From the elementary classroom to community health initiatives, Kailyn St. John is discovering how a Master of Public Health can open doors to meaningful work while making a difference in the lives of others.
When Kailyn St. John decided to pursue her Master of Public Health (MPH), she knew she wanted to build on her interest in health and wellness. What she didn’t know was just how many ways public health would connect to her everyday life.
Originally from Hinsdale, New Hampshire, St. John graduated from Keene State College in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences before beginning her graduate studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Today, she balances several responsibilities: working as a first-grade teacher in Kinston, serving as a graduate assistant for NC Wesleyan’s MPH program, and completing a public health internship with Carteret County Health and Human Services.
It’s a full schedule, but St. John is working toward a goal that matters to her: helping people and communities live healthier lives.
“I would never say that it is easy, but it is possible,” St. John said of balancing graduate school with a busy life. “If earning the degree is something that is truly important to you, being busy does not automatically mean you cannot do it.”
Connecting the Classroom to Community Health
St. John chose NC Wesleyan’s MPH program in part because of its flexibility and its concentration in Physical Activity and Health, an area that first captured her interest during her undergraduate studies.
The online format allowed her to continue her education while gaining professional experience. Just as importantly, she found a program where she could build meaningful relationships with professors and classmates, even from a distance.
“I never expected to feel as connected as I do to an online graduate program, but NC Wesleyan has given me that experience,” she said.
Through her studies, St. John has also discovered that public health extends far beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities. In her first-grade classroom, she sees how nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, access to resources, and family circumstances can affect a child’s ability to learn and thrive.
Her internship provides another perspective, allowing her to gain hands-on experience with community health initiatives, health promotion, outreach, and connecting people with programs and resources.
Together, these experiences have changed the way she thinks about health.
Rather than focusing only on individual choices, St. John has learned to consider the circumstances surrounding them, including access to healthcare, transportation, income, healthy food, and opportunities for physical activity.
That broader perspective is one she plans to carry throughout her career.
A Degree That Opens More Than One Door
For St. John, one of the most valuable parts of earning an MPH is discovering how many directions a career in public health can take.
Her interests include children’s health, health education, chronic disease prevention, and improving access to health resources. After graduating in December 2026, she hopes to continue building her experience and explore opportunities to develop programs that improve health outcomes, particularly for children, families, and underserved communities.
She is also considering pursuing a doctoral degree in the future.
Her journey is a reminder that students do not need to have every step of their careers mapped out before beginning graduate school. Sometimes, the experience itself helps reveal new interests and possibilities.
“I certainly did not!” St. John said when asked what she would tell someone who feels they need to have their entire career figured out before pursuing an MPH.
Instead, she encourages prospective students to remain open to new opportunities and the different ways they can make a difference.
Your Next Step Starts Here
For anyone considering graduate school but wondering whether they have the time, St. John understands the hesitation. Between teaching, coursework, her graduate assistantship, an internship, and everyday responsibilities, she knows firsthand that balancing everything takes planning, prioritization, and persistence.
Her advice? Take things one week at a time, remember why you started, and don’t let a busy schedule automatically convince you that graduate school is out of reach.
An MPH can build on your existing experience while helping you explore new career opportunities and develop the knowledge to make a difference in your community.
Ready to take the next step toward your future? Explore North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Master of Public Health program and discover how flexible online graduate study can help you turn your passion for helping others into meaningful opportunities.
5 Helpful Tips for Applying to North Carolina Wesleyan University
Choosing a college is an exciting step toward your future, and finding the right fit is an important part of the journey. If you’re considering North Carolina Wesleyan University, knowing what to expect can help make applying easier and less overwhelming. From exploring campus to preparing your application, a little planning can go a long way. Here are five helpful tips to guide you through the process and help you take the next step toward your college experience.
1. Explore the University and Visit Campus
We encourage you to take time to learn more about North Carolina Wesleyan University and what makes it unique. Explore its academic programs, student resources, and campus community to see how the university aligns with your interests and goals.
For an even closer look, schedule a campus tour. Visiting in person gives you the opportunity to explore campus, learn about student life, and ask questions. It’s also a great way to picture yourself as part of the Battling Bishops community. Check the university’s website for available tour dates and registration information.
2. Understand the Admission Requirements
Once you’ve explored the university and decided it may be the right fit, familiarize yourself with the admission requirements. Requirements can vary depending on whether you’re applying as a first-year, transfer, or international student, so make sure you review the information specific to your situation. If you have questions, the admissions team can help you understand what’s needed before you begin.
