NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2021 Honors Convocation Award Ceremony. These Awardees and Honor Society Members have displayed outstanding contributions inside and outside of the classroom. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
Recipients of the 2021 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| BUSINESS | |
| Accounting Outstanding Student Award | Jodie L Summerlin |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | David Enrique Bolivar Alvarado |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Elijah Blaise Gourley |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Nichole Mooney |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Natalie Larson |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award (1) | Enrique Chang |
| Biology Award (2) | Maria Padron |
| Environmental Science Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Exercise Science Award | Emily A. Ketchum |
| Mathematics Award (1) | Julia Trimmer |
| Mathematics Award (2) | Summer Phillips |
| Chemistry Award | Julia Trimmer |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| Communications Outstanding Student Award | Mary Cat Davis |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Abigail Shah |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Marisa Corcoran |
| Political Science Award | Bijaya Lamichhane |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Garrett Wesley Barger |
| Criminal Justice Outstanding Student Award | Grace deMontesquiou |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Senior English Award | Chasadie Searcy |
| Religious Studies | Kevin L. Teague |
| ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AWARDS | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Alyssa Brookhart |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Maria Padron |
| Internship Award (1) | David Bolivar |
| Internship Award (2) | Leonardo Guzman |
| Internship Award (3) | Alissa Avery |
| ROTC | |
| ROTC Highest GPA Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC Golden Joe Award | Cadet Deshawn Finley |
| ROTC Golden Jane Award | Cadet Kate Avila |
| ROTC “Hooah” Award | Cadet Savion Young |
| OUTSTANDING ADULT STUDENT AWARD | |
| Outstanding Adult Student Award | Eronger (Roger) Norman Kornegay III |
Honor society members who were recognized at the 2021 Honors Convocation Ceremony. When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.
PHI ETA SIMGA
John-Colby P. Branham
Zoe R. Branstetter
Joshua C. Denton
Tyson A. Duff
Quincey L. Packer
Aseel S. Qasem
Mary K. Raynor
Alexis M. Reinert
Zachary B. Scott
Noah Jacob Strange
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Jacob Aldridge
Kate Avila
Alyssa Brookhart
Angela Groeneveld
Grant Harrell
Sierra Joyner
Michael Parker
Stephanie Reid
Dimon Robeson
Allison Wichrowski
Jessie Langley
Sigma Tau Delta
Colin Long
Eboni Mayle
Chasity Ebron
Doneshia Rowe
Kappa Mu Epsilon
Latrell McDougald
Eugene Okoko
Summer Phillips
Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu
Hannah Thomas
Victoria Thompson
Maria Padron
Angela Groeneveld
Siphra Briggs
Robert Hart
Rebecca Mitchell
Christa McClain
Alpha Phi Sigma
Cassandrena Gabrellia Balloon
Sharon Lynn Bright
Tracey Nicole Brown
Daniel Grisham
Gregory Joseph Groff
Jacob Scott Winstead
Jerry Thomas Wood
Jessica Willis Baird
Jennifer Cornelia Basler
Siphra Briggs
Cynthia Ann Buffaloe
Robert Allen Greenfield
Appiffany Hansley
Madelaine Jean Meyers
Jy’maca Nyava Nneeka Revis
Angelica Raquelle Richardson
Dimon Roberson
Kelley Ann Catherine Siboun
Rolanda Marie Richardson
Taylor Elizabeth Roberson
Tiana Kameel Squire
Timothy Marinos
Sigma Beta Delta
Makenzie Renee’ Avery
Desiree Blackley
Shenita D. Bethea
Consuela décor Staton
Jodie L. Summerlin
Rebecca Monaco Demeritte
Keorra Rynazah Taylor
Shelby McClure Oliver
Elijah Blaise Gourley
Elisabeth G. Evans
EXTRAORDINARY NURSING STUDENTS TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH THE DAISY AWARD® AT NC Wesleyan University- RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University students in the RN to BSN program will soon be honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The awards are part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to Nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care they provide patients and families.
