NCWC, NCC & ECC Sign Statement of Collaboration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – As the local colleges are ramping up for a new academic year, they are also working to foster a culture of collaboration between themselves. On August 1, the presidents of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College met to sign a Statement of Collaboration.
“It’s important that local higher education institutions work together. What better way to collaborate than to have a Statement of Collaboration that shows Wesleyan as well as Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges are working together on joint program development and grant opportunities. Let’s show the community we are not competitors, we work as a team,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
This agreement strengthens the need for collaborative discussions regarding trade-specific training and educational opportunities for the region. Each institution certifies that they will work in sync with one another to contribute to industry demands. This alliance will lead to cross-professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, while also serving the needs of students, organizations and members of these communities.
“As we collaborate and look for partnerships we welcome these opportunities… together we can make this a better region,” commented Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver.
The Twin Counties is an ideal place for families to live, work and learn. This partnership benefits the community and our students as each institution unites to seek out new educational offerings and programs.
Dr. Gregory K. McLeod, President of Edgecombe Community College, closed with, “I believe the residents of the Twin Counties and surrounding areas deserve our best, and our best can only be realized through our collaboration and teamwork. For them and for us, we can’t afford not to work together… Together We Can. Together We Will.”
Wesleyan Provost Appointed Interim President
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Evan D. Duff, Provost of North Carolina Wesleyan University, has accepted a two-year contract as Interim President of the College. Duff was appointed as Acting President by Board of Trustees on Friday, June 14.
“I am dedicated to Wesleyan and to continuing to move the College in a positive direction, where the mission of the College is fulfilled and a liberal arts education makes a difference in the lives of the students it serves,” stated Duff.
Dr. Duff earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mount Olive College, a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He has served in multiple leadership roles at the College since 2011, most recently as Provost.
During his time at Wesleyan, Duff held positions as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Adult & Professional Studies, adjunct professor and Provost. In these roles, he was responsible for leading efforts to approve new majors, co-writing the College’s first graduate application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) and creating seven new off-site instructional locations. He was also responsible for facilitating the development of partnerships with 20 two-year and four-year colleges, which led to articulation agreements or memorandums of understanding between those colleges and NC Wesleyan.
Prior to joining Wesleyan, Dr. Duff was the Dean of Extended Education at Mount Olive College (now University of Mount Olive) and Director of their Washington, NC campus. Throughout his career, he has authored or co-authored a great number of academic publications and presentations. He has been honored with a variety of awards for service to the College and the community.
He and his family are active at Hope Community Church in Cary, NC. Previously, they were active members of Covenant UMC in Greenville, where he served on the Pastoral Personnel Committee. Dr. Duff and his wife of 21 years, Marcy, have three sons and a daughter – Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe. Their family has a love for animals and have adopted into their home four dogs and two cats, all of which are rescues.
Wesleyan Taking Care of Business with New MBA Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – After much anticipation, North Carolina Wesleyan University has officially submitted documentation to its regional accreditor to offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Pending approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), the College will offer its first class on January 6, 2020.
If approved, this will be the second graduate-level program launched by Wesleyan in less than two years. The first graduate program, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, was offered in spring of 2018. The MBA program will be 100% online and consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session, and will end with a final capstone class. Like other academic programs offered by the college including their Adult Studies programs, the degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-week session.
“Our faculty have worked extremely hard to develop our MBA curriculum that will provide students with the skills required to excel in their careers. Future plans may include concentrations in areas like healthcare administration, business analytics and logistics. Our faculty will analyze market and industry research to determine how this curriculum may evolve,” stated Wesleyan Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff. This program is the only MBA offered locally to the Twin County region and will serve as a great asset to our community and those interested in advancing their career. NC Wesleyan will begin accepting applications into the program beginning August 1, 2019. Those who are interested in learning more about the MBA program can contact Dani Somers, Director of Graduate Admissions, at DSomers@ncwu.edu.
Strong Storms Cause Damage to College
At approximately 4:00 p.m. this afternoon a strong line of thunderstorms moved through the Rocky Mount area causing damage at the College. Thankfully, all damage was isolated to the sports fields and no one was injured or buildings harmed.
