North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated the accomplishments of more than 360 graduates during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Rocky Mount Event Center. The ceremony marked the University’s 86th graduating class and welcomed more than 2,000 attendees, including graduates, faculty, platform party members, and guests.
The ceremony opened with an invocation by University Chaplain Rev. Edwin Ferguson, followed by a performance of the national anthem by NCWU alumna Latisha Scott ’06.
NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff welcomed graduates and guests, congratulating the Class of 2026 and emphasizing the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.
“Your degree is provided by an institution which seeks not only to dispense knowledge and develop the habits for lifelong learning, but also expects its graduates to be responsible citizens, contributors to the common good and individuals who care about others,” Duff said. “As we celebrate together, we acknowledge the obligations all of us have to help bring about a better world.”
Keynote Address
The Commencement address was delivered by Jessica Daniels Harrison ’10, a proud NCWU alumna and public servant currently serving as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon. Harrison made history as the first woman elected mayor of Zebulon. She was appointed to the town’s Board of Commissioners in February 2022, elected as a commissioner in November 2023, and later elected mayor in November 2025.
Harrison encouraged graduates to recognize their accomplishments and the perseverance that brought them to Commencement Day.
“Today is a day of celebration. A day of reflection. And a day of crossing over,” Harrison said. “Graduates—today, you didn’t just complete a program… you proved something to yourself. And I stand here not just as your commencement speaker… but as someone who once sat exactly where you are.”
Harrison challenged graduates to become “catalysts” for change, reminding them that success is strengthened through community and connection. She urged the Class of 2026 to advocate for others, reach back to support those following behind them, and remain connected to their purpose and their NCWU community.
Awards & Honors
Following the keynote address, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joe Lane presented the Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Emily Weber, Associate Professor of Biology, recognizing outstanding commitment to student learning, civility, value-centered education, and service to both students and the broader community.
Several student honors were also presented during the ceremony. Jillian Alexis Stone received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies strong character, leadership, service, and commitment to spiritual values.
The President’s Cup Award was presented to Emily Foraker, honoring a senior who demonstrates the highest standards of academic achievement and the qualities considered most desirable in a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Upon recommendation of the Honorary Degree Committee and approval of the NCWU Board of Trustees, Harrison was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her leadership and service.
The ceremony included a special tribute honoring Joshua Gregory Moore, who passed away on April 9, 2022. Moore was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Information Systems. University officials recognized his resilience, compassion, and servant leadership, honoring his memory and the impact he made on those around him.
For those unable to attend in person, the event was livestreamed and recorded. The full Commencement ceremony is available for viewing at ncwu.edu.
Photos from commencement can be found here: https://gradphotos.ncwc.edu/.
Meet NCWU’s 2026 Commencement Speaker: Jessica Harrison ’10
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) will proudly celebrate its 62nd Spring Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, honoring the academic achievements of more than 330 graduates as they complete their Wesleyan journeys and prepare for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
The ceremony will bring together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for one of the University’s most meaningful traditions. Commencement serves as both a celebration of student accomplishment and a reflection of NCWU’s commitment to personalized education, mentorship, and community engagement.
“This moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and hard work by our students,” said Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University. “Commencement is not only a milestone for our graduates, but also a celebration for the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and professions.”
Meet the Speaker
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Jessica Daniels Harrison ‘10, a dedicated public servant, civic leader, and proud NCWU alumna. Harrison currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, making history as the first woman elected to the role. She was initially appointed to the Town’s Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and later elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner before being elected mayor in November 2025.
As mayor, Harrison is recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen families, promote economic development, and engage youth. Her leadership extends beyond local government through her service as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In 2024, she was honored with the 40 Under Impact Award by the National League of Cities.
Harrison is also the Founder and CEO of She Is ME, LLC, an organization focused on empowering women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and actively engage in their communities. Alongside her husband, she owns and operates The Harrison Institution, Inc., a nonprofit leadership development firm. Together, they also serve as Care Pastors at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.