The DAISY Foundation expanded its flagship brand The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to Academic Institutions in order to recognize the faculty who inspire compassionate care in their students and the students who demonstrate it during their education. “We honor faculty who inspire nurses to care like Patrick’s nurses cared for him and for our family. Recognizing and celebrating nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion they show to patients and their families will be a strong reminder that nursing is not all about tasks and technology,” said Bonnie Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation.
Nursing students may be nominated by colleagues, peers, patients, families or alumni. Recipients are chosen by a committee at NC Wesleyan University to receive The DAISY Award. Each Honoree will receive a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture symbolizing excellence and a love for nursing that is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. To nominate a student, visit ncwu.edu/rntobsn between now and April 30, 2021.
“Our Bishop Nurses have exemplified the true meaning of resilience. It’s time to invest in our nursing community and express our gratitude,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of the RN to BSN Program.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from Nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an evidenced-based means of providing Nurse recognition and thanking Nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
In addition to The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty and The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Students, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,600 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Lifetime Achievement in Nursing, and through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.
NCWC Honors Forty Teacher Education Candidates
Pinning Ceremony Held March 22nd
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The Teacher Education Program at North Carolina Wesleyan University held their Spring Symposium, featuring a pinning ceremony for program candidates, on March 22. Guest speaker was Corey Williams, an alumnus of Wesleyan and honoree of the 2021 Teacher of the Year for Northampton County Schools.
Williams, a sixth grade Mathematics and Science teacher at Gaston Middle School, just entered his eighth year in public education and third year teaching in the classroom. Over the course of his career, Williams has served in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Halifax County Schools and currently, Northampton County Schools. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, his continued commitment to excellence celebrates students’ learning differences and diversity in a responsive classroom.
During the Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony, forty candidates received certificates and education pins. This rite of passage marks the initial journey into teacher education where students transition into a noble career and dedicate themselves to lifelong learning.
“The Teacher Education Program promotes a holistic approach to learning and embracing the whole child. I am extremely happy with the students’ commitment to engage, love, share, foster and embrace teaching and life practices within the context of the K-12 students’ experiences,” stated Dr. Patricia Brewer, Associate Professor of Education.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Taunja Cox College Scholarship— a $1,000 award given annually to a selected Wesleyan student majoring in special education. This opportunity was created by NC Wesleyan alumna, Glinda Williams of Kinston, North Carolina, in honor of her 34-year-old daughter, Taunja Cox, who was diagnosed with developmental disabilities at 18 months.
Since graduating from Kinston High School in the special education curriculum, Taunja has participated in work programs, volunteered with children at local daycares and is currently attending Lenoir Community College in the compensatory education class. This scholarship seeks to give back to students in the special education program who aspire to make a difference in the lives of those like Taunja. This year, the scholarship was awarded to two students— Emily Bissette and Paige Gardner, who are both double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
ActOne Group Provides Career Development Services for NCWC Students
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has developed an agreement with the ActOne Group (ActOne), a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Janice Bryant Howroyd (Howroyd), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, is a native of Tarboro, NC and a NC Wesleyan Board Member.
At no cost to the College, ActOne’s team of professionals will work alongside NC Wesleyan’s career services department to enhance internships, career development, and job placement for Wesleyan students and graduates. The College will allocate office space to the ActOne team so they can fully connect with staff and provide students with hands-on career guidance and advice. This partnership will provide students with access to a fully-dedicated team of staffing professionals, career counselors, talent advisors and trainers on campus. In addition, ActOne will work with area organizations to meet their talent acquisition goals. Implementation of this initiative is expected by summer 2021.
“Service with impact is a blessing…to the giver as much as to the receiver. The executives of ActOne Group are honored to make an impact on the lives of NCWU students and the Nash/Edgecombe community. We are committed to developing talent at the student level and preparing graduating seniors for professional lives beyond learning institutions. We know that the work we do across the globe is instrumental in helping people to reach their full potential and realize their dreams. It is a privilege to be able to provide this valuable service to the students of NCWU, especially under the leadership of President Evan Duff and his team,” said Howroyd. “With NCWU being the first college campus I ever stepped foot on, which happened during my first year as a Project Upward Bound student, I am truly blessed to give back to an institution from where I received some of the first foundational tools that helped to shape the person I am today.”
