The Decree - October 2023

TheDecree NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804 since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” October 19, 2023 In Taylor’s Stone’s office there are family photos, photos of Stone with students and colleague. And there are life-affirming quotations such as one that decorates the left wall: “Turn your cants into cans and your dreams into plans.” On the facing wall is a whiteboard with enrollment goals for the semester. And above that is a street sign that says “Taylor Way.” Ask her mother, sister, her former professors or her current colleagues, and they will all tell you the “Taylor Way” involves hard work, impeccable organization and attention to detail, as well as an upbeat attitude punctuated by an extraordinary number of exclamation points in her email messages. A 2013 Wesleyan graduate with a degree in psychology, Stone now serves as director of Wesleyan’s Student Success Center, located on the first floor of Pearsall Hall. A former Wesleyan honors student, Stone--then Taylor Jackson—earned a scholarship at Wesleyan after she graduated as class valedictorian at Nash Central High School. In enrolling at her hometown college, she followed in the footsteps of her mother, Michelle Jackson, who graduated with a degree in elementary education and now teaches first grade. In an interview, Stone’s mother said she was proud that her daughter had selected Wesleyan, explaining that Taylor had worked hard to finish at the top of her high school class. “She always had a goal to earn a full scholarship to Wesleyan,” Jackson said. “And it’s emotional for me because I had also graduated from NC Wesleyan when Taylor was a little girl. So, she knew all about Wesleyan and had worn a Wesleyan sweatshirt from when she was a small child. Wesleyan was home to us.” Jackson added that she is not surprised at Taylor’s success as a student and now a professional “She has always had an exemWesleyan, Faith Carry Stone through ‘the Storms’ of Her Life plary work ethic,” she said. “ Ever since she was young, I taught her to never look to the left or the right, and to keep her eyes on the goal.” Stone’s younger sister, Sydney Davis, is a 2019 Wesleyan graduate, who earned a degree in communication and now works for a local bank. She said her older sister has been a role model for her and always tried to include her in her life, even taking young Sydney on outings with Jordan Stone, her then-fiancé. Davis echoed her mother’s praise. “Taylor is the true definition of a leader and not a follower,” she said. “She leads with excellence in all that she does. I’m so proud to call her my sister.” Like others, Davis called her sister organized and detail oriented, noting that she even “holds her accountable” for events in her own life. “She has helped plan my birthday parties, my wedding, projects for school, and even helped with ideas for my own child’s birthday parties,” Davis said. “To this day, I can always rely on Taylor to have a snack bag prepared for any outing…whether it’s going to run errands or a family trip. She’s always prepared.” Fred Sanborn, one of Stone’s psychology professors, recalled her as a driven, curious and conscientious student. Like her family members, he singled out her organization skills and added that she’s pleasant. “I always enjoyed seeing Taylor sitting in my classes,” Dr. Sanborn said. He considers her an ideal fit for the Success Center. “She really cares about people and she’s en- couraging,” he said. “I'm sure that comes through to students. And I think she loves Wesleyan, so that's a nice bonus.” After Wesleyan, Stone enrolled at East Carolina for graduate school before she transferred to Southern New Hampshire University, earning a master’s in psychology with a concentration in industrial-organi- zational psychology. The Decree interviewed Stone in August and September: Q. Tell us about your family. A. My husband is Jordan Stone; he’s been working at Wesleyan since 2021 as a multimedia coordinator. We have one little boy named Luke, who is 3. We have a 6-year-old German Shepherd, Raleigh, who believes he’s a person. My dad (Ron) is retired from working in insurance (mostly for Nationwide) and keeps my son for me during the day. My son loves his Papa J! My mom, Michelle, is an amazing first grade teacher in Nash County. My sister, Sydney, works at First Carolina Bank as the compliance specialist. She really enjoys her work. Q. Your mom graduated from Wesleyan. Tell us about that journey. What is a distinct memory you have from that period in your mom's life? A. My mom started college at Nash Community when I was a toddler. After finishing there, she started at Wesleyan in elementary education. I remember coming to campus with her and even meeting some of her professors like Dr. Fleming and Dr. Perry-Sheldon. I remember walking into the Braswell Building and asking why there were so many pictures on the wall. My mom studied a lot and at the time