NCWC among record 166 campuses honored worldwide
North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 166 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise is Medicine® initiative for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Campus-wide initiatives focused on physical activity and health at the College helped Wesleyan earn silver level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,”said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
“This distinction wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative efforts of the Exercise Science and Health Promotion Departments, Wesleyan Wellness, the NCWC Intramural Sports & Recreation Program, the students of the Health and Movement Science Club, as well as the faculty, staff and administration who have supported our efforts to make physical activity a health priority on campus,” stated Dr. Shannon Crowley, NCWC’s Exercise is Medicine on Campus Advisor.
Notable initiatives that helped NCWC reach Silver status included the Lunch n’ Learn Series for Health, sponsored by the Departments of Health Promotion and Exercise Science, in partnership with Wesleyan Wellness; the annual Costume Run/Walk, sponsored by the NCWC Health and Movement Science Club; the Walk with the President; the Exercise Science personal training program; and others.
Of the 166 campuses recognized this year, 77 received gold, 62 silver and 27 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized on May 27 as part of the 11th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine, held in conjunction with ACSM’s 67th Annual Meeting.
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at www.acsm.org.
About North Carolina Wesleyan College
North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Wesleyan Welcomes New Talent to Admissions Team
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is happy to welcome several new faces to its admissions team. Wesleyan alumnus, Aaron Meade, joins the team in their recruitment efforts for traditional day students. Wesleyan alumni, Tracy Gary and Lindsey Sharpe, will team up with adult studies as Admissions and Advising Coordinators for the Rocky Mount campus.
Meade graduated from Wesleyan in December 2018 double majoring in Accounting and Business with a concentration in Sports Administration. Since then, he has become a valuable asset to the Wesleyan community by aiding in a variety of positions such as Student Affairs Assistant for the Greek Life Coordinator and current member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Before accepting the position of Admissions Counselor, Meade was the Assistant Director of the Youth Technology Institute at the College. In that role, Meade was responsible for recruiting students, marketing efforts and public relations.
“We are excited to have Aaron join our team,” stated Paige Price Wells, Assistant Director of Admissions for traditional recruitment. “We have full confidence that he will make an immediate contribution to the Admissions staff and the NCWC community.”
Tracy Gary, an alumna from the Class of 1990, has acquired more than 20 years of educational experience with various institutions. Her experience spans from teaching high school mathematics for Weldon City Schools to matriculating from Assistant Principal to Principal for Wilson County Schools, later becoming the Director of Human Resources and Operations for Weldon City Schools. Most recently, she served as Superintendent of Weldon City Schools. Gary’s dedication has garnered numerous awards such as Teacher of the Year at the school and district level in the same year, Principal of the Year and received the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Local Hero Award. She also obtained her master’s degree in School Administration from East Carolina University.
Lindsey Sharpe is also a recent graduate of NC Wesleyan, completing her B.S. in Exercise Science in spring 2017. Since then, she has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for various assisted care facilities, most recently as Bridge to Recovery Director at HeartFields Assisted Living in Cary, NC. Sharpe continued her academic pursuits by obtaining a master’s degree in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As a student-athlete at NC Wesleyan, she was a member of the softball team. Academically, she earned numerous awards including the President’s List twice, the President’s Honors List twice and the Exercise Science Department Award for spring 2015. She is also a member of Sigma Phi Omega, the International Gerontology Honor Society through UNC Charlotte.
“The College is happy to welcome two alums to build and grow enrollment efforts in Adult and Professional Studies in Rocky Mount,” stated Michael Drew, Interim Dean of Admissions and Adult Studies. “We are confident that Lindsey and Tracy, as Admissions and Advising Coordinators, have the knowledge, skills and experience that will serve the College well in their new roles working with adult professionals, transfer students and new students.”
North Carolina Wesleyan eagerly welcomes all three to the Bishop family and is excited about the new perspectives and energy they will bring to the College.
