October 20–26, 2025 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a time to reflect on how thoughtful planning today can create a lasting impact tomorrow. At North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), planned gifts have helped shape the institution’s growth, stability, and student success.
One powerful example is the gift from the Estate of Anita D. Bobbitt, which significantly expanded the John C. and Huldah B. Daughtridge Memorial Scholarship. Originally supporting one student per semester, this scholarship now helps over 10 students each term—prioritizing North Carolina residents with financial need.
Planned gifts like these are more than financial contributions—they are legacies that honor the values of their donors and transform lives for generations. Whether through a bequest in a will, a trust, or a gift from an IRA, these contributions offer flexible, tax-smart ways to support NCWU’s mission.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Despite its importance, 64% of Americans do not have any estate planning documents, and only 34% have a will. The main reason? Procrastination.
Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored—whether for your family, loved ones, or favorite charities. It’s a key part of financial wellness and peace of mind.
5 Simple Steps to Get Started
- Inventory Your Assets – List everything you own and its value. Compile a list of all of your assets and their value. Once you’ve got it all organized you can start thinking about what to do with it.
- Set Your Priorities – Think about what matters most to you. Before you get down to the specifics of planning, consider your priorities and goals. What are you looking to achieve?
- Identify Beneficiaries – Decide who or what organizations you want to support. Make a list of the individuals and organizations that you want to provide for in your estate plan. Note any conditions that might determine the method and circumstances.
- Talk with Family – Discuss your plans with loved ones. If applicable, work closely with your spouse from the beginning. Coordinating plans between spouses often leads to additional savings for your estate. You may also want a meeting to discuss your plans with children or other family members.
- Seek Professional Help – A qualified attorney or advisor can guide you. Even if you only need a simple will, it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified attorney and, as needed, other professional advisors. Professional guidance is most often a worthy investment to ensure a proper plan.
Elevate the Next Generation at NCWU. Leave a Legacy Today.
If you care deeply about NC Wesleyan or are grateful for the education you or a loved one received, consider leaving a legacy through your will. This type of gift, called a bequest, is a meaningful way to support future generations.
Benefits of Planned Giving:
- Simple Process – Often just one sentence in your will.
- Flexible Options – Give a fixed amount, a percentage, or the remainder of your estate.
- No Impact on Current Finances – Your gift is made in the future.
- Purposeful Giving – Support a specific program or area of need.
- Adaptable – You can revise your plans if your situation changes.
Already Have a Will?
- That’s a great start! But there are other important steps to ensure your plans are clear and up to date:
- Do you revisit your will regularly to reflect major life changes like births, marriages, or divorces?
- Have you shared the location of your will, healthcare directives, and other key documents with a rusted person? Are they stored securely and organized?
- Are the beneficiaries listed on your retirement accounts, bank accounts, and insurance policies current?
- Have you considered your digital footprints such as online banking, email, cloud storage, and social media? Does someone you trust have access if needed?
So, don’t forget to:
- Update it after major life events.
- Share its location with someone you trust.
- Review your listed beneficiaries.
- Plan for digital assets like email and online accounts.
Maximize Your IRA’s Impact
If you’re 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to NCWU. This can:
- Count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
- Be excluded from your taxable income.
- Reduce future tax burdens for your heirs.
Example: Linda, age 74, asked her IRA administrator to send $2,000 directly to NCWU. It counted toward her RMD and saved her on taxes—without affecting her current finances.
Choose Your Legacy Today
To GET STARTED or learn more about leaving a lasting legacy through a planned gift, visit ncwu.edu/planned-gifts or contact Tammy Robinson at 252.985.5410 or donorrelations@ncwu.edu.
From Santa Rosa to Rocky Mount: Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts at NCWU’s Charles Schulz Exhibit
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts on Oct. 2, 2025, the timeless comic strip that gave us Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a cast of characters who captured the human spirit with humor and heart, North Carolina Wesleyan University is bringing the celebration home with a powerful tribute to the man behind the magic: Charles M. Schulz.