Earlier in the day an alert was sent out by the College regarding the possibility of severe weather. As the storm approached, coaches became concerned, cancelled an active sporting event and others sought shelter in the Field House. The storm resulted in significant damage to Brackettville Softball Field, the most prevalent being downed fencing, moved and damaged bleachers, a torn down scoreboard and the home field dugout was destroyed. Other areas of campus such as the Bauer Baseball Field and Vernon T. Bradley Practice Football Field also sustained fence damage.
Power on campus went out due to power lines being down along Thomas A. Betts Parkway. At this time, emergency generators with limited power are being utilized on campus with hopes that power will be restored by Friday. Approximately fifty trees were broken off or down in the woods along the highway. The National Weather Service in Raleigh has been advised of the incident and may assist in determining whether this was straight line winds or a possible tornado.
Though the College is on summer break, there were still several camps and overnight guests on campus. Many from the Wesleyan family quickly poured in and assisted in removing debris, gathering equipment and collecting field maintenance gear from the damaged softball storage house adjacent to field.
Presidential Transition
On Monday, June 10th, the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees received and accepted President Dewey Clark’s resignation. The Board of Trustees and the College community appreciate the many accomplishments and milestones reached during Dr. Clark’s tenure, all of which have helped make Wesleyan the college it is today. After dedicating over 30 years of his life to Wesleyan as a student, employee, board of trustee member and President, Dr. Clark now wishes to explore other opportunities.
The Chair of Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Dan Crocker, commented that Dr. Clark has worked tirelessly since he became president. His love for the college is reflected in the improvements made on campus, just one of a number of successes. All the Wesleyan Trustees wish Dr. Clark and his family the very best as he pursues other endeavors.
Effective immediately, Dr. Evan Duff will become Wesleyan’s Interim President. Dr. Duff has served Wesleyan over the last eight years in the capacities of Vice President of Adult and Professional Studies, Interim Provost and currently as the College’s Provost/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Combined, he has over sixteen years of higher education experience.
Wesleyan Bids Farewell to Class of 2019
Graduates Inaugural Masters Class
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University held its Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 4 at the Rocky Mount Event Center. This year’s commencement speaker was Tony Stroud, alumnus of Wesleyan and founder and CEO of Stroud & Company, a Wilmington, NC accounting firm.
Stroud, spoke about graduates staying true to themselves, filtering through the noise and listening to their inner voice. “Integrity is who you are when no one is looking. That whisper is who you are when everyone is looking. And if you listen to that whisper, you win,” stated Stroud. After his speech, an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities was bestowed upon Stroud.
Spring 2019 graduation was especially moving as Wesleyan honored Brad Melton, who passed away in December 2018, with a Posthumous Degree. Brad was a member of the Class of 2019 in the Master of Criminal Justice program. Brad’s mother was in attendance to receive the degree in his memory.
There were 233 undergraduate students in the Class of 2019 Saturday, with over 2,650 guests in attendance. In addition, 11 students graduated in the first cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
“We are very excited to graduate our first master’s class,” stated Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark. “These students, both undergraduate and graduate, have gained a wealth of knowledge here at Wesleyan and they are ready to go out and take on the world. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Beverly Anaele received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award which honors a senior who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership and service to the community. Anaele obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science. She will pursue a Master of Public Health at Thomas Jefferson University in the fall.
The President’s Cup, an award that recognizes the attainment of the highest standards of academic performance, went to Jessica Brabble. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and will pursue a Master of History at Virginia Tech in fall 2019.
Dr. Erica Kosal, Professor of Biology, received the Exemplary Teacher Award which honors excellence in teaching, service to the college and scholarship.
This year’s graduates hail from 10 states around the country, calling home Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia. There were sixteen international graduates from Argentina, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Sweden, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Wesleyan Receives Employer Excellence Award from Donate Life NC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Recently, North Carolina Wesleyan University received an Award of Employer Excellence from Donate Life North Carolina. April is National Donate Life Month, an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.
Wesleyan received this award because of their dedication to going above and beyond the legal requirements in supporting employees who are living organ donors and recipients, as well as, employees who are on the transplant waiting list.
“For many living donors and patients, the worry of missed work or expenses is incredibly stressful and prevents them from focusing on their health. We are so proud of the work that Wesleyan does to support their employees,” stated Deanna Mitchell, Executive Director of Donate Life NC.
