In a world that is changing faster than ever, one thing remains constant: the importance of education that is personal, purposeful, and practical. For nearly seven decades, North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has stood as a cornerstone of opportunity in our community, offering students of all backgrounds a chance to learn, grow, and build brighter futures right here at home.
As Wesleyan celebrates its 69th year, we are reminded that being a university isn’t just about classrooms and degrees, it’s about people. It is about helping each student find their place, their passion, and their purpose. At NCWU, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized, holistic experience that meets students where they are, whether that means starting with a short-term certificate, pursuing a professional enhancement program, or committing to a four-year degree. Every student’s journey looks different, and we believe that is something to celebrate.
We are also proud to be leaving a legacy of lifelong learning. From first-generation students to adult learners returning to finish their degrees, Wesleyan continues to be the hometown hub for education, one that grows and evolves with the needs of our community.
Growth and Adaptation
And wow do we continue to grow! With the launch of programs like our Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the School of Health Sciences, Wesleyan is answering the call to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our commitment to excellence is being recognized. Our recent U.S. News and World Report rankings are the highest they have been in a decade, and initiatives like the Bishop Mentoring Alliance are helping students connect their education to real-world guidance and mentorship.
As times evolve, so do we. Wesleyan is committed to progressing with the ever-changing world, equipping students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce. From integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy into our curriculum to offering real-world learning experiences through internships and innovation-driven programs, we are preparing our graduates to thrive in a technology-focused and globally connected society.
Accesible and Affordable
What makes Wesleyan truly special, though, is our promise to make education accessible and affordable. We believe quality learning should never be out of reach, and through scholarships, flexible learning options, and dedicated support systems, we are making that belief a reality every day.
So why does Wesleyan still matter? Because we are more than a university, we are your local pathway to success, your partner in growth, and your neighbor in lifetime learning. Whether you are earning your first degree, changing careers, or simply exploring a passion, Wesleyan is here for you, rooted in tradition, ready for the future, and committed to helping you reach your goals.
NCWU Walks & Talks with Twin-County Partners
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly participated in the Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership (S.T.E.P.) Education and Business Leaders’ Summit held Thursday morning at partner Nash Community College. The annual event was convened by representatives from local businesses, K-12, schools, and higher education to strengthen collaboration between education and industry.
The summit featured three dynamic panel discussions, each addressing critical topics on workforce development and preparing students for success. Conversations highlighted the importance of creating awareness of opportunities early and equipping young people with essential soft skills that make them more qualified and adaptable in the workplace.
Dr. Evan D. Duff, President of NC Wesleyan University, served on the panel “How Our Colleges Are Keeping Pace with Employer Demand.” He spoke on the University’s commitment to aligning programs with workforce needs, specifically spotlighting the recent demand for more healthcare professionals in the region. Dr. Duff emphasized NCWU’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as a direct response to that need.
“As the hometown university in our community’s backyard, we are committed to meeting employer demand while providing students with a strong investment,” said Dr. Duff. “Our BSN program is one example of how NCWU is responding to the needs of our region while equipping students for long-term success.”
Mary Cat Weloff ’21 & ’23, Coordinator of Gifts & Information at NCWU, also represented the University on the panel “Return on Engagement: Why Investing in Youth Talent Pays Off.” Speaking on the value of listening to and learning from the incoming generation, Weloff encouraged employers to remain open-minded.
“When young professionals bring in new perspectives, it doesn’t mean they are trying to change everything,” Weloff shared. “It’s about embracing fresh ideas that can make organizations stronger and more adaptable.”
By engaging in this important dialogue, NC Wesleyan University reaffirmed its role as a collaborative partner in the Twin Counties, working alongside businesses, schools, and community leaders to ensure that local students are prepared to thrive.
NCWU Holds First White Coat Ceremony for Nursing Students
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated a historic milestone as it hosted its inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 28, in Powers Auditorium, honored NCWU’s Fall 2025 BSN cohort as they embark on their journey into the nursing profession.
The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in healthcare education, symbolizing a student’s commitment to compassionate, ethical, and patient-centered care. Each student received a white coat, marking their transition from classroom study to clinical training.
The program included opening remarks from NCWU President, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and a blessing of the hands by Reverend Edwin Ferguson, reminding students of the sacred responsibility nurses hold in caring for others. Nurse faculty members: Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Dr. Lesley McGraw, Dr. Christina Jones-Hooker, Dr. Consuela Blazes, and Mrs. Tara Ballard, were also recognized for their leadership and dedication to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The ceremony concluded with students reciting both the White Coat Ceremony Oath and the Academic Integrity Oath, pledging their commitment to uphold the highest standards of nursing practice and professional ethics.
Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs at NCWU, expressed her pride in this milestone: “This ceremony is not just about receiving a white coat, it’s about embracing the values of compassion, respect, and integrity that define the nursing profession. Our students are stepping into a calling that will not only transform their lives but also the lives of the countless patients and families they will serve. We are so grateful for the donors and community partners who helped make this program and this moment possible.”
NCWU’s BSN program was made possible thanks to the generous support of community partners and donors, including the Golden LEAF Foundation, UNC Nash Hospital, Cannon Foundation, and several others. Their contributions have provided the resources necessary for state-of-the-art facilities, simulation labs, and scholarships that help shape the future of nursing in Eastern North Carolina and beyond.
The Fall 2025 BSN cohort includes: Courtney Cox, Maya Dari, Mya Hayun, Brandy Massey, Taylor Skinner, Maria Gabriella Villasmil, and Victoria Gomez.
For more information about NCWU’s Nursing Program, visit https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
NCWU Launches New Nursing Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated Nursing Program, housed in a newly renovated, cutting-edge facility designed to foster excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. With the first cohort of students set to begin this fall, the program marks a transformative milestone in the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The new building, located beside the main campus, is fully equipped with all the modern resources and technology required to support student success – ranging from advanced simulation labs to collaborative learning spaces. Purposefully designed with every detail in mind, the facility offers a dynamic, hands-on environment that mirrors real-world clinical settings. It stands as a symbol of progress and possibility, not only for NCWU but for the broader community it serves.
“This building is more than just bricks and mortar,” said Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives. “It represents a labor of love from numerous community partners who recognized the need for more skilled nurses in our region and came together to help make this vision a reality.”
The nursing program is being spearheaded by a dedicated team of experienced professionals (L-R):
- Dr. Lesley McGraw, Associate Director of Nursing Programs and Director of the BSN Program
- Dr. Consuela Blaizes, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Christa Jones-Hooker, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and Initiatives
Together, this dynamic faculty brings a wealth of knowledge, clinical expertise, and a shared passion for student-centered learning.
In another significant development, NCWU is pleased to share that its institutional accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has been officially extended, further affirming the quality and integrity of its academic programs, including the newly established Nursing Program.
With the doors now open and excitement building, NC Wesleyan’s Nursing Program is set to play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Eastern North Carolina and beyond. Sign up today at https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
NCWU Honors Calvin Davenport, Inc. for Nursing Building Renovation
North Carolina Wesleyan (NCWU) proudly welcomed Richard Davenport, President & Project Manager, and Doug Broughton, Vice President of Operations and Development, of Calvin Davenport, Inc. back to campus this week to express gratitude for their outstanding work in the recent renovation to the University’s Nursing Building.
The visit celebrated not only the successful completion of a complex project but also recognized a long-standing relationship between the Davenport Family and Wesleyan. Richard Davenport’s family has been dedicated supporters of the University for many years, with a scholarship named in honor of his grandparents, Taswell and Fidelia Griffin Endowed Scholarship Fund, continuing to support Wesleyan students.
Throughout the renovation process, the Calvin Davenport, Inc. team collaborated closely with Suzanne Brackett ’87, Senior Vice President of Administration, delivering the project ahead of schedule with unmatched quality and professionalism. One of the most unique challenges faced during the renovation was the removal of the massive vault from the building’s former life as a bank. When asked about this task, Doug Broughton shared, “Removing the vault within 90 days was definitely one of the most unique and rewarding parts of the entire renovation.”
To commemorate this impactful partnership, a plaque has been installed in the building’s lobby, permanently recognizing Calvin Davenport, Inc. for their dedication and craftsmanship in transforming the space into a state-of-the-art facility for nursing education.
“We are deeply grateful for the diligence, care, and partnership with Richard, Doug, and the entire Calvin Davenport, Inc. team brought to this project,” said Suzanne Brackett. “Their work not only created a state-of-the-art learning environment but also honors the Wesleyan tradition of investing in our students’ futures.”
NCWU Celebrates an Open House Ceremony for New Nursing Facility
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) proudly celebrated the upcoming launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program, set to welcome its first cohort in Fall 2025. To mark this milestone, the University hosted a private Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, April 10, 2025, on its Rocky Mount campus.