In a recent USA Today and People Magazine article, Jeannie Schulz, widow of Charles Schulz, reflected on the enduring legacy of Peanuts and its surprising resonance with Gen Z. From tattooed 20-somethings to wide-eyed toddlers, fans continue to flock to the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, drawn by the emotional depth and relatability of Schulz’s work. [As Peanuts…USA TODAY] [As the beloved comic strip turns 70…People Magazine]
Now, that same spirit is coming to Rocky Mount.
“The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz”, a traveling exhibition hosted at the Mims and Gravely Galleries from November 14, 2025 to January 29, 2026, offers a rare glimpse into Schulz’s personal journey—from his Minnesota roots to his artistic legacy in California. Featuring original Peanuts comic strips, personal quotes, and photographs, the exhibit explores Schulz’s unique ability to turn everyday moments into profound reflections on friendship, vulnerability, and resilience. [The Life &…University]
This exhibit is more than nostalgia—it’s a platform for discussion. As USA Today notes, Peanuts remains “refreshing” in a media landscape often dominated by fleeting trends. Schulz’s minimalist style and emotional honesty continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers across generations. [As Peanuts…USA TODAY]
Join the Conversation:
- What makes Peanuts timeless?
- How did Schulz’s storytelling shape American culture?
- Why does Snoopy still speak to us—without saying a word?
Experience the legacy yourself!
Visit ncwu.edu to purchase tickets for just $5 (children under five are free).
Perfect for families, fans, and holiday gift-giving.
Location: Mims & Gravely Galleries, The Dunn Center, NCWU
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026
Hours: 10am–1pm or 2pm–5pm daily
Peanuts75 #Snoopy #CharlesSchulz #ArtExhibit #RockyMountEvents #NCWesleyan #ComicArt #FamilyFriendly #GoodGrief
WESmagazine Edition Released
WESmagazine includes articles featuring areas of academics, student life, athletics and advancement. You’ll get a glance at the growing campus and thriving community. WESmagazine is published twice per year by the Office of Marketing & Communication along with The Advancement Office at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
See what some of our Alumni are up in Alumni Class Notes and enjoy many featured articles such as:
- The Pulse of Progress: Expanding Nursing at NCWU
- Wesleyan Launches “The Deep End” Podcast
- Beyond the Classroom: A Decade of Difference
- Faculty & Staff Spotlight – Dr. Gail Marsal
- Hartness Student Center Upgrades
- Club Highlight – The Bishop Billiards Club
- NCWU Student Spotlight – Andy Rizzo
- Student Life
- Legacy of Leadership, John Brackett, Beyond the Spotlight Legacy Achievement Award
- Bishop Coach Spotlight – Albie Brice
- Spirit on the Rise: Cheer & Dance finish 2nd place at the 2025 NCA College Nationals
- Empowering Communities, Fueling Futures: Economic Impact Study
- A Heart That Never Retired: Rachel T. Dix.
- The Voice of Wesleyan: Latisha Scott ’06
- Inaugural Battling Bishops Brunch
- Alumni Champion Spotlight – Felicia Pierce-Daniel
Learn more about publication and give us your feedback >
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.
The FAFSA 2025-26 is Now Open
Stay Ahead: Your Guide to FAFSA Deadlines at NC Wesleyan
Filing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) doesn’t have to be overwhelming! At NC Wesleyan University, we’re here to help you navigate the process so you can focus on planning your future with us.
1. Start Early
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available at www.studentaid.gov If you have not already done so, please submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure you have access to all types of financial aid for which you qualify. Remember to include NC Wesleyan’s school code (002951) so that we will receive your FAFSA.
2. Need to Make Changes?
If you made a mistake on your FAFSA, you will need to log back in at www.studentaid.gov and follow the directions to correct your mistake. Please submit your corrections as soon as possible so that you will receive an accurate financial aid award letter.
3. Understand Your Award Letter
Once our Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA and your Admissions information, you will receive a Financial Aid Award letter which breaks down the types of financial aid for which you qualify. The letter will also include your Financial Aid Advisor’s name, email address and phone number. Please reach out to your Financial Aid Advisor with any questions.
