Bishop Beat January 2024

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan University

January 2024

Magal Named Inaugural Souza Professor

In October 2023, Wayne Souza (Class of 1973) pledged a transformative gift to North Carolina Wesleyan University to advance the University's nationally accredited program in Exercise Science. In 2021, the program moved into Wesleyan's new Indoor Sports & Education Facility (ISEF) and recently has hired two new faculty members. The undergraduate degree in Exercise Science now accounts for NCWU's second most popular major among traditional, incoming first-year students.

"I have a passion to give back to my alma mater. When presented this opportunity, it gave me a chance to not only give back and lend a hand, but to pull forward both NCWU students and boost an incredible program," stated Wayne Souza in a recent interview. Read more.

University Awarded Funds to Expand Nursing BSN Program

NC Senator Lisa Barnes and NC Representative Allen Chesser secured funding with the newly approved state budget for North Carolina Wesleyan University's BSN Pre-Licensure program. On Monday evening, November 27, they visited the University's campus to highlight this achievement with a $350,000 check presentation.

Senator Barnes endorsed the initiative, stating, "I fully support Wesleyan's efforts to expand the BSN program, creating a pipeline for more nursing students to pursue their educational goals while providing well qualified healthcare staff to offset the shortages. It's a win-win opportunity for our area." Read more.

The Story of Ronald Cotton

Picking Cotton: A Memoir of Injustice and Redemption

February 15, 2024 6:30-8:00 PM

Powers Auditorium, The Dunn Center

Join us as Ronald Cotton shares his story of Injustice and Redemption. Mr. Cotton served 11 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was falsely accused of raping Jennifer Thompson, an Elon University student. His wrongful conviction was largely based on faulty eyewitness identification procedures. Following his exoneration, Ms. Thompson and Mr. Cotton became friends and advocates for criminal justice reform.

Watch a two-part 60 Minutes episode about this case below, considered among the most famous DNA exonerations in U.S. History.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Cotton following the event during a reception in Garner lobby at 8:00 PM.

To sponsor this event or for more information, contact:

Greg Preuss, Professor of Psychology

gpreuss@ncwu.edu | 252.985.5255

Kelvin Spragley, Associate Professor of Education

kspragley@ncwu.edu | 252.985.5165

Scan QR code to learn more about sponsorship levels.

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for March 21 at 6:30 PM.

Bob Ross Exhibition A Fantastic Little Success

Fantastic Little Paintings by artist, Bob Ross, adorned the walls of The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center from November 2, 2023 through January 4, 2024. It was the first time a Bob Ross exhibition had been to North Carolina and the largest, with over 75 paintings, ever seen under one roof globally. More than 11,000 visitors poured in from all over the world to see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit during the two-month showing. Read more.

Itinerary Overview, Registration Information and Costs

Reserve Your Wesleyan Memorial Brick

Students, organizations, parents, alumni, and community supporters now have the opportunity to inscribe their names at North Carolina Wesleyan University. The Office of Advancement is selling bricks to be placed at the 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 NCWU campus and a special way to support NCWU. 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 NCWU. Click here for complete ordering information.

NCWU Admissions

No matter where you are in life, NC Wesleyan offers 33 undergraduate, 34 minor and 4 graduate programs which vary from a traditional residence campus experience to the flexible, convenient, and affordable Adult Studies Program.

Call or visit today! www.ncwu.edu/admissions

252.985.5200

Graduate & Professional Programs

Build your professional value today with one of Wesleyan's Master Degrees. By obtaining a graduate degree from NCWU, you can position yourself for higher-paying positions and increase your earning potential over your career. Our graduate programs have been recognized locally and nationally as best choice programs and are considered less expensive than peer programs in the eastern NC region.

Master of Business Administration

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Public Health

Master of Science in Strategic Leadership