ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Brandon P. Fleming will be North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Spring 2021 Commencement speaker. Fleming is the Assistant Coach of Debate at Harvard University, as well as Founder/CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project.
At the age of 26, he was recruited to join the Harvard Debate Council faculty after coaching The Ron Clark Academy middle school debate team in a high school tournament to an unprecedented, undefeated record. As one of Ron Clark’s “Master Educators,” he also trained over 30,000 educators worldwide on best practices in education.
“Mr. Fleming is the perfect example to demonstrate how hard work, determination and education can transform your life. Your current circumstances do not define your future. Our graduates, of all ages, can learn from his life experience,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Later, Harvard approved Fleming’s proposal to establish a new department within the university system called the Harvard Diversity Project – an unparalleled pipeline program that the Harvard Debate Council adopted as its subsidiary. Today, Fleming leads an executive staff and board that’s raised a million dollars to enroll over 100 students of color into Harvard’s international summer debate residency on full scholarship. Recruiting underserved youth with no prior debate experience, Fleming then trains them to compete against hundreds of elite debaters from over 25 different countries. Since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition, with one group setting a record as global champions.
Fleming has received numerous awards for his work in education and social entrepreneurship. Notably making history as an elected speaker for the inaugural International Day of Education at the United Nations General Assembly. He was also named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized by The Root Magazine as one of the top 100 influential African-Americans in the United States.
“I am thrilled to visit North Carolina Wesleyan University to share a few words of encouragement with the graduates as they launch into the world of endless possibilities,” stated Fleming.
Fleming is also the author of Miseducated: A Memoir, which is scheduled to be released in June 2021. In his book, Fleming describes his transformation from a delinquent, drug-dealing dropout to an award-winning Harvard educator through literature and debate—all by the age of twenty-seven. Through his personal narrative, readers witness Fleming’s transformation, self-education, and how he takes what he learns about words and power to help others like himself. Miseducated is an honest memoir about resilience, visibility, role models and overcoming all expectations.
The College’s Spring Commencement is planned for Saturday, May 1, 2021. Time and location of commencement will be communicated to graduates in the near future as the College explores its options based on current state and federal guidelines.
Residence Hall Improvements Coming to NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Infrastructure improvements are coming to North Carolina Wesleyan University, thanks to a $50,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation, Inc. The funds will be utilized to replace flooring on all three levels of Petteway Hall, which primarily houses freshman male residents.
“The updated flooring in Petteway will be a welcome upgrade for our students. The ability to upgrade the residential areas on campus aid in making a good first impression when students and their families arrive for the first time to move in,” stated Steve Burrell, Director of Residence Life.
Any remaining funds will be used to also replace flooring on the second and third levels of Collins Hall. To avoid any inconvenience to students living in these residence halls, renovations will take place over the summer.
About The Cannon Foundation, Inc.
The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. Cannon, industrialist and humanitarian, who was President and Chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than half a century. The Foundation continues Mr. Cannon’s philanthropy through funding in healthcare, higher education, human services and community.
Blue Cross NC Scholarship Recipients Announced
RALEIGH, NC – Twenty-five students at independent colleges and universities across North Carolina have been announced as the 2020-2021 academic year recipients of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Scholarship. The scholarships, in the amount of $3,333.34, were distributed by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) and are part of a three-year, $250,000 pledge from Blue Cross NC.
“Blue Cross NC recognizes that our state’s economic, social and cultural health outcomes are tied to our students’ education,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “We are proud to partner with ICFNC and strengthen our workforce by supporting North Carolina’s brightest students.”
“We are so grateful to Blue Cross NC for their generous commitment to North Carolina’s independent colleges and universities – providing much needed financial resources for so many deserving students,” said Colleen Kinser, director of the ICFNC.
