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.
Fall 2025 Humanities Speaker Series: Dr. Christian Casey (Freie Universität Berlin) & Dr. Nancy MacLean (Duke University)
The School of Humanities is proud to host two prominent speakers for the Fall 2025 speaker series, both of whom study intersections of the humanities, technology, and history.
Dr. Christian Casey (Freie Universität Berlin) will give his talk, “Building Sustainable Digital Humanities Projects,” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, September 10, at 3:00 P.M.
Dr. Casey earned his PhD at Brown University and currently works as an Egyptologist at Freie Universität Berlin specializing in the evolution and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian scripts. His research combines traditional Egyptology with digital humanities to explore how writing systems developed over time and reflect the cultures that produced them. He currently leads the “Writing Through Time” project, which investigates script evolution through innovative interdisciplinary methods.
Our second guest speaker, Dr. Nancy MacLean (Duke University), will present on “Why is the Right Laying Siege to Our Institutions? The History that Solves the Mystery” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, November 5 at 3:00 P.M.
Dr. MacLean is the William H. Chafe Professor of History and Public Policy Emeritus at Duke University. A historian of the modern U.S., she is the author of several award-winning books, most recently, Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America, finalist for the National Book Award. Her other publications include Behind the Mask of Chivalry: The Making of the Second Ku Klux Klan and Freedom is Not Enough: The Opening of the American Workplace. Her scholarship has received more than a dozen major prizes and awards.
We hope to see everyone there!
Omnium Issue 8 Out Now!
Check out the new issue of Omnium: The Undergraduate Research Journal at NCWU, released in August 2025. Omnium collects written work by promising undergraduate scholars.
This year’s issue has a strong focus on revisiting older ways of “doing society”—from questioning the impact of social media and internet pornography on mental health and social relationships to exploring daring new trends in animal conservation and to formulating guidelines for responsible business leaders. During a year of declining trust in corporate leaders, especially those in the technology sector, this issue of Omnium features six essays focusing on ethical business practices, including a special section of articles created by NCWU graduate students in the business and leadership master’s programs. We hope that readers will be as excited about these new essays as their reviewers and editor are.
Omnium would not exist without the many expert teachers and scholars at NCWU who donate their time to this project. A very warm thank-you to the faculty judges for reading this year’s submissions in record time: Drs. Maria Gil, Meredith Gringle, Jarrod Kelly, Margaret Love, Chad Ross, Rachel Roy, Mark Sursavage, Lee Templeton, Shane Thompson, and Emily Weber.
We invite our readers to enjoy and learn from the new essays collected here, and also encourage teachers in any discipline to use them as models in their own courses. Please use attribution when you do so.
OUR MISSION. Omnium, housed in the English Department at NCWU, provides our undergraduate students with the opportunity to explore the major genres of academic writing, join in scholarly conversations, share their ideas, perform original research, and see their work published in a professional venue. Omnium also serves as a teaching resource for NCWU faculty—and faculty at other institutions—as the essays and research articles published here reflect the skill and knowledge of real students at various stages of their academic careers, from first-year composition essays to projects created in senior seminars and honors theses. The materials lend themselves well to in-class discussion, analysis, and emulation, and we hope that students will be energized when they realize that there is no single arcane secret to writing well. All it takes is practice, motivation, and direction.
For questions about Omnium, please contact the editor, Dr. Doreen Thierauf.
NCWU Launches New Academic Podcast: The Deep End
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the launch of its newest academic initiative: The Deep End Podcast, a platform that brings the innovative research, scholarship, and passion of NCWU faculty straight to listeners’ ears.
Spearheaded by Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, The Deep End dives into the creative ways faculty integrate their scholarly work into the classroom experience. Each episode highlights NCWU’s teacher-scholars and offers valuable insights for students, alumni, and fellow educators alike.
“Our goal is to share the intellectual energy happening every day on campus,” said Dr. Lane. “This podcast allows us to celebrate the brilliant work of our faculty and how they make learning relevant and exciting for our students.”
The first three episodes, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, feature engaging conversations with:
- Dr. Shane Thompson, discussing ancient cultures and languages
- Drs. Meredith Gringle and Ami Thompson, on public health and biology
- Dr. Doreen Thierauf, exploring English literature in new ways
New episodes will be released throughout the year, with upcoming guests including Dr. Benjamin Hiskes (Psychology), Tyana Ellis (Communication), Dr. Daniel Elias (Environmental Science), and Dr. Emily Weber (Biology/Pre-Medical Sciences advisor).
Dr. Shane Thompson (Religious Studies and Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research) manages the recording schedules and will host some episodes.