4. Eligibility Reconsideration
North Carolina Wesleyan University knows that life can throw curveballs, and the Office of Financial Aid is here to help! In some cases, with the right documentation, our team can review your situation to see if adjustments to your FAFSA can be made. We handle two types of unique situations: special and unusual circumstances. Please reach out to your Financial Aid Advisor and/or read more HERE.
Remember, securing financial aid starts with the FAFSA. Let’s make this step easy and stress-free so you can focus on joining the Bishop family!
| Academic year (you’ll attend college between these dates) | FAFSA | Use income and tax info |
| July 1, 2024 -June 30, 2025 | 2024-2025 FAFSA | 2022, filed in 2023 |
| July 1, 2025 -June 30, 2026 | 2025-2026 FAFSA | 2023, filed in 2024 |
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.”
Khalil Robertson’s Leadership and Journey at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – A true man of many talents, Khalil Robertson is a senior graduating from North Carolina Wesleyan University. Although he has a bright future ahead, he will be leaving NCWU with a touching and lasting impact. Robertson has been active on campus, supporting multiple student ministries, a leader for the Male Minority initiative developed on campus with NCICU, and has accepted a full-ride scholarship to Duke Divinity School where he will obtain a Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP).
Robertson is a prime representation of the personal, practical, and purpose-driven education that students receive at Wesleyan. He started attending NCWU in 2020, the first academic year held during COVID-19. This did not intimidate him from getting involved and engaged in the campus community as he tuned into Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) via zoom. During the spring semester, he began teaching Bible studies and attending Refuge Campus Ministry. He was instantly involved with campus ministries every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Robertson was Assistant Chaplain to Reverend Barry Drum in 2020 where he had the opportunity to conduct a baptismal service. Upon Reverend Ferguson’s hire, the two formed an immediate bond and Robertson shares, “If it wasn’t for him I can say I wouldn’t be as confident in myself and ministry without him”. The preaching led to counseling and taking part in the worship teams. Robertson expresses “As a graduating senior, I have really enjoyed the community that I’ve been a part of in all the ministries, it’s really been a life changing experience for me, and I thank God for the relationships built with the Moore family, Word Tabernacle Church, Presence Church, Connect YTI, and so many others.” Rev. Ferguson responds, “I am proud of Khalil and excited for his future. He will make a positive, lasting impact wherever he goes and I am grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.”
As a member of Wesleyan’s Black Student Association, Robertson shares, “I got into a community that felt like my family away from home.” He took this further his sophomore year by creating an organization for black male students. Sprouting from the Male Minority Initiative with NCICU, Robertson established a vision, a board of gentlemen, and an organization called Black Men Winning, with the assistance of Tim Carmichael, Giavonne Minns, Yutaka Bell, Jonah Purnell, Jaydon Denmark, Tim Willis, and leader Rev. Russell Rouse, initial advisor. 25-30 men were inducted during their first ceremony in 2022. In the second year, Dr. Spragley assumed the role of advisor where he and Robertson expanded this group beyond campus and into the Rocky Mount Community. Robertson said he was inspired by Rouse and Spragley to “take a holistic approach in developing and empowering the members in a spiritual aspect by having Bible study, traveling to other churches, counseling members individually, and ultimately helping students find outside grants to help fund their education.” Dr. Spragley worked with NCICU, making it possible for members to achieve an additional scholarship as being part of the organization. This extended to etiquette workshops, mental health workshops, hosting inspirational guest speakers, taking part in city-wide panels, retreats, community service projects with Ripple Effects and St. John AME Zion Church, study hall sessions, registration workshops to ensure being on the right track for graduation, and hosting events such as: Ebony Speaker Ball, 7V7 Football Tournaments, Game Night Tournaments, Love Day, etc.! Through all of that, Robertson believes “being intentional is the number one value that I believe carries the organization to new levels. It’s what brings guys closer, makes members stronger, and inspires others to be part of what we’ve built.” Their motto is “A successful black man is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks thrown at him.” He plans to remain involved in the ministry, but leaves the leadership to its current members and Dr. Spragley who states, “Mr. Robertson has proven himself to be a leader in the truest sense. His dedication to providing resources and opportunities to young men of color is an admirable skill set.”
