North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to unveil an exciting new partnership between Tar River Art, The Dunn Center, and North Carolina Wesleyan University. This partnership will kick off with the opening of a vibrant art exhibit at The Gravely Art Gallery, located inside The Dunn Center.
On Sunday, September 14 from 2-5pm, art lovers are invited to an opening reception showcasing the works of 40 talented artists from across North Carolina and the surrounding region. The collection features an impressive variety of paintings and three-dimensional pieces, all available for purchase. Guests can expect exceptional quality at a range of accessible prices, making it the perfect opportunity to add to their personal or corporate art collections.
Following the reception, The Gravely Art Gallery will be open to the public Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm. Visitors are also welcome during Dunn Center events, or by appointment. To schedule a private viewing, contact Marilynn Barner Anselmi at 252.308.8425 or email Marilynn.anselmi@gmail.com.
About Gravely Art Gallery
The Gravely Art Gallery was made possible by a generous gift honoring the late Janice Gravely, a gifted local artist whose legacy continues to inspire creativity. The space serves as an important platform for emerging artists and a valuable cultural asset for the regional art community.
For more information about The Tar River Art Exhibit, to schedule a visit, or to inquire about renting one of the galleries or other spaces at The Dunn Center, contact Sheila Martin, Executive Director, at 252.904.7139. The Dunn Center offers an ideal setting for corporate meetings, receptions, concerts, retreats, and a wide range of special events.
NCWU Honors Two Trustees with Golden Emeritus Award
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly recognized two esteemed individuals for their exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the institution. During a special ceremony held on Tuesday, July 29 at the Gateway Technology Center, Dr. Daniel Crocker and Mr. Roger Taylor were honored with the Golden Emeritus Award.
This prestigious recognition is reserved for trustees who have shown extraordinary commitment and leadership for many years of service. Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor have each dedicated 28 years to NCWU’s Board of Trustees, providing invaluable guidance, serving on numerous committees, and helping shape the future of the university through their leadership. Their leadership, vision, and generosity have helped shape Wesleyan into the institution it is today.
Dr. Crocker began his tenure in 1997 and has served continuously ever since. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Board from 2016 to 2018 and Chair of the Board from 2018 to 2023. His strategic insight and steadfast dedication have left a lasting impact on the University’s progress and direction.
Mr. Taylor began serving on the Board in 1996, completing 20 consecutive years, briefly stepping away in accordance with the bylaw policy. He returned after one year and continued serving for another eight consecutive years. Mr. Taylor has been an influential voice on multiple committees, most notably leading the Athletics Committee for many years with great passion and commitment.
Board Chair Paul Bauer led the presentation, offering heartfelt remarks about each recipient’s lasting contributions. Both Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor followed with their own words of gratitude and reflection, emphasizing their enduring connection with the University.
President Dr. Evan D. Duff shared, “Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor, your legacy here is profound, and it is a great privilege to express our collective gratitude for your enduring service. The Taylor-Crocker Honors Program stands as a beacon of excellence at NC Wesleyan, a reflection of your visionary leadership. Your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have shaped not only our university but my own journey as well. You have set an example of service and dedication that will inspire future generations of leaders.”
Dr. Crocker, reflecting on the evening, noted, “I look upon this evening as not a celebration of anything Brenda and I may have done on this campus, but rather as an opportunity to say thank you to all of you for the excellent work you do every day in perpetuating the mission of this school. We thank you for including us in the NCWU family, making us always feel so welcomed.”
Mr. Taylor, whose relationship with the University spans more than half a century, shared, “Since 1968, when I arrived on the campus of NCWC, I have witnessed the transformation into a university. The bonding of faculty, staff, students, administration, and the area community has only added value to those who have participated. The trustees have faced many difficulties, but through it all, our university is stronger today than ever before.”
The Golden Trustee Emeritus Award represents the University’s deep gratitude and respect for those who have played a lasting role in its development. Through their vision, service, and love for the Wesleyan community, Dr. Crocker and Mr. Taylor have left an enduring legacy that will benefit generations of students to come.
NCWU Launches New Nursing Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated Nursing Program, housed in a newly renovated, cutting-edge facility designed to foster excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. With the first cohort of students set to begin this fall, the program marks a transformative milestone in the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The new building, located beside the main campus, is fully equipped with all the modern resources and technology required to support student success – ranging from advanced simulation labs to collaborative learning spaces. Purposefully designed with every detail in mind, the facility offers a dynamic, hands-on environment that mirrors real-world clinical settings. It stands as a symbol of progress and possibility, not only for NCWU but for the broader community it serves.