I didn’t understand the value of what she was doing for our family. Now I’m so grateful for what she did. The greatest memory I have was in September of 1999 when Hurricane Floyd came through Rocky Mount and we lost our home and everything we owned. It was devastating as my mom was student teaching and so close to graduating. Wesleyan rallied around my mom and told her she WOULD graduate and they supported her and helped her finish. The bookstore gave her notebooks, pencils, binders, folders, highlighters. I remember going through the boxes and thinking how kind it all was. My mom graduated in December 1999 and everyone was so excited for her. The greatest part of Wesleyan has always been its staff and faculty. My mom is an incredible educator in Nash County and she always credits her foundation to her time at Wesleyan. Q. Can you elaborate on what happened after Hurricane Floyd. A. At the time we lived on Delane Drive in Rocky Mount, close to the hospital. We had to live with my grandparents for a little while after the flood. Then, we moved to Nashville and I had to be part of a new school district and make new friends. That was pretty tough. Q. Growing up, what is one thing your family liked to do together? A. I had a beautiful childhood with parents and grandparents who loved me. My parents prioritized our family and I love the simple memories the most. Every couple of weeks on a Friday night, my family would pile into the car and head to Gold Rock to pick up a hot fudge cake from Shoney’s. It was two pieces of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whip cream, and a cherry. It was my favorite desert and really difficult to find these days. The car ride was fun, the desert was yummy, and it was a little tradition I’ll never forget. Q. What is your single best memory of your childhood? A. It’s so hard to pick one. I value consistency and I love normal, everyday life more than “special” events. Traditions like picking pumpkins, looking at Christmas lights, going to the pool in the summer—they’re all favorite memories. Q. What is the most adversity you've faced in your life? A. I mentioned losing my home in 1999, which was so difficult. My granddaddy’s sickness and passing really hurt my heart. Over the past few years my family has experienced a lot of loss including the unexpected passing of my motherin-law. I believe the greatest pain I’ve ever felt was in early 2018 when I miscarried our first baby. I was working here and getting ready for a first-year experience conference in Texas and I was just so excited for the future. After I lost the baby, Jordan and I were so shocked and broken and confused, but I share my story because God was with me. I can turn and use the comfort I received from God to comfort others who are walking through their own tragedies. God has been faithful all my life and while I’ll always feel the pain, I know He’ll never let me feel it alone. Jesus is my foundation in the very worst storms of life. Q. You mentioned your grandfather was a pastor. Talk about him and his influence on your family’s life. A. My granddaddy was named the Rev. Ronald T. Hunt. He was my mother’s father and he grew up in Enfield. He pastored in Elm City for over 30 years. Affiliated with the Church of God, a Pentecostal denomination, his church was called the Outreach Center and I grew up attending there. When I was about 17, my granddaddy got very sick and we learned it was Alzheimer’s. It was devastating. He fought the good fight of faith for many years and passed away when I was 28. I loved him so much and miss him every day. His nickname was Luke and my son is named after him. So much of what I learned about faith, miracles, healing, and heaven came from my granddaddy. I’m so excited to see him again one day. Since his illness, my family and I have attended Rise Church, which is located just across the street from campus. I even worked there in the church office all through college and graduate school. I’m so thankful my parents introduced me to Jesus. He is the foundation of my life and the reason I have hope. I love sharing that hope with others. Q. Describe your high school experience. A. I went to Nash Central High here in Rocky Mount. My favorite courses were drama/acting. I took drama nearly every semester. High school was very stressful—much more stressful than college. I was first in my class and in order to get a scholarship to Wesleyan I had to graduate as valedictorian. This meant every grade had to be nearly perfect. I studied all the time. My favorite memory was when the principal called me to his office about a week before graduation and said I would be valedictorian. All the hard work had paid off and paved the way for me to come to Wesleyan. Q. What led you to NCWU as a student? A. So I mentioned that I’ve always been familiar with Wesleyan. Growing up in this area and having a parent who attended made me very famil- iar with the school. I used to come to the Dunn Center