North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated a historic milestone as it hosted its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 28, in Powers Auditorium, honored NCWU’s Fall 2025 BSN cohort as they embark on their journey into the nursing profession.
The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in healthcare education, symbolizing a student’s commitment to compassionate, ethical, and patient-centered care. Each student received a white coat, marking their transition from classroom study to clinical training.
The program included opening remarks from NCWU President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and a blessing of the hands by Reverend Edwin Ferguson, reminding students of the sacred responsibility nurses hold in caring for others. Nurse faculty members: Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Dr. Lesley McGraw, Dr. Christina Jones-Hooker, Dr. Consuela Blazes, and Mrs. Tara Ballard, were also recognized for their leadership and dedication to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The ceremony concluded with students reciting both the White Coat Ceremony Oath and the Academic Integrity Oath, pledging their commitment to uphold the highest standards of nursing practice and professional ethics.
Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs at NCWU, expressed her pride in this milestone: “This ceremony is not just about receiving a white coat, it’s about embracing the values of compassion, respect, and integrity that define the nursing profession. Our students are stepping into a calling that will not only transform their lives but also the lives of the countless patients and families they will serve. We are so grateful for the donors and community partners who helped make this program and this moment possible.”
NCWU’s BSN program was made possible thanks to the generous support of community partners and donors, including the Golden LEAF Foundation, UNC Nash Hospital, Cannon Foundation, and several others. Their contributions have provided the resources necessary for state-of-the-art facilities, simulation labs, and scholarships that help shape the future of nursing in Eastern North Carolina and beyond.
The Fall 2025 BSN cohort includes: Courtney Cox, Maya Dari, Mya Hayun, Brandy Massey, Taylor Skinner, Maria Gabriella Villasmil, and Victoria Gomez.
For more information about NCWU’s Nursing Program, visit https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
Fall 2025 Humanities Speaker Series: Dr. Christian Casey (Freie Universität Berlin) & Dr. Nancy MacLean (Duke University)
The School of Humanities is proud to host two prominent speakers for the Fall 2025 speaker series, both of whom study intersections of the humanities, technology, and history.
Dr. Christian Casey (Freie Universität Berlin) will give his talk, “Building Sustainable Digital Humanities Projects,” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, September 10, at 3:00 P.M.
Dr. Casey earned his PhD at Brown University and currently works as an Egyptologist at Freie Universität Berlin specializing in the evolution and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian scripts. His research combines traditional Egyptology with digital humanities to explore how writing systems developed over time and reflect the cultures that produced them. He currently leads the “Writing Through Time” project, which investigates script evolution through innovative interdisciplinary methods.
Our second guest speaker, Dr. Nancy MacLean (Duke University), will present on “Why is the Right Laying Siege to Our Institutions? The History that Solves the Mystery” in Powers Auditorium on Wednesday, November 5 at 3:00 P.M.
Dr. MacLean is the William H. Chafe Professor of History and Public Policy Emeritus at Duke University. A historian of the modern U.S., she is the author of several award-winning books, most recently, Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America, finalist for the National Book Award. Her other publications include Behind the Mask of Chivalry: The Making of the Second Ku Klux Klan and Freedom is Not Enough: The Opening of the American Workplace. Her scholarship has received more than a dozen major prizes and awards.
We hope to see everyone there!
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.
NCWU Attracts Graduate Student from California Through Forbes Recognition
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Jill Griffith, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) student who discovered Wesleyan more than 2,500 miles away in California.
Jill, who works in PepsiCo’s Strategy and Transformation division as a Sales Leader, sought to deepen her leadership skills with a structured and formal graduate program. With support from PepsiCo’s education reimbursement program, she began researching accredited, affordable, and career-aligned master’s degrees. Her search led to a Forbes article highlighting top accredited graduate programs, where NC Wesleyan’s MSSL program stood out.
“The course outline and program requirements were accessible, and the online resources gave me a confidence that the MSSL program matched both my interests and professional needs,” Griffith shared. “What truly made the experience personal was the exceptional support I received from Jennifer Phipps, Admissions and Advising Coordinator, who made the admissions process smooth and welcoming.”
