North Carolina Wesleyan University is celebrating a milestone in its growing academic offerings and its commitment to workforce development with the completion of its inaugural Applied Reproductive Biology Laboratory (ARTLAB) cohort.
The first cohort of 11 students has completed NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology certificate program, designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of assisted reproductive technology and in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory science.
And the results are already translating into careers.
Of the 11 students in the inaugural cohort, seven have confirmed job offers in the field, while the remaining four are currently in various stages of the interview process. Based on the progress of those students, the program projects 100% employment placement within the next month.
For NC Wesleyan, that early success represents more than the completion of a first class. It demonstrates the potential of ARTLAB to connect specialized education directly to workforce demand while creating new career opportunities for students and contributing to economic development in a growing industry.
“This is the first class — the first of many — to complete the nation’s finest training for positions in IVF labs across the nation under the auspices of North Carolina Wesleyan,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NC Wesleyan University. “We look forward to working with Dr. Schenkman and her colleagues to continue growing this program and to launching new programs in related fields.”
The Applied Reproductive Biology certificate is an accelerated, specialized program that provides students with hands-on training and academic preparation aligned with the needs of assisted reproductive technology laboratories. Students are prepared to pursue opportunities within IVF laboratories and related reproductive science settings.
The program was developed under the leadership of Dr. Eva Schenkman and her colleagues, whose expertise has helped establish NC Wesleyan as an emerging destination for specialized training in reproductive biology.
The inaugural cohort’s career outcomes underscore the value of that industry-focused approach.
Building a Workforce for a Growing Industry
The demand for professionals trained in assisted reproductive technology continues to create opportunities for individuals interested in laboratory science and reproductive health. NC Wesleyan’s ARTLAB program is designed to help meet that demand by providing focused training for students seeking a pathway into this specialized field.
For the University, the program also represents a broader commitment to creating educational opportunities that have a direct impact beyond the classroom.
Students gain specialized skills. Employers gain access to trained talent. And communities benefit when graduates are able to transition into meaningful careers.
The inaugural cohort provides an early example of that workforce-development model in action.
With seven students already holding confirmed positions and the remaining four actively interviewing, the first ARTLAB cohort is poised to achieve a 100% placement rate shortly after completing the program.
Applications Open for 2027 Cohorts
With the success of its first cohort, NC Wesleyan is preparing to welcome the next group of students interested in entering the field of applied reproductive biology.
Applications are now being accepted for two 2027 cohorts:
- Spring 2027 Cohort: January 18 – March 26, 2027
- Summer 2027 Cohort: May 24 – July 30, 2027
The University encourages individuals interested in pursuing careers in IVF laboratory science and applied reproductive biology to learn more about the program and apply for an upcoming cohort.
The first cohort may have been the beginning, but NC Wesleyan sees it as just that, the beginning.
As the University continues to expand its offerings in applied reproductive biology and related fields, ARTLAB is positioned to become an important part of NC Wesleyan’s commitment to innovative education, career preparation and workforce development.
To learn more about NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology program or apply for an upcoming cohort, visit ncwu.edu.
NCWU Announces Transformative Enhancements for 2026
As North Carolina Wesleyan University prepares to welcome a new year, the University is proud to announce a wide range of exciting updates, expanded programs, and student-centered initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners, whether they are recent high school graduates, working professionals, or global scholars. With a renewed commitment to accessibility, innovation, and lifelong learning, Wesleyan is positioning itself as the region’s premier institution for flexible, affordable, and high-impact education.
Empowering Adult Learners Through Expanded APS Offerings
Many working adults don’t realize just how many pathways exist at Wesleyan to elevate their careers, switch industries, or complete a long-term educational goal. Through our Adult Professional Studies (APS) programs, students can choose from 10 flexible degree options, including Nursing (RN to BSN), Business, Education, Leadership, Supply Chain Management, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and more—each designed specifically for busy adults balancing work, family, and life.
