ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Construction recently wrapped up on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s new Shaw Learning Center. This facility was made possible by funds the University received from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust. Dr. Shaw was a successful physician with ties to Nash County. Her trust’s primary focus was to benefit the health and care of cats.
Back in 2020, NCWU announced that it had received an initial $2,500,000 from the Nancy A. Shaw Trust to invest in its science and pre-vet programs. In total, NC Wesleyan received over $4,000,000 from the trust which allowed for the construction of the Shaw Learning Center and the Shaw Environmental Center, currently under construction. In addition, these funds also allowed for endowed scholarships for Pre-Vet students and NCWU’s first Endowed Professorship was established. The inaugural Nancy A. Shaw Endowed Professor is Dr. Emily Weber who started in 2022 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Weber holds a B.A. in Biology from Augustana University and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester.
The approximately 5,000-square-foot Shaw Learning Center is located behind the Welcome Center in the middle of campus and contains four classrooms and four offices. The facility provides students with unique learning opportunities, scientific initiatives and innovative ideas towards the care of felines. A unique feature of the facility is the cat lounge centrally located as guests enter the building.
The cat lounge will house approximately six to eight rescue or endowed cats from owners who have passed away. In addition to offering a serene space for these cats to live, there will also be space for students to study and socialize. Multiple research studies have shown that cats help reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Over the past 20-25 years, there’s been a huge explosion in canine cognition research; however much less is understood about cats. There are only a small handful of cat cognition labs in existence. Therefore, the field is ripe for areas of investigation and contributions to animal research.
Dr. Dimitri Blondel, NCWU Assistant Professor of Biology and animal behaviorist, is interested in non-human animals, why they do the things they do and how they perceive their own world. In his second year at Wesleyan, he wants to find ways to expand into different exploration areas, such as human-cat interactions. He also aspires to sponsor student-directed research. Teaching an animal behavior class with a lab opens the door for him to hold these labs in the new cat lounge.
“Some of the research that I plan to conduct includes student-directed cat cognition studies. Studies such as these look at animal intelligence, how they receive information through their senses, learn and process the information. Can they understand speech and things like sense of fairness? Intelligence tests such as pointing exercises have shown that they can understand human pointing gestures. This means they have the potential for understanding other areas of cognition as well. Do they know their name, can they choose between a toy and food, how independent are they? All of which can help with training, owner interactions and the way we communicate with felines in general,” stated Dr. Blondel.
Another type of research that will take place in the Shaw Learning Center is behavioral endocrinology, which considers how hormones affect behavior. This is the use of fecal hormone assay to detect levels of stress hormones to determine if there is a connection between these hormones and their personalities. This research will allow NCWU students to determine cat IQs by studying how they learn and process information.
Individuals who are interested in endowing a cat, supporting the cat lounge through supplies, toys and food, or for the naming rights of the lounge should contact Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement, at mhinson@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5145. NCWU is planning an official ribbon cutting for the new facility later this spring and hopes to rescue their first cat by summer 2023.
To support the well-being of the cats in our Shaw Learning Center Cat Lounge, Click HERE.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NC Wesleyan Receives Grant to Fund iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University was recently awarded a grant from NC Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) to help fund the iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠. The grant will be utilized to create opportunities for black male students to engage in a variety of activities that offer academic learning, emotional support, job readiness preparation, and cultural experiences such as field trips, movie nights and counseling sessions.
The NCICU iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠ provides funding to implement strategies designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of minority males at member campuses through mentoring, life coaching and educational forums. NC Wesleyan University joins 13 other NCICU campuses with iBelong Male Mentoring Programs. Dr. Kelvin Spragley, NCWU’s Director of Teacher Education and Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming is providing leadership for this initiative.
“Mentoring programs for college and university students have been proven effective at increasing engagement, as well as persistence and completion rates for participants. This is especially true for male students of color,” stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley. “Studies have shown that African-American students have very different experiences than their majority colleagues, among these are feelings of isolation and lower levels of campus engagement. I’m honored to help guide and mentor these young men through their college experience.”
The iBelong Male Mentoring Program℠ at NC Wesleyan University is working through Black Men Winning, a recently created student organization devoted to uplifting and assisting African-American males in a holistic manner. The Black Men Winning student organization has already scheduled activities for the spring 2023 term, including a field trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Motivational Speaker Forum, Interview Workshops, STEM Forum Participation, and a Policing and the Black Community Forum. Currently, the program has 21 participants. For more information about the program, including how to partner with the University in this initiative, please contact Dr. Spragley at kspragley@ncwu.edu.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NC Wesleyan Alumna Establishes New Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Nancy S. Parker, a 1970 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan, has fully funded the new Nancy S. Parker Endowment at NCWU. The scholarship will be awarded to NCWU students, preferably majoring in Math or Education, from Halifax or Northampton Counties in North Carolina.
After graduating from NC Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in Math, Ms. Parker went on to become a middle school and high school Math teacher with the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District for 30 years. When asked why she established the Nancy S. Parker Endowment, she responded, “Back in 1966, I couldn’t afford to attend college. However, I arrived at NC Wesleyan because of the financial aid and other scholarships I received. I was able to fulfill my dream of attending a four-year college.” She further emphasized, “This is my way of paying it forward. I wouldn’t trade my time at Wesleyan for any other experience. I was able to live a very good life and I want to help other students have the same opportunity.”
