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.”
Wesleyan Provost Appointed Interim President
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Evan D. Duff, Provost of North Carolina Wesleyan University, has accepted a two-year contract as Interim President of the College. Duff was appointed as Acting President by Board of Trustees on Friday, June 14.
“I am dedicated to Wesleyan and to continuing to move the College in a positive direction, where the mission of the College is fulfilled and a liberal arts education makes a difference in the lives of the students it serves,” stated Duff.
Dr. Duff earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mount Olive College, a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He has served in multiple leadership roles at the College since 2011, most recently as Provost.
During his time at Wesleyan, Duff held positions as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Adult & Professional Studies, adjunct professor and Provost. In these roles, he was responsible for leading efforts to approve new majors, co-writing the College’s first graduate application to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) and creating seven new off-site instructional locations. He was also responsible for facilitating the development of partnerships with 20 two-year and four-year colleges, which led to articulation agreements or memorandums of understanding between those colleges and NC Wesleyan.
Prior to joining Wesleyan, Dr. Duff was the Dean of Extended Education at Mount Olive College (now University of Mount Olive) and Director of their Washington, NC campus. Throughout his career, he has authored or co-authored a great number of academic publications and presentations. He has been honored with a variety of awards for service to the College and the community.
He and his family are active at Hope Community Church in Cary, NC. Previously, they were active members of Covenant UMC in Greenville, where he served on the Pastoral Personnel Committee. Dr. Duff and his wife of 21 years, Marcy, have three sons and a daughter – Tyson, Landon, Peyton and Chloe. Their family has a love for animals and have adopted into their home four dogs and two cats, all of which are rescues.
Wesleyan Taking Care of Business with New MBA Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – After much anticipation, North Carolina Wesleyan University has officially submitted documentation to its regional accreditor to offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Pending approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), the College will offer its first class on January 6, 2020.
If approved, this will be the second graduate-level program launched by Wesleyan in less than two years. The first graduate program, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, was offered in spring of 2018. The MBA program will be 100% online and consist of 33 credit hours to accommodate those seeking work or who are already working. The one-year program will consist of five eight-week sessions, two classes per session, and will end with a final capstone class. Like other academic programs offered by the college including their Adult Studies programs, the degree offers rolling admission, meaning those attending can start the program throughout the year at the beginning of any new eight-week session.
“Our faculty have worked extremely hard to develop our MBA curriculum that will provide students with the skills required to excel in their careers. Future plans may include concentrations in areas like healthcare administration, business analytics and logistics. Our faculty will analyze market and industry research to determine how this curriculum may evolve,” stated Wesleyan Interim President Dr. Evan D. Duff. This program is the only MBA offered locally to the Twin County region and will serve as a great asset to our community and those interested in advancing their career. NC Wesleyan will begin accepting applications into the program beginning August 1, 2019. Those who are interested in learning more about the MBA program can contact Dani Somers, Director of Graduate Admissions, at DSomers@ncwu.edu.
Wesleyan Broadens Logistics Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA— North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the expansion of its Logistics and Supply Chain Management concentration into an official major. Starting this fall, Wesleyan will offer a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management on its main campus in Rocky Mount and online. According to universities.com, the program will be one of two baccalaureate level institutions in the state to offer the degree, with Wesleyan being the only private college in the state providing the declared major.
In August 2018, the NC House Appropriations Committee awarded the College a grant to assist with the program expansion. John Check, Senior Advisor to the President together with Board Member Jeff Collins and Lt. Governor Dan Forest were instrumental in helping secure the grant. These funds enable Wesleyan to hire an admissions representative, a full-time faculty member, issue new classroom software and complete additional classroom enhancements.
Alumna, Cheryl Barnhill joined Wesleyan’s team this past September as an Aspire Recruiter for the program and Dr. Zhaoqiong “Julie” Qin will come aboard in August 2019 as a full-time Assistant Professor of Logistics. Qin holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Management from Jersey Institute of Technology, a Master’s of Science in Logistics and Operations and Bachelors of Material Engineering from Southwest Jiaotong University of China.
With CSX and Triangle Tire both expected to break ground this quarter, Wesleyan’s new program comes at the ideal time for potential partnerships with the two. The Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program allows residences of the community and surrounding areas access to a quality education with opportunities for employment right here in their hometown.
Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President stated, “The Bachelor of Science in Logistic and Supply Chain Management degree builds upon NCC and ECC’s programs and provides students with coursework at the senior institution level, opening the door for middle and senior level management positions. In most cases, students from NCC and ECC can transfer in up to 60 hours from their AAS degree.” N.C. Wesleyan is leading the way with their commitment to providing students with the best quality programs in the state. 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.
North Carolina Wesleyan, Wake Tech Announce Degree Completion Program for Exercise Science Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University and Wake Technical Community College recently announced a new partnership allowing graduates of Wake Tech’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Health and Fitness to earn a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree from N.C. Wesleyan. The comprehensive agreement includes all college transfer degrees (AA/AS), as well as over 25 AAS programs.
Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Interim President, said, “We are excited to enhance our long-term partnership with Wake Tech to expand the educational opportunities for their students. Our goal at Wesleyan is to align our mission and resources to meet the ever-changing needs of students in our communities. For Wake Tech students seeking a four-year degree, this program provides a clear path and seamless transition while maximizing each student’s financial investment in their education.”
Through this partnership, students complete Exercise Science coursework over the summer at Wake Tech’s Northern Campus or online and general education requirements during the fall and spring semesters at Wesleyan’s Durham campus or online. Wake Tech will provide 2-3 classrooms, along with access to their Exercise Science Laboratory at the Northern Campus, during summer terms.
“We are excited to expand our education partnership with NC Wesleyan through this agreement! This greatly impacts our student-body by providing students the opportunity to continue their education without leaving their city. Agreements like this improve the health and wellness industry in the triangle.” commented Chris Kacyon, Department Head of Health and Fitness Science at Wake Technical Community College.
Wesleyan also offers Wake Tech students the ability to transfer their associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Healthcare Business Informatics to Wesleyan’s bachelor degree programs in Logistics and Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Healthcare respectively.
Wesleyan’s Exercise Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest external, programmatic accrediting body of the health sciences professions. The accredited program is one of three in the entire state and one of 64 in the United States to receive such recognition. “There’s tremendous growth in the health sciences sector and Exercise Science is one of our most sought-after programs,” noted Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science. “Students have a wide array of career options in fields such as cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/health, personal training in public and corporate settings, corporate wellness and strength and conditioning. Our program also prepares our students for acceptance into physical therapy, occupational therapy and other graduate programs.”
ECC and Wesleyan Renew Transfer Agreement
This renewed transfer agreement greatly expands the number of specific Associate in Applied Science degrees from Edgecombe Community College that will transfer to Wesleyan. We are excited to continue this successful partnership! READ MORE >