Wesleyan also offers career-boosting certificates that can make an immediate difference in earning potential and workplace advancement. With as few as six courses, certificate completers can gain industry-relevant skills without committing to an additional full degree. These certificate credits can also be applied toward formal undergraduate or graduate degree programs, offering students a flexible pathway to continue their education if they choose. Additionally, the learning outcomes from select certificates may qualify students to apply or test for specific professional certifications not administered by North Carolina Wesleyan University.
“Many adults assume they need to start over,” said Katie Farrell, Dean of Adult and Professional Studies. “But at Wesleyan, you can upgrade your skills, gain confidence, and increase your value in the workplace in months, not years.”
Affordability: More Possible Than Ever
Another major misconception is that further education is financially out of reach. Wesleyan is committed to breaking that barrier. With scholarships, financial aid, employer partnerships, and personalized financial counseling, most students discover that earning their next credential is far more affordable than they imagined.
New this year is Wesleyan’s Refer-A-Friend Tiered Scholarship Program strictly for Adult and Graduate programs, offering up to $500 per referral with no limit to the number of referrals:
- Completed Application: $50
- Enrolled Student:
- 1st referral: $100 scholarship
- 2nd referral: $250 scholarship
- 3rd referral and beyond: $500 each in scholarship
This program not only rewards current students but also empowers them to actively support friends, colleagues, and family members looking to advance their careers.
Wesleyan Works: A Seamless Pathway from Community Colleges
Wesleyan continues to strengthen its partnerships across North Carolina with the Wesleyan Works Program, offering guaranteed admission for community college students who complete their associate degree. Participants enjoy Wesleyan benefits from day one, including transfer credit maximization, academic advising, and affordability support – making the transition to a bachelor’s degree smoother and more cost-effective than ever.
Reimagining Student Success for Traditional Students: Introducing the COMPASS Center
In addition to the enhancements for adult and professional students, Wesleyan is elevating the on-campus experience for traditional students by rebranding and relocating the Student Success Center to the Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success (COMPASS) Center.
The COMPASS Center marks a modern, holistic approach to student development. Integrating academic advising, first-year transition programs, leadership training, career readiness, and inclusive learning support, COMPASS equips students not just to succeed in the classroom but to design meaningful, purpose-driven lives.
“Our mission is simple,” Anne Aichele, Program Director, shared. “We want every student to explore, define, and design their academic, personal, and professional journey with confidence.”
Students will gain familiarity with this change when they return in January, but a full launch will take place for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Advancing Global Education: International Services Realigned for Excellence
To strengthen support for Wesleyan’s growing international community, International Student Services will now transition under the leadership of Dr. Oscar Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez’s extensive experience with PDSO/DSO operations, along with his bilingual fluency and deep commitment to compliance and cultural care, positions him as an exceptional advocate for global students.
“These enhancements demonstrate our dedication to positioning each department for maximum impact,” said University leadership. “Our priority is always student success – from local adult learners to students joining us from around the world.”
A Call to the Community
As Wesleyan continues to grow, innovate, and serve its region, the University invites local professionals, employers, adult learners, and community members to explore how Wesleyan can support their next chapter. Whether you want to advance in your career, change fields, finish a degree, or simply open new doors, there’s a place for you at Wesleyan—and we’re ready to help you begin.
In return, we welcome our community to partner with us in shaping the next generation of talent. Local businesses and organizations can make a powerful impact by offering internships, job-shadowing experiences, course-based project collaborations, mentoring opportunities, guest speaking, and other forms of professional engagement. These partnerships not only strengthen Wesleyan students’ real-world readiness, but also help employers build strong pipelines of skilled, motivated graduates who are eager to contribute to the regional workforce.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community—one where education and opportunity thrive side by side.
Whether you want to advance in your career, change fields, finish a degree, or simply open new doors, there’s a place for you at Wesleyan, and we’re ready to help you begin.
Interested in learning more?
Visit our website or contact our admissions team to explore programs, certificates, scholarship opportunities, and upcoming enrollment dates.