The podcast is produced by an undergraduate student, Shafiq Nuijts, NCWU Class of 2026. Shafiq contributes to recording and editing each episode. His leading role in bringing the Deep End to life demonstrates North Carolina Wesleyan’s commitment to offering a Personal, Practical, and Purpose-Driven Education, by giving students hands-on experiences in a variety of fields, including digital content creation.
Listeners can stream The Deep End Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Humanities Professor Wins Wesleyan’s Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award 2025
On Saturday, May 2025, during North Carolina Wesleyan University’s annual commencement ceremony, Dr. Jospeh Lane, Provost and Sr. Vice President of Academic Affairs, presented the 2025 Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Doreen Thierauf, Associate Professor of English. This award recognizes excellence in teaching and promotion of student learning, civility and concern for students and colleagues, commitment to value-centered education, service to students beyond the classroom and service to the larger community beyond campus. According to her students and faculty peers, Dr. Thierauf has created a dynamic and energized classroom space in which students are invited to share their own thoughts and feelings on some of the most challenging concepts in human experience, and in spite of, or perhaps because of, the heavy subjects that she asks to students to reflect on her students routinely rise to the occasion. During her eight years on our faculty, Dr. Thierauf has also been committed to her work as a scholar. She has published more than a dozen articles and reviews, edited an essay collection and several journal issues, and averages more than four publications and more than four newly presented talks or papers per year.
NCWU Hosts Omnium Conference
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) held its inaugural Omnium Conference on Wednesday, April 9 at the Gateway Technology Center on campus. The event spotlighted undergraduate research and celebrated scholarly achievement across disciplines.
The Omnium Conference is a formal presentation of student research papers in affiliation with Omnium: The Undergraduate Research Journal at NCWU. Omnium is a Latin word meaning “everything”, and the journal provides students with the opportunity to explore major genres of academic writing, join in scholarly conversations, share their ideas, perform original research, and see their work published in a professional venue. Now in its sixth volume, Omnium was established in 2019 by Dr. Doreen Thierauf, Associate Professor of English and General Education Program Coordinator. Dr. Thierauf serves as the journal’s sole editor and Dr. Shane Thompson, Assistant Professor of Bible and the Ancient Near East, is a co-founder of the conference which is poised to become an annual event.
“Omnium provides a professional platform for students to engage in original research, participate in academic dialogue, and see their work published,” said Dr. Thierauf. “It also serves as a teaching tool for faculty at NCWU and other institutions, with articles reflecting the academic growth of students at every stage of their college careers from first-year composition essays to projects created in senior seminars and honors theses”.
The 2025 conference featured nine student presentations, organized into three thematic sessions followed by interactive panel discussions:
- Session 1: From Fact to Fiction, From Fiction to Fact
- Natalie Messer – “Exodus: The Unknown Apocalyptic Text”
- Clarence Alexander Sanderford – “Doomsday on Screen: How Apocalyptic Films Reflect Society’s Fears”
- Maxima Iglesias – “The Illusion of Achieving Happiness Without Effort”
- Session 2: Challenging Harmful Cultures
- Kya Alston – “Ebonics: Putting Respect to Black Sound”
- Shafiq Nuijts – “Whose Independence? Challenging the Netherlands’ Commemorative Culture”
- Layali Kasem – “Weathering the Heights of Withering Critics & Whittling at the Global Theory Industry”
- Session 3: Healing Our Communities
- Christian Van Norden – “Racism in Healthcare: Dissolving Barriers and Seeking Justice”
- Anna Hamilton – “The Porn Problem: How Widespread Accessibility Harms Mental Health and Social Norms”
- Jolyna Sundbom – “Farm to Fork in Your Community: The Advantages of Sustainable Agriculture”
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Shannon Crowley, Associate Professor of Public Health and Director of Public Health Program. Her presentation explored the psychological and physiological impacts of movement and exercise.
The 2025 conference marked a new collaboration between Dr. Thierauf and Dr. Shane Thompson, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. Together, they aim to expand Omnium’s mission to highlight the exceptional work being produced by NCWU undergraduates across all disciplines.
The Spring 2025 conference also served as a proof-of-concept for future interdisciplinary research showcases, reinforcing NCWU’s ongoing commitment to undergraduate academic excellence.
University Celebrates 2025 Honors Convocation
Rocky Mount, NC – April 3, 2025 – North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students. The event, held at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service, and contributions to the university.
The ceremony included the presentation of various awards from each school within the university:
- School of Math and Sciences: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Environmental Science, Public Health, and Mathematics.
- School of Business: Recognized excellence in fields like Accounting, Marketing, Computer Information Systems, and Organizational and Sports Administration.
- School of Education and Social Sciences : Honored students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in teaching, educational leadership, History, Political Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice.
