ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Alamance Community College (ACC) and NC Wesleyan University (NCWU) have entered into a multi-tiered transfer agreement that provides students with academic opportunities across multiple programs.
The agreement enhances and expands educational opportunities for Alamance Community College graduates transferring to NCWU after earning an associate degree from one or more of five different programs. The ACC graduates consequently gain access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NCWU. Wesleyan Works guarantees admission to NCWU for ACC’s graduates earning Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate of Engineering and Associate in Applied Science degrees. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NCWU, as well as access to attend events on NCWU’s main campus in Rocky Mount, NC. The target population for this program is adult students who intend to attend NCWU’s evening or online programs.
Students who graduate and transfer under this agreement may select any of NCWU’s traditional programs of study, or may transfer to NCWU’s Adult and Professional Studies programs utilizing the advantages of the Wesleyan Works program.
Once accepted to NC Wesleyan University, graduates of Alamance Community College’s AAS programs will be permitted to take up to an additional 15 hours of general education coursework while still at ACC, for a total of no more than 75 credit hours in transfer.
Bachelor degree opportunities for ACC transfer students include Criminal Justice, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Accounting, and Healthcare Administration.
Furthermore, the Wesleyan Works agreement offers reduced tuition for ACC faculty and staff seeking online educational pathways. ACC employees would receive reductions of $350 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $400 per credit hour for graduate programs.
“We are looking forward to serving the graduates and employees of Alamance Community College as they continue their higher education journey at the undergraduate and graduate levels,” said NC Wesleyan President Dr. Evan Duff. “Our programs are specifically designed for those who want to work part-time or full-time and complete their degree online. We also have robust traditional programs for students who graduate from Alamance and want to continue that on-campus experience. This partnership will provide multiple affordable pathways for ACC graduates and employees.”
“Together with NC Wesleyan, we are creating a stronger foundation for our students’ future success,” said Dr. Lisa Johnson, ACC Vice President of Instruction. “Supporting them through multiple pathways and program options ensures they will be well-equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-changing workforce.”
NCWU Welcomes Class of 2028
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University held its 68th annual New Student Convocation on Aug. 20 in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center to welcome the Class of 2028. President Dr. Evan D. Duff gave a warm welcome to over 300 new students who are embarking on their college experience, congratulating them on taking the next step in their educational journey.
Keynote Speaker Kevin Snyder
This year’s guest speaker was Kevin Snyder, owner of Southern Swag. Snyder graduated from NCWU in 2000 with a degree in Environmental Science and was a member of the Battling Bishop Men’s Soccer team. His professors and coaches planted the seeds for personal responsibility, and a “trust but verify” mentality which quickly translated to his professional career in Quality Assurance. He has worked on several of the world’s largest energy and utility projects, including the newly constructed nuclear power plants in China, Georgia and South Carolina, and the country’s largest offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts.
In early 2024, Kevin and his wife Jenny started a small business, Southern Swag. Southern Swag is a promotional products company that aims to provide cost effective solutions for business looking to increase their brand awareness.
Throughout his career, Kevin has recognized opportunities to give back, including leading and organizing an annual Golf Tournament fundraiser for Make A Wish of Central and Western Carolina for several years. Kevin has most recently taken his leadership passion to the soccer field as a volunteer goalkeeper coach for the Neuse River Futbol Alliance. He has organized multiple Community Days in conjunction with NCWU in an effort to connect youth soccer with our university athletics program.
Kevin’s desire to link the community to the campus extends beyond the soccer field. He has also worked to obtain sponsorships and foster connections from local businesses to help with improvements of Wesleyan’s Disc Golf Course and the Bishops Disc Golf Club. Kevin has previously served as an Alumni Class Champion and was recently appointed to the Alumni Board, as well as the President’s Advisory Community Council.
Above all, Kevin views his greatest accomplishment as his 18-year marriage with his wife, Jenny, and his children, Payne and Abby. The Snyder family can regularly be found on campus at sporting events, alumni events or volunteering efforts towards the betterment of the NCWU campus and community.
