ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announced on March 23 that the College would not resume face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to online classes. On April 9, the College went into lockdown to protect its faculty, staff and remaining students, which meant that traffic in and out of the main campus would be closed except for essential employees. Now, the College is making plans to reopen for face-to-face instruction this fall.
“Although our spring semester abruptly moved to remote instruction, Wesleyan stood tall against a global pandemic and emerged stronger,” stated President Evan D. Duff. “As we transition our focus to the fall, we will implement what will be known as ‘Wesleyan Wise,’ adding “Together we are strong, together we are wise and together we will rise.”
Wesleyan Wise means that the College will:
- Intend to welcome returning and new students back to campus this fall, while being wise in its decisions, practices and procedures.
- Start the semester on August 19, forgo a fall break, finish the semester just before Thanksgiving holiday and hold Winter Commencement on December 5 at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
- Implement enhanced cleaning practices, utilize smaller class sizes, practice social distance between the students and faculty/staff, offer more hybrid and online options, create effective guidelines for students, and provide available face masks and hand sanitizer for all students, faculty and staff.
New procedures will be implemented within almost every office on campus, dining facilities, and office hours with faculty; however, the level of care and commitment for Wesleyan’s students will never change. More comprehensive details will be shared in the coming weeks about how the College will be Wesleyan Wise this fall.
N.C. Wesleyan adjusts to pandemic
As a class project, Ashlee Brackett, a current student at Elon University, recently wrote an article that was published in the Rocky Mount Telegram. The article tells about how Wesleyan has approached the pandemic and what we were doing during this time of crisis. She also happens to be the daughter of Wesleyan Staff member Suzanne Brackett. Congratulations Ashlee!
Wesleyan’s New RN to BSN Program Receives Official Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce that its new RN to BSN program has received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January. The University began accepting applications for the program this spring, with classes set to begin in the fall.
The 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. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will 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.
“These are exciting times at North Carolina Wesleyan University with the introduction of nursing to our Adult & Professional Studies programs. It’s never been a better time to advance in the field of nursing and work towards transforming healthcare for the betterment of those receiving our services,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program. “The faculty and staff stand ready to help prospective students succeed and cheer you on throughout the RN to BSN journey here at NCWU.” NC Wesleyan has also received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. For more information on the RN to BSN program and to apply, visit ncwu.edu/rn-to-bsn.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
Campus changes updates and guidelines
Friday, May 22, 2020 5:00 PM
On Tuesday, May 26th, teleworking comes to an end and all employees should report to work as normally scheduled, unless you are still considered in the vulnerable population category. Those individuals can work with their managers and HR regarding telework.
Employees should follow the guidelines below:
- Do not come to work if you are sick.
- Continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. A complete list of symptoms can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
- If you have known exposure, you should not come to work and self-isolate for 14 days or provide evidence of a positive COVID-19 antibody test (test for past infection) to the Director of Health Services, Jessica Brys-Wilson, for clearance.
- For employees wishing to have an antibody test, the College’s PA, Jessica Brys-Wilson, will provide prescriptions for COVID-19 antibody testing (a test for past COVID-19 infection) for curb-side pick-up. Curbside pick-up hours will be announced early next week (NOTE: Antibody testing does not detect a current infection. If you think you might be sick with COVID-19, contact your primary health care provider for screening and information on how to test for an active infection).
- All COVID-19-related testing is free for those with the College’s health insurance plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina) and for many other plans.
- Employees are encouraged to maintain 6ft of social distance if possible and wash/sanitize hands regularly.
Admissions/athletics tours may resume for all indoor areas but residence halls (exception: admissions tours may visit the residence hall showroom in Roberson Hall). Protective face masks for visitors on tours of inside buildings are required and can be provided for the College.
Remove the following restrictions on campus:
- Open the back gates for entrance and exit of College grounds as of Friday, May 21, at 12pm.
- Library capacity increases from 10 total to 10 in the collaborative zone and up to 10 in all other areas of the college (including the quiet zones, labs, and conference rooms)—20 total. Library visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing (6ft) from other library visitors unless in coming in a group. Groups no larger than 4 should sit together.
Guidelines for campus visitors:
- Guests are permitted in outdoor spaces (tennis courts, walking trails, etc.).
- Family members of employees over the age of 2 are permitted to visit campus and come into campus buildings (within the confines of the Children in the Workplace policy). Family members visiting campus should wear masks indoors if they are not able to practice social distancing of 6ft or more (NOTE: Children under 2 are generally advised not to wear masks and cannot be fully protected in Phase II campus reopening conditions indoors. Thus, we ask that these children do not come indoors).
- Campus visitors (including those scheduled for campus tours) are asked not to come to campus if they are symptomatic or have a known exposure in the last 14 days.
