Wesleyan Cheer Places Third in the Nation


North Carolina Wesleyan University Cheer Team

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –On Thursday, April 4, the North Carolina Wesleyan University cheer team traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida to compete in the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Championship under the leadership of new coaches, Lyndsey and Pete Graham. 

After a strong morning practice and a confident warm up, the Bishops took the mat for the second time on Friday. The team placed third nationally in the Intermediate Small Coed Division III.

Spirit Coordinators/Cheerleading and Dance Coaches, Pete and Lyndsey Graham, assumed leadership of the cheer program back in January. Pete works with the teams full-time, while Lyndsey coaches part-time.The dynamic duo is responsible for coordinating the cheer and dance team in recruitment, try-outs, choreography, practices, game days and campus/community events. 

“We are incredibly excited for this team. Third place is an amazing accomplishment and we couldn’t be happier,” stated coach Pete Graham.

Together, the couple has a combined nine years of experience coaching at the college level. Lyndsey Graham graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Psychology and Pete Graham graduated from NC State University with a degree in Business Administration. Both excelled in cheer at their universities and were chosen to serve as team captains. The couple went on to marry, celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary just before starting at NC Wesleyan. The new coaches have experience in competing at the National Cheerleading Associations College Nationals at Daytona Beach, Universal Cheerleading Associations College Nationals in Orlando, UCA & NCA Nationals, NCAA and Big South. Besides competing and coaching at the college level, both have experience in leadership positions with the Christian Cheerleaders of America for numerous years.

“We are very excited about Pete and Lyndsey joining the College and leading our Cheer and Dance programs,” stated Ed Naylor, Dean of Student Affairs and Legal Matters. “They are experienced, talented, energetic and will advance our competitive cheer program, as well as improve the game day experience for many of our athletic programs.”

To learn more about Wesleyan’s Cheer and Dance Program, visit ncwcsports.com.

Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Awarded to Dr. Lee Templeton


Dr Templeton speaking at lecture

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA –North Carolina Wesleyan Professor, Dr. Lee Templeton, has been awarded with the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship. This award is the highest and most singular honor that can be bestowed upon a faculty memberand is given in recognition of scholarship, teaching and community service.  

The Jefferson-Pilot Professorship is an endowed award that was established in 1981 through the generosity of the Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company. The honoree is nominated by a committee of faculty and appointed by the president of the college. To be eligible for consideration, the faculty member must have tenure and have clearly distinguished themselves with high standards of excellence. As teachers, they demonstrate a whole-hearted dedication and rigorous professionalism in forwarding their students’ learning and personal development for life and work. As scholars, they have to possess a mastery of their discipline, contribute to new understanding and knowledge, and demonstrate a lively commitment to life-long learning for themselves, as well as their students. Additionally, as a member of the Wesleyan community, they give generously to the aims and programs of the College, both with their time and means.

Dr. Lee Templeton

“When the nominating committee met to discuss our consolidated list of potential faculty nominees, it quickly became apparent to the committee that one single faculty member stood head and shoulders above the rest as the clear choice for the 2018-2019 Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Award,” stated Dr. Evan Duff, Interim President at Wesleyan. “Overall, Dr. Templeton has a strong record of teaching, scholarly activity and service.”

Dr. Templeton, now in his eleventh year at Wesleyan, delivered his Jefferson-Pilot Professorship Lecture, entitled: “Until the Dragon Comes: Ragnarok and the Liberal Arts,” on Thursday, March 28. His talk explored two topics– dragons and higher education – and attempts to connect the two in a meaningful way. Beginning with an examination of the figure of the dragon and its various metaphorical meanings, in Old Norse/Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon myth and literature, Dr. Templeton considers current trends in higher education through the metaphorical lens of the dragon.

During the lecture presentation, the 2019-2020 recipient of the Jefferson-Pilot Professorship was announced. Next year’s awardee is Dr. Jeffrey Kuglitsch, Associate Professor of Earth Science.

Wesleyan Signs Three Articulation Agreements with NC Community Colleges


NC Wesleyan was one of many colleges to sign a transfer agreement for students pursuing Music, Theatre or Fine Arts at North Carolina’s community colleges. Students can now seamlessly transfer to any of a number of private colleges in the state to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of those disciplines.  READ ENTIRE ARTICLE >

Wesleyan Students Awarded for their Research


Biomedical Science seniors, Beverly Anaele and Jawuanna McAllister, presented their research at the NC Academy of Science (NCAS) at UNC Wilmington on March 23rd. Both young women have been doing research at NC Wesleyan for the past two years, independently as juniors and later as part of their senior honors theses. Beverly has worked with Dr. Kosal, and Jawuanna has worked with Dr. Stovall.