3. Gather Your Materials and Submit Your Application
Prepare your application materials ahead of time to help the process go smoothly. Submit all required documents, including official academic transcripts and any additional supporting materials.
NCWU offers rolling admissions, but it’s still a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to complete your application, address any missing information, and get answers to any questions you may have. Staying organized can help make the process easier and less stressful.
4. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Planning for college also means understanding how you’ll pay for your education. Take time to research scholarships, financial aid, and other resources that may help make college more affordable. Be sure to complete the FAFSA and use NCWU’s Federal School Code: 002951 to ensure your financial aid information is sent to North Carolina Wesleyan University. Exploring your options early can help you make informed decisions about college expenses.
5. Stay Connected and Prepare for What’s Next
After submitting your application, stay connected with the admissions team and watch your email for updates. Check whether any additional documents are needed, follow instructions for checking your application status, and respond promptly to requests.
As you move through the process, continue asking questions and exploring the resources available to you. Staying organized and informed can help you feel more confident as you prepare for the next chapter of your academic journey.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future
Applying to North Carolina Wesleyan University is an opportunity to start working toward your academic and personal goals. By exploring the university, visiting campus, preparing your application, and planning for college expenses, you can approach the process with greater confidence. When you’re ready to get started, visit the university’s official website to learn more about applying, schedule a campus tour, and connect with the admissions team.
NC Wesleyan Celebrates 70 Years of Pride, Purpose and Progress on Founders Day
North Carolina Wesleyan University celebrated 70 years of history, community and Bishop pride on Wednesday, October 21, as students, faculty and staff came together for Founders Day during the University’s latest Community Day.
Under the theme “70 Years, One Wesleyan Community: Honor the Past. Serve the Present. Shape the Future,” the celebration recognized the people, experiences and shared purpose that have shaped NC Wesleyan since its founding in 1956.
With more than 20 events and activities throughout the day, campus was filled with opportunities to connect, serve, learn and celebrate what it means to be part of the Bishop community. From Brunch in the Blue & Gold Cafe and a campus clothing swap to academic advising, career preparation, club meetings and guest speakers, the day’s activities showcased the many ways students can engage with campus life beyond the classroom.
Service was at the heart of this year’s Founders Day celebration.
Through the University’s 70 Acts of Service initiative, students and campus community members participated in projects designed to support local organizations and bring encouragement to others.
Donation items were collected for My Sister’s House and the Bassett Center, while volunteers created tug toys for the Rocky Mount Animal Shelter. Participants also wrote Cards of Encouragement for residents of The Lodge, the Boys and Girls Club, and individuals served by Meals on Wheels. These projects offered meaningful ways for the Wesleyan community to put the University’s commitment to service into action.
Leah Hill, Director of Financial Aid and Special Assistant to the President, served as chair of the Founders Day Committee, and helped coordinate the University’s 70th anniversary celebration. Hill shared, “Founders Day is about more than celebrating 70 years of Wesleyan’s history. It’s about bringing our campus community together, recognizing how far we have come, and finding ways to give back. Whether it’s through a small act of kindness or serving others in our community, we all have an opportunity to make a difference. That’s what makes this day so meaningful.”
The celebration continued into the afternoon and evening with recreational activities and Bishop athletics. The men’s soccer team faced the University of Mary Washington at Scalf Field, followed by women’s volleyball against Methodist in Everett Gymnasium, bringing students and fans together to support their Bishops.
More than a celebration of the University’s history, Founders Day offered an opportunity to recognize the people who have helped shape Wesleyan over the past seven decades and the community continuing that legacy today.
Since 1956, NC Wesleyan has grown and evolved while remaining committed to education, meaningful connections and preparing students for successful futures. As the University celebrates its 70th anniversary, its story continues to be written by the students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who bring the Bishop community to life.
The Next Chapter Starts Here: Attend Open House
As NC Wesleyan celebrates 70 years of impact, the University is looking ahead to the next generation of Bishops. Prospective students and their families are invited to experience the Wesleyan community firsthand at Open House on Saturday, October 24.
Open House offers an opportunity to explore campus, learn more about academic programs, connect with the NC Wesleyan community and discover what makes the Bishop experience unique.
Ready to see your future at Wesleyan? Join us for Open House on October 24 and take the next step toward becoming a Bishop.
After 25 Years of “Someday,” Bonnie Parrish Is Finishing What She Started
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.