- Per the Governor’s orders, institutions of higher education are exempt from the indoor mass gathering limit of 10 provided persons wear masks, use appropriate social distancing, clean high touch surfaces regularly, and wash/sanitize hands regularly.
The College is open to allowing building reservations for groups of 20 or fewer at a time in one location provided they are practicing social distancing. Outside groups renting space must also pay a daily sanitation fee to be set by Facilities.
- There will be continued enhanced cleaning of all buildings.
Commuter Book Return
Commuter students may return their books from the Spring 2020 semester at a Book Drop-Off Event at the Hardee’s Building on Friday May 29 from 8am – 4pm and Saturday, May 30 from 8am – 1pm.
We encourage everyone to use every precaution to remain safe and well.
From Homeschool Student to NCWC Alumna
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Recent Wesleyan graduate, Abigail Wooten, began studying at Nash Community College as a dually enrolled student taking classes through their Career and College Promise program during her junior and senior years of high school.
At NCC, Wooten was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She graduated from Nash in 2018 with Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, with highest honors.
Wooten said that although it can be intimidating for students to speak up when they do not understand something, it is important to do so. “If you put in the time and ask for help when you need it, you will succeed, not just at Nash, but out in the world as well.”
Following graduation from NCC, Wooten transferred to North Carolina Wesleyan University. She graduated last month with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Information Systems, with highest honors. “I believe Nash helped prepare me for my journey at NCWC by instilling a strong work ethic in me. By the time I got to NCWC, I had already learned how to stay on top of assignment deadlines and how to ask professors for help when I needed it, two skills I consider essential.”
While attending NCWC, Wooten worked several part-time jobs, including tutoring at NCC. “This didn’t leave much time for clubs and activities at school,” she said. “However, I transferred my membership to the local chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization I originally joined at Nash. I was able to attend speaker events and fundraisers with them. I also volunteered for community service projects.”
Wooten currently serves as a tutor in the NCC Mathematics Department. She plans to continue working with developmental math students, providing the support for foundational learning they need to become mathematicians.
She has been accepted into East Carolina University’s Master of Arts in Mathematics program and will begin this fall. “I hope to teach math full-time at Nash. The math department was instrumental in making me and so many others into the people we are today, and I want to continue that tradition.”
Through the Career & College Promise program, qualified high-school-age students have the opportunity to begin their college education, tuition free. Interested students should meet with their high school counselor or home school principal. Enrollment is open for NCC’s online summer classes. Summer semester begins May 26. For more information, visit nashcc.edu/registration or call 252.451.8235.
Students who are currently enrolled in NCC’s Career & College Promise program with 12 or more credit hours and are interested in transferring to NC Wesleyan should contact Jason Letchworth, Transfer Admissions Counselor, at jletchworth@ncwu.edu for more information. Those with less than 12 credit hours can apply for regular admission at ncwu.edu/apply-for-admission and one of Wesleyan’s Admission Counselors will assist you each step of the way.
Wesleyan Adds New Academic Programs
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – The faculty at North Carolina Wesleyan University recently passed the following new curriculum programs: a B.S. in Healthcare Administration, a B.S. in Sports Administration and three certificate programs in Human Resources, Executive Leadership and Healthcare Administration. These new programs will add to the exceptional array of academic offerings already at Wesleyan, giving students the ability to choose from over 45 undergraduate degree options, 32 minors and two graduate degree programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree will prepare graduates to work in the business operations side of medical facilities. Students will learn the financial, human resources, legal and ethical aspects, as well as quality control within a healthcare setting. This degree will prepare students for careers in medical and health services management, healthcare administration and medical office management.
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration degree will prepare graduates to work at all levels within sports, facilities and recreation management. Students will learn about the administration of sports programs, sport facility and event management, sport communication and coaching theory among other topics. Graduates will be prepared to work as a coach, facilities manager, athletic director, sports coordinator or be prepared for graduate school. “We are excited to offer programs that will lead students to careers in growing industries such as sports and healthcare administration. Exciting features of these new programs will allow students to study and gain valuable experience during their program. The new certificates will help those looking to add specific skills in leadership, business, and healthcare administration,” stated Molly Wyatt, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Students.
