ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is among several colleges and universities in North Carolina that are part of the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program. Through this program, academically outstanding females majoring in the natural or physical sciences are able to participate in a mentoring/scholarship program through GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The opportunity is open to two females at NCWU at any given time and this year is being awarded to Andrea Rizzo and Maria “Claudina” Fernandez Laurita.
“Wesleyan is very proud of the work that Andrea and Claudina have done to date and the work they will continue to do in this program,” stated Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Wesleyan offers our students valuable opportunities to engage in undergraduate research, meaningful internships and robust networking, and this program combines all three in one unique appointment. We know they will make the very best of this opportunity.”
Both women are from Argentina and are actively involved in the life of the University. Andrea is a sophomore majoring in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and an overall GPA of 3.8. She wants to attend graduate school to study marine mammals and spent last summer seeking out internships to gain research experience. Claudina is also a sophomore and has an overall GPA of 3.8. She is majoring in Biomedical Science (Pre-Medicine concentration), and has been working with local doctors to gain patient contact hours and observe surgeries.
“Both of these young women are an excellent fit for the program. They both have a clear sense of their goals for the future and are excited about building a relationship with a female science mentor at GlaxoSmithKline,” stated Dr. Heather Louch, GSK Program Coordinator and Professor of Biology.
There were four nominees for this year’s program. After Dr. Louch solicited nominations and requested application materials from these nominees, several NCWU physical and natural sciences faculty selected Andrea and Claudina based on a point system. These two scholars will spend the next three years establishing a mentoring relationship with a GSK female scientist.
About the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program offers a unique educational opportunity to young women by coupling college scholarships with a mentoring program. The Foundation has established endowed scholarships at 30 colleges and universities across North Carolina. Two outstanding women undergraduate science students, usually in their sophomore year, are selected annually by each school as North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars. Selected scholars demonstrate a strong interest in science and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale). Each student is paired with a GlaxoSmithKline mentor who provides valuable leadership to students by sharing her experiences and insights, and providing science career guidance.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Registration Open for NC Wesleyan University’s Fall Open House
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Fall Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022 and registration is open. During Open House, students will learn more about scholarships and financial aid, the admissions process, be able to speak with faculty and current students, meet President Evan D. Duff and take a campus tour. In addition, students who attend Fall Open House can enjoy free admission to the University’s first Homecoming game to be played on its new turf field. Kickoff is at noon against Huntingdon College.
“Open House at NCWU provides prospective students and their families a unique opportunity to experience the community of our University and all that we offer to provide an education that is Personal, Practical and Purpose-Driven,” stated Paige Price Wells, Director of Admissions.
This year’s Open House will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5 and check-in will be held at The Dunn Center. Interested students must register before Wednesday, November 2 at ncwu.edu/openhouse or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 252.985.5200.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
Senior VP for the NFL to Speak to NCWU Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. (h.c.) Constance Williams, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for the NFL, will be the next Resident Expert to offer her expertise to NCWU students. Through NC Wesleyan’s new Resident Expert Program (WES-R.E.P.), students are provided with an opportunity to work directly with industry leaders through mentoring and workshops. These professionals connect with students to share their industry knowledge via on-site and virtual opportunities. Williams will join Dr. Katrina Sweet’s Human Resources class (BUS 314) via Zoom on Friday, October 28 for a Q&A session that allows students the opportunity to learn about the HR field.
Williams is a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of progressive human resource and business experience, having contributed to the success of several blue-chip firms in diversified industry sectors. Prior to her role with the NFL, she served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Americas, Sony Music Entertainment in New York, NY where she led Sony Music’s talent acquisition and talent management functions. Her remarkable experience naturally lends itself to Dr. Constance Williams serving as NCWU’s Human Resources Expert in Residence.
“Constance possesses a wealth of knowledge to convey about the world of human resources and organizational development, which she has obtained through her work with multiple top-tier corporations,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “She is a strong advocate for Wesleyan and I’m very excited for our students to receive the wisdom she has to offer.”
In support of Wesleyan students’ future career exploration, Williams has provided rich developmental experiences including one-on-one mentorships, speaking engagements and comprehensive on-site job shadowing. She has been on the NCWU Board of Trustees since 2020. She was also a previous commencement speaker for the University and taught as an adjunct professor in Psychology, Business and Organizational Administration. A double Ivy League graduate, Dr. (h.c.) Williams holds an M.A. in Organization Psychology from Columbia University and a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, as well as an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from North Carolina Wesleyan University. She also earned distinction having received Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Women in Music Award.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Offers Nash County Sheriff’s Office Employees Educational Opportunities
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Monday, October 10 leaders from North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and Nash County Sheriff, Keith Stone, signed a partnership agreement offering educational opportunities to employees of the Nash County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO). The partnership allows employees and their immediate families to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs at NCWU.
“The Nash County Sheriff’s Office serves a vital role in our area. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve them and their families in return by offering an obtainable path to pursue their educational goals,” stated Michael Drew, VP of Enrollment.
