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.
NC Wesleyan University to Add Women’s Flag Football Beginning Spring 2028
North Carolina Wesleyan University is expanding its athletic offerings with the addition of NCAA Women’s Flag Football, with the Battling Bishops set to begin competition in Spring 2028 as a member of the USA South Conference.
Kenny Inge has been named the inaugural coach of the Women’s Flag Football program. Wesleyan will begin recruiting student-athletes for the new program in Fall 2027, allowing the inaugural team to prepare for its first competitive season in Spring 2028.
“North Carolina Wesleyan is excited to announce that we will be starting a new athletic program, Women’s Flag Football, in Spring 2028,” said Wesleyan Director of Athletics John Thompson. “An emerging sport over the last several years, flag football is rapidly growing, and we believe the time is right to add to our sport offerings for women.”
Collegiate & National Growth
The addition of Women’s Flag Football at NC Wesleyan University comes as the sport continues to gain momentum at the collegiate and national levels. In January 2026, the NCAA officially added women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program. During the 2025-26 school year, 135 high schools across North Carolina had women’s flag football teams, reflecting the sport’s continued growth throughout the state.
As NC Wesleyan offers collegiate women’s flag football in eastern NC, they will join a growing group of North Carolina colleges and universities offering women’s flag football, including Meredith College, Guilford College, Wingate University, Barton College, Lees-McRae College, Catawba College and Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Within the USA South Conference, Meredith College is currently the only other member institution offering women’s flag football.
What’s Next?
“We are excited to bring this growing sport to North Carolina Wesleyan and to provide another opportunity for women student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level,” Thompson said. “We look forward to building a strong program and welcoming our inaugural student-athletes to Wesleyan.”
Recruiting for the inaugural Women’s Flag Football team will begin for student-athletes entering Wesleyan in Fall 2027. Additional information about recruiting opportunities and the program will be shared through Wesleyan Athletics.
For more information on the program, contact Coach John Thompson, Wesleyan Director of Athletics, at JThompson@ncwu.edu or call 252.985.5218.
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CIS 210 Students Bring Computer Hardware Concepts to Life
Students in NC Wesleyan University’s Computer Information Systems (CIS210) course recently took a hands-on approach to learning computer hardware by assembling miniature, 3D-printed desktop computer models.
The activity gave students the opportunity to move beyond diagrams and terminology and physically explore how major computer components—including the motherboard, memory, storage, graphics card, cooling system and power supply—fit together within a computer.
Designed as a low-risk introduction to computer assembly, the project allowed students to manipulate and assemble components without the complexities of working with full-size hardware. The hands-on experience supported tactile learning while encouraging curiosity, discussion and peer collaboration.
Beyond reinforcing technical concepts, the project helped students build confidence as they prepare to work with actual computer hardware. Students also received their miniature computers as keepsakes they can display, reassemble or use to share what they learned with friends and family.
The project is one example of how experiential learning in the classroom can make technical concepts more approachable, engaging and memorable.
NC Wesleyan Celebrates First Graduating Cohort of Applied Reproductive Biology Program with Strong Career Placement
North Carolina Wesleyan University is celebrating a milestone in its growing academic offerings and its commitment to workforce development with the completion of its inaugural Applied Reproductive Biology Laboratory (ARTLAB) cohort.
The first cohort of 11 students has completed NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology certificate program, designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of assisted reproductive technology and in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory science.
And the results are already translating into careers.
Of the 11 students in the inaugural cohort, seven have confirmed job offers in the field, while the remaining four are currently in various stages of the interview process. Based on the progress of those students, the program projects 100% employment placement within the next month.
For NC Wesleyan, that early success represents more than the completion of a first class. It demonstrates the potential of ARTLAB to connect specialized education directly to workforce demand while creating new career opportunities for students and contributing to economic development in a growing industry.
“This is the first class — the first of many — to complete the nation’s finest training for positions in IVF labs across the nation under the auspices of North Carolina Wesleyan,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NC Wesleyan University. “We look forward to working with Dr. Schenkman and her colleagues to continue growing this program and to launching new programs in related fields.”
The Applied Reproductive Biology certificate is an accelerated, specialized program that provides students with hands-on training and academic preparation aligned with the needs of assisted reproductive technology laboratories. Students are prepared to pursue opportunities within IVF laboratories and related reproductive science settings.
The program was developed under the leadership of Dr. Eva Schenkman and her colleagues, whose expertise has helped establish NC Wesleyan as an emerging destination for specialized training in reproductive biology.
The inaugural cohort’s career outcomes underscore the value of that industry-focused approach.
Building a Workforce for a Growing Industry
The demand for professionals trained in assisted reproductive technology continues to create opportunities for individuals interested in laboratory science and reproductive health. NC Wesleyan’s ARTLAB program is designed to help meet that demand by providing focused training for students seeking a pathway into this specialized field.