North Carolina Wesleyan Visiting Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Mike Brantley, received his liver over three years ago. Courtney Moss, a May 2018 Wesleyan grad and employee at the Dunn Center Box Office, received her heart four years ago. There are over 3,000 North Carolinians waiting for an organ and 84 percent of those are waiting for kidneys. Living kidney donor and Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts at Wesleyan, Sheila Martin, has actively volunteered for many years to increase public awareness of the great need for registered organ donors.
“NC Wesleyan hired me fourteen years ago knowing I was a living kidney donor. The recipient was my son, Jim Pittman, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1992,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. “I’m grateful for the College’s support and that they allow me to take administrative leave in order to attend the state’s License to Give Trust Fund Commission meetings.” Wesleyan also hosts a yearly dodge ball tournament, organized by the women’s soccer team, which benefits Carolina Donor Services.“The involvement of the women’s soccer team has been so incredible because it puts the issue of organ donation in front of a young audience,” stated Martin.
Donate Life NC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all North Carolinians to give the gift of life. The organization recognizes those employers who go above and beyond the law to support employees who are on the transplant waiting list as well as those who are living donors.
Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Awarded to Dr. Lee Templeton
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –North Carolina Wesleyan Professor, Dr. Lee Templeton, has been awarded with the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship. This award is the highest and most singular honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty memberand is given in recognition of scholarship, teaching and community service.
The Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award that was established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company. The honoree is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by the president of the college. To be eligible for consideration, the faculty member must have tenure and have clearly distinguished themselves with high standards of excellence. As teachers, they demonstrate a whole-hearted dedication and rigorous professionalism in forwarding their students’ learning and personal development for life and work. As scholars, they have to possess a mastery of their discipline, contribute to new understanding and knowledge, and demonstrate a lively commitment to life-long learning for themselves, as well as their students. Additionally, as a member of the Wesleyan community, they give generously to the aims and programs of the College, both with their time and means.
“When the nominating committee met to discuss our consolidated list of potential faculty nominees, it quickly became apparent to the committee that one single faculty member stood head and shoulders above the rest as the clear choice for the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award,” stated Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President at Wesleyan. “Overall, Dr. Templeton has a strong record of teaching, scholarly activity and service.”
Dr. Templeton, now in his eleventh year at Wesleyan, delivered his Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Lecture, entitled: “Until the Dragon Comes: Ragnarok and the Liberal Arts,” on Thursday, March 28. His talk explored two topics– dragons and higher education – and attempts to connect the two in a meaningful way. Beginning with an examination of the figure of the dragon and its various metaphorical meanings, in Old Norse/Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon myth and literature, Dr. Templeton considers current trends in higher education through the metaphorical lens of the dragon.
During the lecture presentation, the 2019-2020 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship was announced. Next year’s awardee is Dr. Jeffrey Kuglitsch, Associate Professor of Earth Science.
Honor Students Receive Awards
NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2019 Honors Convocation Award Ceremony. These Awardees and Honor Society Members have displayed outstanding contributions inside and outside of the classroom. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
Recipients of the 2019 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| STUDENT SUPPORT | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Trevor Harris |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Beverly Anaele |
| Internship Award | Gordon ( Mitch ) Layton |
| ROTC Highest GPA Award | Elena Duran |
| ROTC “Hooah” Award | Savion Young |
| ROTC Golden Joe Award | Dion Cox |
| ROTC Golden Jane Award | Kate Avila |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award | Beverly Anaele |
| Environmental Science Award | Ericca Lenhardt |
| Exercise Science Award | Mehli Carolyn Erbaugh Marcellus |
| Chemistry Award | Kayla Lavan |
| American Institute of Chemists/North Carolina Institute of Chemists Foundation Award | Ivan Cockman |