Scholarship recipients are students from North Carolina who are first generation, underrepresented or from families who demonstrate financial need. They must be a junior or senior and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
This year’s recipients are:
Mercedes Wynn-Walker of Angier, University of Mount Olive, majoring in Psychology
Kayla Trotter of Apex, Montreat College, majoring in Cybersecurity
Alicia Minnihan of Cashiers, Warren Wilson College, majoring in Sociology/Anthropology
Gabriel Covington of Charlotte, Brevard College, majoring in Exercise Science
Mariapaz Gomez of Charlotte, Queens University of Charlotte, majoring in International Studies
Kenyon Askew of Colerain, Barton College, majoring in Mass Communication
Cristel Baltazar of Concord, Belmont Abbey College, majoring in Theology & Philosophy
Nijia Lewis of Fayetteville, Methodist University, majoring in Forensic Science
Bless Bull of Gastonia, Gardner-Webb University, majoring in Journalism
Nikayla Ross of Greensboro, Guilford College, majoring in Health Science
Maria Soto-Moraga of Hiddenite, Lenoir-Rhyne University, majoring in Nursing
Mackenzie Ulibarri of Hope Mills, Meredith College, majoring in Theatre
Martin Solano Munoz of Kannapolis, Catawba College, majoring in Nursing
Briasia White of Kings Mountain, Wingate University, majoring in Athletic Training
Kendall Bines of Lincolnton, Mars Hill University, majoring in Art
Leilani Nguyen of Morrisville, William Peace University, majoring in Biology
Kyle Williams of Penrose, Brevard College, majoring in Health Science
Christopher Barlow of Raleigh, Greensboro College, majoring in Criminal Justice
Keyshawn Campbell of Vanceboro, Pfeiffer University, majoring in Exercise Science
David Smith of Wade, Campbell University, majoring in Trust & Wealth Management
Eboni Mayle of Williamston, N.C. Wesleyan University, majoring in Biology
JaLisa K. Lumpkin of Winston Salem, Salem College, majoring in Business Administration
Malikah Meyers of Winston-Salem, Lees-McRae College, majoring in Nursing
Dayana Gomez-Alvarado of Zebulon, Chowan University, majoring in Criminal Justice
The Independent College Fund of North Carolina is the division of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) that provides student scholarship aid and enrichment programs. NCICU is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation that represents North Carolina’s 36 private colleges and universities. The mission of NCICU is to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina independent higher education. NCICU represents independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. For more information about NCICU, visit www.ncicu.org.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
NCWC Board Chair Provides Funding for RN to BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Dr. Dan Crocker, a recently retired local physician and Chairman of NC Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, has generously donated a $100,000 gift to support the College’s RN to BSN program. This gift will provide funds for an additional nurse faculty member, nursing scholarships and other program developments to enhance this new degree option.
“I am privileged to work with the NCWC Board, administration, faculty and staff as this institution provides a complementary nursing program to augment the excellent nursing programs that exist in our area community colleges (Edgecombe, Nash, Wilson and Halifax – to name a few),” stated Dr. Crocker. The nursing program at NCWC is just one of many ways the College works to improve the lives of our area’s citizens while providing a first-rate education for its students.”
Six new scholarships will be provided, each including $5,000 for tuition. Scholarships will be awarded to new students who begin the program by fall 2021. Recipients must be accepted and registered for classes in order to receive an award. Applicants applying for the scholarship must:
- Be a resident of North Carolina
- Have an overall 3.0 GPA in prior nursing education
- Have been accepted into the RN to BSN Program at NCWC
- Provide a letter of recommendation from their employer or RN faculty member that highlights the student’s good character and potential for success in continuing their education
- Write a personal statement of 500 words about the contribution they will make in the nursing profession with their BSN
- Attend the College’s Annual Scholarship Award program
“The landscape of healthcare is transforming and challenging the nursing profession to advance the delivery of care provided to patients and populations, unlike ever before. Students seeking to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are striving for advancement in care outcomes,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, NC Wesleyan’s Director of RN to BSN Program. “This generous donation by Dr. Dan Crocker for our future RN to BSN students facilitates the ongoing community support for NCWC and the nursing profession.”
Additional details can be found at ncwu.edu/crocker-nursing-scholarship. Interested students should reach out to Fabiola Kinney, Assistant Director of Adult Studies Advising, at fkinney@ncwu.edu for more information.
Jim Brickman Supports the Arts Concert
WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
JIM BRICKMAN SUPPORTS THE ARTS WITH SHARE THE LOVE LIVE! VIRTUALLY
Jim Brickman donated over $100,000 to the arts across the US this past holiday season, and now is doing it again by performing LIVE virtual concerts in February.
WHAT:
Jim Brickman “Share The Love, LIVE!” Virtually
WHEN:
Friday, February 12 at 9pm ET
Saturday, February 13 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
Sunday, February 14 at 7pm ET & 10pm ET
WHERE:
Your couch, your bed, your comfy chair
WHY:
To enjoy a one of a kind personal concert experience with Jim Brickman and support your local theatre.
PRICES:
Early Bird $40 ($50 starting February 1)
INFO: Jim Brickman will wow the crowd with his uplifting, family-friendly, “LOVE BY REQUEST” CONCERT.
Support local Performance Arts!
PROMO CODE: lovedc
Use this code and a portion of each ticket price ($10) will go to The Dunn Center!
Tickets On Sale Now EXCLUSIVELY at www.jimbrickman.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Grammy Nominated Songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman will continue to entertain fans in February with “Share The Love” LIVE Virtually. A portion of each ticket purchased to this LIVE event will be benefit theatres across the country. Fans and their families can enjoy this unique virtual concert experience from the comfort of home, while supporting the arts during this challenging time.
