For more than 25 years, Bonnie Parrish carried a goal she had yet to accomplish: earning her bachelor’s degree. Despite building a successful career in financial services and technology, advancing into senior leadership, and balancing the responsibilities of work and family, completing her degree remained something she wanted to do for herself.
Now, Parrish is turning that long-held goal into reality at North Carolina Wesleyan University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.
“I’m proud of the career I’ve built, but not having my degree was always something I felt was missing,” Parrish said.
With 27 years of experience in financial services, Parrish built her career in technology through hard work, professional opportunities, and the support of people who believed in her potential. Her journey took her from starting as a bank teller to becoming a senior vice president in technology, demonstrating the value of experience, relationships, and leadership.
But even with those professional accomplishments, one personal milestone remained unfinished.
Turning “Someday” Into Now
The opportunity to return to school came when Parrish enrolled in NCWU’s Executive Leadership Certification program to strengthen her leadership skills. During the program, she spoke with her advisor, Katherine Hensley, about her desire to earn a degree and the feeling of being among professional peers who had completed theirs.
Hensley encouraged her to reconsider what was possible and helped her recognize that coursework she had already completed for the certification applied toward the Organizational Leadership degree requirements.
“She told me, ‘If you truly want to obtain your degree, it is possible,’ and showed me how I could make it happen,” Parrish said.
Realizing she had already made progress toward the degree helped Parrish see a path forward. After years of postponing the goal, she decided it was time to take the next step.
“So, I guess the short answer is that I finally realized that ‘someday’ could actually be now,” she said. “After putting it off for more than 25 years, I decided it was time to stop looking at my degree as something that was out of reach and finally finish what I started.”
Balancing Career, Family and Education
Returning to college as an adult brought a new set of challenges. With a demanding career, family responsibilities, and the everyday commitments of life, Parrish had to find time for assignments and studying wherever she could.
There were late nights, weekends, and even middle-of-the-night study sessions. At times, balancing professional deadlines with academic responsibilities left her wondering how she would manage it all.
Yet being an adult learner also gave her an advantage. Years of professional and leadership experience allowed her to connect classroom concepts with situations she had encountered throughout her career.
“I came back with years of real-world and leadership experience, so I was able to connect what I was learning in class to situations I had actually experienced,” she said.
Parrish credits her husband and her faith with helping her persevere throughout the journey. Her husband provided encouragement and support at home, giving her the time and space she needed to focus on her education. She also credits God’s grace with giving her strength during stressful moments.
“There’s no way I could have done this without my husband and God’s grace,” she said.
Her experience reflects an important reality for adult learners: returning to school requires commitment and sacrifice, but the knowledge and experience gained outside the classroom can be just as valuable as what is learned within it.
A Degree With Personal Meaning
For Parrish, earning her degree is about more than professional advancement. Although she has built a successful career without a bachelor’s degree, completing her education represents the fulfillment of a personal goal she has carried for decades.
“I feel blessed to have built a career that took me from starting as a teller to becoming a senior vice president in technology without a bachelor’s degree, and I know I earned what I’ve accomplished along the way,” she said.
“Completing it has given me the satisfaction of finally accomplishing a goal I had carried with me for more than 25 years.”
The experience has also reminded her that learning and personal development do not have to stop at a certain age or career stage. She hopes to continue growing as a technology leader while dedicating more time to developing other leaders.
She has even begun considering graduate school, a possibility she might not have imagined before returning to college.
“More than anything, this experience has reminded me that growth doesn’t have an expiration date,” Parrish said. “At this stage of my career and life, I’m still learning, still growing, and still discovering what I’m capable of.”
Her Advice to Other Adult Learners
For adults who have considered returning to college but worry that too much time has passed, Parrish understands the hesitation. She spent years telling herself that earning her degree could wait.
Her advice is straightforward: stop assuming it is too late.
She acknowledges that returning to school is not always easy. Adult learners may need to rearrange priorities, sacrifice free time, and balance assignments with work and family commitments. But she encourages others not to underestimate the knowledge and experience they already bring to the classroom.