NCWU is the only certificate-awarding University in Nash County. This partnership allows the institution to offer a one-time $250 University Award of enrollment in certificate classes to each NCSO employee, and their immediate family member(s), during their last semester of enrollment. North Carolina Wesleyan University has certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Management that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks.
For those who are interested in pursuing their bachelor’s degree, NCWU will offer a $1,000 University Award at the end of the first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes. Additionally, a second award of $1,000 will be presented at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $2,000.
Employees enrolling in NC Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree programs will receive a $500 University Award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in graduate classes. In addition, NCWU will award a second amount of $500 at the end of their last semester, for a total University Award amount of $1,000
Mutually benefitting both organizations, this partnership allows NCSO employees to receive special rates to attend NCWU. In return, NCSO will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office will also afford NC Wesleyan University an opportunity to educate NCSO employees through email, on-site opportunities, flyers, brochures and the posting of other promotional materials. Nash County Sheriff’s Office employees must remain employed with NCSO in order for the employee and/or their immediate family member(s) to remain eligible for this award.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Celebrates Founding Anniversary this Month
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Thursday, October 20, North Carolina Wesleyan University will celebrate its 66th Founding Anniversary during its annual Founders’ Day Celebration. The event, which is open to the public, will take place from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Minges Auditorium at The Dunn Center.
“This is a unique Founders’ Day because it is the first time in our institution’s history that we will be celebrating as a University. With our new identity ushering in our 66th year, I’m excited for NC Wesleyan to continue offering a personal, practical and purpose-driven approach to learning,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Guest speaker for this year’s event will be Mrs. Kelly Joyner Lee, Program Officer for the North Carolina Community Foundation. Mrs. Lee manages nonprofit outreach, engagement and affiliate grantmaking, as well as scholarships for eighteen counties in central North Carolina. She is a founding member of the Women Givers of Nash-Rocky Mount and an avid supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics. She holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and special certifications in event planning, small group facilitation and nonprofit marketing, as well as Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credentials. Mrs. Lee completed Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence through the Disney Institute and is trained through Reconnect for Resilience™, addressing trauma-impacted communities.
Mrs. Lee is also the co-creator of the Leading for Tomorrow Nonprofit Capacity Building Summit. As an instructor for the Duke Nonprofit Certificate program, she teaches courses in Community Collaboration and Engagement, Nonprofit Marketing and Volunteer Management. She holds a master’s degree in management and leadership from WGU North Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in leadership in the public sector from NC State University where she graduated summa cum laude.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) is the only statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has administered over $243 million in grants since 1988. With more than $440 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,200 endowments and partners with a network of affiliates to award grants and scholarships in communities across the state. An important component of NCCF’s mission is to ensure rural philanthropy has a voice at the local, regional and national levels.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Receives Grant Funds for Educator Preparation Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of 31 schools to recently receive grant funds to support its Educator Preparation Program (EPP). North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants from the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work includes enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading. Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects. To learn more, please visit NCICU’s website.
Statement on NCWU Homecoming Postponement
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Due to the threat of severe weather approaching the Rocky Mount area, North Carolina Wesleyan University has made the decision to move the Saturday, October 1 football game against LaGrange College to 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 30. In addition, the University has postponed most of its Homecoming festivities originally scheduled for this weekend, which now includes the 1:00 p.m. Alumni Golf Outing. The Athletic Hall of Fame at 7:00 p.m. on Friday will still take place as planned.
All postponed Homecoming events will move to the weekend of Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6. The Homecoming game will now take place against Huntingdon College at noon on Saturday, November 5.
For a full updated schedule of events, visit ncwu.edu/homecoming.
Award-Winning Actress, Sharon Lawrence, to Serve as Actor in Residence at NCWU
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Earlier this month, North Carolina Wesleyan University announced its new Practical Skills Academy (PSA) that will offer life and professional skills to students in areas not typically covered in traditional coursework. Through the PSA, NC Wesleyan University is also offering its newly-developed Resident Expert Program (WES-R.E.P.). To kick off this program, NCWU will be hosting award-winning actress Sharon Lawrence as its first Actor in Residence.
The WES-R.E.P. program provides students with an opportunity to work directly with industry leaders through mentoring and workshops. Through on-site and virtual opportunities, these professionals will connect with students to share their industry knowledge. Experts are chosen in a variety of fields including the fine arts, business, education, healthcare, the sciences and specific professional fields. This experiential learning program emphasizes the understanding of real-world applications of students’ chosen major(s), as well as more enhanced discovery and exploration of an industry.