to watch performances on field trips, and so Wes- leyan was always in the back of my mind as a possibility. When I was in high school and the counselors started telling me my options, that’s when I learned that I could receive a scholarship if I was valedictorian. So that became my goal. I’ll never forget when admissions called me and told me I received the scholarship, and I could come to Wesleyan. I wept with relief and joy. I had other options, but I wanted a small school, and I wanted to be able to stay at home and still be in this area. I love Rocky Mount. It was just the perfect fit for me. Q. How did you settle on psychology as a major? And, as an undergrad, what were you thinking as far as career goals? What was the inspiration for this goal? A. I started as an education major. I didn’t really know that I wanted to be a teacher, but I knew that’s what my mom did. During the drop/add week, I went and saw my advisor, Dr. Bill (Yankosky), and told him I knew I was not going to be an education major any longer. Being a teacher is such a huge com- mitment and I could tell my heart wasn’t in it. So I switched my major to psychology, because I enjoyed my first intro to psychology course. The rest is history. I like thinking about how people think and I know that was the best fit for me. Q. What was your favorite class as an undergrad? A. I loved social psychology with Dr. Sanborn and cryptology with Dr. Bill. I would retake both those courses right now. Q. How did you meet your husband? A. Jordan and I met at Rise Church. He started working there a few years after I did. I didn’t know he was joining the team. I just walked in one day and there he was. He shook my hand and introduced himself and he was just perfect. No one makes me laugh harder. We’ve been together for 10 years total and married for seven of them. Q. Online degrees, undergrad or grad, have their critics. What was your experience like and why did you choose Southern New Hampshire over a bricks-and-mortar program for your master’s? A. I first went to ECU to study school psychology. I was in a small cohort and it was fine, but I was miserable. The university was huge. I had to park at the stadium, get on a bus, and then still walk 10 minutes to class. As a Wesleyan girl, that felt outrageous. So I left the program and chose an online psychology master’s at SNHU. My advisor called all the time. The professors were so responsive. It was great and their model worked for me. I would only recommend online classes and degrees to students who manage their time well, feel comfortable with technology, and can advocate for themselves. Q. What appealed to you about the job in the Student Success Center? A. I finished my master’s degree in 2015 and planned to go into consulting or human resources. When I saw the position open in Student Success, I applied immediately. I thought it would be great to be back on campus and get some experience with advising. I had no idea how much I would love it. My team is the best and our students are special. I know I make a difference every day and that’s very fulfilling. Q. Describe your early responsibilities and then discuss your move to the director position. A. I was hired in 2015 to be an academic advisor for freshmen and coordinate Checkmate, a series of enrichment workshops for students. Soon after, I became the first-year experience advisor and helped develop that program. Then, I became the assistant di- rector of first-year experience and after that the director. Then, See STONE pg 3 Taylor Stone and her mother, Michelle Jackson, both graduated from NC Wesleyan. Photos courtesy of T. Stone The Wesleyan community is mourning the loss of Gail Fields, who staffed the reception area of Braswell for the past 10 years. She died in early October at the age of 71 after a brief illness. Human Resouces Director Darrell Whitley paid tribute to “Miss Gail” in a campus email: “She was always quick to offer a cheerful greeting, talk about her family, share her faith or provide a Bible verse for inspiration and encouragement.” Added President Evan Duff, “To know Miss Gail was to know genuine kindness, joy, love , and a light that could illuminate the darkest of rooms. She was the first smile many of us encountered as we started our day, and you would always receive a repeat smile every time you passed her desk.” Photo courtesy of T. Anderson

