The Office of Student Success at NCWU supports students through a personal, practical, and purpose-driven college experience. Led by Dr. Anne Aichele, the team offers services such as first-year advising, academic intervention, tutoring, accessibility support, career development, and orientation programs. These services are guided by design thinking and the Life Design Model to help students thrive academically and professionally.

Whether you’re seeking help with course selection, internships, or resume writing, our team is here to support your journey. Reach out to us at ssc@ncwu.edu to learn more or visit our office at Pearsall Classroom Building, First Floor, Office Suite 192.

Student Success Center Staff

Anne Aichele

Director of the COMPASS Center, Asst. Professor of Education

e: aaichele@ncwu.edu

e aaichele@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Orientation Committee, Student Success, Teacher Education

Anne Aichele

Director of the COMPASS Center, Asst. Professor of Education

Dr. Anne Aichele serves as NCWU’s Director of the COMPASS Center and Assistant Professor of Education. In this role, she oversees the COMPASS Center — Career & Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success and leads key initiatives including the First-Year Experience program, academic support services, and intervention strategies aimed at improving student retention and degree completion for traditional undergraduates.

Dr. Aichele brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and K–12 student affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education from George Mason University, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from NC State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College.

Before joining NCWU, Dr. Aichele served as Head of Student Leadership and Engagement at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, where she led orientation programs, advised student government, and managed over 35 student organizations. She previously directed the Office of Student Leadership and Learning at Marymount University, where she developed first-year curricula and led leadership development and assessment initiatives. Her earlier roles include supporting students with disabilities and teaching academic success courses at NC State.

Known for her inclusive approach, data-informed strategies, and passion for holistic student development, Dr. Aichele is dedicated to empowering students and fostering a culture of success.

Erma Hedgepeth

Coordinator of Learning and Accessibility

e: ehedgepeth@ncwu.edu

Employment Type STAFF

p 252-985-5131

e ehedgepeth@ncwu.edu

Location Rocky Mount Campus

Program/Department First Year Advising, Student Success

Erma Hedgepeth

Coordinator of Learning and Accessibility

What is your favorite aspect of working at Wesleyan?
My favorite aspect of working at Wesleyan is the interaction that I have with a diverse group of students, and being able to have an impact on their success. I’m proud to be an alum of the University and to offer those same services and strategies that was once given to me.

Jeffrey Marcum

Graduate Assistant – Student Success

e: JMarcum@ncwu.edu

e JMarcum@ncwu.edu

Program/Department Student Success

Jeffrey Marcum

Graduate Assistant – Student Success

Tyreshia Haney

Coordinator of Leadership and Career Design

e: thaney@ncwu.edu

e thaney@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Student Success

Tyreshia Haney

Coordinator of Leadership and Career Design

First Year Advisors

Anne Aichele

Director of the COMPASS Center, Asst. Professor of Education

e: aaichele@ncwu.edu

e aaichele@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Orientation Committee, Student Success, Teacher Education

Anne Aichele

Director of the COMPASS Center, Asst. Professor of Education

Known for her inclusive approach, data-informed strategies, and passion for holistic student development, Dr. Aichele is dedicated to empowering students and fostering a culture of success.

Erma Hedgepeth

Coordinator of Learning and Accessibility

e: ehedgepeth@ncwu.edu

Employment Type STAFF

p 252-985-5131

e ehedgepeth@ncwu.edu

Location Rocky Mount Campus

Program/Department First Year Advising, Student Success

Erma Hedgepeth

Coordinator of Learning and Accessibility

Tyreshia Haney

Coordinator of Leadership and Career Design

e: thaney@ncwu.edu

e thaney@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Student Success

Tyreshia Haney

Coordinator of Leadership and Career Design

Ayra Sundbom, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Instructional Technology

e: ASundbom@ncwu.edu

Employment Type STAFF

p 252-985-5143

e ASundbom@ncwu.edu

Program/Department Academic Affairs, First Year Advising, Teacher Education

Ayra Sundbom, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Instructional Technology

Leah Hill

Director of Financial Aid and Special Assistant to President

e: LHill@ncwu.edu

Employment Type STAFF

p 252-985-5293

e LHill@ncwu.edu

Program/Department Financial Aid, First Year Advising, Leadership Cabinet

Leah Hill

Director of Financial Aid and Special Assistant to President

Fred Sanborn, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology/Director of the Taylor-Crockers Honor's Program/Program Coordinator, Psychology

e: fsanborn@ncwu.edu

Employment Type FACULTY

p 252-985-5334

e fsanborn@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Psychology, School of Education and Social Science

Fred Sanborn, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology/Director of the Taylor-Crockers Honor's Program/Program Coordinator, Psychology

B.A., Kansas Wesleyan University
M.S., Ph.D., Kansas State University

More About Me

How long have you been at NCWU?
Since 2003

What's your favorite class that you teach?
So many! If I had to pick one it would be Psychology of Mass Communication

What are your research & teaching interests?
Media Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology

What is a fun fact or an interesting hobby of yours?
I have taken students to death row!

Elliott Smith

Director of Student Engagement

p: 252-454-1682

e: ESmith@ncwu.edu

Employment Type STAFF

p 252-454-1682

e ESmith@ncwu.edu

Program/Department First Year Advising, Leadership Cabinet, Student Activities, Student Life

Elliott Smith

Director of Student Engagement

Elliott joined North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2017 and directs all areas of student organizations including Greek Life, and student activities and oversees the Hartness Center. He also advises the Student Government Association, Greek Council and Student Entertainment Association Team (S.E.A.T). When not working, Elliott enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristen, and daughter, Peyton.