While on a business trip to Winston-Salem, Jill made the three-hour drive to Rocky Mount to see NC Wesleyan’s main campus in person. She met with faculty, including University President and MSSL professor Dr. Evan Duff, and was welcomed by several staff members with personalized hospitality from parking instructions and workspace accommodations to a guided campus tour.
“I had seen photos of the campus online, but visiting in person was such a pleasant surprise,” said Griffith. “The historic buildings were beautifully maintained, and the welcoming atmosphere was evident from banners promoting patience, accountability, and respect, to spaces like volleyball courts and hammocks. I simply felt like this was my school.”
Since beginning the program, Jill has completed eight courses and already sees a direct impact on her work with PepsiCo. The MSSL program has provided her with new tools to communicate strategy, improve execution, and inspire collaborative problem-solving.
“With my experience at PepsiCo, the program gave me a framework to better understand the building blocks of strategy and its evolving role in driving success,” she explained. “Some of the most exciting insights came from case studies and real-world examples that gave me the language to move ideas forward with greater impact.”
Griffith also values the broader ripple effect of online learning: “Whether it’s your partner, kids, friends, or colleagues, the excitement from learning often sparks meaningful conversations beyond the classroom. When you are authentic about your experience, it can bring value beyond what you expected.”
Her journey underscores N.C. Wesleyan’s national reach, offering high-quality, affordable programs that resonate with professionals across the country. Jill looks forward to completing her degree in the coming year and hopes to serve as a mentor for Wesleyan’s undergraduate students, continuing PepsiCo’s tradition of impactful mentorship.
“Jill’s story is a powerful example of how N.C. Wesleyan’s mission to prepare students for leadership extends beyond state lines,” says President Dr. Duff. “Her dedication reflects the type of scholar-practitioner we strive to develop, leaders who apply classroom knowledge directly to their professions and communities.”
Through the support of PepsiCo and the accessible, personalized experience offered at NCWU, Jill has reignited her passion for learning, proving that growth thrives when opportunity meets curiosity.
Local Dunn Center Hosts Tar River Art Gallery
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to unveil an exciting new partnership between Tar River Art, The Dunn Center, and North Carolina Wesleyan University. This partnership will kick off with the opening of a vibrant art exhibit at The Gravely Art Gallery, located inside The Dunn Center.
On Sunday, September 14 from 2-5pm, art lovers are invited to an opening reception showcasing the works of 40 talented artists from across North Carolina and the surrounding region. The collection features an impressive variety of paintings and three-dimensional pieces, all available for purchase. Guests can expect exceptional quality at a range of accessible prices, making it the perfect opportunity to add to their personal or corporate art collections.
Following the reception, The Gravely Art Gallery will be open to the public Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. Visitors are also welcome during Dunn Center events, or by appointment. To schedule a privateviewing, contact Marilynn Barner Anselmi at 252.308.8425 or email Marilynn.anselmi@gmail.com.
The Gravely Art Gallery was made possible by a generous gift honoring the late Janice Gravely, a gifted local artist whose legacy continues to inspire creativity. The space serves as an important platform for emerging artists and a valuable cultural asset for the regional art community.
For more information about The Tar River Art Exhibit, to schedule a visit, or to inquire about renting one the galleries or other spaces at The Dunn Center, contact Sheila Martin, Executive Director, at 252.904.7139. The Dunn Center offers an ideal setting for corporate meetings, receptions, concerts, retreats, and a wide range of special events.
NCWU Honors Two Trustees with Golden Emeritus Award
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly recognized two esteemed individuals for their exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the institution. During a special ceremony held on Tuesday, July 29 at the Gateway Technology Center, Dr. Daniel Crocker and Mr. Roger Taylor were honored with the Golden Emeritus Award.
This prestigious recognition is reserved for trustees who have shown extraordinary commitment and leadership for many years of service. Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor have each dedicated 28 years to NCWU’s Board of Trustees, providing invaluable guidance, serving on numerous committees, and helping shape the future of the university through their leadership. Their leadership, vision, and generosity have helped shape Wesleyan into the institution it is today.
