ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, is set to adorn the walls of The Mims and Gravely Galleries at The Dunn Center in fall 2023. The exhibition will be open to the public with tickets available starting late summer 2023. This will be the first time a Bob Ross exhibit has been to North Carolina and the largest exhibition ever seen under one roof globally.
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor and television host known by so many for his permed hair, showed the world how to paint fun pieces of art. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, CBC in Canada, and similar channels in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere. Ross subsequently became known through his posthumous internet presence.
Spending 20 years in the U.S. Airforce, this is where he developed an interest in painting after attending an art class at the Anchorage U.S.O. club. While still in the Airforce, Bob discovered a show called The Magic of Painting. This is where he learned a 16th century painting style called “alla prima” (Italian for “First Attempt”) widely known as “wet-on-wet.” This allowed him to create a painting in thirty minutes. Ross became a master at this technique and began to successfully sell his work.
During each thirty-minute episode of The Joy of Painting, Bob would teach his viewers the quick, wet-on-wet oil painting technique. He would paint a scene without sketching it first, creating the image directly from his mind in real-time. He explained his limited paint palette and made the process easy for everybody to understand in simple, easy-to-follow steps. Ross soothingly reminded his viewers that “we don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
Ross was said to have painted an estimated 30,000 pieces of art in his lifetime– many of which will be on display in The Dunn Center. Guests are invited to come experience the joy that Ross brought to the art world.
Receive updates and reminders on all the exciting exhibits coming to NCWU, including the world’s largest Bob Ross Painting Exhibition!
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
NC Wesleyan University Earns National Accreditation of Teacher Education Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has awarded full 7-year accreditation to North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Teacher Education program.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its June 10 meeting along with the following rationale:
The Commission evaluated the program’s evidence for each AAQEP standard and determined that all four standards are met. Completers of the program are prepared to work effectively as professional educators who are able to adapt to different contexts and to grow professionally. The Teacher Education Program analyzes evidence of its effectiveness and makes revisions to benefit candidates, maintaining a high level of quality in a small and personalized program. In addition, the program engages with stakeholders and partners to strengthen the local P-20 education system.
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s teacher candidates learn to engage in data-driven decision making and become action-oriented, culturally responsive professionals. The program deploys evidence-based practices to support and empower P-12 students and their families while developing candidates’ growth as educators.
“Congratulations to NC Wesleyan and to all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who have achieved their goal of national accreditation by AAQEP,” said AAQEP President and CEO Mark LaCelle-Peterson. “The University’s commitment to this program’s strength supports the deep engagement of faculty with families and communities and personalized guidance for teacher candidates.”
National accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and foster innovation and collaboration among institutions. AAQEP currently has members in 30 states and other jurisdictions with over 180 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system.
“Being accredited by AAQEP ensures our Teacher Education program candidates that they are going to receive high quality preparation as they journey into the profession. As an agency, AAQEP requires that we provide evidence that our students are prepared to work with diverse populations, external partners, and are grounded in content knowledge and education theory,” stated Dr. Kelvin Spragley, Director of Teacher Education at NC Wesleyan. “As a result of meeting these requirements, our graduates have a 100% pass rate on licensure tests and 100% job placement.”
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
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 Partners with First Carolina Bank
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Thursday, June 23, leaders from North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) and First Carolina Bank (FCB) met to establish a formal relationship between the two to expand educational opportunities for FCB employees. This partnership will allow employees to develop practical skills that they can apply to their careers through certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
“The partnership between First Carolina Bank and North Carolina Wesleyan University is unique in that both were founded in Nash County. This agreement enhances the ability of both institutions by continuing to provide services to our community and beyond,” stated Michael Drew, Vice President of Enrollment. “North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to serve our region and welcomes First Carolina Bank as our newest partner in carrying out our mission of offering professional advancement at the certificate, undergraduate and graduate level.”
Mutually benefitting both organizations, this partnership allows FCB employees to receive financial aid awards to attend NCWU. In return, FCB will market this opportunity and NC Wesleyan’s programs to all of their employees. Each employee is offered a one-time $250 award from the University to be used towards a certificate program. Receipt of the award is provided during the last semester of enrollment. They can also receive a $1000 award at the end of their first semester of enrollment in undergraduate classes, as well as an additional $1000 award at the end of the last semester, for a total University award of $2,000. In addition, those who pursue a graduate degree at NCWU are offered a $500 award at the end of their first semester of enrollment and a second $500 award at the end of the last semester, for a total University award of $1,000.
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.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Announces New Provost
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Wednesday, June 15, North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomed its new Provost, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Lane. Dr. Lane comes to Wesleyan from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia where he held the position of Provost and Dean of Faculty.
As an academic administrator at Bethany, Lane was responsible for a broad portfolio including all of the college’s academic programs, student success and retention initiatives, career development, study abroad and accreditation. He played a leading role in creating new programs (including three master’s degree programs), which were connected to admissions and retention strategies. He also led an initiative that resulted in more than a 12% improvement in fall-to-fall retention over a three-year period.
