For more than four decades, North Carolin Wesleyan University (NCWU) has welcomed thousands of campers each summer, fostering a tradition rooted in learning, leadership, and community connection. What began as a commitment to youth enrichment has grown into one of the most dynamic summer programs in the region. In Summer 2025, that tradition continues – bigger than ever – with a record-breaking 2,993 campers scheduled to visit Wesleyan’s campus over the course of just ten weeks.
“This year marks the largest summer camp attendance in the history of Wesleyan Camps,” says Kimla Brandt, NCWU Event Logistics Coordinator and Summer Camp Director. “It’s a testament to the trust our community and partners place in us, and to our long-standing dedication to creating impactful, welcoming experiences for youth and organizations alike.”
The 2025 camp season kicked off early with two educational programs from UNC Chapel Hill. The Morehead Cain Foundation brought 88 students to campus for their Civic Collaboration Training Camp in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount and the Rocky Mount Event Center. The event featured a keynote from the mayor and was honored with a citywide proclamation of “Morehead Cain Day”. Simultaneously, NCWU, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Simpson, hosted UNC’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute for a training program as part of their Rural Church Summer Literacy Program – further highlighting Wesleyan’s commitment to equitable access and academic outreach.
The university’s schedule is packed from the start. From June 7-8, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) returns with its largest football camp to date, bringing 1705 athletes, coaches, and staff from across North Carolina. Next, the United Pentecostal Youth Camp brings 324 campers, followed by the first-ever FCA Women’s Camp at Wesleyan, welcoming 200 participants from June 29 – July 3 after losing their longtime venue due to Hurricane Helene.
Running concurrently from June 30 – July 5, The Tennessee Mission Group will return for their annual community service work in Rocky Mount, supporting senior citizens and participating in local building projects. In addition, Pfizer will return for a three-week training series in the Shaw Classroom Building.
July will see the return of the Shelton Leadership Camp, along with a variety of NCWU-hosted athletic and academic camps, including: NCWU Soccer Strength and Agility Camp, Matthewson Summer Law Camp, and NCWU Football Camp. The month will close with the NCWU Volleyball Camp, and the Athens Drive Band Camp from July 26 – August 1, marking their first time marching on Wesleyan’s turf field and their large attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“New beginnings are on the horizon,” said Brandt. “Each camp brings a new opportunity to make a difference, build memories, and further strengthen the bond between Wesleyan and our broader community.”
A Day for Wesleyan Giving Campaign- March 25th
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On March 25, 2025, friends and alumni of NC Wesleyan will have an opportunity to show their Bishop Pride and support the University during its six annual, 24-hour day of giving campaign, A Day for Wesleyan
WHAT IS A DAY FOR WESLEYAN?
This is a day when all NC Wesleyan University supporters, particularly alumni, celebrate the University through donations to support its vision and its students. In a short period of time, donors to the campaign can help advance the educational experiences for all students, help invest in new technologies for learning, create more scholarship opportunities, allow students to grow into their purpose, and help build Wesleyan’s future in the region.
“The A Day for Wesleyan campaign this year is focusing on the emerging needs for the University. Supporting the Annual Fund, also known as the Wesleyan Fund, gives the university the flexibility to grant more scholarships and financial aid to students in need, create more internships within our business community, invest in relevant technologies for the library and classrooms, and provide more co-curricular activities for all students,” said Mark Hinson, Sr. Executive for Philanthropic Engagement. “All gifts during A Day for Wesleyan Giving Day, regardless of size, add up to make a huge impact!”
When asked about the importance of A Day for Wesleyan , NC Wesleyan President, Dr. Evan Duff, stated; “We hope that our alumni and the community will join us in showing their Bishop Pride and support this campaign on Tuesday, March 25. When alumni and friends of the University unite to share their passion for Wesleyan, amazing things can happen for this entire community.”
Help Wesleyan continue impacting this community while also providing its students with a personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Donors can learn more and participate in A Day for Wesleyan by visiting the secure giving website, A Day for Wesleyan , or by calling 252.985.5581.
Bob Ross Art Exhibit Opens
Bob Ross “Bringing Back the JOY” art exhibit will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024-25 exhibition entails 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting.
This event was SO POPULAR in 2023-24 that we decided to Bring Back the Joy in 2024! Over 11K visitors from all over the world came to see this amazing exhibit.
This is the second Bob Ross art exhibit ever in North Carolina and still the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see real paintings from various episodes of The Joy of Painting.