For the University, the program also represents a broader commitment to creating educational opportunities that have a direct impact beyond the classroom.
Students gain specialized skills. Employers gain access to trained talent. And communities benefit when graduates are able to transition into meaningful careers.
The inaugural cohort provides an early example of that workforce-development model in action.
With seven students already holding confirmed positions and the remaining four actively interviewing, the first ARTLAB cohort is poised to achieve a 100% placement rate shortly after completing the program.
Applications Open for 2027 Cohorts
With the success of its first cohort, NC Wesleyan is preparing to welcome the next group of students interested in entering the field of applied reproductive biology.
Applications are now being accepted for two 2027 cohorts:
- Spring 2027 Cohort: January 18 – March 26, 2027
- Summer 2027 Cohort: May 24 – July 30, 2027
The University encourages individuals interested in pursuing careers in IVF laboratory science and applied reproductive biology to learn more about the program and apply for an upcoming cohort.
The first cohort may have been the beginning, but NC Wesleyan sees it as just that, the beginning.
As the University continues to expand its offerings in applied reproductive biology and related fields, ARTLAB is positioned to become an important part of NC Wesleyan’s commitment to innovative education, career preparation and workforce development.
To learn more about NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology program or apply for an upcoming cohort, visit ncwu.edu.
NC Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Academy Establish Partnership to Expand Teacher Education Experiences
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Rocky Mount Academy (RMA) have entered into a new partnership that will provide NC Wesleyan teacher education students with expanded opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a private-school setting.
Through the agreement, NC Wesleyan students pursuing teacher education will have opportunities to participate in field placements, practicums and student teaching experiences at Rocky Mount Academy. Students may also engage in classroom observations, tutoring, mini-lessons and other educational activities alongside experienced educators.
The partnership represents a new dimension of experiential learning for NC Wesleyan’s Teacher Education Program. The university has previously established formal partnerships with traditional public-school systems and public charter schools, but this agreement marks an opportunity for teacher candidates to gain experience within a private-school environment.
“This MOU represents a creative and important partnership for both NC Wesleyan and Rocky Mount Academy that will allow our candidates for teacher education to gain valuable experience in the RMA classrooms and activities while strengthening our relationship to RMA,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NC Wesleyan University. “We look forward to strengthening these institutional connections as well as the many opportunities for our students to gain valuable experiences with RMA students and classes.”
Accreditation Specific
The agreement also provides NC Wesleyan students with the opportunity to learn from fully licensed teachers while experiencing the distinct instructional environment of a private school.
“While our program accreditation with the North Carolina State Board of Education and our national accreditation agency, AAQEP, both require official agreements with school systems and schools for pre-service teachers to gain experience, this one is different,” said Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education and Chief Diversity Officer at NC Wesleyan University.
“This agreement is with a private school, which provides a great opportunity since we do have graduates who will decide to teach at private, and not public, institutions upon graduation.”
Under the agreement, NC Wesleyan teacher education students will be able to complete placement activities at Rocky Mount Academy while gaining experience through activities such as tutoring students, observing teachers and teaching mini-lessons. The agreement also establishes expectations for cooperating teachers, student teachers and college supervisors throughout the placement experience.
Meet Lily Taylor
Lily Taylor, NCWU rising junior, is a Special Education major who is currently taking prerequisite Teacher Education courses prior to formally applying for entry into the program. She will be the first to participate in this opportunity.
April Whitehead, Director of Exceptional Children at RMA, shares “Rocky Mount Academy is excited to partner with North Carolina Wesleyan University to help enhance the educational experiences of future educators. We are thrilled to welcome Lily to RMA and provide her with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills she has gained through her coursework in a real classroom setting.
We are excited to watch Lily grow as an educator, build meaningful relationships with our students, and gain valuable hands-on experience. We are honored to have Lily learn alongside some of the best educators in the business and become part of the RMA community. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to develop the skills, confidence, and passion needed to make a difference in the lives of her future students.”
Program Distinction
For NC Wesleyan, the partnership adds another important perspective to the preparation of future educators.
“During my five-year stint at NC Wesleyan, we have only partnered with traditional public-school systems and public charter schools,” Spragley said. “This MOU provides an opportunity for our Teacher Education students to gain valuable experience in a high-quality private school. As a result, our students will be able to concretely compare and contrast their respective experiences between a traditional public, public charter and private school. To say I am excited is an understatement.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting future educators with authentic classroom experiences while building stronger relationships between NC Wesleyan and the Rocky Mount community.
For NC Wesleyan students, the experience will offer an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the educational landscape and explore the different environments in which they may ultimately build their teaching careers.