Wesleyan Submits Accreditation Application for New RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is pleased to announce that it has submitted the substantive change application for the new RN to BSN program to its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The College will begin promoting the program immediately and will be accepting applications this spring. Pending approval from SACSCOC expected in April or May, the program will start in fall 2020. Thanks to the hard work of Dr. Brittany Bass, Dr. Esther Burgess, Dr. Evan Duff, Dr. Larry Kelley, Dr. Molly Wyatt and Scott Marsigli, this document was completed in record time to meet the January deadline. The program will also seek professional accreditation from Nursing’s top collegiate academic accreditor, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The RN to BSN program will be for licensed nurses who have an Associate Degree in Nursing and desire to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Institute of Medicine recommends that hospitals should work to hire RNs with higher levels of education and training. Studies show this enables nurses to provide better patient care. For this reason, they also recommend that 80% of nurses earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by 2020.
As nursing becomes more complex, a BSN can move one’s career forward. This program will expand on the RN competencies needed to drive change that will positively affect healthcare, as well as preparing nurses for graduate studies. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical experiences in the BSN Professional Capstone course. The purpose of the clinical practice experience is to translate new nursing knowledge into daily practice.
NC Wesleyan is also excited to announce it has received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. Stay tuned to ncwu.edu and the College’s social media for the official announcement of when application acceptance will begin.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, select the button below.
North Carolina Wesleyan, Forsyth Technical Community College Sign New Transfer Partnership Agreement
A new transfer partnership agreement will create a streamlined path for Forsyth Technical Community College graduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (January 8, 2020) –-During a formal signing event on Wednesday, January 8, North Carolina Wesleyan University announced a new agreement with Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) to facilitate degree completion and student success by improving access to undergraduate educational resources, college facilities and support systems.
“Forsyth Tech is thrilled to collaborate with NC Wesleyan in this agreement,” said President of Forsyth Tech Dr. Janet N. Spriggs. “Having this strategic alliance will offer tremendous benefits to our students and to the community in demonstrating how higher education works together to improve student completion and success.”
In partnership, NC Wesleyan and Forsyth Tech will enhance and expand the educational opportunities for Forsyth Tech’s Associate in Science specifically in Business Administration and Criminal Justice programs. NC Wesleyan will maintain a full-time Coordinator of Transfer Admission at one of the Forsyth Tech campus sites.
“NCWC has a long history of partnering with NC Community Colleges and we are excited to add FT to our list of partners,” said Interim President of NC Wesleyan Dr. Evan D. Duff. “It is collaborations like this that enable students to attain their bachelor’s or master’s degree without having to leave their family or job.”
FT has launched five new co-admission partnerships over the last two years with Bellevue University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Salem College University of North Carolina – Greensboro and Winston-Salem State University, to improve student access to undergraduate and graduate education. The programs begin enrolling in fall 2019.
North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. Follow NCWC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Forsyth Tech
Forsyth Technical Community College is a catalyst for equitable economic mobility, empowering lives and transforming communities. The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 200 programs of study, including programs that promote personal and professional development through non-credit courses and seminars, as well as customized training for business and industry. Forsyth Tech serves more than 35,000 students with approximately 1,500 full and part-time faculty and staff. For additional information, visit forsythtech.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Wesleyan Received Golden LEAF Foundation Grant for Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded NC Wesleyan University with a $100,000 grant to support their new Logistics and Supply Chain Management baccalaureate program that actively started this fall. This award is in addition to a grant awarded by the NC Office of State Budget and Management in August 2018.
NC Wesleyan has offered a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Logistics for a number of years. The new degree program, which kicked off this semester, offers a more comprehensive, focused curriculum designed with the needs of the local industry in mind. The program addresses cost efficiency, cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated strategies and practices as it relates to the movement of raw materials and goods in a global economy. Dr. Melanie Townsend was hired before the start of the semester as the full-time visiting professor for the program.
The program, offered on the Rocky Mount campus and online, is in response to the growing advanced manufacturing and distribution sector in the greater Rocky Mount area and eastern North Carolina. It will also address the immediate need for a well-prepared and qualified workforce for local companies such as Pfizer, Cummins-Rocky Mount Engine Plant and Eagle Transport, in addition to new companies such as the CCX Carolina Connector, Triangle Tire, Corning and FFE Transportation Services. Wesleyan’s program prepares students for middle- and senior-level management positions.
The program is targeted toward traditional students who choose to attend Wesleyan following high school, transfer students from community colleges, adult students interested in changing careers and workers who are already employed in the industry. Students can choose from traditional in-person classes, online classes or a hybrid program of both classroom and online.
