North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce it has been named a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Gold Top 10 School, earning the impressive #2 national ranking in the category of “Private Institutions Not Offering Doctorate Degrees.” In addition, NCWU has been ranked #1 as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Military Spouse Friendly School—a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to military-connected students and their families.
These prestigious designations reflect NCWU’s dedication to fostering an environment where veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Out of more than 1,800 participating institutions, only 830 earned special recognition for going above and beyond in serving military students. Rankings were determined through a combination of public data, proprietary surveys, and rigorous assessment criteria including student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan default rates—specifically for military and veteran students.
“At North Carolina Wesleyan University, we are deeply grateful for the service and sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and their families,” said Laura Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services. “These designations reaffirm our mission to support military-connected students through accessible education, dedicated resources, and a community that recognizes and honors their unique experiences.”
One such example of this support is Nicholas and Amelia Hosine, a Bishop couple and U.S. Army veterans who are now pursuing their degrees in Organizational Leadership at NCWU with plans to graduate in December 2025. Having transferred from Wake Tech Community College, they found the University’s flexible online programs and transfer-friendly pathways ideal for balancing academics and family life.
“The transition from military to college life was both challenging and rewarding,” Nicholas shared. “NCWU provided a welcoming environment where I felt supported from the moment I applied. The advisors, faculty, and staff have gone above and beyond to ensure student veterans are set up for success.”
The Hosines highlight NCWU’s quarterly class schedule as a key benefit—keeping them focused, engaged, and moving steadily toward their goals. They credit their time in service with instilling discipline and leadership, while Wesleyan has sharpened their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. “The combination of military experience and a Wesleyan education is preparing us for impactful careers where we can lead, support others, and continue to grow,” Nicholas added.
When asked what it meant to them to attend an institution that received these rankings, Nicholas responded “I truly believe NCWU deserves this award and I am proud to be part of a school that values and supports military-affiliated students. the support I have received throughout the registration process and while working with advisors has been outstanding. Everyone has been helpful, understanding, and committed to student success, especially for veterans.”
The full list of recognized institutions will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and at MilitaryFriendly.com.
Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly®, stated, “Institutions that earn these distinctions show true commitment to the success of military students and their families. They set a benchmark for excellence and help raise the bar across higher education.”
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly ® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
As NCWU prepares the next generation of leaders, it remains steadfast in its mission to meet students where they are—whether in a classroom, online, or transitioning from military service to civilian life.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. ®
About Military Friendly ® Schools:
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory:
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
NCWU Earns 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School Gold Designation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announced today that it has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School Gold designation.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.
The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.
“I am excited that North Carolina Wesleyan University has received the Military Friendly Gold designation once again this year. At NCWU, we understand the sacrifices that veterans and their families make for our great Country and recognize the difficulties that come with transitioning into civilian life. Receiving the Military Friendly Gold designation demonstrates our commitment to continuously assist military-connected students by increasing support and offering acknowledgement at every opportunity,” stated Laura Brown Brown, Associate Dean of Veteran Services.
“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®
NC Wesleyan offers a 10% discount on tuition to all active-duty military students, veterans and their spouses. To learn more about the educational resources available to active duty personnel, veterans and those related to veterans or active duty personnel, visit ncwu.edu/veterans.
About Military Friendly® Schools:
The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at militaryfriendly.com.
About Viqtory:
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial
opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
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.
Wesleyan Staff Named to 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame
Lt. Col. James Mercer US Army (Ret.)
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Lt. Col. James Mercer, US Army (Ret.) was recently named as one of twelve to be inducted into the 2018 Twin County Hall of Fame. He will be honored during the 15th Annual Induction Banquet at the Rocky Mount Event Center on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Mercer is currently the Director of Military Studies at NC Wesleyan University and also coordinates the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for the college. Lt. Col. James Mercer was born in Edgecombe County and raised in Nash County. He joined the US Army after graduating from North Edgecombe High School. He retired with 30 years of military service in the US Army, US Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. During his distinguished civilian career, he served in multiple roles including: police officer and firefighter for the City of Rocky Mount, Deputy Fire Marshal for Nash County Emergency Services, Public Safety Instructor at Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges, Director of Public Safety Training for Nash Community College, Director of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal for Edgecombe County, Director of Emergency Management for Fayetteville State University and later for the City of Raleigh, where he retired in 2012.
“This is a big deal for me and pretty cool, I must say. What an incredible honor it is to be recognized by my community. I want to thank all those who mentored me, impacted me and helped me along the way. It was a village that got Lt. Col. (Ret) James Mercer from Battleboro, North Carolina, to where I am today,” stated Mercer.
The Twin County Museum and Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate the history, culture, people and accomplishments of Edgecombe and Nash counties in eastern North Carolina. For more information about the Twin County Hall of Fame and for tickets to the 15th Annual Induction Banquet, visit www.tchof.org.