In the event there are no students majoring in Math or Education, the Nancy S. Parker Endowed Scholarship will be available for other incoming freshmen and upper-class students to apply. The recipient should maintain good personal character, as well as an overall 2.5 GPA.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Announces Dates for World’s Largest Bob Ross Exhibit
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, is set to adorn the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center from November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The 2023 exhibition will be open to the public. Purchase Tickets for $15 per person. Free admission for children under five. This will be the first time a Bob Ross exhibit has been to North Carolina. With over 75 paintings, this will be the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
Greg Purcell, previous Art Curator for the Galleries at The Dunn Center, says “there will be more to this event than just the paintings on the walls. As we get closer to the opening, there will be classes taught by Bob Ross Certified Instructors so that you can learn how to paint like Bob Ross. The excitement is already building for this exhibit which is now less than a year away. Keep checking our website regularly and join our email list to be the first to hear about all the fun plans, as well as having the chance to get early access to tickets.”
Bob Ross, Inc. will allow the funds raised from this exhibit to go directly toward bringing future artists to the Galleries at The Dunn Center. Guests are invited to come experience the joy that Ross brought to the art world. For more information, contact Jan Volz, Gallery Art Curator at 252.985.5268 or jvolz@ncwu.edu and sign up for the email list at ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
North Carolina Wesleyan University to Become University
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Friday, April 22 in a historic move, the North Carolina Wesleyan University Board of Trustees announced plans for the College to become North Carolina Wesleyan University. Since 2015, the College has been moving in this direction with the addition of its first two master’s programs, a key component of being considered a university.
“The evolution of NC Wesleyan from a college to a university represents the culmination of the excellent work of many dedicated people over previous years and the commitment of the current administration, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees in expanding the institutional offerings to its students for research, as well as career development,” stated Dr. Dan Crocker, Chairman of the NC Wesleyan Board of Trustees. “The impact of this effort on the students and the area will be tremendous.”
Some of the criteria that were considered when changing the name to “university” included: serving adult students, offering professional programs, offering graduate programs, serving a large percentage of international students and having multiple instructional locations. Despite this update to Wesleyan’s name, its values will remain the same:
- To provide one-on-one mentoring opportunities for students with faculty and staff to align their passions with their future career and life aspirations.
- To provide career and research opportunities to all students to enhance their marketability and skills beyond college.
- To create world citizens with vast educational and hands-on experiences to be competent, intelligent, and competitive in a changing world.
- To provide adult students with applied learning assignments and flexible instructional formats to advance their career and life goals
“Becoming a university demonstrates the evaluation of our impact on students and the community over the last 65 years. We are moving in a direction to offer additional academic offerings for a more diverse community of students,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Our foundation in becoming North Carolina Wesleyan University started over 45 years ago when we began offering various modes of instruction to working adult students. With this change, we will continue to be committed to one-on-one mentoring opportunities, hands-on experiences with faculty, research opportunities for undergraduate students, career exploration from day one and remain a teaching-focused institution.”
This announcement comes toward the conclusion of Wesleyan’s 65th anniversary. Over the next several months, North Carolina Wesleyan will transition to its new identity, working with the state and its regional accreditor to finalize this change. Rebranding of its website, social media, campus signage, literature, advertising, and much more will occur during this time as well.
NC Wesleyan Earns Gold Designation as a Military Friendly® School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced that it has earned the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School Gold designation. This is a step up from the Silver designation that the College earned for the 2021-2022 school year. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools across the nation participated in the 2022-2023 survey with only 282 schools selected for “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs.
The 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.
For the ninth consecutive year, NC Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® school. The College strives to provide the best service to veterans and troops through:
- Administering and accepting DSST
- Providing support and guidance with VA benefits
- Providing campus locations and online education near military bases in eastern NC
- Providing flexible scheduling of classes
- Offering flexible policies for transfer work and military training
“We are excited to have the Military Friendly Gold designation this year. Colleges who complete the Military Friendly questionnaire can easily detect where support might be built upon. At North Carolina Wesleyan, we understand the commitment veterans and their families make for our great Country and recognize the difficulties that come with transitioning into civilian life. We aim to continuously assist military-connected students by increasing support and offering acknowledgement at every opportunity,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active-duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at viqtory.com.
NC Wesleyan Named One of the Best Colleges in North Carolina by Intelligent.com
Higher education resource guide releases the best institution programs for 2022
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning, has included North Carolina Wesleyan University to its list of the Best Colleges in North Carolina in 2022. The research identifies 49 top programs in the state based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation.
North Carolina Wesleyan University was awarded Best First-Year Experience on the final list. Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each program on a scale from 0 to 100 across five categories. The scoring system compares each college or university according to program strength, student readiness, return on investment, cost and student engagement. Researchers compared 293 programs from 197 colleges in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina Wesleyan University offers flexible distance learning that appeals to busy adults or hybrid models that include on-campus and online formats. Experts at Intelligent.com assessed programs in Best Colleges in North Carolina that help students enhance and develop advanced skills for a variety of in-demand positions.
Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, with degree holders earning 84% more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as masters, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.1% for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit intelligent.com/best-colleges-and-universities/north-carolina/.
ABOUT INTELLIGENT.COM
Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides that include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships, and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit Intelligent.com.
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.
SRU Signs Articulation Agreement with NCWC to Place Students in New Athletic Training Program
“We are honored to have this opportunity to work with such a prestigious academic institution as SRU,” said Meir Magal, professor of exercise science at NCWC. “This option will allow our students the opportunity to join an outstanding athletic training program that provides rigorous academic curricula and a superior hands-on, patient-centered clinical experience.”
The connection between Slippery Rock University and NC Wesleyan was spurred by Tim Donovan, a 2009 SRU graduate with a degree in athletic training, who is the head athletic trainer at NCWC.
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.