The Bob Ross Art Exhibit is open to the public and Advance Tickets are only $15 per person. Free admission for children under five.
For more information about the art exhibit, purchase tickets and learn more about other events happening during exhibition, CLICK HERE.
Also, 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.
NCWU Hosts Veterans Day Salute
Join North Carolina Wesleyan University on Monday, November 11 for a Veterans Day event celebrating and honoring the men and women of our armed forces. The event will be held at the main flagpole in front of the Braswell Administrative building with guest speaker, NCWU alumnus, Bruce Sharer, Class of ‘68. The morning will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a patriotic salute to all Veterans. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center.
Guest Speaker, Bruce Sharer graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1961 where his father taught. He enrolled at NC Wesleyan College and was an active student playing a variety of sports and serving as Class Vice President. In addition to serving in the National Guard, he worked as a technology programmer and IT consultant at several well-known companies in North Carolina. He currently resides in Raleigh with wife of 40 years, Carol Derosier Sharer.
“We have been blessed with great speakers every year of the event and this year is no exception. Bruce Sharer will focus on the five classmates lost in Vietnam, one who was killed stateside during the era, and the Wesleyan students who served in country during the conflict. We look forward to remembering the bravery of those who served and thank those who are still serving” stated Laura Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Dawn Cash-Salau will present the Christopher Cash Scholarship to this year’s recipients. Dawn is the widow of NC Army National Guard Captain Christopher S. Cash, an infantry company commander deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and killed in the line of duty. In Christopher’s honor, Dawn created a 10-mile annual race, Reindeer Dash for Cash with proceeds awarded to college students at NC Wesleyan and ECU, and to the NC National Guard Educational Foundation.
NCWU Donates to Community Day
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rocky Mount City Council, Ward 7, in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount, is hosting a lively Back to School Bash this Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the front of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus, offering a fun-filled day for local families.
The celebration will feature a range of activities, including inflatables, food trucks, and live music provided by a DJ. In a generous gesture to support education in the community, free backpacks will be distributed to children residing in Ward 7, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
North Carolina Wesleyan University has also shown its commitment to the local community by donating school supplies for the event. These contributions will help ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed as they return to their classrooms.
This Back to School Bash is a testament to the strong community spirit in Rocky Mount, bringing together families, local leaders, and educational institutions to support the city’s youth. Residents are encouraged to attend and enjoy a day of fun while preparing their children for a successful school year.
Councilman Jabaris Walker shares that this event was suggested in a meeting and he had to make it come to life. Councilman’s mentality of “together is possible” included having Wesleyan as part of the location. He is a proud Wesleyan Alumni, Class of 2017, and shares “I am so appreciative to Dr. Duff for always opening his doors and supporting me and letting me know that campus will have my back. It will always be my first choice”.
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 >
Bob Ross Bringing Back the Joy to NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, along with Art Curator, Jan Sullivan Volz, and President of Bob Ross Inc., Joan Kowalski, announced that more of Bob Ross’ famous original paintings are set to adorn the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center this upcoming holiday season.
Bob Ross Bringing Back the JOY will be on display in the Mims Gallery of The Dunn Center, located on the beautiful NC Wesleyan University campus from Monday, December 2, 2024 through Monday, January 13, 2025. The 2024 exhibition will entail 76 different paintings than the previous ones on display at NCWU, including special pieces aside from those featured on his PBS show, The Joy of Painting. This will be the second Bob Ross exhibit in North Carolina, but still 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.
During the holiday season of 2023, there were 76 of Ross’ paintings on display from November 1, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The exhibit was viewed by over 11,000 visitors that traveled from all over the country, and beyond, to see the magnificent work. “We are honored and thrilled that we will have this opportunity to share Mr. Ross’ work again with so many of his fans during the holiday season… this is truly a gift to those that cherish the memory of a great artist and humanitarian,” said Ms. Volz.
The exhibit will open to the public on Monday, December 2, 2024 and run through Monday, January 13, 2025. Advance Tickets will go on sale Thursday, July 4th for $15 per person. Free admission for children under five. For more information about the artwork, 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.
Pfizer Executive and Site Lead announced as NCWU Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On May 4, 2024, North Carolina Wesleyan University will celebrate its Spring Commencement with more than 300 graduates. This year’s commencement speaker will be Dr. Kara Renai King who is the Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals– Rocky Mount facility.
As Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer, Dr. King is responsible for one of the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world, with more than 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space on 250 acres in Eastern North Carolina. Nearly 25 percent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals are produced at the site. A wide range of products are produced at Rocky Mount, including anesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes. More than 200 million units are processed at the Rocky Mount site annually to help treat patients around the world.
Dr. King holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hampton University, a Masters’s degree in Cell Biology & Biotechnology from University of the Sciences, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.
Dr. King is recognized as an expert on leadership who has extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in both traditional and contract development manufacturing organizations. Her experience ranges from early drug product development to commercial operations. She has held leadership roles in Quality, Tech Ops and Drug Product Operations (from bulk product manufacturing to finishing). She joined Pfizer in 2021 following successful leadership roles with Minaris Regenerative Medicine and Merck.
Dr. King delivers value to organizations through her servant leadership style complimented by her strong foundation in science, strategic mindset, and the ability to create an environment that fosters joy, creativity and innovation. Hallmarks of her leadership are building high performing teams, elevating leadership capability, and delivering results.
“We are looking forward to Dr. King’s address to our Class of 2024. Under her leadership, Pfizer and NCWU have forged a strong partnership that provides extraordinary opportunities to Wesleyan’s students and graduates, and that partnership was made stronger by our shared efforts to overcome the devastation of last summer’s tornado. Dr. King’s approach to leadership and strategic vision will provide an inspiring example to our graduates,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
“I’m humbled and excited to stand before the talent of the future from NC Wesleyan University at this year’s 2024 Commencement,” noted Dr. King.
Dr. King has long demonstrated engagement in and solicitude for the community in which she lives and works. She utilizes her skills, experience and resources to invest in the local community and help others achieve their dreams. Among her many community service activities, Dr. King sits on the boards of Eastern University and the International Leadership Association (ILA), and she serves as the Treasurer for Silver Lining Sports.
NCWU Welcomes Ronald Cotton
North Carolina Wesleyan University will welcome Ronald Cotton of Burlington, North Carolina on Thursday, February 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Powers Recital Hall at The Dunn Center. Serving 11 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Cotton was falsely accused of raping Jennifer Thompson. At the time, Thompson was an Elon University student. Cotton’s wrongful conviction was largely based on faulty eyewitness identification procedures. Following his exoneration, Ms. Thompson and Mr. Cotton became friends and advocates for criminal justice reform.
Considered among the most famous DNA exonerations in U.S. history! Watch a two-part 60 Minutes episode about this case by clicking here.
Attendees of this event will witness the type of interaction an educated populace should demonstrate, but more importantly, how to engage in issues that sometimes divide us as a nation.
Open to the public. This event will provide students with the experience of interacting with their social community beyond what they read in textbooks. Discussing delicate issues of this type is both educational and engaging for our students and the community at large.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Cotton during a reception immediately following at 8:00 p.m. in the Powers Hall lobby.
Veterans Day Celebration Planned at NCWU
Join North Carolina Wesleyan University on Friday, November 10 for a Veterans Day event celebrating and honoring the men and women of our armed forces. The morning will start off at 10:00 a.m. with a patriotic salute to all Veterans and a special pinning for Vietnam Veterans.
The event will be held at the main flagpole in front of the Braswell Administrative building with guest speaker, Rep. Allen Chesser. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Garner Lobby at The Dunn Center. Rep. Chesser is an alumnus of NC Wesleyan and currently serves on the University’s Veteran Advisory Committee. Elected in 2022, Rep. Chesser is currently the State Representative for North Carolina House District 25, which covers the majority of Nash County. Before serving in the North Carolina House, he was a police officer for the City of Raleigh and the Town of Nags Head. Rep. Chesser is a combat veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.
“With wars and rumors of wars consistently in the headlines, it is important to pause and recognize those who have served our Country and kept America free. We are thankful to have the opportunity to honor our Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Veterans by continuing our tradition of the Veterans Day Salute. We are excited to have Rep. Chesser, Dawn Cash-Salau and Andrea Bishop joining us this year and look forward to their contribution to the day,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Dawn Cash-Salau will present the Christopher Cash Scholarship to this year’s recipients. In addition, the University is supporting the local Ride of Honor taking place November 10 and 11. This fundraiser benefits the PruittCares Foundation to help veterans and bring Camp Cocoon to Nash County. Andrea Bishop BSN, RN, Administrator of PruittHealth Hospice of Rocky Mount, will be speaking briefly about this event at NCWU’s Veterans Day Salute.
