Bishop Beat October 2026

A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of North Carolina Wesleyan University

October 2026

NCWU Awarded $2.9 Million Federal Grant to Launch COMPASS Student Success Center

North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a four-year, $2.9 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to support a comprehensive student success initiative known as COMPASS (Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success). Read more.

A Legacy of Service, Learning, and Opportunity: Honoring Judith Vilagos Parsons '75

North Carolina Wesleyan University is proud to recognize the extraordinary generosity and vision of Judith "Judi" Vilagos Parsons '75, whose commitment to education and service continues to create life-changing opportunities for students.

In 2024, Judi established the Howard Parsons Biomedical Endowed Scholarship in memory of her late husband, Howard T. Parsons '74, honoring the role Wesleyan played in shaping their lives, careers, and shared commitment to helping others. Read more.

NC Wesleyan Criminal Justice Students Work Alongside SBI on Active Cold Case

At North Carolina Wesleyan University, criminal justice students are getting an opportunity that goes far beyond the classroom working directly with an actual cold case provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).Read more.

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NCWU MPH Student: Theory to Practice

For Allan Sessoms, pursuing a Master of Public Health at North Carolina Wesleyan University is about more than earning another degree. It is about preparing for the work he hopes to do in the communities he cares about.

A Bertie County native and longtime professional with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, operations and problem-solving, Sessoms returned to the classroom with a clear purpose to build the knowledge and skills needed to eventually establish a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS education, advocacy and resource navigation. Read more.

North Carolina Wesleyan University Announces the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund

North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly announces the establishment of the Claire A. Parham and Samuel J. Parham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund, honoring two individuals whose lives, service, and unwavering commitment to Wesleyan left a lasting impact on the University and the communities they served.

The scholarship memorializes Claire A. Parham, a 1968 graduate of NC Wesleyan College, who passed away on April 17, 2022, and her son, Samuel J. "Jay" Parham, Jr., a 1998 graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan, who passed away on December 4, 2008. Read more.

NCWU Admissions

No matter where you are in life, NC Wesleyan offers 33 undergraduate, 32 minors, 6 graduate programs and 6 certificate programs which vary from a traditional residence campus experience to the flexible, convenient, and affordable Online Program.

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

252.985.5200

ONLINE Programs

Our Online programs are designed with the needs of working adults in mind. We offer flexible degree programs with a variety of majors and minors available in 100% online and hybrid formats, allowing you to balance your education with your career and personal commitments. Students can pursue a single major, double major, and enhance their studies with minors such as Human Resources, Leadership, Psychology, and many others. Ready to start or finish your degree? We're ready to help. Request more information.

Graduate & Professional Programs

North Carolina Wesleyan offers flexible, affordable graduate programs designed for both working professionals and recent college graduates seeking to advance their careers. With 100% online and hybrid learning options, NCWU makes it possible to earn a graduate degree while balancing work and personal commitments. Rooted in eastern North Carolina, NCWU aligns its graduate offerings with workforce and community needs, providing practical, real-world education that helps students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve their professional goals and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Certificate Programs

Advance your career in as little as 16 weeks with NC Wesleyan's credit-based certificate programs in Applied Reproductive Biology, Executive Leadership, Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Management, Public Health, and Data Analytics. Designed for working professionals, adult learners, transfer students, and alumni, these flexible programs combine practical theory with real-world application you can use immediately on the job. Whether you are enhancing your resume, meeting licensing requirements, or preparing for career advancement, financial aid is available and certificate credits may be applied toward undergraduate or graduate degree programs.