Bishop Beat, September 2019

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan College

"Updates From The President" is a new feature of Bishop Beat. In this section Dr. Evan Duff, President, will share what's been happening on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College.

North Carolina Wesleyan College, Edgecombe Community College and Nash Community College signed a collaboration agreement in August to partner as we explore opportunities for professional development and grants.
Student Convocation took place on August 27 with David Crabtree from WRAL news serving as the speaker. It was followed by another fun and eventful Rock the Mount event.
We received a $100,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to support the start-up of our Logistics program.
We have received over eighty applications for our new MBA program.
The hiring committee of the RN-to-BSN Director position has chosen three strong candidates. Future on-campus interviews are being scheduled and faculty/staff will be invited to be part of the hiring process.
Our Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Reaffirmation Certification Report has been mailed to our reaffirmation off-site team and SACSCOC headquarters.

October 11-12, 2019

Mark your calendars! It's really going to be a HOME COMING this year as North Carolina Wesleyan College will play its first ever football game on campus! The Bishop family is excited for you to come home "Where We Belong". See the wonderful changes on campus, participate in alumni baseball/softball games, visit the bookstore and fellowship with fellow Bishops on Saturday morning. Come out before the football game to watch the Homecoming golf cart parade, tailgate and get in on the fun of the Second Annual Chili Bash Contest! The Wesleyan football team will take on Greensboro at noon. Following football stick around to see the women's and men's soccer games and the recognition of the 1994 Women's Soccer NCAA Final Four team. End the day celebrating with fellow Bishops at Rocky Mount Mills. You don't want to miss it!

It's "Where We Belong"!

Click here to register and view a partial schedule of events.

Wesleyan Anticipates RN-to-BSN Program

In an effort to increase academic opportunities, North Carolina Wesleyan College has announced the anticipation of an RN-to-BSN program for licensed nurses.

With the College's growth in its biology, biomedical and exercise science programs, it is a natural fit for Wesleyan to explore adding this to their curriculum. This program will be for licensed nurses who have an Associate's Degree in Nursing and desire to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Institute of Medicine strongly recommends hospitals to employ nurses with a bachelor's degree (BSN), stating 80% of nurses should have this credential. With a strong focus on increased education in this field, Wesleyan believes this program will offer a great benefit to the community and the surrounding hospitals.

"An RN-to-BSN program at Wesleyan will not only strengthen the collaboration between the three main colleges in the Twin Counties and the hospital, but it will enhance opportunities for registered nurses to further their education with a college in their community," stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan College. Read more.

NC Wesleyan To Induct Three Into 2019 Hall Of Fame Class

The purpose of the North Carolina Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those individuals, who through their superior athletic achievements or by their outstanding service, have made long-lasting, exemplary contributions to the college. Beginning with its inaugural class in 1999, Wesleyan has bestowed this honor upon 70 former athletes, administrators, and coaches who created a higher standard for our Bishops. This year's inductees meet those same standards and will comprise the 21st class of honorees.

The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that former head volleyball coach Robin Pietryk, as well as two players, former softball player Ashlee Bass and former baseball player Frankie Moore, as the latest additions to the NC Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame. Read more

NC Wesleyan To Add Indoor Sports And Education Facility

We have received a commitment from an anonymous donor for the building of an indoor sports and education facility that will completely cover the cost of construction, along with a grant from the Nash County Touris m Development Authority. The vision is to provide North Carolina Wesleyan College the opportunity to enhance the scope of its educational and sports offerings, along with increasing partnerships and involvement within the local community through educational and sports programs for adults and youth. Wesleyan hopes to provide sports not readily available in this area, namely squash, indoor tennis and pickleball. Wesleyan has applied and been approved for a building permit with the Rocky Mount Planning Board. A construction start date has not been set at this time. The hope is that the facility will be completed by Spring of 2020.

NCWC Lunch n Learn Series For Health To Be Offered

The Departments of Health Promotion and North Carolina Wesleyan Exercise Science , in partnership with the Exercise is Medicine on Campus Initiative and Wesleyan Wellness are introducing a "brown bag" Lunch n Learn seminar series.. It is open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. These are brief (~ 30 min.) informal seminars designed to provide quick and easy-to-understand information about relevant health topics.

The first seminar, "Starting an Exercise Program 101," will be held on Thursday, October 3 from 12:00 noon-12:30 pm in the Carlton Board Room, The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Meir Magal, Professor of Exercise Science at NC Wesleyan and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine will be presenting. Bring your lunch and come learn about what you need to know before you start an exercise program!

"Starting an Exercise Program 101"

Date: Thursday, October 3rd

Time: 12:00 Noon-12:30 pm

Location: Carlton Board Room at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts

Upcoming Shows At The Dunn Center

The Malpass Brothers

Friday, September 27, 2019

7:30 PM

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts

They're just one of us, or two of us, actually...growing up in Eastern North Carolina with grits, hushpuppies and barbecue. Just like us. And every bit as down-to-earth as the classic country music they sing. Yes, you've seen Christopher and Taylor before. And we can't imagine a more suitable opening for a season that's gonna be oh, sooooo fun!

Call the Dunn Center box office at (252) 985-5197 or purchase tickets here .