“This building is more than just bricks and mortar,” said Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives. “It represents a labor of love from numerous community partners who recognized the need for more skilled nurses in our region and came together to help make this vision a reality.”
The nursing program is being spearheaded by a dedicated team of experienced professionals (L-R):
- Dr. Lesley McGraw, Associate Director of Nursing Programs and Director of the BSN Program
- Dr. Consuela Blaizes, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Christa Jones-Hooker, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives
Together, this dynamic faculty brings a wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise, and a shared passion for student-centered learning.
In another significant development, NCWU is pleased to share that its institutional accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has been officially extended, further affirming the quality and integrity of its academic programs, including the newly established Nursing Program.
With the doors now open and excitement building, NC Wesleyan’s Nursing Program is set to play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. Sign up today at https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
Wesleyan Record Label Announces New Release
301 North Records, the official record label of North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), is proud to announce the upcoming release of a new single by Raleigh-based band, Soul Chatter. Set to drop on July 22, this marks the third collaboration between the band and the University’s Music Production program, record label, and studio.
Located on campus, the studio continues to serve as a dynamic creative space for students pursuing degrees in Music Production. Under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Music Production and Director of 301 North Records Tony Sawyer, the studio blends academic instruction with hands-on, real-world experience in professional music production. For the Soul Chatter release, Sawyer took on the roles of assistant producer, mix/master engineer, and performed drums and bass guitar on the track.
301 North Records operates as part of the University’s B.A. in Music Production degree, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the business, creative, and technical aspects of the music production industry.
Music fans can follow the latest releases—including Soul Chatter’s new single—on Spotify and YouTube Music via the 301 North Records playlist.
The Dunn Center Announces the Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
The Dunn Center, located on North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Campus, welcomes The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz November 14, 2025 – January 29, 2026. This is a wonderful family art show to attend and will feature all your favorite Peanuts characters. Tickets are only $5 each and kids five and under get in FREE! So, secure your tickets, or purchase a few as holiday stocking stuffers!
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Charles Monroe Schulz brightened the world for 50 years with his Peanuts comic strip, which debuted October 2, 1950. With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit. Through Peanuts, Schulz connected the world with his drawings and stories. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz, a traveling exhibition, explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Schulz once proclaimed, “It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was.”
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century.
“Comic strips are an art form: a means of expressing an idea of a great truth in an abbreviated space,” Schulz noted in 1985. He was “master of the slight incident” and broke new ground for newspaper cartoons by using innovations such as Lucy’s psychiatric booth, Linus’ security blanket (a term Schulz coined), Snoopy’s doghouse, and Schroeder’s music. He profoundly influenced several generations of cartoonists with his spare graphic style and subtle sense of humor. “With intelligence, honesty, and wonderfully expressive artwork, Charles Schulz gave the comics a unique world of humor, fantasy, warmth, and pain that completely reconfigured the comic strip landscape,” wrote Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, in 1989.
circa 1985
Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts. For 50 years he researched, wrote, designed, and drew each Peanuts strip that appeared in daily and Sunday newspapers, producing nearly 18,000 strips. From the comic strip’s humble beginnings in 1950, appearing in only seven newspapers, Peanuts’ popularity and influence grew rapidly. By 2000 it was the most successful comic strip in newspaper history, appearing in over 40 languages, in 75 countries, in more than 2,600 newspapers, with over 355 million readers. The strip and its characters were also the inspiration for nearly 50 television specials, two plays, four movies, a symphonic concerto, many books, and thousands of licensed products. Peanuts products became a billion-dollar worldwide industry, and Schulz became the highest paid, most widely read cartoonist in history.
Schulz officially retired in December 1999 and always intended that the strip would retire with him. On February 12, 2000, at age 77, just hours before the final Peanuts strip appeared in Sunday newspapers, Charles Schulz died at his home in Santa Rosa, California. The next morning, tributes ran in newspapers around the world, including one from then-U.S. President Bill Clinton in USA Today: “The hopeful and hapless Charlie Brown, the joyful Snoopy, the soulful Linus, even the crabby Lucy, give voice, day after day, to what makes us human.” In the February 28, 2000, edition of People magazine, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, author of the 1989 biography Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz, observed, “He showed there was a market for innocence. People may be seduced by glitter, sophomoric stunts and shock radio, but deep down we all yearn for something simple and profound that will endure. He gave that to us.”