Brickman will bring the LIVE concert experience up close and personal with his “LOVE BY REQUEST: concerts filled with his own hit songs such as, “Love of My Life,” “Destiny,” “Angel Eyes” and “Valentine.” Brickman will warm the hearts of all as sweet sounds love bringing family and friends together to Share the Love.
The Jim Brickman’s Valentine’s tradition continues, with a front row experience like never before.
NCWU Kicks Off Stadium Campaign
College Seeks Donors for Multi-Phased Approach
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently secured donor funds to kick off their Stadium Campaign. These funds will go toward the development of a new turf field with lights on the south side of campus. This project is just one part of the University’s long-term vision.
The new Stadium consists of a turf field, lighting, additional parking, fencing, permanent seating, scoreboards, a press box and a new fieldhouse. While the initiative will support Athletics, it will also benefit the University academically. In the past, athletes have had to miss afternoon classes to travel and practice prior to sundown. A new turf field and lighting will allow student-athletes to practice and play games later in the evenings. The new fieldhouse will contain a training room, weight room, classrooms, meeting space and offices.
“In the spring of 2020, two major donors committed almost $2,000,000 to establish a multi-phase, multi-year project that will be known as the Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. Future phases will include a field house that is yet to be named, as well as other infrastructure you would expect to find at a college stadium,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “This project will not only change the landscape of the University but also the athletic and academic opportunities we can provide our students.”
The Stadium Campaign will be completely donor-funded and consist of four project phases, as funding allows. The University is actively seeking donors in hopes of raising $700,000 to complete Phase One and to unlock an additional $850,000 pledge from Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. for Phase Two. Phase One will include the turf field, lighting and additional parking.
The University is planning future fundraising events for those who have a love for the game of football and Wesleyan. These events will be held in spring and summer of 2021 with specific dates to be announced soon based on state guidelines. These exclusive events will unfold the vision of the new stadium, give participants first access to the future of North Carolina Wesleyan University and invite them to be a philanthropic part of this project.
Unique Outdoor Learning Opportunities on the Horizon for NC Wesleyan
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – To continue providing a safe, innovative and unique learning environment for its students, North Carolina Wesleyan University recently received a $50,000 cash gift to construct what will be known as the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes – Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom.
“We are grateful for the Marvin and Cynthia Barnes Family Fare Convenience Stores Outdoor Classroom, as this gift will enhance NC Wesleyan’s opportunity to provide unique learning spaces for our students,” stated Elena Koutouzos, Director of Alumni & Donor Relations.
The new outdoor classroom will be located at the front of campus near the Braswell Administration building. It will offer students a fun, safe, educational experience which will expand their perspective outside the walls of a normal class setting. The outdoor classroom will consist of a 20 to 25-seat amphitheater.
“Wesleyan thrives, and is extremely grateful for, the relationship we have with our community partners. The generosity of the Barnes family and Family Fare Convenience Stores will have a positive impact on our students as they utilize this outdoor classroom for learning, student group meetings and small musical presentations,” noted President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
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 actively participated in all forms of worship.
“Cynthia and I are excited to give back to an educational purpose in my hometown just down the road from our first Rocky Mount store and where I worked as a boy and young adult,” stated Barnes. “It’s a real pleasure to come back and see all the positive changes, and especially witness the impact Wesleyan is making on the region. My father always instilled in me an eagerness to learn. By providing a unique space for learning at Wesleyan, I know that this legacy will be maintained in one of my favorite places.”
A new Family Fare Convenience Store was recently opened near North Carolina Wesleyan’s campus at the corner of Wesleyan Boulevard and Airport Road.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Family Fare Convenience Stores
Family Fare Convenience Stores is headquartered in Durham and has over 100 locations throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
Sixty-Two Inducted into NCWC’s National Society of Leadership & Success
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Now in its fourth year as an official chapter, North Carolina Wesleyan University’s National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) recently inducted sixty-two student leaders into the organization. The National Society of Leadership & Success is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, with more than 700 chapters and over 1.2 million members.
NCWC’s chapter seeks to foster personal reflection, goal setting and leadership development amongst its members. The focus this fall was leading new students through completion of the national requirements to become fully inducted members. Although the chapter’s business and events evolved to mostly online, the club’s Chapter Advisor and Student Executive Board were pleased that members engaged in meaningful ways through live video and messaging. Students encouraged and challenged each other as they collectively sought to discover and define their purpose, set action plans on their goals and grow as leaders.
“With this fall semester being extremely different in many ways, one of the many successes sustained at NCWC was our chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success, Sigma Alpha Pi,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Career Development & Leadership. “We have a history of success here at Wesleyan in regards to our NSLS members achieving all steps required to become fully inducted members, with 62 of our 87 new fall members achieving this status.”