Elisabeth Von Trapp

Friday, October 25, 2019

7:30 PM

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts

Meet the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, who escaped Austria in 1938, and whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Continuing the family's musical passion, she employs her own artistic style. With a voice described as "hauntingly clear" and "joyfully expressive," as well as "simply beautiful," you can bet the evening will be oh, soooo fun!

Call the Dunn Center box office at (252) 985-5197 or purchase tickets here.

Mims Art Gallery

Wesleyan Athletes Honor First Responders on 9/11

Many of the 2019 NC Wesleyan athletic teams took time out of their busy schedules on 9/11 to honor and recognize local first responders around the Rocky Mount area who serve and protect. NC Wesleyan recognized them with season sports passes for all NC Wesleyan athletic events to show appreciation for their service.

The Battling Bishops plan to honor first responders Wednesday, January 29 when the Men's basketball team takes on arch rival Methodist University at 7:30 PM.

From The Vault

NC Wesleyan students have been giving back to the community for more than 50 years.

From

The Dissenter 1969

This year, the Wesleyan Circle-K received many awards. At the Carolina District Conference, in Charleston, South Carolina, they received the Overall Achievement Award and the Single Service Project Award for their work at Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. Several Circle-K members spent one afternoon a week coaching the boys and girls and holding intramurals there.

From

The Dissenter 1994

Wesleyan students helped Habitat for Humanity complete many houses.

Stay Connected!

Keep Wesleyan and your fellow alumni informed of your news of marriages, births, job changes, awards, and other activities. Email your Class Note to [email protected]. Photos also will be considered.

Alumni Class Notes

Gwen Wilkins '08 is running for a seat on the Rocky Mount City Council in Ward 3 of the city. Wilkins is a former first vice president of the state Democratic Party and is retired from the aerospace industry. She has two daughters and five grandchildren. Wilkins graduated from NC Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies in 2008

Elaine B. Williams '15 is vying for a seat on the Rocky Mount City Council in Ward 4. Elaine is a senior tax advisor at H&R Block. She served 10 years on the Rocky Mount Planning Board and 9 years as a Nash County Board of Elections chief judge/judge. She and her husband, George, have a blended family of six daughters, five sons, 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Elaine graduated from NC Wesleyan through the Adult Degree Program in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Megan P. Brabble '15 was recently promoted to Assistant Director for Operations in Admissions at NC Wesleyan College. She previously worked part-time as an Enrollment Services Specialist. Megan has been married for eight years to her husband, Kenneth Brabble '12, also a Wesleyan alum. They reside in Tarboro with their 6 year old son. The Brabbles attend Rock Church, where they lead children's ministry. She enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Megan graduated from NC Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2015.

Benjamin "Ben" B. Lilley '10 has been selected as First Year Experience Advisor at NC Wesleyan College. Ben had served as assistant/associate director of admissions for the past five years at Wesleyan. Ben is married to Elizabeth, a 2011 alumna. The two met while working as student ambassadors in the Welcome Center at Wesleyan. They reside in Tarboro with their two sons. Ben is an associate pastor at Presence Church, a new church plant in Rocky Mount. He enjoys fishing and running. Ben graduated from NC Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2010.

Paige Price Wells '16 was recently promoted to Assistant Director for Recuiting in Admissions at NC Wesleyan College. Previously she was senior admissions counselor. Paige resides in Rocky Mount with her husband, Mitchell. They attend Englewood Baptist Church. When she's not working, Paige enjoys kayaking and exploring various outdoor adventures; most recently, skydiving. Paige graduated from NC Wesleyan in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice.

Jason P. Boone '99 and his wife, Lauren welcomed their first child, Samantha Ann Boone on September 12, 2019. Jason graduated from NC Wesleyan in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in English. He is Circulation Supervisor for the Pearsall Library - NC Wesleyan College. One of Samantha's grandparents, Phillip "Phil" Boone, is a 1970 graduate of NC Wesleyan.

Remembering Our Bishop Family

To notify us of the death of a classmate, faculty or staff member, please email the information and an obituary, if available, to [email protected].

Sandra Hedgepeth Pittman Biggs '73 died on May 13, 2019 following a brief illness. She was a third grade teacher, church organist, and Nash County school psychologist. She was the first director of the Nash County Hospice program and the first director in the 7th Judicial District for the Guardian ad Litem program. A self-published author, she wrote two books..Tongue in Cheek and Lord Let Me Prove That Winning the Lottery Won't Change Me. Sandra graduated from NC Wesleyan in 1973 and later earned a master's degree in psychology from NC State. She is survived by one son, one daughter, one stepson, one stepdaughter and one brother.

Michael E. Armstrong '73 passed away August 22, 2019 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. Mike was a long time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was also a proud veteran having served honorably in the United States Air Force. Mike graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and History. He is survived by his wife, children, brother, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren with two more expected soon.

Calvin Narron was killed in an early morning automobile accident on Sunday, September 15, 2019. He was 48 years old. Calvin was employed by North Carolina Wesleyan College as part of the maintenance staff. He was a well- respected member of the facilities team. He loved his job and the community of people he worked with. He is survived by his mother and a host of friends.

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.

September
2019