In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is being recognized for what matters most: a transformative, student-centered undergraduate experience. For the 2025–2026 academic year, NCWU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to institutions whose commitment to engaged learning, experiential education, and student success sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluation framework known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and in-depth interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies colleges and universities that make a meaningful, measurable impact on students’ lives—not those driven solely by rankings or prestige metrics.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University has cultivated a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the innovation, intentionality, and personalized support that prepare students not just for graduation, but for life beyond college.”
Unlike traditional rankings, Colleges of Distinction highlights institutions that prioritize educational impact through high-impact practices such as first-year seminars, collaborative projects, undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. NCWU’s selection reflects its long-standing commitment to these practices and to providing individualized support throughout the student journey.
Business College of Distinction
In addition to its institutional recognition, NCWU has also been named a 2025–2026 Business College of Distinction, honoring the University’s undergraduate business programs for their balance of academic rigor and real-world application.
This distinction is awarded to schools that demonstrate accreditation, a well-rounded and multidisciplinary curriculum, applied learning opportunities, and a strong record of graduate outcomes.
“NCWU understands that effective business education is about more than numbers—it’s about developing innovative, ethical leaders,” Schritter said. “Through faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary coursework, and immersive learning experiences, students gain the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Colleges of Distinction highlighted NCWU’s School of Business for its:
- Stability and longevity, with a well-established program and consistent enrollment
- Multidisciplinary offerings, including majors and minors across multiple business disciplines
- Hands-on learning, such as internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities
- Collaborative coursework, including case-method teaching and business plan competitions
- Strong emphasis on business ethics and social responsibility
- Dedicated academic and career advising
- High-impact educational practices, including capstones and service-based learning
- Robust industry connections that support internships and job placement
Graduates of NCWU’s School of Business leave with more than technical proficiency—they develop leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in environments that mirror the complexity of today’s marketplace.
Military Support College of Distinction
Further reinforcing its commitment to student success, NCWU was also named a Military Support College of Distinction, recognizing the University’s outstanding services and resources for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students.
As more military students pursue higher education, Colleges of Distinction honors only select institutions that provide intentional, comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
“Rather than viewing military students as a statistic, NCWU supports them as individuals—each with their own goals, strengths, and challenges,” Schritter said. “We are proud to recognize institutions that go above and beyond to serve those who have served our country.”
Key elements of NCWU’s military support include:
- Comprehensive educational benefits, including participation in federal tuition assistance and training programs
- A dedicated Military and Veterans Affairs team to assist with enrollment, benefits, transition support, and career services
- Flexible academic options, such as online programs, flexible enrollment, and credit for military service
- Intentional campus community support, including dedicated spaces, student organizations, and counselors trained in areas such as PTSD and suicide prevention
“As a Military Support College of Distinction, NCWU has proven itself as a place where military-affiliated students aren’t just welcomed—they’re championed,” Schritter added.
Dr. Joseph Lane, NCWU Provost and Senior VP for academic affairs shares, “North Carolina Wesleyan takes pride in offering students degree pathways that fulfill our promise of a personal, practical, and purpose-driven education. We appreciate that Colleges of Distinction recognizes our superior educational outcomes and commitment to student success.”
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
NC Wesleyan’s President Invited as Panelist at National Education Conference
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University’s President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, recently spoke on a panel at the Education 2.0 Conference. This year’s conference, “Uniting Changemakers To Revolutionize Education,” took place Wednesday, April 6 through Friday, April 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During the event, Duff joined four other educational experts from around the world on a panel discussion titled: “Theory & Practical Knowledge – Bridging the Gap.” He discussed the benefits of successfully applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings through meaningful pedagogical practices, corporate partnerships, and applied learning experiences.
The Education 2.0 Conference’s exclusive recognition session spotlighted a few incredible individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to reform and improve global education. During the event, Duff was presented Education 2.0 Conference’s 2022 Outstanding Leadership Award.
“I was inspired by all of the intellectual capital present at this conference and for the learning outcomes that I walked away with,” stated Duff. “Being recognized by Education 2.0 with an Outstanding Leadership Award was icing on the cake. I appreciate our talented faculty and staff who work with our students to connect their learning to rewarding career paths.”
Attendees included a global learning strategist from Google, college professors, foundation CEO’s, and other education industry leaders. This program honors these visionary minds and inspires emerging global voices.
About Education 2.0
Education 2.0 Conference’s goal is to bring the global education community together to facilitate knowledge sharing and to look for solutions to issues faced in education transmittal in this day and age. The Education 2.0 Conference aspires to present a vibrant platform where changemakers from the education industry can meet with peers and discuss ways and means to revolutionize how we learn and teach.
Wesleyan Receives Employer Excellence Award from Donate Life NC
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Recently, North Carolina Wesleyan University received an Award of Employer Excellence from Donate Life North Carolina. April is National Donate Life Month, an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.
Wesleyan received this award because of their dedication to going above and beyond the legal requirements in supporting employees who are living organ donors and recipients, as well as, employees who are on the transplant waiting list.
“For many living donors and patients, the worry of missed work or expenses is incredibly stressful and prevents them from focusing on their health. We are so proud of the work that Wesleyan does to support their employees,” stated Deanna Mitchell, Executive Director of Donate Life NC.
North Carolina Wesleyan Visiting Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Mike Brantley, received his liver over three years ago. Courtney Moss, a May 2018 Wesleyan grad and employee at the Dunn Center Box Office, received her heart four years ago. There are over 3,000 North Carolinians waiting for an organ and 84 percent of those are waiting for kidneys. Living kidney donor and Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts at Wesleyan, Sheila Martin, has actively volunteered for many years to increase public awareness of the great need for registered organ donors.
“NC Wesleyan hired me fourteen years ago knowing I was a living kidney donor. The recipient was my son, Jim Pittman, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1992,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. “I’m grateful for the College’s support and that they allow me to take administrative leave in order to attend the state’s License to Give Trust Fund Commission meetings.” Wesleyan also hosts a yearly dodge ball tournament, organized by the women’s soccer team, which benefits Carolina Donor Services.“The involvement of the women’s soccer team has been so incredible because it puts the issue of organ donation in front of a young audience,” stated Martin.
Donate Life NC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all North Carolinians to give the gift of life. The organization recognizes those employers who go above and beyond the law to support employees who are on the transplant waiting list as well as those who are living donors.