“You’ve already lived, worked, succeeded, failed, and learned a lot along the way, and all of that comes with you into the classroom,” she said.
“It may not happen exactly the way you pictured it years ago, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Give yourself a chance. Be willing to make some sacrifices, stay committed, and keep going even when it gets hard. You might be surprised by what you’re able to accomplish.”
Through its Online programs, North Carolina Wesleyan University provides educational pathways for students balancing their studies with professional and personal responsibilities. Parrish’s journey illustrates how returning to college can be about more than earning a credential. It can also mean revisiting a long-held dream, recognizing what is possible, and making the decision to move forward.
For Parrish, the goal that once seemed perpetually out of reach is finally within view. And as she looks toward what comes next, she carries a lesson that extends well beyond the classroom: it is never too late to keep growing.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Announces the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund
North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly announces the establishment of the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund, honoring two individuals whose lives, service, and unwavering commitment to Wesleyan left a lasting impact on the University and the communities they served.
The scholarship memorializes Claire A. Parham, a 1968 graduate of NC Wesleyan College, who passed away on April 17, 2022, and her son, Samuel J. “Jay” Parham, Jr., a 1998 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University, who passed away on December 4, 2008.
Claire Parham dedicated her career to education, teaching English and French for many years at Northern Nash High School, Rocky Mount Academy, and later at her alma mater, North Carolina Wesleyan. Her passion for learning and commitment to student success touched countless lives throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Jay Parham carried forward his family’s deep connection to Wesleyan as an alumnus and supporter of the institution. Together, Claire and Jay represent generations of dedication to higher education, community service, and the values that define the Wesleyan experience.
The Parham Family
The Parham family has maintained a longstanding legacy of support for North Carolina Wesleyan University. In addition to Jay’s graduation from Wesleyan in 1998, his brother, Frank L. Parham ’96, is also an alumnus. Their aunt, Betty A. Sanderson ’64, was a member of Wesleyan’s first graduating class, while Claire Parham was among the early generations of graduates who helped shape the institution’s history.
The Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity of Samuel J. Parham, Sr., Frank L. Parham ’96, and numerous family members and friends who wished to create a lasting tribute to Claire and Jay’s lives and legacies.
Scholorship Details
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving students attending North Carolina Wesleyan University. Preference will be given to students from Nash County, Edgecombe County, or Eastern North Carolina. Both incoming freshmen and upper-class students are eligible for consideration, with no preference given to a particular academic major.
“This scholarship reflects the Parham family’s enduring belief in the transformative power of education and their deep affection for North Carolina Wesleyan University,” said Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Engagement. “By investing in future generations of students, the Parham family is creating opportunities that will continue to impact lives for years to come.”
The family’s philanthropic commitment to Wesleyan extends beyond this newly established fund. In 2020, they established the Lloyd G. Boone and Shirley Parham Boone Endowment, honoring the lives and contributions of Lloyd G. Boone ’77 and Shirley Parham Boone. The scholarship provides preference to students from Nash County, Edgecombe County, or Eastern North Carolina who are pursuing degrees in Logistics or Nursing, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to educational opportunity and workforce development in the region.
A Legacy of Service, Learning, and Opportunity: Honoring Judith Vilagos Parsons ’75
North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to recognize the extraordinary generosity and vision of Judith “Judi” Vilagos Parsons ’75, whose commitment to education and service continues to create life-changing opportunities for students.
In 2024, Judi established the Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship in memory of her late husband, Howard T. Parsons ’74, honoring the role Wesleyan played in shaping their lives, careers, and shared commitment to helping others. Through that gift, students pursuing degrees in biomedical science and related fields have gained access to resources that support their academic success and professional aspirations.
Double the Scholarships
Now, just two years later, Judi has expanded her legacy of philanthropy by establishing both the Vilagos Social Services Annual Scholarship and the Vilagos Social Services Endowed Scholarship. While her previous scholarship honored Howard’s memory, these new scholarships celebrate Judi’s own journey and the path she began when she arrived at Wesleyan as a student.
