When Matthew Tiller walked across the stage at North Carolina Wesleyan University’s commencement in May 2025, he carried more than his own dreams. As a first-generation college student, he carried the hopes of his entire family.
“Being the first in my family to attend college means breaking a barrier and opening a door that was never there before, “Tiller shared. “It feels like I’ve paved a new way for my family, not just for myself.”
Tiler, who double-majored in English and Psychology, admitted that the journey was not easy. His family, though proud, did not know how to help navigate applications, deadlines, or financial aid. “Honestly, they didn’t really know how to support me, so college became a learning environment for both me and my family,” he said.
He isn’t alone. For fellow first-generation student Tamiya Rooks, a Biomedical Science major with a focus in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, the experience has also been about perseverance. “For me, being a first-generation college student means that I have managed to beat the odds,” Rooks said. “To my parents, it means that they did an amazing job with raising their children and get to see her grow more. Making them immensely proud.”
At Wesleyan, Tiller found mentors who guided him through. Professors in the English program offered academic and personal support, while supervisors in the Financial Aid office helped him grow into a leader. “Working there was more than a paycheck, it was mentorship,” he said. ‘I know I would not be the leader I am without their guidance.”
Rooks echoed that feeling of support. “Being the first in my family to go to college, I wanted a community that believed in my potential and would give me the resources to succeed, and Wesleyan offered that,” she said.
Faculty and staff play a vital role in this culture. Paige Wells, Director of the Campus Experience, knows the challenges first-generation students face because she lived them herself. “As someone who was a first-generation college student, I fully believe my personal experiences have uniquely equipped me to support students from similar backgrounds with greater empathy and intentionality,” she said. “To me, this work is more than just a job—it’s a personal mission.” Wells also notes that misconceptions about the financial side of college often discourage families. “It’s not because they don’t care—it’s simply a lack of information and familiarity with the process. That’s why it’s so important to create welcoming spaces where students and families feel safe asking questions and getting honest guidance.”
That sense of belonging doesn’t end with graduation. Wesley Mercer, now a Helpdesk Technician at NCWU, once stood where today’s first-generation students do. “I feel like a lot of people are overwhelmed or scared of the idea of going to college. When I first started as a student, the staff and faculty were much more helpful than I originally thought,” he reflected.
Today, Mercer is proud to be part of the institution that helped him succeed. “I am excited that I get to be a ‘piece of the pie’ that is Wesleyan. It is amazing to be on the other side of the institution that meant so much to me as a student. It is almost surreal to see things from the other side.”
For Mercer, the highlight of his journey remains graduation. “Knowing that I finally did it is still my proudest moment,” he said. “Even as a staff member, I always really enjoy getting to go to graduation and seeing students get their diplomas.”
Both Tiller and Rooks admit the challenges were real. For Tiller, it meant forging ahead without a roadmap. For Rooks, it meant leaving home and stepping into the unknown. “Applying to college was the easy part really, but preparing for it was the most difficult,” she reflected. “It’s never easy to leave your home and family to go to a new place, even if it is for your benefit.”
Despite the obstacles, each points to proud milestones. Tiller cites leadership awards and internships. Rooks highlights completing her first year and joining the lacrosse team, something she had dreamed of for years. “I’ve made so many new friends who are really like family to me now, and that means so much,” she said.
Nearly 45% of Wesleyan’s student population are first-generation college students. Many faculty and staff were once first-generation themselves, making them uniquely able to mentor students like Tiller and Rooks. Wells notes that one of the biggest barriers is simply understanding the process. “One of the biggest misconceptions about college is the financial aspect, especially from the perspective of families who haven’t navigated the process before,” she said. “Many families don’t fully understand the true cost of attendance or know what questions to ask when comparing schools, which can unintentionally limit the options they consider. It’s not because they don’t care, it’s simply a lack of information and familiarity with the process. For any student, especially a first-generation student, the process can be overwhelming, and that’s why it’s so important to create welcoming spaces where students and their families feel comfortable and safe asking questions and getting honest, clear guidance.”
Looking ahead, Rooks hopes to become a veterinarian, serving her community by protecting and healing animals. “I want to show my family that dreams can be reached with dedication, and I hope to make them proud by turning my passion into a way to help others,” she said.
Supporting first-generation students is not just part of Wesleyan’s mission. It is woven into the fabric of who the university is. With nearly half its students blazing new trails, every diploma represents resilience, mentorship, and opportunity.
As Tiller puts it: “Take that leap! Do it! Be brave! The challenges are worth it, and you will always come out on top.”
Employees Turn Tuition Perk into Diplomas
Director of Campus Safety, Controller, Sports Information Director, and Accounts Payable Specialist give the inside scoop on graduating with a discount.
At North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU), employees aren’t just shaping student success—they’re living it. Through the University’s generous tuition discount program, eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependent children can pursue undergraduate degrees tuition-free. This 100% tuition discount opens doors for families to grow academically together, while also inspiring a culture of lifelong learning across campus. For those looking to advance even further, discounts are also available for graduate coursework, making it easier than ever for staff and faculty to sharpen their skills, earn advanced credentials, or pivot into new fields. At NC Wesleyan, education is not just a benefit—it’s a shared journey.
