Bishop Beat, March 2018

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

2018 Spring Commencement Speaker Announced

Wesleyan President Dr. Dewey Clark announced recently that Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first African American woman to run a $1 billion dollar business, will be the College's 2018 spring commencement speaker on Saturday, April 28.

Businesswoman, entrepreneur, author and Presidential Special Appointee; Howroyd is the founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a leading global corporation providing customized cutting edge workforce solutions in the human resources industry. According to Black Enterprise Magazine, she is the first African American woman to operate a company that generates more than $1 billion in annual revenue.

"It is an honor to have Ms. Howroyd as our keynote speaker, noted Clark, "She has had an amazing and interesting career. We are pleased that our students, faculty, staff and the Wesleyan community will be able to hear about her inspirational life and we look forward to welcoming her back home to eastern North Carolina."

Howroyd grew up in Tarboro as one of eleven children in her family. After earning her undergraduate degree in English from NC A&T State University, she earned her master's degree from the University of Maryland and her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.

She moved to Los Angeles in 1976 with less than $1,000 in her pocket and worked for her brother-in-law at Billboard Magazine. Armed with a host of contacts and knowledge, she launched her own company in 1978 Act-1. Today The ActOne Group operates in 22 countries and offers services via AppleOne (staffing), A-Check Global (background checks and screening), ActOne Government and AgileOne (workforce solutions for mid-market and enterprise sized companies).

Forbes recently named Howroyd one of 2017's America's Richest Self-Made Women, and Ebony Magazine placed her in their 2017 Power 100, a list of the most influential African Americans. CNBC named her fourth of fourteen black women who changed business and finance, placing her ahead of Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. Recognized by both past and current Presidential Administrations, Howroyd has been appointed and serves on a number of White House Advisory Commission Boards.

Due to the signficant enrollment growth Wesleyan has experienced in the last few years, the College will hold it's 55th commencement on the front lawn of campus to accommodate graduates and their families.

Howroyd will be recognized with an honorary degree at the event.

2018 Spring Alumni Weekend Scheduled April 7-8

Join the Bishop family for our 2018 Spring Alumni Weekend April 7th and 8th! Enjoy brunch at the newly renovated Bellemonte House Bed & Breakfast, volunteer with students at the Stop Hunger Now event, cheer on your fellow Bishops at the alumni games, enjoy the Saturday evening gathering at Rocky Mount Mills and so much more! Click here for more information and to register. We look forward to seeing you!

Wesleyan Names New Athletic Director

NC Wesleyan College announced recently that Aaron Denton will take the helm of the NCWC Athletic program. Denton has spent the last 10 years as the Athletic Director for Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst. He is set to take over May 15, replacing Wesleyan long-time director John Thompson, who announced he was stepping down February 8 after 20 years as AD.

"I am excited to begin my work with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and the entire Wesleyan community. The college's recent record growth provides both enthusiasm and opportunity," noted Denton, "It is an honor to join those efforts to serve and lead a committed group of staff and students. Together we can achieve academic and athletic excellence while providing the best experience for our student athletes."

Denton arrived in Pinehurst in 2008 to serve as Sandhill's first athletic director. Under his leadership, the school started the athletic program with men's basketball, women's volleyball, and men's golf. Over the next ten years, Denton added five more sports, including women's golf, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's track and field. During his tenure, Sandhills won two NJCAA National Championships as well as numerous regional and national student-athlete and coaches' awards.

"Wesleyan has a history of great ADs with Moe Bauer, Don Scalf, John McCarthy, Mike Fox, and John Thompson. As a former college athlete, coach, professor, and director, Aaron should fall in line as the next great, said Wesleyan President Dewey Clark, "He understands that academic success and athletic success go hand in hand. I believe he will take Wesleyan's athletics programs to the next level." Read more...

NC Wesleyan will host its annual golf tournament, The Wesleyan Cup, Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the beautiful Belmont Lake Golf Club in Rocky Mount. Tournament is open to both men and women. Registration and lunch begin at 11:00 am, with a 12:15 pm start time (shotgun). Four person team $500 (includes lunch). All Wesleyan Cup proceeds will support the Wesleyan Fund which sponsors scholarships, financial aid, and academic assistance programs for our students. To register or for more information on the tournament and sponsorships click here or contact: Eddie Coats (252) 955-6541 or Mark Hinson (252) 955-1466.

Join us for a great day of golf. Sign up today!

Work With Exceptional Students Gains Statewide Recognition

Each year, the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (NC-CEC) awards mini-grants to learning programs for students with disabilities and celebrates the achievements of children and youth in these programs. This year, Patricia Brewer, Professor and Coordinator of Special Education at NC Wesleyan College, is a 2018 grant recipie nt and previous student of the program, Zach Holliday, is a 2018 Yes I Can! Award winner.