Prior to coming to Bethany, Lane served 17 years on the faculty of Emory & Henry College where he held the Hawthorne Professor of Politics and served as an instructor, department chair and founding director of the College Honors Program. Lane has also held faculty appointments at Bowdoin College and Hampden-Sydney College. He earned his B.A. in Classical Studies and Political Science at Hampden-Sydney and his Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College.
“Dr. Lane’s extensive background in private higher education, paired with his vast skillset, make him an excellent asset to NC Wesleyan University. I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop personal, practical and purpose-driven initiatives positioning Wesleyan, and our students, with a brighter future,” stated President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In his role as Provost, Dr. Lane will serve as Chief Academic Officer overseeing academic and student affairs. This includes Student Life, Residence Life, academic programs, faculty, Registrar’s office, Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library and institutional research. Lane will work with Division Chairs and faculty leaders to maintain appropriate and up-to-date academic programs and curricula. He will also advise the President on all matters concerning University-wide planning, policy and operations, while establishing measures of institutional effectiveness and progress.
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.
University Honors Marion Barnes Family with Press Box Naming
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – NCWU’s Board of Trustees recently voted to name the future Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Sports Stadium Press Box in honor of Marion Barnes’ family. Barnes’ father, Guy Barnes, was one of the original founders of NC Wesleyan. The Marion Barnes Family Press Box will kick off Phase II of NC Wesleyan’s Sports Stadium Campaign.
Marion Barnes is the owner of Frontier Trailer Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, NC directly adjacent to Wesleyan’s new stadium. NCWU recognizes the many and longstanding efforts of Mr. Barnes, including years of dedicated service and personal contributions to the University, as well as additional gifts to the Sports Stadium fundraising efforts. To date, he has single-handedly raised over $2 million towards construction of the stadium.
“Marion’s love for Wesleyan and his belief in the ability to shape students’ lives through athletics remains evident in his personal commitments, as well as the tenacity in which he has led the fundraising effort for the stadium. He and his family’s dedication to education in Rocky Mount, specifically at Wesleyan, will forever be one of their family’s legacies,” stated Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics.
Phase I of the Sports Stadium Campaign was unveiled this April when Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. presented a $1 million check. Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium consists of a new turf field, lighting and additional parking. As funding allows, additional phases will include permanent seating, scoreboards and a new fieldhouse. The new fieldhouse will contain an athletic training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices. Others who are interested in helping with Phase II of the campaign can contact Aaron Denton, VP of Athletics, at adenton@ncwu.edu.
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.
New Graphic Designer Joins NCWU Marketing
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomes Judie Taylor as Graphic Designer. Taylor has gained comprehensive graphic design experience over the last five years in various roles throughout the country and as a freelance designer.
In her new role with NC Wesleyan’s Office of Marketing & Communications, Taylor will be responsible for the design, development and execution of both digital and print marketing. She will also develop new, fresh and distinctive ideas for departmental projects used across a wide variety of platforms to communicate and market the value of NC Wesleyan University. In addition, she will maintain vendor partnerships to ensure quality and timely production of materials, collaborating with them throughout the various phases of a project.
“Attractive graphic design gains high brand visibility,” stated Crystal Hill, NC Wesleyan Director of Marketing and Communications. “The Office of Marketing & Communications provides services to support the advancement of the University’s brand. We’re always striving to develop new, innovative concepts to help tell the story of Wesleyan. Expanding our team brings a new perspective, fresh ideas and growth opportunity. We’re thrilled to have Judie join our team and to continue raising the bar.”
Most recently, Taylor worked for Vida Shoes International as the Marketing Graphic Designer where she designed packaging, catalogs and other print materials for children’s brands such as Stride Rite, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh. She also established branding for new product launches and campaigns and created in-store fixture mock-ups for pitch decks. Taylor is a native of, and currently resides in, Rocky Mount, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
NC Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN Program Receives CCNE Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Board of Commissioners acted at its meeting on April 26-28, 2022, to grant accreditation to NC Wesleyan University’s RN to BSN program for three years, extending to June 30, 2025. The accreditation action is effective as of September 22, 2021, which is the first day of the program’s recent CCNE evaluation. North Carolina Wesleyan celebrated the first class of graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing during its recent spring 2022 commencement ceremony.
North Carolina Wesleyan University announced in May 2020 that the program received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January 2020. Classes began during the fall 2020 semester.
Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of the RN to BSN program, called the initial accreditation “a significant accomplishment for the vision of nursing at NCWU.” She went on to say “The accreditation process is an intensive journey requiring participation from not only the program faculty, but also University administration, support services, clinical agencies and the nursing advisory committee. The demand for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses has never been higher and NCWU’s RN to BSN program has a major impact on increasing the quality of clinical services in our local area by. We are incredibly excited about the future of nursing at Wesleyan, as well as the possibilities for growth and future development of additional nursing programs.”