- School of Humanities: Awards for outstanding achievements in disciplines such as Writing, Religious Studies, English and more.
Students were selected for these prestigious honors by a panel of faculty and staff, based on their leadership, academic achievement, community service, contributions to the university, and good citizenship. There is no doubt that these students will go on to accomplish great things.
Provost Dr. Joe Lane expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “Our awardees and honor society members have displayed outstanding contributions both inside and outside 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, and the Honors Convocation is a testament to the university’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating student achievements.
When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
To See entire list and photos from event, visit ncwu.edu/academics/academic-honors
Office of Undergraduate Research Announces 2025 Omnium Conference
Rocky Mount, NC – Omnium and the NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) Office for Undergraduate Research are thrilled to announce the 2025 Omnium Conference, set to take place at the Gateway Technology Center’s Media Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
This exciting event will feature nine NCWU students presenting research papers they have developed for their courses, ranging from first-year writing assignments to honors projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to support these talented students and enjoy complimentary food while participating in one or more sessions.
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote presentation by Dr. Shannon Crowley at 1:00 PM. Dr. Crowley’s insights and expertise promise to be a valuable addition to the day’s events.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Gateway Technology Center’s Media Center
This event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and support the academic achievements of NCWU’s undergraduate researchers.
About the NCWU Office for Undergraduate Research
The NCWU Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is dedicated to fostering an environment where students from all disciplines can engage in advanced inquiry through research, creative, and scholarly experiences. Our mission is to support and promote these opportunities, ensuring that students have the resources and guidance they need to explore their academic interests deeply. Our vision is to encourage collaboration between faculty members and students, enhancing professional advancement and life-long learning. Through research, scholarly, and creative endeavors, we aim to cultivate a community of learners who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their fields and society.
Spring 2025 Humanities Speaker Series: Dr. Brent Strawn (Duke University) & Dr. Suzanna Geiser (Campbell University)
The School of Humanities is proud to host two star speakers for the Spring 2025 speaker series, both of whom study intersections of the humanities and the law. Dr. Brent Strawn (Duke Divinity/Duke Law) will give his talk, “Does It Matter if You Mean to Do It? Intention in Biblical Law (and Beyond),” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, March 12, at 3:00 P.M.
Our second guest speaker, Dr. Suzanna Geiser (Campbell Law), will present on “Unspoken Agonies: Navigating the Inexpressibility of Pain in Legal Narratives and Legal Judgment” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, March 26, at 3:00 P.M. We hope to see everyone there!
Dr. Shane Thompson Honored with Prestigious Kershaw Lectureship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Each year, the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) selects a distinguished group of scholars to deliver the esteemed Kershaw Lectures in Near East Archaeology. These lectures take place at various museums, society meetings, and universities across the nation. This year, Dr. Shane Thompson, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), has been chosen as one of the Kershaw Lecturers.
The Kershaw Lectures were established in 1994 by Norma and Reuben Kershaw, thanks to a generous endowment from the Kershaw Family Trust. These lectures honor Norma Kershaw, an AIA Trustee Emerita and long-time supporter of Near East archaeology. The Kershaw Lectures cover archaeological research in the regions of present-day Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, focusing on periods between 7000 B.C. and 400 A.D.
Dr. Thompson was recommended for this honor by the AIA Near East Archaeology Interest Group to the AIA Lecture Program Committee. His selection highlights his outstanding contributions to the field.
A rising star among NCWU’s faculty, Dr. Thompson has an impressive academic background. He earned his B.A. at Wake Forest University and holds multiple master’s degrees from Emory University, Brandeis University, and the University of Kansas. He completed his Ph.D. at Brown University in 2021 and has been serving as an Assistant Professor at NCWU since then.
Dr. Thompson’s research focuses on the material culture and political and cultural dynamics of the ancient Middle East. He has authored, co-authored, or co-edited fifteen books and published over a dozen articles and book chapters. His work in digital humanities, in collaboration with Associate Professor Jason Buel, recently received a National Endowment for the Humanities Spotlight on the Humanities Grant. He is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate students, having guided the second winner of the Undergraduate Research Award. In May 2024, Dr. Thompson was appointed to serve as the second Director of the Office for Undergraduate Research.
Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NCWU, expressed his pride in Dr. Thompson’s achievements: “We are overjoyed that Dr. Thompson is receiving this well-deserved recognition for his groundbreaking work on the ancient Near East. He embodies the Wesleyan ideal of the engaged teacher-scholar. At NCWU, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the most accomplished scholars in their field, and Dr. Thompson exemplifies the idea that great thinkers are also great teachers. We look forward to sharing his engaging and insightful stories about the ancient Near East with wider audiences.”