Articulation agreements were signed at the beginning of August with Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges that offer students with AAS degrees a seamless transfer to Wesleyan’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is projected to grow 7% through 2026 due to the transportation of goods in a global economy. The annual wage for logisticians with a four-year degree is $74,590.
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to receive a portion of North Carolina’s funding received from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. For 20 years, Golden LEAF has worked to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grant making, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.
Wesleyan Reports Increase in Returning Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomed 373 new and 734 returning students to campus kicking off the 2019-2020 academic year. The College is pleased to report that retention rates are trending higher than last year by approximately 4% and the College’s residence halls are at 94% capacity. Recruitment efforts for this class emphasized local recruitment, a diverse representation, and building upon the College’s academic programs.
Local Focus
There has been a concerted effort to recruit local students from area high school and transfer partners. Seventy-one percent of the Class of 2023 comes from North Carolina, which is an increase of 5% over the previous year. Wesleyan admitted 112 students from Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Halifax and Franklin counties accounting for nearly 30% of the incoming 2019 student body. According to Paige Price Wells, Assistant Director of Recruiting for Admissions, “It is important that we continue to serve and provide for the educational needs of our community, whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education.”
A Diverse Representation
While Wesleyan places a focus on serving local high school graduates, the incoming class also consists of students from 203 schools, 10 states and 20 different countries around the world. Thirty-three new international students now attend North Carolina Wesleyan University spanning the globe from Argentina to Japan.
NC Wesleyan’s Director of International Recruitment, Alex Rodriguez, states “Wesleyan hopes to sustain the recruitment success of international students. The College assists international students through scholarships, academic support and cultural activities. Each of these services are tailored to the individualized needs of our international students. Wesleyan provides students with a warm welcome as they arrive to their new home away from home and join our Bishop family.”
Academic Gains
This past May, Wesleyan graduated the first cohort of its new Master’s in Criminal Justice program. The College hopes to continue building upon those academic gains, with the addition of its second graduate degree in the near future. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is currently pending approval by NC Wesleyan’s accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), with classes anticipated to start in January 2020.
Wesleyan Works, the Fast Track to a Bachelor’s Degree
For North Carolina Community College Graduates
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) is pleased to announce a guaranteed transfer pathway for North Carolina community college graduates—Wesleyan Works.
Designed for students who attend community college and want to earn their bachelor’s degree, Wesleyan Works is a set of simple guidelines to make their aspiration a seamless transition. The program is open to students who want to attend NCWC’s evening/online adult studies program once they have finished their two-year degree.
Community college graduates who earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are guaranteed automatic acceptance to North Carolina Wesleyan University through the Wesleyan Works program. Other highlights include students are able to apply to NCWC while being enrolled in their local community college, there are no application fees and students are provided with an NCWC Wesleyan Works student identification card, which will grant them access to events at the main Rocky Mount campus. Most importantly, participants will have access to joint academic advising and financial aid counseling to maximize their time and savings while attending both their local community college and NC Wesleyan University.
Students participating in Wesleyan Works must maintain a 2.0 GPA, complete our free application, obtain their AA/AS/AAS degree with a participating community college and submit all official college transcripts.
A full list of program details and participating community colleges can be found at ncwu.edu/wesleyanworks. NC Wesleyan University offers flexible program formats with majors in today’s growing industries and locations throughout Eastern North Carolina to make learning more accessible than ever.
In addition to our traditional campus in Rocky Mount with over 30 majors for traditional students, NCWC offers baccalaureate degree options for adult learners at sites in Goldsboro, Raleigh-Durham, and Rocky Mount, and at Brunswick Community College in Brunswick County; Craven Community College in New Bern; Pitt Community College in Greenville; The College of the Albemarle in Manteo; Beaufort County Community College in Washington; Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.
North Carolina Wesleyan University is a private, coeducational, liberal arts institution affiliated with The United Methodist Church. Current enrollment is approximately 1,800 traditional and adult students. The College offers bachelor’s degrees and pre-professional programs such as law, medicine, pharmacy, optometry and more.
Wesleyan Hires Professor for New Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the hiring of Dr. Melanie Townsend as a full-time visiting professor for its new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. In June, Wesleyan acknowledged plans for the new major to start in fall 2019. The degree will be offered on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online.