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
ABOUT THE CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center opened in 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, and building an understanding of cartoon art. Located 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, California—where Schulz lived and worked for over 40 years—the Schulz Museum features the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world and presents changing exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum also provides reference services and supports a robust traveling exhibition program. For more information, visit schulzmuseum.org.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452
NCWU Announces New Endowed Scholarship in Public Health
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is honored to announce the establishment of the Dr. J. Allen Whitaker Scholarship of Public Health, a newly endowed scholarship created through the generosity of George G. Whitaker in memory of his late father, Dr. J. Allen Whitaker.
The scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in Public Health and will be awarded annually beginning one year after the endowment’s initial investment. The fund has already met the $10,000 minimum required for activation, thanks to a generous gift from George G. Whitaker. Additional contributions are welcome from others who wish to honor Dr. Whitaker’s legacy and further support students in this vital field. The scholarship is designed to be a lasting tribute to Dr. Whitaker’s contributions to the field and his enduring impact on community health.
“This scholarship reflects our family’s deep respect for my father’s life’s work and our shared belief in the power of public health to improve lives,” said George G. Whitaker. “We are proud to support students who are passionate about continuing that mission.”
Administered through the University’s permanently restricted endowment and managed by the Board of Trustees, the fund will provide annual awards based on academic merit and character, with preference given to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in Public Health. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the University’s Financial Aid Office in partnership with the Public Health faculty.
Dr. J. Allen Whitaker began his career as a public health officer, a field that remained his lifelong passion. Although he went on to practice urology for more than 40 years, his heart was always rooted in public health. This scholarship honors his legacy by investing in the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing public health. North Carolina Wesleyan University is deeply grateful to the Whitaker family for their vision and enduring commitment to both higher education and public service.
Come Rock the Mount at NC Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is excited to announce the return of its annual Rock the Mount celebration, an honored tradition that marks the official start of the academic year and warmly welcomes incoming students to campus and the local community. Sponsored this year by Southern Bank, the event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19—the day before fall classes begin.
Held each fall, Rock the Mount is a vibrant, high-energy event featuring local businesses, nonprofits, churches, and campus partners who line the Southern Bank Green with booths, giveaways, and smiles. It’s a chance to showcase community offerings while connecting with students who are new to the area and eager to get involved.
“Southern Bank is thrilled to support NC Wesleyan University and Rock the Mount,” says Kim Sutton, Senior Vice President of Southern Bank. “As your partner in financial wellness education, we’re proud to invest in your success and celebrate your history of positive community outreach in our area. We’re banking on YOU, Battling Bishops!”
The day begins with a signature Wesleyan tradition: the Bishop Tunnel. Hundreds of new students take part in this spirited rite of passage as they walk through a tunnel of applause, cheers, and encouragement from returning students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. At the end of the tunnel, they’re greeted personally by President Dr. Evan D. Duff and his wife, Marcy, then proceed toward a vibrant festival of tents, music, and engagement opportunities.
Last year’s Rock the Mount welcomed nearly 80 vendors, and NCWU aims to exceed that number this year. Local restaurants, coffee shops, service providers, churches, and nonprofits are encouraged to participate. Whether you’re an automotive shop (freshmen can have cars on campus!), a local café, or a church seeking new connections, this is a unique chance to reach a new audience of potential customers, volunteers, interns, or even future employees.
This year’s entertainment will include DJ 3two1, along with a variety of food trucks offering local flavor, including:
- 3 Boys Catering
- Taquria La Lupita
- Minnie’s Food and Things
- Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade
- Swarmalicous
Vendor Information:
- NCWU will provide a 6-foot table.
- Vendors should bring a tablecloth.
- Tents (up to 10’x10’) are optional but recommended for shade.
- Giveaways are not required but encouraged to boost engagement.
- Participation is free, but space is limited.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 31. Early registration is encouraged.
Sign Up Here: Rock the Mount Vendor Link
Join us in making a memorable first impression and welcoming the NCWU Class of 2029 in style! For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
NCWU Honors Calvin Davenport, Inc. for Nursing Building Renovation
North Carolina Wesleyan (NCWU) proudly welcomed Richard Davenport, President & Project Manager, and Doug Broughton, Vice President of Operations and Development, of Calvin Davenport, Inc. back to campus this week to express gratitude for their outstanding work in the recent renovation to the University’s Nursing Building.
The visit celebrated not only the successful completion of a complex project but also recognized a long-standing relationship between the Davenport Family and Wesleyan. Richard Davenport’s family has been dedicated supporters of the University for many years, with a scholarship named in honor of his grandparents, Taswell and Fidelia Griffin Endowed Scholarship Fund, continuing to support Wesleyan students.