| Mathematics Award | Ivan Cockman |
| Mathematics Award | Joseph Lloyd |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Religious Studies | Sean Michael Dancy |
| Senior English Award | Libby Edwards |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| Communications Outstanding Student Award | Ali Cucinotta |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Beverly Anaele |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Jessica Brabble |
| Political Science Award | Anderson “Andie” Batt |
| SNCAE Award | Tristan Marshall |
| Susan B. Taylor Excellence in Educational Practice Award | Karolina Winstead |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Joseph Lloyd |
| Excellence in Sociological Studies Award | Keaira McMiller |
| Criminal Justice Outstanding Student Award | Courtney Paige Garofolo |
| BUSINESS | |
| Accounting Outstanding Student Award | Hannah Huls |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | Shreya Suman Thakuri |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Stephany Barbera |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Gene “Trey” Croom |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Nabin Singh |
| ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM AWARDS | |
| Outstanding Adult Student Award | Latishea Faison |
Below you will find a list of honor society members who were recognized at the 2019 Honors Convocation Ceremony. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
| PSI ETA SIMGA |
| Bethany Bergman |
| Elizebeth Blair |
| Olga K. Bloh |
| Karlee Bjurstrom |
| Alyssa Nichole Brookhart |
| Bethany J. Dunham |
| Angela W. Groeneveld |
| Hayleigh Heckman |
| Hunter L. Ingram |
| Dan R. Locey III |
| Victoria Mayer |
| Eboni’ Sapphire Mayle |
| Hugo Mendes |
| Rebecca Renee Mitchell |
| Brittany Petticolas |
| Odalis Enmanuel Peralta Paulino |
| Mariana Rey Xavier |
| Taylor E. Roberson |
| Brianna D. Skipwith |
| Rodrigo Soto Gongora |
| Dawn E. Wallace |
| Ashley Carroll Wiggins |
| Sigma Tau Delta |
| Libby Edwards |
| Dalton Smiley |
| Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) |
| Hannah Ivester |
| Jawuanna McAllister |
| Dakota Casey |
| Savannah Flanagan |
| Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu |
| Thomas Keilty Hand |
| Justin DeBraska |
| Cecilia Patino |
| Sarah Griffiths |
| Thomas Keilty |
| Justin DeBraska |
| Cecilia Patino |
| Sarah Griffiths |
| Alpha Phi Sigma |
| Shelby Godwin |
| Jordan Forbess |
| Timothy Caulder |
| Anna Stribling |
| Faith Overton |
| Courtney Garofolo |
| Victoria Simmons |
| Jerry Cameron |
| Keith Garner |
| Gary Davis |
| Timothy Hathaway |
| William T. Smith |
| Patricia Sessoms |
| Jerry Shoemaker |
| Sigma Beta Delta |
| Rashonda Bradley |
| Willie Ray Flowers |
| Cheryl D. Garner |
| Lathen Earl Hyman, Jr. |
| Abigail Leather |
| Valerie Newton |
| Kendra S. Patterson |
| Sydney B. Taylor |
| Kelvin L. Wiggins |
| Sigma Tau Delta |
| Libby Edwards |
| Dalton Smiley |
| Kappa Mu Epsilon |
| Angela Nicole Bird |
| Payton Coleman |
| David Austin Mooney |
| Chinwe Cynthia Obi |
| Julia Anne Trimmer |
| Samantha G. Valeros |
| Jackie N. Webb |
| Abigail Wooten |
The Heart of Dr. Hartness- Renovation Ceremony at The Hartness Center
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA– Over 110 students, staff, supporters and family recently gathered at the Hartness Student Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new renovations. The event recognized Dr. John Hartness for his generous contributions and tireless support of the College.
Just before the event began, the room buzzed with conversation as individuals from various backgrounds greeted one another and shared stories of how Dr. Hartness has impacted their lives. Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities, opened the event by expressing his thanks and mentioning all of the recent changes to the building as part of this renovation.
The improvements took place over the past several months. They include: redesigning the ground level to encompass dynamic meeting areas, building a second floor which houses offices and creating a multi-purpose student lounge to accommodate both academic and entertainment needs. Annick Umuliza, a student-worker at the Hartness Center spoke on her pride of working for the center and its mission.
After sharing a story of their friendship, Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark voiced his appreciation saying, “Dr. Hartness had this vision… he wanted to be a part of Rocky Mount because of North Carolina Wesleyan University. How fortunate we are to have Dr. Hartness come and befriend us.”
As Dr. Hartness came forward to say a few words and cut the ribbon, the entire room rose in a standing ovation for a man whose efforts serve as a prime example of a community supporter and leader.
What was originally a building used to supply heat to the College has now transformed into a thriving students center all because of Dr. Hartness and his family’s generosity and vision. He does not take credit for the success, however, humbly saying, “I did not do this, my family did this. I just happened to be there. My family is most generous, and I am most grateful.”
