ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center, announces the appointment of Jan Sullivan-Volz as the new Art Curator for The Mims and Gravely Galleries. Jan replaces Greg Purcell who served as part-time Art Curator and Lighting Designer for the past three years.
“Greg accepted a position in Greenville, NC to be closer to his new home. He was an invaluable part of our team and we wish him all the best in his new endeavor. As we begin a new journey, we are excited to welcome Jan to The Dunn Center staff. She brings a wealth of experience to our group and is an active part of the art community locally and state-wide,” stated Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center.
Jan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and has taught art at schools in Roanoke Rapids and Weldon, North Carolina. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Art Department at North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Jan, and The Dunn Center’s entire staff, will be working diligently in the coming months to continue preparation for the opening of Bob Ross “Fantastic Little Paintings” showing November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. The newly-renovated Mims and Gravely Galleries will also feature six other exciting exhibits this year. To view the schedule, please visit ncwu.edu/artgalleries.
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
NCWU Appoints Interim Director of Career Development
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University recently announced the designation of Tanisha Reed as the Interim Director of Career Development. Ms. Reed has been serving NCWU since July 2022 in her role with AppleOne, a recruitment firm of the ActOne Group. Now, she will also direct the activities and initiatives of the University’s Office of Career Development & Leadership. This includes career development education, strategic initiatives pertaining to industry partnerships and alumni career connections, data tracking and reporting, and one-on-one student services.
“We strive to equip students with the practical skills that they need to enter the workforce as highly-productive candidates leading to a rewarding career,” stated Dr. Molly Wyatt, Associate Provost. “The University is grateful for the generosity of AppleOne and ActOne in donating Tanisha’s time to serving our students and directing this very important division of NCWU.”
In March 2021, NC Wesleyan announced an agreement with the ActOne Group, a global workforce solutions leader based in California with operations in North Carolina, to provide extensive career development services for current students and alumni. Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the ActOne Group, is a native of Tarboro, NC and also an NC Wesleyan Board Member. As a courtesy to the University, ActOne’s team of professionals work alongside NC Wesleyan’s Office of Career Development & Leadership to enhance internships, career development, plus job placement for Wesleyan students and graduates.
In addition to her work with AppleOne and NCWU’s Office of Career Development & Leadership, Ms. Reed also volunteers her time in an advisory role with NCWU’s National Society of Leadership and Success and is ushering a cohort of approximately 60 students through the leadership program this fall.
A New Jersey native, Reed holds an M.S. in Human and Social Services from Walden University and an A.S. and B.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University. She is actively working to receive a certificate in Evidence-Based Coaching that she will complete this fall.
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.
North Carolina Wesleyan University Announces New Provost
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – On Wednesday, June 15, North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomed its new Provost, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Lane. Dr. Lane comes to Wesleyan from Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia where he held the position of Provost and Dean of Faculty.
As an academic administrator at Bethany, Lane was responsible for a broad portfolio including all of the college’s academic programs, student success and retention initiatives, career development, study abroad and accreditation. He played a leading role in creating new programs (including three master’s degree programs), which were connected to admissions and retention strategies. He also led an initiative that resulted in more than a 12% improvement in fall-to-fall retention over a three-year period.
Prior to coming to Bethany, Lane served 17 years on the faculty of Emory & Henry College where he held the Hawthorne Professor of Politics and served as an instructor, department chair and founding director of the College Honors Program. Lane has also held faculty appointments at Bowdoin College and Hampden-Sydney College. He earned his B.A. in Classical Studies and Political Science at Hampden-Sydney and his Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College.
“Dr. Lane’s extensive background in private higher education, paired with his vast skillset, make him an excellent asset to NC Wesleyan University. I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop personal, practical and purpose-driven initiatives positioning Wesleyan, and our students, with a brighter future,” stated President, Dr. Evan D. Duff.
In his role as Provost, Dr. Lane will serve as Chief Academic Officer overseeing academic and student affairs. This includes Student Life, Residence Life, academic programs, faculty, Registrar’s office, Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library and institutional research. Lane will work with Division Chairs and faculty leaders to maintain appropriate and up-to-date academic programs and curricula. He will also advise the President on all matters concerning University-wide planning, policy and operations, while establishing measures of institutional effectiveness and progress.
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.
New Graphic Designer Joins NCWU Marketing
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University welcomes Judie Taylor as Graphic Designer. Taylor has gained comprehensive graphic design experience over the last five years in various roles throughout the country and as a freelance designer.
In her new role with NC Wesleyan’s Office of Marketing & Communications, Taylor will be responsible for the design, development and execution of both digital and print marketing. She will also develop new, fresh and distinctive ideas for departmental projects used across a wide variety of platforms to communicate and market the value of NC Wesleyan University. In addition, she will maintain vendor partnerships to ensure quality and timely production of materials, collaborating with them throughout the various phases of a project.
“Attractive graphic design gains high brand visibility,” stated Crystal Hill, NC Wesleyan Director of Marketing and Communications. “The Office of Marketing & Communications provides services to support the advancement of the University’s brand. We’re always striving to develop new, innovative concepts to help tell the story of Wesleyan. Expanding our team brings a new perspective, fresh ideas and growth opportunity. We’re thrilled to have Judie join our team and to continue raising the bar.”
Most recently, Taylor worked for Vida Shoes International as the Marketing Graphic Designer where she designed packaging, catalogs and other print materials for children’s brands such as Stride Rite, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh. She also established branding for new product launches and campaigns and created in-store fixture mock-ups for pitch decks. Taylor is a native of, and currently resides in, Rocky Mount, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