NC Wesleyan’s 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. The 34-credit hour program integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices. This professional baccalaureate nursing practice focuses on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence-based research opportunities that facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students are required to complete clinical practice experiences that allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months. To learn more about the RN to BSN Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University, visit ncwu.edu/rntobsn.
*The RN to BSN program at North Carolina Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
About the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency/fellowship programs.
NC Wesleyan University Forges New Community College Partnerships
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – During the Spring 2022 semester, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) signed agreements to help qualified graduates of Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College transfer to Wesleyan. These agreements aim to provide a seamless transfer for students who enroll at Wesleyan following completion of their two-year degree at these community colleges. In addition, NCWU also reauthorized agreements with Pamlico, Durham Technical and Beaufort County Community Colleges.
These new agreements add Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College to a list of over 40 other colleges and community colleges throughout North Carolina that have a transfer partnership with NCWU.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University has been a leader in the state in partnering with NC community colleges. Our generous transfer policies, positive relationships with community college personnel and a seamless admissions process for AA, AS and AAS students are some of the ways we support our community college graduates throughout the state. We are excited about these latest partnerships with Stanly Community College and Southwestern Community College,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Strategy, Partnerships & Assessment.
These agreements will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering community college graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from the student’s community college to NC Wesleyan. These Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) allow Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
Students who graduate from one of Wesleyan’s community college partners and transfer under this agreement may select any of NCWU’s programs of study or transfer to the University’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works transfer pathway. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of community college students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the University.
Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the University’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs. To learn more about the program, visit ncwu.edu/wesleyanworks.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for NCWU’s New Outdoor Classroom
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Today, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom. In December 2020, NC Wesleyan announced plans for construction of this unique learning environment, made possible by a generous gift from the Barnes family.
The new outdoor classroom is located at the front of main campus near the Braswell Administration Building. This newly developed space offers students a fun, safe, educational experience which expands their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The three row, brick amphitheater-style classroom seats approximately 20 to 25 students and consists of lighting, power ports and the capability for an outdoor projector.
“The addition of the new outdoor classroom to our campus has been well received. Faculty members have enjoyed having a new venue for teaching and our students have found it attractive for more than just classroom studies. They’ve also used it for club meetings, bible studies and a place to gather with friends. Thanks to the Barnes family, this gift has quickly made a positive impact on Wesleyan’s campus,” said Mark Hinson, Senior Executive for Philanthropic Engagement.
Marvin Barnes, a Rocky Mount native, and his wife, Cynthia, have been active in the North Carolina Methodist Church Conference for over half a century. Mr. Barnes grew up attending First United Methodist Church in downtown Rocky Mount, where he participated in all forms of worship.
Like many of the recent projects at NC Wesleyan, this space was completely donor-funded through the Barnes’ gift. Their new Family Fare Convenience Store is located just down the road from North Carolina Wesleyan University’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
NC Wesleyan University Students Complete Inaugural Corporate Adoption Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s new Corporate Adoption Program (CAP) recently wrapped up its inaugural partnership with Envolve Benefit Options. The purpose of the CAP initiative is to enhance the career readiness skills of NCWU students by providing them with direct exposure to professional work settings and contacts. Envolve Benefit Options, which has a corporate office at the Rocky Mount Mills campus, hosted two Wesleyan students in the first cohort. Since completing the program, these two students have been hired as interns with Envolve.
This partnership was announced in November 2021 after a meeting was held at NCWU with students and representatives from the company. These students were then engaged in a full-day learning experience in early October on the Rocky Mount Mills campus.
“It was very rewarding to watch these students present their ideas for addressing a real business need and to see how much the Envolve team benefitted from their contributions. These students took full advantage of this year’s inaugural CAP experience, absorbing and applying a great deal of information about an industry they have no prior experience in. I’m grateful to the Envolve team for the investment they made in these students,” stated Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership.
Eligible students are juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or higher and a major applicable to the partner’s industry and project at hand. Those accepted are assigned to a CAP team that includes five-to-ten students, one faculty mentor and one corporate partner. The Envolve partnership consisted of students majoring in Accounting, Business, Communications, Computer Information Systems and Marketing.
When students apply to be a part of CAP, they are making a commitment to participate in the following:
– Intentional growth in career readiness skills
– Meetings with their assigned CAP group and Faculty Advisor as needed
– Fall Break and a minimum of two days during Spring Break
– Participating and presenting on an assigned corporate project with their CAP team during the spring semester
Rocky Mount-based corporations for future CAP partnerships will be selected based on the organizations’ expressed genuine interest in investing in the growth and development of a team of NCWU students and willingness to designate an internal CAP program manager. The CAP program manager will host workshops and meetings led by corporate speakers, while also maintaining ongoing communication with CAP students, faculty and staff. In addition, CAP partners are encouraged to offer paid summer internships to NCWU students in the program. Local organizations that are interested in partnering with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s CAP program can contact Jessie Langley at jlangley@ncwu.edu or 252.985.5177.