With a 71% induction rate, NC Wesleyan’s NSLS chapter is exceeding the national chapter goal of 40%. While the College was not able to host their traditional induction celebration on campus, a ceremony was live streamed for members to attend in celebration of their accomplishments.
Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Dr. Brent Dozier and Dr. Bill Yankosky. An Excellence in Service to Students award was presented to Atyah Spells. In order to achieve induction, members must attend Orientation, Leadership Training Day, three Speaker Broadcasts and three Success Networking Team meetings. Students are selected by their college for membership based on academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. Visit bit.ly/NCWCNSLS to view the induction ceremony and find out more about NC Wesleyan’s chapter of NSLS. Learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success at nsls.org.
NCWC Welcomes New Director of Teacher Education/Coordinator of Diversity & Inclusion
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announces the addition of Dr. Kelvin Spragley as their new Director of Teacher Education. Dr. Spragley will also serve as Wesleyan’s Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming. He begins on January 4, 2021.
Dr. Spragley is a U.S. Army veteran, who has worked in the Wake County Public School System for seven years as a Social Science teacher. He also served as an Education Consultant for the North Carolina Association of Educators. From 2001-2010, Dr. Spragley worked concurrently as Associate Executive Director of the 60,000-member North Carolina Association of Educators and Executive Director for the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that provides support to needy public-school children and grant support to public- school educators.
Dr. Spragley completed his degrees in the following areas and locations: Chowan University (A.A. in History-1991); East Carolina University (B.S. in Education-1993); North Carolina State University (M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction-1999); and North Carolina State University (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction-2009). During the past nine years, Dr. Spragley served in a variety of roles at Louisburg College, including Interim Academic Dean and VP of Academic Life, as well as Division Chair for Business Studies & Social Sciences. In addition, he was a Professor of History and Education while at Louisburg College, where he also served as the Director of the A.A. in Education program.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Dr. Spragley’s vast knowledge, accomplishments and vision to lead both the Teacher Education program and contribute substantively to a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Provost. “Dr. Spragley will provide strategic direction for initiatives on cultural competencies, gender differences, building a climate of equity and inclusion, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of equity and inclusion values — especially those that affirm the College’s core values of empathy and understanding.”
As Director of Teacher Education, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for teaching two undergraduate courses each semester, working with students in field experiences, supervising student-teachers, serving as chair of the Teacher Education Council and as liaison to State Education activities, coordinating and overseeing licensure, approving adjunct faculty, facilitating and submitting curriculum recommendations to the Curriculum Committee in collaboration with the Division Chair, preparing annual reports for accrediting agencies and leading the accreditation process. In his role as the Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Programming, Dr. Spragley will be responsible for collaborating with College leadership to create, implement and monitor strategic initiatives designed to build awareness and growth among students as it relates to diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Spragley is married to Mrs. Tracey Lofton Spragley, a public-school teacher of 27 years and wife of 25 years. The couple has two children, Kelsey (24), who is a lab scientist for ThermoFisher Pharmaceuticals, and Kelvin, Jr. (18), who is a freshman at Wake Technical Community College.
NCWC & Cape Fear Community College Reauthorize Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWC) recently reauthorized an agreement to help qualified Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) graduates transfer to Wesleyan. The agreement will strengthen an existing partnership between the two schools and provide a seamless transfer experience for students who enroll at Wesleyan after completing their two-year degree at CFCC.
“Cape Fear Community College is proud to partner with NC Wesleyan to strengthen our articulation agreement,” said Jim Morton, CFCC president. “We are committed to partnerships that provide opportunities for our students to excel at Cape Fear Community College and beyond. This partnership helps make it easier for students who choose NC Wesleyan to take their next step.”
The partnership between the two colleges began in 2011 and was the first of its kind for NC Wesleyan. NC Wesleyan maintains an office on Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus to advise CFCC students and help them transition to Wesleyan. The renewed agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of CFCC’s Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering them access to unique benefits at NC Wesleyan. CFCC graduates will have access to the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising and generous transfer credit. What’s more, the agreement allows CFCC Associate in Applied Science students the opportunity to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.
“Watching our partnership grow over the last nine years has been truly rewarding. We started with one Coordinator and have grown to a full staff of four. This growth is attributed to the supportive relationship between NCWC and CFCC and the dedication to our students. We look forward to continuing to develop new initiatives to best serve CFCC students,” stated Katie Farrell, Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies.
Students who graduate from CFCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or transfer to the College’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement gives CFCC graduates who might not have otherwise been able to attend NC Wesleyan the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 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 have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan and access to events on the College’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.