The event welcomed generous donors, University leadership, and community partners for an exclusive preview of the state-of-the-art nursing facilities. This was only possible with generous partnerships such as: Golden LEAF Foundation, UNC Nash Hospital, Cannon Foundation, The Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, Daniel and Brenda Crocker, Paul and Leslie Bauer, Lonnie and Carol Poole Family Foundation, Southern Bank Foundation, State of North Carolina Treasury, Rocky Mount Community Foundation, Gerald and Melia Cox, and Guardian Corporation. Attendees had the opportunity to tour newly designed classrooms, faculty offices, simulation labs, study areas, and break rooms—all tailored to support the next generation of nursing professionals.
Special remarks were shared by NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff, who noted, “Five years ago we started making plans to launch a BSN Program and we were able to bring those plans to fruition with important hires, and the support of our community and dedicated donors.” underscoring the impact and importance of this new program to the region. He shared how the facility began as bank facility, was then donated to Wesleyan, and has since then been utilized for other purposes. It was decided that it would become Wesleyan’s mission to “focus all energy on converting this building to a state-of-the- art Nursing Education Facility”.
The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon cutting, symbolizing the beginning of an exciting new chapter in NCWU’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and serving the needs of eastern North Carolina.
A second Open House will be held on Wednesday, April 16, for faculty, staff, and other invited guests to view the facilities and learn more about the BSN program.
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NCWU, please visit https://ncwu.edu/academics/majors-minors/nursing/.
NCWU Announces New Prelicensure BSN Program
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the expansion of its Nursing Program with the addition of a Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This comprehensive four-year program is set to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2025, with applications being accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025. Admission decisions will be finalized by June 1, paving the way for selected students to begin in the fall semester.
The new 4-year program is designed to provide a seamless educational pathway for aspiring nurses. Freshman and sophomore years will focus on completing prerequisites and general education requirements. Students will then apply for admission to the nursing program at the end of their sophomore year. Upon acceptance, students will dedicate their junior and senior years to nursing-specific coursework and clinical experiences. Transfer students are also welcome to apply, with the flexibility to complete prerequisite courses at other institutions before transferring to NCWU.
Wesleyan’s current RN-to-BSN program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the university intends to seek accreditation for the new prelicensure program as well. Entirely donor-funded through partnerships with local and state organizations, the program reflects a strong investment from the surrounding community in its success.
Leading the initiative are Dr. Crystal Ostheim, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, BP-C, CNE, Director of Nursing Programs, and Dr. Lesley Gillian McGraw, DNP, RN, CNE, Prelicensure BSN Program Director. Additionally, two experienced nursing educators will join the team starting February 1, further bolstering the program’s academic and clinical expertise.
The new nursing program will utilize NCWU’s state-of-the-art simulation and skills lab, featuring high-fidelity and medium-fidelity simulation manikins, task trainers, and a mock hospital room. These facilities are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in a realistic clinical environment. The program also boasts advanced classroom technology, group study rooms, and flexible lab access for students who wish to hone their skills further. To enhance clinical simulation experiences, the program will incorporate cutting-edge reality and AI technology.
Grounded in creativity and innovation, NCWU’s Prelicensure BSN program is tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles, making the educational experience both engaging and realistic.
If you have any specific questions regarding the new 4-year program, contact Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs, at COstheim@ncwu.edu. Applications will be accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025.
Nursing Program Awarded Funds for Expansion
North Carolina Wesleyan University has been awarded $500,000 in funding by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors. These funds will be utilized to renovate a campus building that will house a new baccalaureate nursing program. READ MORE >
NC Wesleyan joins RN-to- BSN Articulation agreement with Community Colleges
NC Wesleyan University has signed an agreement that will make it easier for registered nurses to transfer their community college credits to Wesleyan in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
NC Wesleyan University is the 13th private college in the state to sign the RN to BSN articulation agreement between North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the NC Community College System. The agreement was established specifically to address the growing need for highly qualified nursing professionals.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
Wesleyan’s New RN to BSN Program Receives Official Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce that its new RN to BSN program has received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January. The University began accepting applications for the program this spring, with classes set to begin in the fall.
The 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months.
“These are exciting times at North Carolina Wesleyan University with the introduction of nursing to our Adult & Professional Studies programs. It’s never been a better time to advance in the field of nursing and work towards transforming healthcare for the betterment of those receiving our services,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program. “The faculty and staff stand ready to help prospective students succeed and cheer you on throughout the RN to BSN journey here at NCWU.” NC Wesleyan has also received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. For more information on the RN to BSN program and to apply, visit ncwu.edu/rn-to-bsn.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