As a member of the Class of 1975, Judi understands firsthand the transformative power of education. Her latest gifts are designed to support students pursuing degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and programs within the School of Education and Social Sciences, fields dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Preference is given to junior-year students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, good character, and a commitment to their studies.
By creating both an annual scholarship that provides immediate support and an endowed scholarship that will benefit students for generations to come, Judi has ensured that her impact extends far beyond her own time on campus.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
In addition to establishing these scholarships, Judi has further demonstrated her commitment to North Carolina Wesleyan by including the University in her estate plans. Through this legacy gift, she is helping secure Wesleyan’s future while creating opportunities for generations of students who will follow in her footsteps.
“Giving back to Wesleyan is a way of investing in students who are striving to create positive change,” said Judi. “Wesleyan provided me with the education and opportunities that made a rewarding career possible, and for that I will be forever grateful. Creating these scholarships and including Wesleyan in my estate plans are ways for me to pay it forward and help students pursue their own paths of service, leadership, and impact.”
Judi’s generosity serves as a powerful example of how alumni can transform lives through philanthropy.
For North Carolina Wesleyan University, the Vilagos Social Services Annual Scholarship, Vilagos Social Services Endowed Scholarship, and Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship stand as lasting reminders of the profound difference one alumna can make when she chooses to invest in the future of others.
NC Wesleyan Criminal Justice Students Work Alongside SBI on Active Cold Case
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, criminal justice students are getting an opportunity that goes far beyond the classroom: working directly with an actual cold case provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Dr. Jay Fortenberry, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, leads the course, which is offered each fall and is limited to 15 students to provide an in-depth, hands-on experience.
How the Class Works
Students work with the SBI’s Cold Case Unit and the originating local agency throughout the semester. After signing confidentiality agreements, students receive access to case reports and documentation. The current case includes more than 1,500 pages of investigative material, including interviews, crime scene photographs and laboratory reports.
Each student is assigned different sections of the investigation and works to identify potential leads. As a class, students then come together to analyze the information, brainstorm investigative possibilities and develop recommendations.
At the conclusion of the course, students present their findings and recommendations to the SBI and local agencies, with the hope that their work can contribute to the successful clearance of the case.
Exclusive Experience
“This course gives our students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a very real-world setting,” Fortenberry said. “They are working with actual investigative materials, collaborating as a team and seeing how the different pieces of an investigation come together.”
This is the third time NC Wesleyan has offered the course, and Fortenberry plans to continue offering it every fall.
The course is currently offered exclusively in a traditional, face-to-face format because of the confidential nature of the case materials. The limited enrollment also allows students to engage closely with the investigation and with one another throughout the semester.
For NC Wesleyan students, the experience offers a unique look at what it means to put criminal justice knowledge into practice, while potentially making a meaningful contribution to an ongoing investigation.
2027–28 FAFSA Available Now: Take the Next Step Toward Your Future at NC Wesleyan
Whether you’re new to NC Wesleyan or returning, now is the time to start planning for financial aid for the year ahead. The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available, giving future and returning Bishops an opportunity to explore assistance for the year ahead.
Students who are preparing for their first college experience, transferring to NC Wesleyan, pursuing a degree online, or continuing their education, completing the FAFSA is an important step toward understanding their financial aid options.
The 2027–28 FAFSA applies to enrollment between July 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028. Students should visit StudentAid.gov and include NC Wesleyan’s school code: 002951.
Start Early. Plan with Confidence.
The FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Federal Work-Study. It is also used to evaluate eligibility for certain state and institutional aid programs.
For students considering Wesleyan, completing the 2027-28 FAFSA early helps them understand their financial aid options and plan for college costs. Some aid programs have limited funding or priority deadlines, so completing the application early can help students make the most of available opportunities. It also gives families more time to ask questions, provide any additional information, and prepare for college costs.
Students do not need to wait until they make their final college decision to submit the FAFSA and list NC Wesleyan. Families who are unsure whether they will qualify for need-based aid are encouraged to apply rather than assume they are ineligible.