Rock the Mount Event
Afterwards, students exited The Dunn Center greeted by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff and friends of NC Wesleyan forming a time-honored tradition— the Bishop Tunnel. As they continued through the tunnel to enter the annual Rock the Mount event, they were each welcomed by President Duff and his wife, Marcy. Rock the Mount is a tradition at NCWU of welcoming new students to campus and to the community. Each year, it takes place the day before the University’s first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. Organizations come out to support and celebrate the start of a new school year with food, music and advertising. This year, almost 110 community organizations lined the center of campus to celebrate Wesleyan’s Class of 2028. Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone such as: 3 Boys Catering, Minnies Food and Thingz, Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade, Shawarmalicious, and Carolina Shaved Ice. Live entertainment will be provided by Relay Relay; Story Charlamagne, and DJ 3two1!
View the Photo Galleries for Student Convocation and Rock the Mount event!
Campus Photo Gallery >
Carl Lewis Photo Gallery >
Lancaster Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Lancaster family joined Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, to formalize the creation of The William Ted & Karen Naylor Lancaster Family Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy and contributions of the late William Ted Lancaster and Karen Naylor Lancaster, both proud graduates of NCWU’s Class of 1970.
The scholarship will distribute a minimum of $2,500 annually once the endowment reaches $50,000. Preference will be given to students from Rocky Mount, NC, who demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5), good personal character, and financial need. Recipients may continue to receive the scholarship in successive years if they meet the criteria.
Karen Naylor Lancaster shared, “When I walked on campus for the first time in 1966, I had no idea the influence Wesleyan would have on me. Not only did I get an excellent education, but I met my life partner. Ted and I met in a history class, we were both history majors, and married in 1970. We moved to Raleigh and had our two children, Jon and Melissa. It was so special to be able to share Wesleyan’s beautiful campus with my family including my two grandchildren. It is an honor to help Rocky Mount students achieve their academic goals through this scholarship.”
Jon Lancaster, representing the family, added, “Knowing the significant role NC Wesleyan played in our parents’ lives, it was important to us to give back to the institution. We hope this endowment will assist future students in fulfilling their educational goals.”
Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement, stated, “The Lancaster family’s generosity began over five years ago with gifts supporting Wesleyan students through an annual scholarship. It is gratifying to have another endowed scholarship that will leave a legacy for Wesleyan alumni. This gift will continue to impact and make a difference for our students.”
NCWU Students participate in NCDHHS Internship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University students, Nayonna Bland and Makaela Stokes, have accepted an internship with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as part of the department’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Internship Program. This paid summer internship is a component of the department’s workforce development initiative to build a strong and inclusive workforce by increasing the number of human services professionals to provide for the growing number of residents in North Carolina.
“We are looking toward the future in NCDHHS by building a strong and inclusive workforce that supports all North Carolinians,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We genuinely applaud each of these young professionals for their assistance in helping NCDHHS protect the health, safety and well-being of the people in our communities now and into the future.”
Stokes and Bland will be working on a project with NCDHHS’ Division of Health Benefits. The internship will last 10 weeks and will include work in the assigned project area, seminars, presentation practice and an immersion event at the end of the internship experience.
“NCDHHS is now in its 6th Cohort of HBCU/MSI Change Champion Interns, connecting with over 150 students since 2022. We are creating a strong and inclusive workforce by building a pipeline to the public health and human services professions for this generation,” said Angela Bryant, NCDHHS’ Assistant Secretary for the Health Equity Portfolio. “NCDHHS is excited that Makaela and Nayonna have chosen to join 41 other graduate and undergraduate interns to help build the workforce needed to improve the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”
NC Wesleyan believes that student engagement is vital to rewarding social lives, strengthening leadership skills, and the desire to make a difference on campus and the community. We encourage students to get involved and make most of their collegiate experience. We are so proud of these Bishops for taking advantage of this opportunity and taking a step further to make most of their journey. Both of these students will be able to apply the skills learned during their internship with DHHS towards their respective careers in the social sector.
Maryhelen Willhite Endowed Scholarship Established
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Bishops are often asked, “What makes Wesleyan different?” or “Why Wesleyan?” The answer is simple. It is the people, the community. This is proven once again by another generous donor, Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
Maryhelen is the daughter of the late Dr. W. Lyle Willhite who was a professor at NC Wesleyan from 1976 to 1984. Her dedication and commitment to Wesleyan runs deep and in 1996, she was able to assist one of Dr. Willhite’s former students, Rick Bradham III, ’81, in establishing The Dr. W.L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship.