Dr. Townsend holds a B.S. in Management and Organizational Development, a M.S. in Operations Management and a Ph.D. in Human Services & Non-Profit Management. She brings to Wesleyan a wealth of logistics experience, working with FedEx, Randstad, Dupre’ Logistics and KM Logistics. She also has experience with Six Sigma Project Management, grant writing and fundraising.
Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree will meet the needs of many organizations who rely on skilled professionals to serve their logistical needs. Dispatchers, warehouse managers, inventory specialists, supply chain analysts, operation managers and transportation supervisors are just a few of the careers that require this degree. Every industry requires logistics professionals and our program will prepare individuals for these jobs. Our degree program is also aligned with Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges’ related programs so that their graduates can easily apply their associate degree to our bachelor’s degree.”
In her spare time, Townsend volunteers with the Junior League of Raleigh and travels as much as possible. Her husband, Daniel, works as the Machining Director for the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant.
To learn more about the new Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.
Wesleyan Anticipates RN-to-BSN Program in Near Future
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – In an effort to increase academic opportunities, North Carolina Wesleyan University has announced the anticipation of an RN-to-BSN program for licensed nurses.
With the College’s growth in its biology, biomedical and exercise science programs, it is a natural fit for Wesleyan to explore adding this to their curriculum. This program will be for licensed nurses who have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and desire to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Institute of Medicine strongly recommends hospitals to employ nurses with a bachelor’s degree (BSN), stating 80% of nurses should have this credential. With a strong focus on increased education in this field, Wesleyan believes this program will offer a great benefit to the community and the surrounding hospitals.
“An RN-to-BSN program at Wesleyan will not only strengthen the collaboration between the three main colleges in the Twin Counties and the hospital, but it will enhance opportunities for registered nurses to further their education with a college in their community,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
After conversations with Nash UNC Health Care and area community colleges, Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College, Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees in April unanimously voted to move forward with a feasibility study that included donor and grant solicitation to fund startup costs required for a nursing program. Wesleyan has received a $150,000 grant over a three-year period from Nash UNC Health Care to support the development of the program.
“We are excited to enhance the growing network of continuing education available for the nursing profession in our community,” said Lee Isley, president and Chief Executive Officer of Nash UNC Health Care. “Our partnerships with all three local colleges help to ensure we are developing a pipeline of local talent who are well prepared to work in our local institutions and to continue to advance and improve the health care landscape in our community.”
A search is currently underway for the newly created position of Director of the RN-to-BSN Program. The person in this role will be responsible for curriculum development, oversight of day-to-day functions within the program and charged with attaining accreditation from both our regional accreditor, Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation. Once a Director has been hired for the new program, he or she will work with key stakeholders to develop the curriculum and apply for approval to offer the program with SACSCOC. Wesleyan hopes to begin classes in fall 2020, pending application submission and approval from the SACSCOC.
Twin County Higher Education Unites for Student Success
NCWC, NCC & ECC Sign Statement of Collaboration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – As the local colleges are ramping up for a new academic year, they are also working to foster a culture of collaboration between themselves. On August 1, the presidents of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College met to sign a Statement of Collaboration.
“It’s important that local higher education institutions work together. What better way to collaborate than to have a Statement of Collaboration that shows Wesleyan as well as Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges are working together on joint program development and grant opportunities. Let’s show the community we are not competitors, we work as a team,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
This agreement strengthens the need for collaborative discussions regarding trade-specific training and educational opportunities for the region. Each institution certifies that they will work in sync with one another to contribute to industry demands. This alliance will lead to cross-professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, while also serving the needs of students, organizations and members of these communities.
“As we collaborate and look for partnerships we welcome these opportunities… together we can make this a better region,” commented Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver.
The Twin Counties is an ideal place for families to live, work and learn. This partnership benefits the community and our students as each institution unites to seek out new educational offerings and programs.
Dr. Gregory K. McLeod, President of Edgecombe Community College, closed with, “I believe the residents of the Twin Counties and surrounding areas deserve our best, and our best can only be realized through our collaboration and teamwork. For them and for us, we can’t afford not to work together… Together We Can. Together We Will.”