An Easier Process for Students and Families
The U.S. Department of Education has continued improving the FAFSA experience. Students and families can expect:
- Clearer questions and instructions to help them navigate the application
- More convenient contributor invitations, including text messages and QR codes to invite a required parent or spouse
- A simpler review and signing process
- Faster access to results for many applicants, including estimated federal aid eligibility after submitting the form
These estimates provide a starting point; students will receive their financial aid offer separately from NC Wesleyan.
What You’ll Need for FAFSA 2027-28
Before starting, students and any required parent or spouse contributors should have:
- StudentAid.gov account, also known as a FSA ID
- Social Security number, if applicable
- 2025 federal tax information
- Current income and asset information, as requested
- Contributor contact information, when required
Each required contributor must complete and sign their portion of the application, provide consent and approval for access to federal tax information.
Future and Returning NC Wesleyan Students: Take the Next Step
New students planning to join Wesleyan on campus or online should complete the 2027–28 FAFSA and enter school code 002951 so their information can be sent to the University for financial aid review.
Returning students should also complete the application, the FAFSA must be submitted each year. All students should review their FAFSA Submission Summary and watch for communications from NC Wesleyan’s Office of Financial Aid about any additional requirements.
Our Financial Aid Team Is Here to Help
Planning for college is exciting, and questions about paying for it are a natural part of the process. NC Wesleyan’s Financial Aid team is available to help students and families complete the FAFSA, understand available assistance, and identify their next steps.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 252.985.5290 or FinancialAid@ncwu.edu.
Complete your 2027-2028 FAFSA today, stay connected with our office, and start planning for an affordable and accessible NC Wesleyan education.
NCWU MPH Student: Theory to Practice
For Allan Sessoms, pursuing a Master of Public Health at North Carolina Wesleyan University is about more than earning another degree. It is about preparing for the work he hopes to do in the communities he cares about.
A Bertie County native and longtime professional with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, operations and problem-solving, Sessoms returned to the classroom with a clear purpose: to build the knowledge and skills needed to eventually establish a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and resource navigation throughout Eastern North Carolina.
“I wasn’t pursuing an MPH just to add letters after my name,” Sessoms said. “I wanted to better understand the challenges facing the communities I care about and gain the tools to become part of the solution.”
Connecting the Classroom to the Community
Sessoms chose NC Wesleyan’s MPH program in part because it allowed him to continue working full-time while pursuing his degree. The program’s Social Epidemiology concentration also aligned with his interest in understanding the social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.
That connection between classroom learning and real-world challenges has become one of the most meaningful parts of his experience.
During a summer internship, Sessoms worked directly with community members, conducted surveys, identified community needs and developed resources designed to address those needs. The experience allowed him to apply concepts from the classroom, including community engagement, health disparities, social determinants of health and public health planning, to work in the community.
“The internship helped me connect theory to practice,” he said. “It showed me how public health is not just about collecting data but about listening to communities, understanding their challenges, and developing solutions that are meaningful and sustainable.”
The experience has also changed the way Sessoms looks at public health challenges.
Rather than focusing only on the immediate problem, he has learned to examine the factors behind it, including transportation, housing, education, income, employment opportunities and access to resources.
“The program helped me move from looking at individual problems to looking at systems, root causes, and long-term solutions,” Sessoms said.
A Purpose Beyond the Degree
For Sessoms, that perspective is especially important as he works toward his long-term goal of creating a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and resource navigation.
His passion for that work is personal. Living with HIV has given Sessoms firsthand insight into the challenges people can face when navigating healthcare systems, finding support and accessing accurate information and resources.
He hopes to use his public health education, professional experience and community connections to help others navigate those challenges.
“The goal is to help people access information, find support, and know that they don’t have to navigate their journey alone,” he said.
Sessoms also plans to pursue a Doctor of Public Health degree, continuing to build his knowledge and leadership abilities as he works toward making a lasting impact throughout Eastern North Carolina.
It’s Never Too Late to Keep Learning
Returning to school after building a career has given Sessoms a new perspective on lifelong learning.
He credits his NC Wesleyan professors and classmates as some of the most valuable parts of his experience. His cohort has brought together people with different backgrounds and perspectives, while his professors have challenged him to look beyond surface-level problems and consider the broader factors influencing health outcomes.
