In a powerful celebration of community and school spirit, Rocky Mount Fire Department’s Station 4 has partnered with North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) to proudly brand their firetrucks with a unifying theme: “Guardians of the Bishops.” When challenged to choose a theme reflecting something meaningful in their area, the station found its inspiration in the heart of Wesleyan.
The partnership is more than a creative design. Station 4 has fully embraced its role as protectors of the campus and community. Firetrucks now display the “Guardians of the Bishops” motto on their windshields, while axes and tools are painted in Wesleyan’s signature navy and gold. The latest touch—a custom mud flap at the rear of the truck—completes the transformation, turning essential equipment into a living symbol of pride and unity.
For Fire Chief Darvin Moore, this connection is deeply personal. A proud NCWU Class of 2016 alumnus, Moore’s Wesleyan roots run deep, making this partnership a true reflection of his journey.
The students couldn’t be more excited to see their local heroes embrace the Battling Bishop spirit. What began as a branding project has grown into something far greater—a visible bond of support, community, and shared pride that strengthens both the campus and the city it calls home.
Youngest Bishop Alumni Est. Scholarship
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Gregor Baum Annual Scholarship, created by Gregor Baum, Class of 2024, the youngest alumnus in the university’s history to launch an annual scholarship. Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, Baum graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Leadership. His vision for this scholarship is to attract more international students to NCWU while supporting their academic and personal growth.
The Gregor Baum Annual Scholarship will benefit traditional international students who are active members of a sports team, campus club, or Greek life. Recipients must exhibit good character, maintain good academic standing, and achieve a minimum 3.70 GPA. Two scholarships will be awarded each semester, providing essential financial support for high-achieving students.
Baum’s journey to NCWU began on a tennis scholarship. However, a career-ending back injury brought him into a period of personal hardship and depression. With the guidance of a compassionate school counselor, Baum discovered new passions and founded a Rotaract Club at Wesleyan with a focus on mental health. Together with his team and counselor, he co-created a wellness journal to support student mental health, which has since been adopted by schools nationwide. This pivotal experience inspired Baum to establish GH Inner Performance, a company dedicated to promoting mental health and inner well-being.
“I want this scholarship to support international students who face challenges similar to what I experienced when I first came to the U.S. and Wesleyan,” shared Baum. “It’s meant to help high-achieving students by providing them with the financial support they deserve.”
Baum also expressed his deep gratitude to NCWU, saying, “Wesleyan helped me grow and supported me on my journey. The experiences I gained at Wesleyan were invaluable and played a significant role in the success of GH Inner Performance. It’s only because of this success that I am now able to give back to the university that has given me so much.”
A quote by John Wesley has been a guiding principle in Baum’s life: ‘Work as much as possible, earn as much as possible, give as much as possible.’ This mindset is reflected in his commitment to giving back to the Wesleyan community.
We are incredibly proud of Gregor’s story and the legacy he is building at Wesleyan. This scholarship is a testament to his resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of future Bishops.
NCWU Alumnus Heads to Duke University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly congratulates alumna Isabel “Izzi” Neall on her acceptance to Duke University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, where she will begin her studies in Fall 2025. Izzi graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2023, earning a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology.
During her time at Wesleyan, Izzi was a standout both in and out of the classroom. As a key player on the Women’s Soccer Team, she earned the MVP Award, Moe Bauer Sportsmanship Award, and Scholar-Athlete Award. Beyond athletics, she excelled academically as a member of the Taylor-Crocker Honors Program and took on leadership roles as the Social Media and SGA Representative for the Health and Science Movement Club and President of the Student League of Academic Prestige.
Respected by her peers and professors alike, Izzi’s academic journey was marked by excellence and dedication. Dr. Meir Magal, Inaugural Souza Professor of Exercise Science and Math, Chair and Program Director, shared his admiration:
“Interacting with Izzi was always a pleasure. She was an exceptional exercise science student, excelling both academically and athletically. During her time at Wesleyan, she successfully earned the rigorous American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist certification and completed an honors project she presented at both regional and national conferences.”
Reflecting on her Wesleyan experience, Izzi said, “The connections! I was able to build relationships with my professors and classmates that provided me with so many opportunities to learn and grow. Wesleyan and the Exercise Science Program challenged me, but also created a supportive environment where I could thrive.”
This August, Izzi will move to Durham, NC, to begin her next chapter at Duke University. NCWU is incredibly proud of Izzi and looks forward to cheering her on as she continues to achieve greatness!
NC Wesleyan Alumna Establishes New Endowed Scholarship
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Nancy S. Parker, a 1970 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan, has fully funded the new Nancy S. Parker Endowment at NCWU. The scholarship will be awarded to NCWU students, preferably majoring in Math or Education, from Halifax or Northampton Counties in North Carolina.
After graduating from NC Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in Math, Ms. Parker went on to become a middle school and high school Math teacher with the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District for 30 years. When asked why she established the Nancy S. Parker Endowment, she responded, “Back in 1966, I couldn’t afford to attend college. However, I arrived at NC Wesleyan because of the financial aid and other scholarships I received. I was able to fulfill my dream of attending a four-year college.” She further emphasized, “This is my way of paying it forward. I wouldn’t trade my time at Wesleyan for any other experience. I was able to live a very good life and I want to help other students have the same opportunity.”
In the event there are no students majoring in Math or Education, the Nancy S. Parker Endowed Scholarship will be available for other incoming freshmen and upper-class students to apply. The recipient should maintain good personal character, as well as an overall 2.5 GPA.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students. The skills cultivated by faculty and built into the curriculum include critical thinking and reflection, communication, collaboration, and information technology. North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers education that is personal, practical and purpose-driven. Personal…through mentoring and the connections that are provided. Practical…by helping students develop lifelong skills. Purpose-driven…by helping them fulfill their purpose in life. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