Dr. Crocker began his tenure in 1997 and has served continuously ever since. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Board from 2016 to 2018 and Chair of the Board from 2018 to 2023. His strategic insight and steadfast dedication have left a lasting impact on the University’s progress and direction.
Mr. Taylor began serving on the Board in 1996, completing 20 consecutive years, briefly stepping away in accordance with the bylaw policy. He returned after one year and continued serving for another eight consecutive years. Mr. Taylor has been an influential voice on multiple committees, most notably leading the Athletics Committee for many years with great passion and commitment.
Board Chair Paul Bauer led the presentation, offering heartfelt remarks about each recipient’s lasting contributions. Both Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor followed with their own words of gratitude and reflection, emphasizing their enduring connection with the University.
President Dr. Evan D. Duff shared, “Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor, your legacy here is profound, and it is a great privilege to express our collective gratitude for your enduring service. The Taylor-Crocker Honors Program stands as a beacon of excellence at NC Wesleyan, a reflection of your visionary leadership. Your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have shaped not only our university but my own journey as well. You have set an example of service and dedication that will inspire future generations of leaders.”
Dr. Crocker, reflecting on the evening, noted, “I look upon this evening as not a celebration of anything Brenda and I may have done on this campus, but rather as an opportunity to say thank you to all of you for the excellent work you do every day in perpetuating the mission of this school. We thank you for including us in the NCWU family, making us always feel so welcomed.”
Mr. Taylor, whose relationship with the University spans more than half a century, shared, “Since 1968, when I arrived on the campus of NCWC, I have witnessed the transformation into a university. The bonding of faculty, staff, students, administration, and the area community has only added value to those who have participated. The trustees have faced many difficulties, but through it all, our university is stronger today than ever before.”
The Golden Trustee Emeritus Award represents the University’s deep gratitude and respect for those who have played a lasting role in its development. Through their vision, service, and love for the Wesleyan community, Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor have left an enduring legacy that will benefit generations of students to come.
NCWU Launches New Nursing Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated Nursing Program, housed in a newly renovated, cutting-edge facility designed to foster excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. With the first cohort of students set to begin this fall, the program marks a transformative milestone in the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The new building, located beside the main campus, is fully equipped with all the modern resources and technology required to support student success – ranging from advanced simulation labs to collaborative learning spaces. Purposefully designed with every detail in mind, the facility offers a dynamic, hands-on environment that mirrors real-world clinical settings. It stands as a symbol of progress and possibility, not only for NCWU but for the broader community it serves.
“This building is more than just bricks and mortar,” said Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives. “It represents a labor of love from numerous community partners who recognized the need for more skilled nurses in our region and came together to help make this vision a reality.”
The nursing program is being spearheaded by a dedicated team of experienced professionals (L-R):
- Dr. Lesley McGraw, Associate Director of Nursing Programs and Director of the BSN Program
- Dr. Consuela Blaizes, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Christa Jones-Hooker, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives
Together, this dynamic faculty brings a wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise, and a shared passion for student-centered learning.
In another significant development, NCWU is pleased to share that its institutional accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has been officially extended, further affirming the quality and integrity of its academic programs, including the newly established Nursing Program.
With the doors now open and excitement building, NC Wesleyan’s Nursing Program is set to play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. Sign up today at https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
Wesleyan Record Label Announces New Release
301 North Records, the official record label of North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), is proud to announce the upcoming release of a new single by Raleigh-based band, Soul Chatter. Set to drop on July 22, this marks the third collaboration between the band and the University’s Music Production program, record label, and studio.
Located on campus, the studio continues to serve as a dynamic creative space for students pursuing degrees in Music Production. Under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records Tony Sawyer, the studio blends academic instruction with hands-on, real-world experience in professional music production. For the Soul Chatter release, Sawyer took on the roles of assistant producer, mix/master engineer, and performed drums and bass guitar on the track.
301 North Records operates as part of the University’s B.A. in Music Production degree, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the business, creative, and technical aspects of the music production industry.
Music fans can follow the latest releases—including Soul Chatter’s new single—on Spotify and YouTube Music via the 301 North Records playlist.
The Dunn Center Announces the Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
The Dunn Center, located on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Campus, welcomes The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026. This is a wonderful family art show to attend and will feature all your favorite Peanuts characters. Tickets are only $5 each and kids five and under get in FREE! So, secure your tickets, or purchase a few as holiday stocking stuffers!