As a working professional balancing school and other responsibilities, Sessoms knows pursuing a graduate degree requires commitment. But he also believes waiting for the “perfect” time can mean waiting forever.
“Growth often happens in the middle of the chaos, not after it,” he said.
For Sessoms, the journey has reinforced a perspective he plans to carry throughout his career and one that perhaps best captures what he hopes to gain from his NC Wesleyan education.
NCWU Awarded $2.9 Million Federal Grant to Launch COMPASS Student Success Center
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a four-year, $2.9 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to support a comprehensive student success initiative known as COMPASS (Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success).
The federal grant will enable NCWU to expand student support services, strengthen retention and graduation outcomes, enhance career readiness programs, modernize technology infrastructure, and create innovative approaches to student success through the establishment of the new student support services hub featuring the COMPASS Center.
“This award represents a tremendous investment in our students and our future,” said Dr. Anne Aichele, Director of the COMPASS Center. “The COMPASS Center will create a more connected and comprehensive support system that helps students navigate their personal and academic journey, identify meaningful career pathways, and develop the skills necessary to thrive after graduation.”
The COMPASS Center will serve as a centralized hub where students can access academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, accessibility services, career development resources, academic coaching, and retention support in one location. The project is designed to strengthen institutional capacity while improving outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and academically at-risk students.
Major project initiatives include:
- Renovating library space to create the COMPASS Center.
- Expanding first-year transition and orientation programming.
- Increasing peer mentoring and student engagement opportunities.
- Enhancing career coaching, experiential learning, and employer partnerships.
- Implementing advanced student success technologies and analytics tools.
- Providing faculty and staff professional development in student success and Life Design practices.
- Advancing artificial intelligence literacy and AI-enhanced student support services.
The project also aligns with national priorities related to innovation and emerging technologies in higher education. Through faculty, staff, and student development programs, NCWU will promote responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence while preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The initiative builds upon NCWU’s longstanding commitment to personalized education and student-centered learning. By integrating support services, strengthening academic and career planning, and leveraging technology to improve student outcomes, the University aims to create a sustainable framework for student success that will continue well beyond the grant period.
Funding for the project begins October 1, 2026, and continues through September 2031. The first year of funding totals approximately $1.66 million and will support renovation, technology modernization, staffing, professional development, and implementation of student success initiatives.
NC Wesleyan launches School of Sports, Entertainment, and Venue Enterprise
The North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) today announces the establishment of a new School of Sports, Entertainment, and Venue Enterprise (SEVE School). This pivotal moment in NC Wesleyan’s history launches a first-of-its-kind academic pathway designed to prepare students for careers across sports & entertainment management, live event production, venue operations, and related industries.
This new school within NCWU is anchored by a $10 million lead gift courtesy of the Lonnie & Carol Poole Family Foundation. Lonnie Poole is the founder of Waste Industries and served as chairman, president, and CEO from its founding in 1970 to his retirement in 2008. Carol Poole serves as president of the Raleigh-based Foundation, which seeks to invest in transformative educational, civic, and community initiatives that expand opportunity, foster excellence, and generate lasting positive impact across North Carolina and beyond.
Led by the generosity of the Pooles, NCWU plans to launch a major initiative to raise $30 million to fund the full establishment, staffing, equipping, programming, and operations of the SEVE School.
NCWU President Dr. Evan Duff said, “The Pooles’ transformational gift comes to NC Wesleyan at exactly the right moment. The sports, entertainment, and venue industry is growing quickly across North Carolina and the rest of the country, producing hundreds of billions of dollars a year in revenue with steady demand for trained professionals. With the SEVE School, NCWU is uniquely positioned to meet that demand through our academic offerings and location, as our Rocky Mount campus is within driving distance of the region’s top sports franchises and event venues.”
What’s Next?
The Pooles’ lead gift catalyses the SEVE School’s five-year growth pathway, from launch in 2026 to a fully accredited, self-sustaining program on NCWU’s Rocky Mount campus serving 100’s of students by 2031.