Because of her late father’s influence, Maryhelen made her first contribution in the spring of 2024 to establish The Maryhelen Willhite Jones Endowed Scholarship, her own Second Generation Legacy Scholarship. This award will be given to undergraduate students majoring in Marketing who have excelled in academic and extracurricular accomplishments at NCWU.
Dr. Willhite instilled in Maryhelen to be bold and give with purpose and passion. Now she has been able to “bring that ‘can do’ boldness to NCWU through another endowed scholarship with the Willhite name.”
Maryhelen says “I believe in not only paying things forward, but also paying them inward.”
Although her background is in the Arts, International Relations, and Information/ Library Sciences, she has a passion for all things Marketing: brands, products, companies, non-profits, social causes, innovations, and ideas. Maryhelen states, “If I had to do it over again, I would go into the field of Marketing. What I can do instead is to help support those who decide to do just that.”
Maryhelen knows that Wesleyan’s undergraduate marketing degree involves research skills, critical thinking, demographics, collaboration, creativity, communication, persuasion, information, observation, social, economic, and cultural considerations, and yes, sometimes playfulness!
“My ultimate focus is on the students, who no matter what their career fields end up to be, are ethically grounded and have a strong moral self-compass,” says Maryhelen Willhite Jones.
“The Dr. W. L. Willhite Endowed Scholarship has been financially supporting Wesleyan students for over 27 years. To have a scholarship established by his daughter, Maryhelen, that will impact lives in the same way is a grand gesture. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the Willhite family, which will continue to make a difference for future Wesleyan alumni. The relationship developed has been meaningful and of great significance.”
Local Company Awards Nursing Scholarships to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – SE&M Constructors, Inc., a Rocky Mount based, family-owned company for over 100 years, recently established the SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Nursing Scholarships at North Carolina Wesleyan University. “There is such a high demand for quality nursing in this region and NC Wesleyan is doing a great job of trying to fill that need. As a local company, we care about the communities we serve, so helping Wesleyan students further their education and careers in nursing seems like a tremendous benefit to all of us,” states Harry Bynum, Chairman of SE&M Constructors, Inc. and member of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees.
The SE&M Constructors, Inc. Annual Scholarship will be awarded to NCWU nursing students enrolled to receive their Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The number of recipients may vary annually depending on the number of nursing students applying for the scholarship. NCWU’s BSN degree prepares experienced registered nurses for advanced leadership, management, clinical, research and nurse educator positions. Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU, states “This is another example of how our community benefits from organizations who believe in the mission of North Carolina Wesleyan University. These funds will directly impact nursing students who will further their education to meet the needs of our local hospital and medical practices. It directly impacts the public health of Nash and Edgecombe counties.”
The scholarships will be awarded with a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $2,500. Applications for the scholarship will be administered through the Financial Aid Office. Students interested in applying for this scholarship may contact the NCWU Financial Aid Office by emailing FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
New Scholarship Opportunities Announced
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has announced three new scholarships that will accept applications starting Fall 2024. Each scholarship was generously offered in memory of a loved one and aligns with Wesleyan’s beliefs of being personal, practical, and purpose-driven.
The Charles Randall Ranke Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Stephen Ranke (Infrastructure and Systems Administrator with NCWU), in memory of his father, Charles Randall Ranke. Charles Randall Ranke was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, and an Eagle Scout with the B.S.A. The scholarship will be available to any student with preference given to an Eagle or Gold Scout with the next consideration being any Veteran student. The student must be of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and have a financial need. In the event no student meets the aforementioned preference, it will be awarded to a worthy student according to the Universities’ general financial aid criteria. This will become available Fall 2025.
Gail B. Fields Annual Scholarship is established by Keiya Fields McKoy and Denikee Fields Davis (Student Affairs Administrative Assistant for Wesleyan) in memory of their mother. Gail Fields was not only Wesleyan’s loyal and dedicated receptionist, but friend and family. The scholarship is open to students majoring in Religious Studies to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. The recipient should be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Student selection will be determined by the Financial Aid Office and the Religious Studies Department.
Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship is established by Judith Vilagos Parsons ‘75 in memory of her husband, Howard T. Parsons ‘74. Judith Parsons established an annual scholarship in 2022 that honored her late husband, but she wanted a scholarship that would remain even after her memory. Mrs. Parsons shares, “The quest for knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and for Howard and me, Wesleyan was pivotal in shaping not only our lives and careers, but also our understanding of how we can best serve others. Our hope is that this gift will assist students in their own journeys, and allow the same wonderful experience of learning Wesleyan provided us.” Primary consideration will be given to Biomedical Science students or other areas of science to fund research, tuition, and educational expenses in furtherance of their degree. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Biomedical Science faculty, with preference given to those who would most benefit academically and financially. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen of good character, remain in good standing with the University, maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA in the sciences and 2.5 overall GPA.
For more information about Wesleyan’s scholarship opportunities, please visit https://ncwu.edu/scholarships/ or information about donating for a cause you are passionate about, visit https://ncwu.edu/give/.
Exercise Science Team Attend 2024 SEACSM Conference
On February 21 and 22, three NC Wesleyan’s Exercise Science faculty members, Dr. Meir Magal, Dr. Tim Dornemann, and Coach Vanessa Batchelor, and eight students attended the American College of Sports Medicine regional conference (SEACSM) in Greenville, SC. The students and faculty members attended presentations and tutorials on exercise science, sports science-related data analytics, physical therapy, and athletic training. Further, three students, Zach Marquis, Victoria Farji, and Gustavo Rivas (left to right), represented the university at the 2024 SEACSM Student Bowl.
The 2024 Annual Meeting had over 470 presentations including 6 invited speakers, 2 preconference sessions with 8 presentations, 17 tutorials, 15 symposia, 35 oral presentations, 48 thematic posters, 299 poster presentations, 24 posters in the Student Award session, and 9 lectures and 9 case presentations in the Sports Medicine Physician Track program. The event had close to 1,000 attendees again this year, the majority of whom are students, many attending their first conference or making their first presentation.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks NC Wesleyan Among Best Online MBA Programs
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been ranked among the 2024 Best Online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News assessed schools in the Best Online MBA Programs category based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, as well as services and technologies. According to their website, NC Wesleyan University was among more than 1,800 programs surveyed and only regionally accredited institution whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated.
Professor Dr. Paul Ewell, Program Coordinator for the MBA program states, “Our MBA is more than a degree. It’s a gateway to the future of business.
“You’ll learn from the best and brightest in the field, and apply your skills to real-world challenges. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of a program that fits your lifestyle and goals”, stated Ewell.
NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration program is one of the most popular graduate programs at the University and was recently is one of the only private, non-profit universities currently offering an online MBA degree in the eastern NC region. The program is very affordable and offers many benefits including: rolling admissions with 100% online classes starting every eight weeks, finish in as little as 12 months, one-on-one mentoring, supportive faculty who have real-world experience offering applied assignments and career assistance. The program offers concentrations in Information Security, Executive Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. The program was also named by Forbes as One of the 10 Best Online MBA Programs of 2023! To learn more about admission requirements and curriculum information, visit ncwu.edu/mba.
Prospective students can see how NCWU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
NC Wesleyan Placing Students’ Finances First
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is proactively addressing FAFSA financial aid setbacks to meet the needs of our students and families. The University has announced it is moving forward and investing in its students in the midst of the continued federal delays.
“It is our commitment to provide students with a transparent and affordable financial aid package shortly after they are accepted. To uphold this commitment, we have developed a plan to help bridge the gap” stated President Duff.
The U.S. Department of Education announced, “The Department will begin transmitting batches of FAFSA information—known as the Institutional Student Information Record or ISIR—to these colleges in the first half of March.”
In an effort to be proactive, North Carolina Wesleyan University will be providing estimated financial aid and award packages starting in February. This initiative will streamline tuition and award packages, providing students assurance to financing their education, so they can make informed decisions. If students qualify for additional aid once the FAFSA is finalized, NCWU will adjust those student’s packages accordingly.
Visit the Department of Education website for more details: studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support
Information for students that have already been accepted and deposited
If you have already committed to attending NC Wesleyan, complete our 2024-2025 SAI Information Form to apply. You’ll need your NCWU Student ID to complete the form. An email will be sent from the Office of Financial Aid within 48 hours of receipt of your completed form. An estimated award letter will be emailed starting mid-February.
Information for prospective students
For prospective students who are considering NC Wesleyan, APPLY TODAY and take advantage of this financial aid opportunity. Don’t wait on FAFSA, choose the University that takes care of their students NOW!