To help enhance personal and professional development, ActOne will provide NC Wesleyan students with college-to-career transition classes, career preparation, career building workshops and global awareness opportunities. In addition, ActOne will provide access to an online library of training courses, skill assessments, and tutorials that will benefit all students, regardless of their career path. Students will work with the ActOne team of talent advisors and counselors to develop leadership skills and gain insight into a variety of professions. As an added benefit to NCWU students, ActOne will provide two to four internships per year, allowing students to gain experience in customer service, recruiting, front office systems and database management.
About Janice Bryant Howroyd
As a tireless advocate for education, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ActOne Group, has dedicated her resources to funding scholarships and serving on several boards, including the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government, her alma mater North Carolina A&T State University, University of Southern California, and many others. Her passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is rooted in her belief that STEM will be one of the great equalizers in 21st-century employment and has led her to work with Girls in Tech, a non-profit that works to create STEM opportunities for underserved communities. She attended NCA&T State University and holds honorary doctorates from California State University Channel Islands, NCA&T State University, and North Carolina Wesleyan University.
About ActOne Group
ActOne Group is a global enterprise that provides employment, workforce management and procurement solutions to a wide range of industries, Fortune 500 organizations, local and mid-market companies, and government agencies. Started in 1978 by Founder and CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd (JBH). ActOne operates in 19 countries with over 17,000 clients and 2,600 employees worldwide. It is the largest privately-held, woman and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S.
NCWC Hosting Barefoot Mile to Combat Human Trafficking
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University has partnered with JOY International and their mission to rescue, restore and reintegrate children, teens and women affected by human trafficking around the world. On Saturday, April 10, the College will host its first NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile fundraiser where faculty, staff and students will walk to raise awareness of the effects of human trafficking.
JOY International is a nonprofit organization based in Conifer, Colorado that has helped over 2,000 children, teens and women. JOY works closely with law enforcement to find, persecute and prevent sex traffickers around the world. After a rescue, those affected are placed in carefully selected and equipped homes to help promote healing and a positive future.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest crime internationally. Globally, two million children are targeted and exploited each year in this $150 billion-dollar industry. While this is a worldwide issue, it occurs locally as well. The U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500- 17,500 children, teens and women are trafficked into the United States each year.
The NC Wesleyan Barefoot Mile is hosted by Refuge Campus Ministries, in partnership with JOY International, BraceChange and PATCH, Inc. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s on-campus event is limited solely to NC Wesleyan students, faculty and staff; however, community members are invited to sign up to walk virtually between April 4 and April 10. To help promote the event, two self-defense classes for women are being held on Friday, April 9 at Rise Church in Rocky Mount. Community members can participate from 5:15 p.m.– 7:15 p.m. and Wesleyan students can join from 7:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. Event organizers are also hosting a virtual silent auction for businesses to donate items if they’re unable to partner financially.
“The call from those with no voice needs to be answered and JOY is doing just that. I hope you will join me and these other ministries and organizations to fight for those being trafficked and exploited,” stated Natalie Larson, NC Wesleyan student and event organizer. I pray our goal will be met and through this initiative God will receive all the glory!”
North Carolina Wesleyan University hopes to be a catalyst in the fight against human trafficking by raising $15,000. Various levels of sponsorship are available for any business or individual wanting to help contribute to this goal. Your contribution can help at least one person escape from the bondage of human trafficking. For more details and to register, visit joy.org/barefoot-mile-events.