Robertson’s future endeavors will be in the Master of Arts in Christian Practice Hybrid program at Duke Divinity where he looks to work as a high school social studies teacher for Wake County Schools, still actively preaching and pursuing to pastor in the CME Church. He concludes by sharing “I’m truly grateful for the support of my professors, the students, staff and faculty from the Wesleyan community, the many churches regardless of denomination, and my family for everything they’ve done for me the last four years; but most of all, I thank God for what he’s already done, what He’s doing right now, and for what He’s about to do!”
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.
NCWU is the Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers
Research shows that pet ownership in the United States has significantly increased over the past three decades. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, “As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.” Personally, it comes as no surprise with everything that has occurred in the last several years: the pandemic, rise in mental health and rate of inflation. So, what about college-bound animal lovers who own a pet and are looking for a pet-friendly college?
In the fall of 2023, NC Wesleyan University announced its plan to turn one residence hall into pet-friendly housing, thanks to a new program the University is piloting. This initiative allows students to keep their furry friends with them while living on campus, offering them the ability to still have access to the traditional campus life experience. One pet per student is allowed.
The unique program has proved to be popular among students, as spots in the residence hall filled up quickly with the announcement. NCWU plans to move forward in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year continuing to offer pet-friendly housing. The University’s pet-friendly housing policy is for dogs, cats and fish. Dogs must weigh under 40 pounds and have no history of aggressive behavior. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies and other transmittable diseases and be on anti-parasite medication. No animals may roam the campus unattended. Fish tanks are limited to 5 gallons in volume.
In addition to the joy and companionship they bring, pets also teach time and obligation management. A great remedy for anxiety and homesickness, they provide many students more structure in their daily routine, including exercise and time outside. Not to mention they can be a great icebreaker for making new friends.
At NCWU, we are committed to providing a safe and well-maintained environment for all students residing in pet-friendly housing. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to protect the rights of all students, ensure a safe and healthy living and learning environment, as well as practice behaviors that support the upkeep of university facilities and beauty of the campus. Students who bring a pet to campus are responsible for understanding and abiding by the regulations of the pet policy. Every pet owner is encouraged to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the campus environment for their pet.
By allowing resident students to bring their pet to live on campus, we aim to create a more balanced college experience and be the “Pet-Friendly College for Animal Lovers”. An environment that prioritizes health, wellness and connection.
If you’re a pet owner interested in college and can’t bear to leave your beloved animal companion behind, check out North Carolina Wesleyan University. The University’s Winter Open House is set for Saturday, February 3, 2024, and registration is underway.
During Open House, students learn more about scholarships and financial aid, have the opportunity to speak with faculty and current students, gain information on the admissions process and can take a campus tour. You can learn more at ncwu.edu/admissions.
Dr. Ami Thompson featured in The Naturalist Publication
Ami Thompson, Ph.D., NCWU Assistant Professor of Biology, recently traveled to Ohio to present a workshop with her colleagues Melissa Sanchez Herrera, and freelance biologist Sandra Hunt von Arb. They discussed the migration mysteries of the Common Green Darner dragonfly. U.S. Forest Service administrators Karin Theophile and Mike Rizo also accompanied them.
During the workshop, they performed tests and collected data that will inform future international dragonfly conservation & research and hopefully reveal clues about the mystery of migration.
VIEW PDF OF ENTIRE ARTICLE By Ray Novotny, Naturalist Emeritus, Mill Creek Metroparks.
For more information:
Ami Thompson – Dragonfly Website
Check out The Naturalist Newsletter, The Naturalist is the official newsletter of NAI’s Interpretive Naturalist Section. Find articles, news, tips & tricks, best practices, and more written by Interpretive Naturalists for Interpretive Naturalists!
How did scientists first come know that dragonflies migrate? This video below highlights one of the first published observations of the phenomenon and tells you where you can go to observe raptor and dragonfly migration, in Minnesota.