“Based on her ties to North Carolina and her success in the entertainment industry, I’m proud to have Sharon back on campus as our first resident expert. Over the years, she has shown tremendous support to the University and I look forward to having her share her expertise and talent with our Entertainment Arts students,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Ms. Lawrence will visit the University’s Acting I class on Tuesday, November 15 to provide a workshop on auditioning or an acting technique. This is not the first time that Lawrence has been to NC Wesleyan. After the COVID pandemic delayed her speaking at the University’s Spring 2020 Commencement, she returned to address the class of 2020 during Winter 2020 Commencement. Lawrence is an award-winning stage and screen actor who can most recently be seen in the Paramount+ and Spectrum drama series, JOE PICKETT, where she is completing Season 2 in Alberta, Canada. She also recently wrapped the final season of the DYNASTY remake as Laura Van Kirk. Her previous work includes NYPD Blue, ONE TREE HILL, RIZZOLI and ISLES, SHAMLESS, GREY’S ANATOMY and ABC’s REBEL.
“One of the great advantages in my early experience as a student-performer was the opportunity to work alongside and learn from professionals in industry. Whether at UNC Playmakers, summer stock, theme parks, outdoor dramas, regional theaters or the North Carolina Theater, Theater Raleigh and the countless film and TV productions shot here, our state has invested in its people by investing in the arts and entertainment business,” stated Lawrence.
A native of North Carolina, she was born in Charlotte and later moved to Raleigh where she graduated from Broughton High School. Lawrence attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
While at UNC, Lawrence was active onstage with the university’s Playmakers Repertory Company. She is a proud founding, and prior leading actress, at the North Carolina Theatre and the daughter of Tom Lawrence, former news reporter for WRAL News in Raleigh.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Kicks Off Annual Fall Giving Campaign
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University kicked off its annual fall fundraiser, The Wesleyan Promise Campaign, on Thursday, September 22 with a goal of raising $325,000. The campaign will run through the month of October and will be co-chaired by Erin Gall ’05 and Kirby Slade ’01. In addition, there are 37 community volunteers who are assisting in the campaign by calling on local businesses and individuals for support.
Erin Gall studied history at NC Wesleyan and worked in the Admissions Office for a few years after graduation. “I came to Wesleyan to get an education and never left because I also found a home in the process,” stated Gall. In 2008, she joined Allegra in Rocky Mount as a Customer Service Representative and has recently been promoted to General Manager of the local business. She is active in the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and on several local boards, including various committees at NC Wesleyan. Always willing to give back financially to help another student in ways that she herself received 20 years ago, Gall is passionate about co-chairing this fundraising campaign.
Kirby Slade was a transfer student when he arrived at NC Wesleyan. Slade noted “Wesleyan was there for me when I needed them. The small classroom sizes and close relationships I was able to develop helped me become more involved in activities and excel in my classes.” He works as the Community Development Officer at Nash UNC Health Care and enjoys finding ways to make a difference in his community. An Enfield, NC native, Slade also serves on several nonprofit boards in the community and is delighted to see the impact Wesleyan is still making on students, the community and the broader region as it continues to grow.
The Wesleyan Promise campaign benefits NC Wesleyan students through scholarships, technology, facility improvements, lab equipment, safety gear for athletes and much more. To make a gift, regardless of size, visit ncwu.edu/donate or call 252.985.5266.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
NCWU Student to Win New Car, Courtesy of Joey Griffin Kia
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has partnered with Joey Griffin Kia of Rocky Mount to give a current NCWU student the deal of a lifetime at this year’s Homecoming football game on November 5. One lucky and deserving Bishop will be the owner of a brand new 2022 Kia Rio courtesy of Joey Griffin Kia.
NCWU students, faculty and staff have from September 1 until November 2 to nominate a current, full-time student they believe deserves and needs a new car. Students are not allowed to self-nominate, but a student can be nominated more than once. Students will be notified of their nomination and confirm that they would like to be in the drawing.
“The Joey Griffin Deal of a Lifetime is more than just giving away a car, it’s giving a student opportunities— an opportunity to get an off-campus job, an internship that could jumpstart their career, and the freedom to enjoy and explore Rocky Mount, along with surrounding areas,” stated Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities.
NC Wesleyan is unique in that it allows freshmen to have vehicles on campus their first year; however, nearly fifty percent of students do not, whether it’s due to financial reasons, distance from home, or other factors. The Joey Griffin Deal of a Lifetime will enhance an NCWU student’s life by providing them with safe, reliable transportation.
“The community has supported us greatly, so this is a chance to give back and maybe change someone’s life,” stated Griffin. “Through this, maybe somebody will become aware of our dealership. This gives our salespeople a chance to sell them a car or a technician the opportunity to service their car, hence helping them support their families.”
The Joey Griffin Deal of a Lifetime winner will be announced on Friday, November 4 at NCWU’s annual Homecoming Bonfire. They will receive the keys to their new Kia the following day, November 5, during halftime of this year’s Homecoming football game. The public is invited to attend and join in this exciting occasion to cheer on the Battling Bishops as they take on Huntingdon College. Kickoff is at noon at NCWU’s new Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium and gates open two hours prior. For more information, visit ncwu.edu/homecoming.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