Left to right: Beverly Anaele, Dr. Daniel Stoval, and Jawuanna McAllister

At the conference, Beverly won the 3rd Place Derieux Award for her oral presentation in the Ecology, Botany, & Zoology category! Her talk was titled “Can a natural plant product, such as the American beautyberry, repel and alter mosquito behavior?” Jawuanna won the 1st Place Derieux Award for her oral talk in the Cell & Molecular Biology and Physiology category. Jawuanna’s talk was “Effect of Caffeine on PALLD Expression and GBM Cell Invasion.” 

Both Beverly and Jawuanna have just finished one-year terms as the Secretary and President, respectively, of the Collegiate Academy of NCAS. Both young women are graduating from Wesleyan this semester and have big plans! In August, Beverly, who recently won the Biology Award at the NC Wesleyan Honors Convocation, will begin a Master’s of Public Health program at Thomas Jefferson University, and Jawuanna will start her Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology at Cornell University.

Congratulations to these outstanding and successful young scientists! The Biology department will be sad to see them go. But, we are so excited to see what they become. 

Honor Students Receive Awards


NC Wesleyan University recently held the 2019 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 2019 NCWC Honors Convocation Awards

STUDENT SUPPORT 
Supplemental Instruction Leader of the Year AwardTrevor Harris
Peer Tutor of the YearBeverly Anaele
Internship AwardGordon ( Mitch ) Layton 
ROTC Highest GPA AwardElena Duran
ROTC “Hooah” AwardSavion Young
ROTC Golden Joe AwardDion Cox
ROTC Golden Jane AwardKate Avila
SCIENCE AND MATH 
Biology AwardBeverly Anaele
Environmental Science AwardEricca Lenhardt
Exercise Science AwardMehli Carolyn Erbaugh Marcellus
Chemistry AwardKayla Lavan
American Institute of Chemists/North Carolina Institute of Chemists Foundation AwardIvan Cockman
Mathematics AwardIvan Cockman
Mathematics AwardJoseph Lloyd
HUMANITIES 
Religious StudiesSean Michael Dancy
Senior English AwardLibby Edwards
EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 
Communications Outstanding Student AwardAli Cucinotta
John Paul Jones History AwardBeverly Anaele
History Major Outstanding Student AwardJessica Brabble
Political Science AwardAnderson “Andie” Batt
SNCAE AwardTristan Marshall
Susan B. Taylor Excellence in Educational Practice AwardKarolina Winstead
Psychology Outstanding Student AwardJoseph Lloyd
Excellence in Sociological Studies AwardKeaira McMiller
Criminal Justice Outstanding Student AwardCourtney Paige Garofolo
BUSINESS  
Accounting Outstanding Student AwardHannah Huls
Business Administration Outstanding Student AwardShreya Suman Thakuri
Marketing Outstanding Student AwardStephany Barbera
Organizational Administration Outstanding Student AwardGene “Trey” Croom
Computer Information Systems Outstanding Student AwardNabin Singh
ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM AWARDS 
Outstanding Adult Student AwardLatishea Faison
  
  

Below you will find a list of honor society members who were recognized at the 2019 Honors Convocation Ceremony.  When you see these students, please take a moment to congratulate them.

PSI ETA SIMGA
Bethany Bergman
Elizebeth Blair
Olga K. Bloh
Karlee Bjurstrom
Alyssa Nichole Brookhart
Bethany J. Dunham
Angela W. Groeneveld
Hayleigh Heckman
Hunter L. Ingram
Dan R. Locey III
Victoria Mayer
Eboni’ Sapphire Mayle
Hugo Mendes
Rebecca Renee Mitchell
Brittany Petticolas
Odalis Enmanuel Peralta Paulino
Mariana Rey Xavier
Taylor E. Roberson
Brianna D. Skipwith
Rodrigo Soto Gongora
Dawn E. Wallace
Ashley Carroll Wiggins
Sigma Tau Delta
Libby Edwards
Dalton Smiley
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Hannah Ivester
Jawuanna McAllister
Dakota Casey
Savannah Flanagan
Psi Chi / Pi Gamma Mu
Thomas Keilty Hand 
Justin DeBraska
Cecilia Patino 
Sarah Griffiths
Thomas Keilty 
Justin DeBraska
Cecilia Patino 
Sarah Griffiths
Alpha Phi Sigma
Shelby Godwin
Jordan Forbess
Timothy Caulder
Anna Stribling
Faith Overton
Courtney Garofolo
Victoria Simmons
Jerry Cameron
Keith Garner
Gary Davis
Timothy Hathaway
William T. Smith
Patricia Sessoms
Jerry Shoemaker
Sigma Beta Delta
Rashonda Bradley
Willie Ray Flowers
Cheryl D. Garner
Lathen Earl Hyman, Jr.
Abigail Leather
Valerie Newton
Kendra S. Patterson
Sydney B. Taylor
Kelvin L. Wiggins
Sigma Tau Delta
Libby Edwards
Dalton Smiley
Kappa Mu Epsilon
Angela Nicole Bird
Payton Coleman
David Austin Mooney
Chinwe Cynthia Obi
Julia Anne Trimmer
Samantha G. Valeros
Jackie N. Webb
Abigail Wooten

