invited to participate in a college-wide planning workshop hosted by Credo. This allowed employees to come together and provide their thoughts and input about NC Wesleyan’s future.
“Working with Credo and the entire Wesleyan community to develop our new vision and core values has been an inspirational experience. To see how much our students, faculty, staff and Board care about the College demonstrates our commitment to make North Carolina Wesleyan University a place where students can learn about the world, grow their skillsets and develop meaningful relationships,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
From this feedback, the College established its new Vision and Core Values:
Vision Statement
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, we provide students with opportunities to make meaningful connections and learn through innovative teaching approaches. The distinctive Wesleyan experience equips our graduates to make a positive impact on the world.
Core Values
- Knowledge & Understanding
- Integrity & Accountability
- Patience & Respect
- Kindness & Empathy
This new Vision and Core Values will help propel Wesleyan to the next level in the new decade as the College continues to build upon its academic offerings, infrastructure and community relations.
Harper Joins NC Wesleyan Admission Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NC Wesleyan welcomes Kerri Harper as Admissions & Advising Coordinator for its Wilmington and Brunswick campuses. In this role, she will be responsible for participating in recruiting events and presentations, advising and counseling students on major and minor requirements, and promoting the Adult Studies Program at community colleges, churches, civic organizations and businesses.
Kerri is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre education. After graduation, she worked abroad in Shanghai, China as a drama instructor and English teacher. After returning to the United States, she obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Baldwin Wallace University.
“We are very excited to have Kerri join the NC Wesleyan team. Kerri brings a wealth of experience that will positively impact the students she recruits and advises,” said Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult Studies.
Kerri’s teaching experience in both the K-12 setting, as well as higher education, has equipped her with a well-rounded set of skills to welcome future Bishops. She states: “I am excited to join the Wesleyan family and look forward to assisting the citizens of our community with achieving their educational goals.”
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
NCWC Board Announces Duff as College President
Contract Extended Through 2023
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Evan D. Duff has been named the eighth President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. The announcement came early this month from Dr. Dan Crocker, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the College.
Duff was appointed as Acting President by the Board of Trustees on June 10, 2019 and later accepted a two-year contract as Interim President. Following recent discussions with faculty and staff, a consensus decision was made by the Board of Trustees in their May 29 assembly to appoint Duff as President and extend his contract for an additional two years. The extension positions Duff as President for the College through May 31, 2023.
In his statement to faculty and staff, Dr. Crocker, Chair of the Board, noted “the remarkable manner in which Dr. Duff took the reins since last summer, leading both efficiently and effectively.” He also mentioned “the extraordinary financial turnaround [of the College] in just one year with Evan at the helm.”
Over the last year, Dr. Duff has worked diligently with the Provost and faculty to develop new academic programs, namely Wesleyan’s new RN to BSN Program, set to begin this fall. In collaboration with faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees, he has been instrumental in developing a new vision, core values and a comprehensive strategic plan for the College, while providing significant leadership in the College’s efforts to finalize the educational space of Wesleyan’s new Indoor Sports and Education Facility, currently under construction.
The Executive Advisory Committee of the Board agreed to complete a yearly formal presidential assessment, which is currently in-process under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Stern, Chair of NC Wesleyan’s Faculty Council. Critiques from this assessment will be a valuable resource for both the Board of Trustees and Dr. Duff as he continues to lead the College.
“I am humbled by this opportunity that the Board has granted me, and I look forward to serving the faculty, staff, students, alumni, area churches and the community as we all continue to ensure the mission of the College is met. There is no greater time than the present to ensure our students are informed and educated citizens who are passionate about being positive change agents,” said Dr. Duff.