Honor Students Receive Awards
NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2020 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 2020 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards
| STUDENT SUPPORT | |
| Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year Award | Catelyn Cink |
| Peer Tutor of the Year | Gordon “Mitch” Layton |
| Internship Award | Kenneth Snyder |
| SCIENCE AND MATH | |
| Biology Award | Gordon “Mitch” Layton |
| Environmental Science Award | Jackson Doyle |
| Exercise Science Award | Alissa Avery & Jessica Diane Wall |
| Mathematics Award | Abigail Susannah Wooten |
| HUMANITIES | |
| Religious Studies | Savannah Jane Flanagan |
| Senior English Award | Mary Elizabeth Reynolds |
| EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
| John Paul Jones History Award | Joshua Wayne Strausser |
| History Major Outstanding Student Award | Savannah Jane Flanagan |
| Political Science Award | Courtney Grace Parker |
| SNCAE Award | Jadejah Robinson |
| Susan B. Taylor Excellence in Educational Practice Award | Cali Green |
| Psychology Outstanding Student Award | Jessica Diane Wall |
| Excellence in Sociological Studies Award | Jasmine Harrison |
| BUSINESS | |
| Business Administration Outstanding Student Award | Kevin Michael Berry |
| Marketing Outstanding Student Award | Nicole Halabi Rosillo |
| Organizational Administration Outstanding Student Award | Nicholaus Beaver |
| Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student Award | Kevin De Jesus Abarca-Mendoza |
Wesleyan Welcomes Two New Admission Counselors
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is pleased to welcome two new Counselors to its Admissions Team— Jason Letchworth and Stephanie Stallings.
Jason Letchworth received his Associate of Applied Science in Biotechnology from Pitt Community College in 2012. In 2016, he finished his BS in Business Administration at North Carolina Wesleyan, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Jason is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a North Carolina certified Firefighter and EMT. In his new role, he will be responsible for working with incoming transfer students.
Stephanie Stallings is from Nashville, NC and is a 2018 alumna of North Carolina Wesleyan University. She was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team for four years and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. This April, Stallings also received her Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Wesleyan. In her new role as Admissions Counselor, her recruitment territories include Dare and Currituck Counties, western North Carolina, Virginia and southern states, Tennessee to Texas.
“NC Wesleyan continuously strives to help better serve the needs of students and our community. Adding to our Admissions staff is one of the many ways of showing these efforts. We are pleased to have Stephanie and Jason join our team, as both have the education and experience to thrive in their new role and help propel admissions,” stated Paige Wells, Assistant Director of Admissions-Recruitment. North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to welcome these two new, but familiar faces to the Bishop family and is enthusiastic about the skillsets and energy that each will bring to the team as they work to recruit future Bishops.
Admissions Counselor- Transfer Students
Admissions Counselor
Phase One with the Stay at Home order in effect
Monday, April 27, 2020 3:02 PM
Based on Gov. Cooper’s last press release, NC is currently in Phase One with the Stay at Home order in effect until May 8th. Below is our current phased plan to reopen campus based on current recommendations. If those recommendations change, this plan may change as well.
During Phase One (After May 8)
- Teleworking continues.
- Allow for limited tours of prospective students (less than 10) touring the outside of buildings on campus. Students and parents can enter the Welcome Center only. Those invited to campus will be asked to wear protective face masks and we will have some on hand to provide if needed. Social distancing will be enforced.
- We will lessen some of the restrictions on campus for students. This communication will come from the VIRT team.
- Continue enhanced cleaning of all buildings.
During Phase Two (Starting May 26)
- On Tuesday, May 26th, teleworking comes to an end and all employees should report to work as normally scheduled, unless you are still considered in the vulnerable population category. Those individuals can work with their managers and HR regarding telework.
- Continue method above for tours but allow participants to tour any building except residence halls. Protective face masks for visitors are optional.
- Remove most restrictions on campus. This communication will come from the VIRT team.
- Continue enhanced cleaning of all buildings.
During Phase Three (Starting June 22)
- Resume all normal operations while still practicing some social distancing, proper hygiene, and common sense practices if you are showing any symptoms.
- Continue enhanced cleaning of all buildings.
Wesleyan Holds Virtual Spring Commencement Celebration
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, April 25, North Carolina Wesleyan University held a virtual spring commencement celebration to honor the Class of 2020. The College announced on March 23 that the spring commencement ceremony would be postponed until December 5, 2020. In lieu of a physical ceremony, the College wanted to do something special to honor its 222 seniors who graduated.
The virtual celebration included a welcome message from President Duff, baccalaureate address by Rev. Dr. Barry Drum and photos that the graduates submitted, along with their hometowns and majors. In addition, the graduates were treated to a surprise video from award-winning actress, Sharon Lawrence, who was originally scheduled to speak at the April ceremony. Lawrence has played in roles on NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy and the CBS comedy, “Me, Myself and I.”
In her video, Lawrence addressed the graduates, stating “I’d like to talk to you today about sacrifice — something that we’ve heard of, but I think we all know a little more about now.” She went on to mention all of the sacrifices that are made in order to obtain a college degree, many of which she experienced herself. She specifically addressed the challenges and sacrifices that are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “But I never had to sacrifice my graduation service…the Class of 2020 did something unique.” She left the graduates with the hope that maybe they would all be able to celebrate together at the December ceremony.
This was the College’s 79th graduation, with the first occurring in 1960. There were 10 international graduates from six countries: Argentina, Cambodia, Venezuela, England, Nepal and Italy. This commencement also included the third cohort of Wesleyan’s new Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