NC-CEC sponsors $500 grant(s) for the purpose of rewarding members who have innovative ideas to better meet the needs of students with disabilities. Students Helping Students After-School Program, is a service learning project within Teacher Education that provides after school services to K-12 children with learning differences in Nash-Rocky Mount schools. The program is designed so education students provide individualized instruction in math and reading. Additionally, the program provides parent advocacy training. Dr. Patricia Brewer facilitates this part of the program for parents of the K-12 children.

Dr. Brewer states, "Students Helping Students After-School Program is a clinical extension of education classes. It not only provides pre-

service students an opportunity to have real-life experiences working with exceptional children; it also comes with an overwhelming sense of reward. Those rewards are received every day and even more so when students such as Zach are recognized for their accomplishments."

Zach Holliday, a previous student of the program, is one of this year's Yes I Can! Award winners. The Yes I Can! International Awards Program was established in 1981 to celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to encourage them to seek their highest potential; and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations and personal qualities of people with disabilities. Each year children and youth with disabilities are recognized for their accomplishments through the Yes I Can! Awards Program.

To learn more about the Council for Exceptional Children, visit http://community.cec.sped.org.

Help Your College Student Graduate Sooner

Will you have a son or daughter home from college this summer? Help them to graduate sooner by picking up a day, evening, or online course at North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount to transfer back to their college. Contact rockymount@ncwc.edu for more details.

Stephen Curtis Chapman Tickets Still Available

2018 Show Your Love Campaign Successful

Thank you to all alumni who participated in our February "Show Your Love" campaign. With the help of our generous Alumni Association and our dedicated student callers we surpassed last year's giving percentage but we are striving to set a new school record. If you have not given, it's not too late! It's never too late to show your love to NC Wesleyan! Donate today!

Earn Your Master Of Science In Criminal Justice

Earn your fully accredited Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree 100% online, taking just two courses at a time. Finish your degree in 12 months. Email Michael Drew at mdrew@ncwc.edu to learn more.

www.ncwc.edu/believenow

Exercise Science Program Receives National Accreditation

North Carolina Wesleyan College's Exercise Science program has received national accreditation. This prestigious recognition demonstrates the quality of the college's program and assurance of a demanding program of study for graduates and prospective employers.

On January 11, 2018, NCWC's Exercise Science Program received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the largest external, programmatic accrediting body of the health sciences professions. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2,100 educational programs in 30 health science occupations. These programs are then required to be assessed on an ongoing basis to maintain the standards and guidelines of the specific profession.

Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Dr. Meir Magal, stated, "This is truly an honor and proves that Wesleyan's curriculum is robust, current and adequately preparing our students to become exercise professionals."

The accreditation positions NCWC's Exercise Science Program as one of two in the entire state and one of 55 in the United States to receive such recognition. Wesleyan is the only private college in North Carolina with this distinction. The accredited program follows the standards and guidelines that were established by the Committee on Accreditation for Exercise Science (CoAes) and prepares students to enter a multitude of health-related careers including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/wellness, personal training and strength and conditioning. The program allows students to pursue a certification upon completion.

"Our Exercise Science major is one of the most popular programs we offer," noted Dr. Evan Duff, Wesleyan Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, "The quality of the faculty and the curriculum is the best in the state. We are generating very positive student outcomes from the program that aids our students in job placement and acceptance to their graduate program of choice, which is the ultimate measure of success."

Three Times Your Impact!

From March 12-31, 2018, Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first smile.amazon.com purchase! Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/56-0686603 and Amazon donates to North Carolina Wesleyan College!

Wesleyan Students Compete In 2018 NCICU Ethics Bowl

Three students from North Carolina Wesleyan College recently competed in the 2018 North Carolin a Independent Colleges & Universities' (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl held February 16 and 17 at the State Legislative Complex in Raleigh, NC.

Representing NC Wesleyan were Josh Campbell, a senior majoring in History and Political Science; Aneisha Felton, a senior majoring in Organizational Administration; and Ishmail Harris, a senior majoring in Business Administration; Criminal Justice. The group was accompanied by Dr. Jarrod Kelly, Assistant Professor of Political Science. Campus Coordinator for the Wesleyan team is Sherry Holland, Computer Information Systems Instructor.

The more than 120 college students participating in the Ethics Bowl, found the topic of "Ethics and the Future of Community" challenging and thought-provoking. Twenty-four of North Carolina's independent colleges and universities sent teams to the event.

"The Ethics Bowl has a positive and significant impact on the individual student participants," said NCICU President Hope Williams. "It is a challenging competition and a rewarding experience that many students have indicated is a highlight of their college careers."