We interviewed just a few who have taken advantage of this benefit and the results are telling.
Meet Wayne Sears, Director of Campus Safety. Mr. Sears has worked at Wesleyan for nine years and in May 2023 received a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, due to his desire of “wanting the option to teach in the field of Criminal Justice and wanting to understand what the educational environment is like for our NCWU student family”.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
Don’t put off post-graduate work. A Master’s Degree now separates educational accomplishment and knowledge in the workforce. Wesleyan’s Criminal Justice Program is a structured progressive program from beginning to end.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
Great! I could text, email, or call them often on their cell phones. Which I did, and they always responded. I am friends with several of them to this day.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
Having been in the Criminal Justice field since I was twenty years old gave me a complex that I had to do exceptionally well. That was a personal challenge to me. I was awarded the Outstanding MSCJ Student award backed with a perfect 4.0 GPA and that was extremely satisfying!
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Well. Worth It.
Teikisha Anderson, Controller and employee of over eleven years, is currently obtaining a Master of Strategic Leadership Degree and plans to graduate in May 2025. Her motivation was enhanced once receiving a promotion into a leadership position on campus and feels that this degree will equip her with the essential skills necessary to become an innovative and effective leader.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
Do it! The Graduate Programs are designed and structured to meet the needs of the average working adult. With effective time management and dedication, they can successfully balance home, work, and academic responsibilities. While some temporary sacrifices may be necessary, the overall achievements and benefits will be worth it.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
Working at NC Wesleyan has allowed me to connect with some of my professors on a professional level. However, as a staff member, I do not receive any preferential treatment regarding my classes or expectations. While I am familiar with some professors, many of them are adjuncts whom I have never met personally. Regardless, my experiences with my professors have been overwhelmingly positive. They communicate effectively and respond to my questions and concerns. Even in taking all online classes, the smaller class sizes allow professors to address any issues, confusion, or concerns promptly, which I can truly appreciate.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
My proudest moment will be walking across that stage wearing that hooded regalia but that has yet to come; however, for now, I am proud of myself for pushing forward every day and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I am slightly obsessed with and committed to doing my absolute best in all that I do. I am committed to this academic journey and that in itself is my proudest accomplishment.
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
God’s Got Me!
Entering his sixth year at Wesleyan, Bayden Collins is Wesleyan’s Sports Information Director. He received his Master of Business Administration Degree in December 2024. Collins was self-motivated to obtain a Master’s Degree from a very early age and feels that it will greatly help him in his career of administration in collegiate athletics.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
I would highly recommend the Graduate Program while working at NCWU because there is no better place that you can obtain a degree in one year online while working at the same time. I am extremely blessed to say I earned my MBA at the age of 22 and Wesleyan afforded me that opportunity.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
While I was online, I still felt a very close relationship with my professors. Whenever I needed something, I could call or email them at any time if I ever needed anything. Also, each professor would do a beginning-of-the-week video/lecture where you felt like you were in the classroom which led to an awesome learning experience!
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
I was especially proud at the hooding ceremony when I saw Coach Denton, Mr. Mike Armbruster, and Coach Thompson outside the Dunn Center waiting to congratulate me. It meant a lot, and I am glad to work with such great people!
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Rewarding, Challenging, Enlightening
DeOnna Wilson worked at Wesleyan in the Business Office for four years before she accepted her current role as an Accounts Payable Specialist. She completed her Master of Business Administration in 2023 with the support of her family and “work family”. Wilson learned that it was essential to never be afraid of asking questions, as “seeking help can lead to growth and understanding”.
What advice do you have for people considering Wesleyan graduate school while working?
For those pursuing Graduate School while working, mastering time management and establishing a realistic schedule is essential. Prioritize your tasks and confidently seek clarification from professors whenever necessary—they are there to support you. Don’t forget to include breaks in your schedule; maintaining a healthy balance between work and study is crucial for your success.
How would you describe your relationships with your professors?
I had varied relationships with my professors during my studies. With the professors I connected with, I fI had varied relationships with my professors during my studies. I found myself emailing some professors almost every other day to clarify assignments or projects. They were incredibly supportive and always willing to go the extra mile to assist me. Whenever they were on campus, they would take the time to meet with me, walking me through my mistakes and helping me understand the material better. I appreciated their pride in my efforts to learn, and their quick responses to my emails made it even easier to seek help. It truly made a difference in my learning experience.
Was there a moment you felt especially proud of your accomplishment?
The moment I felt a wave of pride for my accomplishment was when I walked across that stage to receive my diploma. Seeing all my family and work family there, beaming with smiles as I crossed that stage, made the achievement even more special. I completed my Master’s Degree despite the doubts I faced at the beginning and the many nights filled with tears questioning whether I could pull it off. In the end, it was all worth it, as I not only passed all my classes but also got to celebrate this significant milestone with my loved ones.
Describe your graduate school journey in 3 words.
Determined. Nervous. Time Management.