At the recent signing ceremony, Lonnie Poole stated, “At any event, there are literally hundreds of people working behind the scenes to prepare, plan and deliver the experience for the public. But who trains them? Why not teach these skills at the university level? Why not give sports, entertainment and venue operations the same level of importance as those on the field, ice or stage? That is exactly what the School of Sports, Entertainment and Venue Enterprise at NC Wesleyan intends to do.”
Poole continued, “We believe the SEVE School represents exactly that kind of opportunity. Carol and I have confidence in the vision and leadership of Dr. Duff and the leadership cabinet at NCWU, and we are honored to be part of what they are building. We believe the impact of the SEVE School will reach far beyond the University in developing people, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities across North Carolina and beyond. We cannot wait to see what grows from this investment.”
The SEVE School
The SEVE School will house flagship offerings for undergraduate students including a B.S. in Sports & Entertainment Business, with soon to be developed certificates in Venue & Event Management and Esports Management. As those programs grow, additional bachelor programs will be developed along with other specialized tracks and graduate degrees. Through hands-on classes taught by professors with industry experience, SEVE School students will receive an education tailored to their intended career path, with bountiful opportunities for professional development, related internship experiences, and networking with professionals in the field.
“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band to Perform at Dunn Center on Oct. 5
America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization brings a free concert to North Carolina Wesleyan University.
For the first time in five years, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will return to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, as part of its 2026 National Concert Tour. The nationally renowned ensemble will perform a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Dunn Center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Reserve Free Tickets
- Limit: Four (4) tickets per request
- General admission seating
- Ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m.
- Unclaimed seats will be released to the standby line after 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are free but required and are available now.
A Historic American Musical Tradition
Founded in 1798, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band is the nation’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. The band’s primary mission is to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Since legendary band director John Philip Sousa launched the concert tour tradition in 1891, Marine Band performances have brought a unique White House musical experience to communities across America.
During its 2026 National Concert Tour, the Marine Band will perform 27 concerts across seven states, including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
What to Expect
Under the direction of Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, audiences will enjoy a diverse and inspiring program featuring:
- Traditional concert band repertoire
- Classic John Philip Sousa marches
- Contemporary musical compositions
- Vocal and instrumental solo performances
- A patriotic salute to the U.S. Armed Forces
“We are incredibly excited to continue the tradition of our national concert tour,” said Marine Band Director Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin. “Musicians of the band are more eager than ever to share their musical talents with audiences live and in person on this year’s tour.”
Nowlin noted that the concert program is designed to reflect the richness and diversity of America’s musical heritage while offering something for every audience member.
Concert Information
Event
The President’s Own United States Marine Band
Date & Time
Monday, October 5, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Location
The Dunn Center
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Rocky Mount, NC
Admission
Free
Tickets
Required, Limited to four (4) per request
Seating
Ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m. Open seating begins afterward.
Learn More and Reserve Tickets
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of America’s premier musical ensembles live in Rocky Mount.
For full details, please visit www.marineband.marines.mil/Tour.
NC Wesleyan Earns Top 50 Ranking Among Private Universities in the South
North Carolina Wesleyan University has earned a spot among the Top 50 private universities in the South in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, ranking No. 6 among private universities in North Carolina in the Regional Universities South category.
The recognition is especially significant as NC Wesleyan enters the Regional Universities South category for the first time. The University’s growing number of graduate programs moved NCWU into a larger and more competitive classification, where it is now evaluated alongside universities with broader graduate-level offerings.
NC Wesleyan was also recognized as a Top 5 university in North Carolina for Social Mobility, reflecting the University’s impact in helping students from a wide range of backgrounds access and complete higher education.
“These rankings reflect the growth of North Carolina Wesleyan while affirming what has always been central to our mission, creating opportunities for students to achieve their goals,” said NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “We are proud to be recognized among the leading private universities in the South and especially proud of the impact our students and graduates continue to make.”
The latest recognition builds on NC Wesleyan’s continued momentum in academic growth, student outcomes and national recognition as the University approaches its 70th anniversary.