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Charles Monroe Schulz brightened the world for 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit. Through Peanuts, Schulz connected the world with his drawings and stories. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, a traveling exhibition, explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Schulz once proclaimed, “It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was.”
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century.
“Comic strips are an art form: a means of expressing an idea of a great truth in an abbreviated space,” Schulz noted in 1985. He was “master of the slight incident” and broke new ground for newspaper cartoons by using innovations such as Lucy’s psychiatric booth, Linus’ security blanket (a term Schulz coined), Snoopy’s doghouse, and Schroeder’s music. He profoundly influenced several generations of cartoonists with his spare graphic style and subtle sense of humor. “With intelligence, honesty, and wonderfully expressive artwork, Charles Schulz gave the comics a unique world of humor, fantasy, warmth, and pain that completely reconfigured the comic strip landscape,” wrote Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, in 1989.
circa 1985
Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts. For 50 years he researched, wrote, designed, and drew each Peanuts strip that appeared in daily and Sunday newspapers, producing nearly 18,000 strips. From the comic strip’s humble beginnings in 1950, appearing in only seven newspapers, Peanuts’ popularity and influence grew rapidly. By 2000 it was the most successful comic strip in newspaper history, appearing in over 40 languages, in 75 countries, in more than 2,600 newspapers, with over 355 million readers. The strip and its characters were also the inspiration for nearly 50 television specials, two plays, four movies, a symphonic concerto, many books, and thousands of licensed products. Peanuts products became a billion-dollar worldwide industry, and Schulz became the highest paid, most widely read cartoonist in history.
Schulz officially retired in December 1999 and always intended that the strip would retire with him. On February 12, 2000, at age 77, just hours before the final Peanuts strip appeared in Sunday newspapers, Charles Schulz died at his home in Santa Rosa, California. The next morning, tributes ran in newspapers around the world, including one from then-U.S. President Bill Clinton in USA Today: “The hopeful and hapless Charlie Brown, the joyful Snoopy, the soulful Linus, even the crabby Lucy, give voice, day after day, to what makes us human.” In the February 28, 2000, edition of People magazine, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, author of the 1989 biography Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz, observed, “He showed there was a market for innocence. People may be seduced by glitter, sophomoric stunts and shock radio, but deep down we all yearn for something simple and profound that will endure. He gave that to us.”
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened in 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and building an understanding of cartoon art. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, California—where Schulz lived and worked for over 40 years—the Schulz Museum features the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world and presents changing exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum also provides reference services and supports a robust traveling exhibition program. For more information, visit schulzmuseum.org.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452
NCWU Announces New Endowed Scholarship in Public Health
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is honored to announce the establishment of the Dr. J. Allen Whitaker Scholarship of Public Health, a newly endowed scholarship created through the generosity of George G. Whitaker in memory of his late father, Dr. J. Allen Whitaker.
The scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in Public Health and will be awarded annually beginning one year after the endowment’s initial investment. The fund has already met the $10,000 minimum required for activation, thanks to a generous gift from George G. Whitaker. Additional contributions are welcome from others who wish to honor Dr. Whitaker’s legacy and further support students in this vital field. The scholarship is designed to be a lasting tribute to Dr. Whitaker’s contributions to the field and his enduring impact on community health.
“This scholarship reflects our family’s deep respect for my father’s life’s work and our shared belief in the power of public health to improve lives,” said George G. Whitaker. “We are proud to support students who are passionate about continuing that mission.”
Administered through the University’s permanently restricted endowment and managed by the Board of Trustees, the fund will provide annual awards based on academic merit and character, with preference given to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in Public Health. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the University’s Financial Aid Office in partnership with the Public Health faculty.
Dr. J. Allen Whitaker began his career as a public health officer, a field that remained his lifelong passion. Although he went on to practice urology for more than 40 years, his heart was always rooted in public health. This scholarship honors his legacy by investing in the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing public health. North Carolina Wesleyan University is deeply grateful to the Whitaker family for their vision and enduring commitment to both higher education and public service.