NCWC Recognized by Exercise is Medicine® for Efforts to Create Culture of Wellness
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is one of only 153 colleges and universities around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Programs and promotions such as the physically active, virtual scavenger hunt, the Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge and other campus wellness initiatives helped NCWC earn Silver level from the EIM-OC program for the second year in a row. NC Wesleyan also obtained EIM’s COVID Conqueror badge, a new honor given to campuses that demonstrated creative adaptations to physical activity programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to have received the EIM-OC Silver distinction for the second year in a row, and to be recognized with a ‘COVID Conqueror’ badge for adapting our physical activity promotion and programming to the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This distinction illustrates the resolve of our students, faculty, staff and administration to continue to prioritize a culture of physical activity and wellness on campus, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Shannon Crowley, EIM-OC advisor.
Of the 153 campuses recognized this year, 73 received Gold, 59 Silver and 21 Bronze. All Gold, Silver and Bronze universities and colleges will be officially recognized in June as part of the 2021 virtual Exercise is Medicine® World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and equip students with tools to cultivate lifelong physical activity habits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess students’ physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture, while Bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
View a complete list of recognized schools and learn more about the EIM-OC program at exerciseismedicine.org/support_page.php/eim-on-campus/.
About Exercise Is Medicine®
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) co-launched Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) in 2007 with the American Medical Association. ACSM continues to manage the global health initiative, which seeks to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of health care. Visit www.ExerciseisMedicine.org for additional information.
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. More details at acsm.org.
NC Wesleyan University to Offer New Professional Development Certificates
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Those looking to advance their career and improve their skillset will now have the opportunity to pursue three new professional development certificate programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The College faculty recently voted to approve certificate programs in Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Management.
The purpose of these certificates is to assist business professionals, who may or may not have a degree, develop specific skills to improve their resume, increase their income, transition to a new industry or obtain a promotion. Some may also pursue the courses for personal growth, licensing requirements, or to modernize an older degree with content directly relatable to the job market. The certificate courses are 100% online with multiple start dates, students can finish in as little as four to six months and they can count toward a degree.
“We are excited to offer these certificate programs to those seeking industry or skill-specific credentials in executive leadership, healthcare or human resources. These programs hone in on practical skills that can yield expanded opportunities for those looking to advance in their current industry or gain knowledge in a new industry. With responsive faculty, these programs are highly interactive and are suited for any type of student,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost.
Courses begin this summer and consist of 8-week accelerated sessions – a total of 16-credit hours. There is an easy application process and no application fee. To learn more and apply, visit ncwu.edu/academics/certificate-programs.
NCWC Junior Receives CIC/UPS Scholarship
NC Wesleyan junior, Thomas Clark of Cape Carteret, NC, was recently awarded a CIC/UPS Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarship was made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment. Thirty-six students at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) each received CIC/UPS Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. For more information, please see the attached release.
NC Wesleyan Earns Silver Designation as a Military Friendly® School
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School Silver Designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation. NC Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina to obtain Silver Designation.
Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources, within a logic-based scoring assessment. They then measure the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to consistently evolve and invest in their programs. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community,” stated Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly.®
The Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to schools who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking school in their category. Year after year, NC Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® college. The College strives to provide the best service to veterans and troops through:
• Administering and accepting DSST
• Providing support and guidance with VA benefits
• Providing campus locations and online education near military bases in eastern NC
• Providing flexible scheduling of classes
• Offering flexible policies for transfer work and military training
“NC Wesleyan acknowledges the value student veterans bring to our campus. We strive to offer excellent support to military-connected students through the Veterans Advisory Committee formed in 2017. The committee is comprised of faculty, staff and students, as well as representatives from the Rocky Mount community — all of whom have a military connection. We are committed to supporting our students by listening to their needs and working to enhance their educational experience,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Military Friendly® Schools
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
NCWC Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has named North Carolina Wesleyan University to its 2021 Transfer Honor Roll. Wesleyan is one of only three colleges and universities in North Carolina, and one of 150 nationwide, to receive this award.
“Personally, having been a transfer student, I understand the importance of making every credit count and receiving a degree of value. NC Wesleyan provides and supports students with a seamless transfer process. We are honored to be recognized by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in our efforts of doing so,” stated Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor.
Learn more about our Transfer Program at ncwu.edu/transfer and view the attached release for more information.
The College is honored to received this award for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, visit ptk.org/news/2021.