A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University, Harrison earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology before completing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Concordia University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., and considers her greatest roles to be wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Harrison approaches leadership with integrity, compassion, and commitment to building strong, resilient communities.
The 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony promises to be a meaningful celebration of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings, honoring the Class of 2026 as they step forward to shape the future.
Pfizer Executive and Site Lead announced as NCWU Commencement Speaker
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On May 4, 2024, North Carolina Wesleyan University will celebrate its Spring Commencement with more than 300 graduates. This year’s commencement speaker will be Dr. Kara Renai King who is the Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals– Rocky Mount facility.
As Vice President and Site Lead for Pfizer, Dr. King is responsible for one of the largest sterile injectable facilities in the world, with more than 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space on 250 acres in Eastern North Carolina. Nearly 25 percent of Pfizer’s sterile injectables used in U.S. hospitals are produced at the site. A wide range of products are produced at Rocky Mount, including anesthesia, analgesia, therapeutics, anti-infectives and neuromuscular blockers. These products are available in small volume presentations, such as ampules, vials and syringes. More than 200 million units are processed at the Rocky Mount site annually to help treat patients around the world.
Dr. King holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hampton University, a Masters’s degree in Cell Biology & Biotechnology from University of the Sciences, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University.
Dr. King is recognized as an expert on leadership who has extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in both traditional and contract development manufacturing organizations. Her experience ranges from early drug product development to commercial operations. She has held leadership roles in Quality, Tech Ops and Drug Product Operations (from bulk product manufacturing to finishing). She joined Pfizer in 2021 following successful leadership roles with Minaris Regenerative Medicine and Merck.
Dr. King delivers value to organizations through her servant leadership style complimented by her strong foundation in science, strategic mindset, and the ability to create an environment that fosters joy, creativity and innovation. Hallmarks of her leadership are building high performing teams, elevating leadership capability, and delivering results.
“We are looking forward to Dr. King’s address to our Class of 2024. Under her leadership, Pfizer and NCWU have forged a strong partnership that provides extraordinary opportunities to Wesleyan’s students and graduates, and that partnership was made stronger by our shared efforts to overcome the devastation of last summer’s tornado. Dr. King’s approach to leadership and strategic vision will provide an inspiring example to our graduates,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
“I’m humbled and excited to stand before the talent of the future from NC Wesleyan University at this year’s 2024 Commencement,” noted Dr. King.
Dr. King has long demonstrated engagement in and solicitude for the community in which she lives and works. She utilizes her skills, experience and resources to invest in the local community and help others achieve their dreams. Among her many community service activities, Dr. King sits on the boards of Eastern University and the International Leadership Association (ILA), and she serves as the Treasurer for Silver Lining Sports.
Alum Keynote Speaker at Wesleyan Graduation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University will hold its Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Rocky Mount Event Center located at 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount. Graduates must arrive by 8:30 a.m. dressed in cap and gown to check in.This week, Wesleyan announced its 2019 commencement speaker will be Tony Stroud, 1983 alumnus of Wesleyan and founder of Stroud & Company, a Wilmington, NC accounting firm.
Stroud’s career began after graduating from North Carolina Wesleyan University with a degree in English. He then went on to complete the CPA candidacy program at UNC Wilmington before founding his company in 1993. As a trusted financial advisor in the Wilmington area, he works closely with individual and corporate clients, providing accounting and tax planning, as well as representing clients in tax controversy situations. Stroud is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.
“We are proud to have an accomplished alumnus return as this year’s commencement speaker,” stated North Carolina Wesleyan President, Dr. Dewey Clark. “It’s always refreshing to hear about our graduates going out and charting their own course, just as Tony has done with his company.”
When Stroud is not busy running his office, he spends time volunteering at local non-profits including the Harrelson Center, Wilmington Fire Fighters and She Rocks. A passion of his is traveling, especially touring Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 Sports venues of the 20th Century, of which he has visited eight. The 2019 commencement ceremony will be held outside and is open to the public, pending good weather. In the event of inclement weather, graduation will be moved inside at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