The Heart of Dr. Hartness- Renovation Ceremony at The Hartness Center


Hartness Dedication 2019

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA–  Over 110 students, staff, supporters and family recently gathered at the Hartness Student Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating new renovations. The event recognized Dr. John Hartness for his generous contributions and tireless support of the College.

Recently Renovated Hartness Center

Just before the event began, the room buzzed with conversation as individuals from various backgrounds greeted one another and shared stories of how Dr. Hartness has impacted their lives. Elliott Smith, Director of Student Activities, opened the event by expressing his thanks and mentioning all of the recent changes to the building as part of this renovation. 

The improvements took place over the past several months. They include: redesigning the ground level to encompass dynamic meeting areas, building a second floor which houses offices and creating a multi-purpose student lounge to accommodate both academic and entertainment needs. Annick Umuliza, a student-worker at the Hartness Center spoke on her pride of working for the center and its mission. 

After sharing a story of their friendship, Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark voiced his appreciation saying, “Dr. Hartness had this vision… he wanted to be a part of Rocky Mount because of North Carolina Wesleyan University. How fortunate we are to have Dr. Hartness come and befriend us.”

As Dr. Hartness came forward to say a few words and cut the ribbon, the entire room rose in a standing ovation for a man whose efforts serve as a prime example of a community supporter and leader.

What was originally a building used to supply heat to the College has now transformed into a thriving students center all because of Dr. Hartness and his family’s generosity and vision. He does not take credit for the success, however, humbly saying, “I did not do this, my family did this. I just happened to be there. My family is most generous, and I am most grateful.”

Students & Faculty Attend American College of Sports Medicine Conference


American College of Sports Medicine conference
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 
Front Row (Left to Right): Dr. Daniel Henderson, Tyler Ricks, Mehli Marcellus, Michaela Nicholas, Dr. Shannon Crowley and Dr. Meir Magal. Back Row: Mat Skyner 

On February 14th and 15th, Drs. Crowley, Henderson and Magal, and four students attended the regional conference of the American College of Sports Medicine in Greenville, SC.

At the conference and under the direction of Dr. Crowley, Mehli Marcellus and Tyler Ricks presented a research project titled: “Factors Influencing Attitude Towards, and Participation in, Physical Activity in Eastern North Carolina”.

Also at the conference, Dr. Meir Magal, Program Director and Professor of Exercise Science together with Mr. Francis Neric, Director of Certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine, has co-presented a tutorial titled: “Graduated Now What? Succeeding in the Exercise Profession”

Wesleyan Hosts National Society of Leadership & Success Induction Ceremony


ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINANorth Carolina Wesleyan University recently held its second annual National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS) Induction Ceremony at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Seventy-five student leaders were inducted in the organization, the nation’s largest leadership honor society.

The Wesleyan chapter seeks to foster personal reflection, goal setting and leadership development amongst its members. The focus this fall was to lead new students through completion of the national requirements to become fully inducted members.

“I am pleased to report that we have been very successful this semester. Ninety percent of those who joined in August have achieved induction, exceeding the national goal of forty percent,” stated Jessie Langley, Chapter Advisor and Associate Dean of Students for Campus Life.

Keynote speaker at the event was Ron Green, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, who focused on the themes of generosity and love. In support of this theme, student members and their guests were encouraged to bring new coats, toys and hygiene items as a donation to the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Through NSLS member nominations, Excellence in Teaching awards were given to faculty members Richard Allsbrook, Dr. Jason Buel and Dr. Daniel Stovall. Excellence in Service to Students awards were given to Michael Mosley and Wayne Sears.

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. You can learn more about the National Society for Leadership & Success at nsls.org.

2018 Distinguished Staff Award


Tammy Robinson- Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship

Tammy Robinson Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship

Dr. Dewey Clark (left) awards Tammy Robinson, Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at NC Wesleyan University the 2018 Distinguished Staff Award on Monday, December 3rd at the annual staff Christmas celebration. Tammy has been at Wesleyan for 7 years. This award honors staff members who have exhibited outstanding work performance, service and dedication to the College or community.