North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier community college partner in the state, offering a seamless and affordable pathway to higher education for community college graduates and employees. With a steadfast commitment to accessible education and comprehensive student support, NCWU has built meaningful partnerships with community colleges that facilitate smooth transitions for students pursuing their bachelor degrees.
Over the past decade, more than 2,000 community college students have successfully completed their bachelor’s degrees at NCWU, reflecting the University’s dedication to fostering educational advancement. NC Wesleyan maintains articulation agreements with 38 of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina, ensuring that students can transfer credits efficiently. Additionally, Wesleyan is part of several key articulation agreements, including the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) and Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nurse (BSN). These partnerships reduce the number of credits students are required to take at a four-year institution, streamlining the transfer process and saving both time and money.
Wesleyan’s transfer-friendly policies set it apart from other institutions in the state, as it offers more transfer credits than any other North Carolina school. Students who have previously received college credit from a two-year institution may transfer in up to 75 credit hours and those who have attended a four-year institution up to 90 credit hours. Students can also take advantage of accelerated associate-to-master’s completion programs, allowing them to earn both degrees in just 2.5 years in high-demand fields such as Business, IT Management, and Criminal Justice. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of working adults and are designed to help students gain the skills needed to secure promotions or enter new career paths.
At the heart of NCWU’s transfer initiative is Wesleyan Works, the University’s signature transfer program. Through this program, NCWU has developed effective agreements with community colleges across the state, guaranteeing admission for graduates holding an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Associate of Engineering(AE), and Associates in Teacher Preparation (ATP).This ensures that their credits transfer smoothly, allowing them to continue their educational journey with ease. With NCWU’s one-of-a-kind pathway for AAS degrees, students can transfer in a total of 75 semester hours. Benefit – applies for all AAS credits directly towards 120 bachelor’s degree required hours but further reduces remaining credits needed at NCWU by allowing the additional 15 hours.
“North Carolina Wesleyan University is committed to supporting community college graduates and employees through flexible, affordable programs that help students reach their full potential,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NCWU. “We understand the unique challenges faced by community college students and aim to offer programs that fit their needs and schedules, allowing them to balance work, family, and education.”
NCWU not only supports community college graduates, but also extends special tuition rates to community college employees, making it more affordable for them to further their education and advance their careers. The University’s online and hybrid course options provide the flexibility working professionals need, allowing them to complete coursework at their own pace while balancing other responsibilities.
In addition to affordable tuition, NCWU offers a wide range of support services, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services, to ensure that students receive the guidance and resources needed for a smooth transition and successful completion of their bachelor’s degree. These services are offered on their community college campus with dedicated office hours, avoiding the extra step of them having to come to Wesleyan.
As NC Wesleyan continues to expand its partnership with community colleges, the University remains dedicated to providing personalized educational experiences for students from all backgrounds. With a focus on flexibility, affordability, and student success, NCWU is helping build a brighter future for North Carolina’s community college graduates and employees.
Two NCWU Students to Intern at Pfizer
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University and Pfizer recently formed a partnership that will provide hands-on learning opportunities to NCWU students majoring in science. Through the work of Dr. Daniel Elias, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, and Dr. Molly Wyatt, Associate Provost, Pfizer will establish a new student fellowship program beginning in the spring 2023 semester.
“Pfizer’s purpose – ‘Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives’ – is best reflected in the people whom we serve. Our success in achieving our purpose can be accomplished only by finding and cultivating the best talent. Pfizer’s collaboration with NCWU demonstrates both our commitment to our purpose and to community outreach,” stated Kara Price, Ph.D., Vice President, Rocky Mount Site Lead. “NCWU students gain real-world experience, while Pfizer can continue to source excellent talent. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
NCWU students, Rheanna Wilder and Mauro Infante, will be the first two student fellows at Pfizer through this partnership. Rheanna is a senior, women’s soccer player majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. Mauro, a sophomore from Uruguay, is also a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Dr. Joe Lane, NCWU Provost, noted that “This partnership with Pfizer demonstrates the power of Wesleyan’s personal, practical and purpose-driven education. Wesleyan students will have the opportunity to take what they have learned in our lecture halls and labs and apply it to real-world problems with Pfizer’s professionals. We know that Rheanna and Mauro will be the first of many Wesleyan students to build their network and resumés at Pfizer. They will do great work and we look forward to highlighting their experiences.”
During their time at Pfizer, both students will have the opportunity to gain experience in multiple areas. This includes regulatory compliance related activities, Lean/IMEx projects, training and instructional design, science-related laboratory activities, employee performance improvement projects and operational excellence support.
About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.
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.