Click here for more information . To reserve tickets contact Gala Chairman Martha Proctor at 252-985-5213 or by email at mproctor@ncwc.edu

Coming To The Dunn Center

For more information or to purchase tickets contact the Belk Box Office, the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts (252) 985-5197/1-800-303-5097 www.dunncenter.com

Reserve Your Wesleyan Memorial Brick

Students,organizations, parents, alumni, and community supporters now have the opportunity to inscribe their names at North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Office of Alumni Relations is selling bricks to be placed at the new entrance located at the south end of the Pearsall Library addition, or at the Leon Russell Chapel entrance.

Your brick will be a permanent tribute on the NCWC campus. In years to come, your family members, students, alumni, faculty, and visitors will see your name and recognize your loyalty to the College. Your gift is a special way to support NCWC.

A brick is a wonderful opportunity to honor a mentor, memorialize a loved one, commemorate an occasion or event, or simply make public your support to NCWC. Click here for complete ordering information.

NC Wesleyan Collegiate Insignia License Plate Deadline Extended


Design Under Review

North Carolina Wesleyan College is in the process of applying for a collegiate insignia license plate. This requires application to the NC Legislature with a minimum of 300 paid applications by January 15, 2019.

If you are interested in purchasing a NCWC plate, click here for process details and application. Email your completed form to alumni@ncwc.edu and pay online at ncwc.edu/give. When submitting your online payment you must designate "Other Fund" and note "License Plate" or print and mail application and check or money order made payable to NCWC to:

North Carolina Wesleyan College

Attn: Director of Alumni Relations

3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Upon receipt of 300 plus paid orders, Wesleyan will forward all forms to the NCDMV with a consolidated check. If 300 plus paid orders are not received, Wesleyan will return or destroy the payments to all applicants according to each applicant's guidance.

Alumni Spotlight

Jonathan Rice '07 Sings Background for Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Jonathan Rice has shared the gift of song for most of his life. While a student at NC Wesleyan, Jonathan served in the Gospel Choir in several ways in addition to taking part in SGA and BSA (Black Student Association).

After graduating from Wesleyan in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Jonathan has been in several stage plays and has even written his own. He has traveled to Germany sharing the gift of song. He occasionally sings background for Tasha Cobbs Leonard and in 2017 participated in the ensemble on her new album release entitled "Heart Passion Pursuit!" Jonathan says "you can spot me on YouTube for behind the scene footage of the album at https://youtu.be/Cg0WJC97U2Y.

Jonathan is employed as the Area Director for North Carolina Wesleyan College in Residence Life. He serves as advisor to the Wesleyan Voices of Triumph and is the worship leader for New Covenant Faith Ministries in Henderson, NC, where his parents are pastors. Jonathan was also instrumental in organizing the Gospel Choir Reunion Concert held during the 2017 NCWC Homecoming.

Jonathan marred in June 2017 a young lady he met in a stage musical called the Dream Girls. At the time she played the role of Effie and he was Ce Ce (her brother). Now he is her husband in real life.

Faculty/Staff Spotlight

Suzanne Brackett '87 Named Chief Financial Officer

Suz

anne Brackett '87 has been named Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at North Carolina Wesleyan College. Reporting to the President, Brackett is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the College's financial resources and operations. She provides strategic direction and oversight to the Finance, Information Technology and Financial Aid departments as well as the campus bookstore and the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts.

A graduate of Wesleyan, Brackett earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Upon graduation, she served as the Secretary to the President and later Accounts Payable Manager and Divisional Controller for MBM Corporation. Brackett returned to Wesleyan in 2014.

An honors student at Wesleyan, Brackett was a member of the prestigious

Omicron Delta Kappa - National Honor Society and Phi Beta Lambda - National Business Fraternity. Brackett and her husband John, met at NC Wesleyan. They currently reside in Rocky Mount and have two children, Michael and Ashlee.

Student Spotlight

Joan Everett '18 "It's Never Too Late To Fulfill Your Academic Desires"

"I chose to attend NCWC because of the academic programs. The classes are held one night a week in the evening and the accelerated program model worked well with my schedule as a working adult.

I believe as we get older, it is important to finish what we started and that it's never too late to fulfill your academic desires and to challenge your academic ability. After climbing the corporate ladder, and achieving goals, I wanted to add to my bucket list by achieving my degree. I'm looking forward to the next great chapter in my professional career.

I found the professors at NC Wesleyan to be challenging, firm, fair and inspiring. It has been a real joy studying with the students I met in this program. We are all busy trying to raise our competencies both professionally and intellectually, and our bond has kept each of us motivated to complete our academic dream.

When I consider completing my degree in April, I am flooded with cascading emotions. It has been my life long desire to complete my degree, and although along the way, I had many unforeseen and unexpected challenges that would impede my progress, it is with profound humility and gratitude I have reached this point."

March 2018