Throughout the renovation process, the Calvin Davenport, Inc. team collaborated closely with Suzanne Brackett ’87, Senior Vice President of Administration, delivering the project ahead of schedule with unmatched quality and professionalism. One of the most unique challenges faced during the renovation was the removal of the massive vault from the building’s former life as a bank. When asked about this task, Doug Broughton shared, “Removing the vault within 90 days was definitely one of the most unique and rewarding parts of the entire renovation.”
To commemorate this impactful partnership, a plaque has been installed in the building’s lobby, permanently recognizing Calvin Davenport, Inc. for their dedication and craftsmanship in transforming the space into a state-of-the-art facility for nursing education.
“We are deeply grateful for the diligence, care, and partnership with Richard, Doug, and the entire Calvin Davenport, Inc. team brought to this project,” said Suzanne Brackett. “Their work not only created a state-of-the-art learning environment but also honors the Wesleyan tradition of investing in our students’ futures.”
Wesleyan Signs with SIFEC
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has announced a new partnership with Shanghai Textile Industry Workers’ College (SIFEC), further expanding its global educational reach. The agreement was officially signed on Monday, March 10, during a virtual ceremony attended by key leaders from both institutions.
Participants in the signing and partnership included NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff, Provost Dr. Joseph Lane, Associate Provost Dr. Molly Wyatt, Vice President of Enrollment Dr. Oscar Rodrigues, Chief Engagement Officer Cindy Edwards, and NCWU Trustee Jerome Ma. Representing SIFEC were President Xie Decheng, Contract Manager Jennifer Yang, Dean of International Education Sophia Liu, and VIP Investor for International Education Yan Yeti.
The 1+3 programs that we have signed with SIFEC (Shanghai International Fashion Education Center) and are exploring with other partners is a unique program in which students will complete one year of prerequisite and English courses at the Chinese institution before coming to the U.S. for three years to complete a B.S. in select fields (including Management and Marketing) at North Carolina Wesleyan University. These partnerships will allow students from our partner institutions to learn about U.S. business fields here in Rocky Mount while completing their NCWU degree and preparing for more industry-specific studies in China. We look forward to working with these students to provide an excellent international education experience.
The students will not be receiving online instruction. They will actually spend three years in residence on our Rocky Mount campus. However, online meeting technologies does allow students who are entering the program to meet with their future U.S. advisors to plan their educational experience as they complete their first year of prerequisite courses in China.
“We are excited to welcome these students and provide them with a seamless transfer pathway to complete their dual degrees,” said NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding global education opportunities and fostering international collaboration.”
In a continued effort to strengthen ties with SIFEC, Dr. Duff will be visiting China June 22 – 27, 2025, where he will meet face-to-face with collaborators, explore new opportunities for academic cooperation, and further solidify NCWU’s presence in the international education landscape.
The agreement marks another step in NCWU’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education while strengthening its international partnerships.
NCWU Launches New Academic Podcast: The Deep End
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the launch of its newest academic initiative: The Deep End Podcast, a platform that brings the innovative research, scholarship, and passion of NCWU faculty straight to listeners’ ears.
Spearheaded by Dr. Joseph Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, The Deep End dives into the creative ways faculty integrate their scholarly work into the classroom experience. Each episode highlights NCWU’s teacher-scholars and offers valuable insights for students, alumni, and fellow educators alike.
“Our goal is to share the intellectual energy happening every day on campus,” said Dr. Lane. “This podcast allows us to celebrate the brilliant work of our faculty and how they make learning relevant and exciting for our students.”
The first three episodes, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, feature engaging conversations with:
- Dr. Shane Thompson, discussing ancient cultures and languages
- Drs. Meredith Gringle and Ami Thompson, on public health and biology
- Dr. Doreen Thierauf, exploring English literature in new ways
New episodes will be released throughout the year, with upcoming guests including Dr. Benjamin Hiskes (Psychology), Tyana Ellis (Communication), Dr. Daniel Elias (Environmental Science), and Dr. Emily Weber (Biology/Pre-Medical Sciences advisor).
Dr. Shane Thompson (Religious Studies and Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research) manages the recording schedules and will host some episodes.
The podcast is produced by an undergraduate student, Shafiq Nuijts, NCWU Class of 2026. Shafiq contributes to recording and editing each episode. His leading role in bringing the Deep End to life demonstrates North Carolina Wesleyan’s commitment to offering a Personal, Practical, and Purpose-Driven Education, by giving students hands-on experiences in a variety of fields, including digital content creation.
Listeners can stream The Deep End Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