Senior Staff Writers Mary Alice Butler Staff Writers Timothy Carmichael Amanda Modlin Valentina Rabino Albert Sitwell Deonna Starks Special Contributors Carl Lewis Andrew Stern Grace Wallace Faculty Advisor Dr. William Grattan 179 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336 Email: [email protected] staff The Decree since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” 2 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 October 19, 2023 CAMPUS LIFE Wesleyan’s Bee Club is selling jars of honey it extracted from hives located on the south side of campus. NC Wesleyan PR photo Freshmen Advised to Manage their Time, Get Involved on Campus Decree staffers surveyed upperclassmen and Wesleyan faculty and staff, asking them to provide one piece of advice to the newest members of the Wesleyan community. Here are three of their reports. Article One By Amanda Modlin Decree Staff Writer Article Two By Timothy Carmichael Decree Staff Writer College is a drastic change from high school and the transition from one to the other can be challenging. College is a new experience and we don’t always know what to expect going in. To help incoming students with this transition, some upper-class students, faculty, and staff were asked what the number one piece of advice they would give to first-year students to help them better transition into college. Dr. Jason Buel, assistant professor of communication, recommends that students do something that will drive them to get out of bed every day. “It’s easier to do something you’re passionate about,” he said. Dr. Buel notes that finding one’s passion can make college, to mention life, easier. Dr. Buel also shared that it’s okay if you don’t know what your passion is yet. “If you’re still looking for that passion, then don’t be afraid to try new things,” he said. “Get involved on campus and do things with an open mind; this can make finding your passion easier.” Junior Chance Savage suggests giving up any and all expectations you might have about college when you arrive. “We have expectations of the school and of ourselves,” he said. “It’s better to get rid of those from the start.” He believes this will make the college experience better socially and academically. Savage speaks of his own experi- ence when entering college as a commuter. “I had the impression that it would be a little awkward since I wasn’t always on campus,” he said. “Looking back, I wish I had stopped this point of view because I would have been so much more involved. The expectation didn’t necessarily change my academics but I think it definitely stalled things I could have been doing socially.” Focusing on academics, Sophia Sweeney, a graduate assistant in the registrar’s office, urges students to stay ahead of their homework. By staying ahead you can be sure that you have some time to do the things you want to do. “If you prioritize getting your class work and studying done first, then you will have plenty of time to socialize and do all that other fun stuff,” she said. Margaret Bentley, a Wesleyan staff accountant, said that time management is crucial but you don’t have to do everything at once. “Keep working every day; eat your elephant one bite at a time,” she said. She said that doing too much at once can lead to burnout. Bentley reflected on her own time in school and shared her expe- riences as a non-traditional student. “I worked on schoolwork from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, treated it as my full-time job,” she said. She made sure she always had everything done so she could have some down time to unwind. “I did my overflow work on Saturdays, tried to finish by 1 p.m. so I could do chores. On Sundays I relaxed.” Offering similar advice, sopho- more Chemar Zigler suggests managing your time well. “Don’t wait until the last minute to get work done,” he said. “As a freshman I didn’t have good time management so I was stressed a lot.” He noted that good time management has helped him a lot in his second year. Jaylen Pryor, a sophomore, encourages students to talk to their professors. “A lot of times we feel pressure that we have to do this alone,” he said. “We are not alone. We have professors who are there to help us. Take advantage of that.” Relating his experience, Pryor told how talking to his professors helped him. “I transferred from Charlotte and I also worked,” he said. “I was falling behind in some classes and because of work I couldn’t really meet the professors in their office hours so I reached out through email.” He said that even through email his professors helped him catch up. Director of Student Success Taylor Stone advises students to practice advocating for them- selves. She notes that in high school there were people who would check up on you and make sure you were okay, but in college you have to do that for yourself. “You have to speak up for your- self and the college will connect you to resources,” she said. Senior Myia Guion said students should remember why they’re here and think of that when making deci- sions. “It helps you avoid the pitfalls and distractions from your goal,” she said, adding that students should set a clear path to achieve their goals. Getting involved around campus is the advice from junior Catherine Briley. “Getting involved opens a lot of doors,” she said. “You get to know people and network in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do,” she said. Briley recalled her freshman year and says that she wished she would have gotten involved on campus much sooner than she did. “I would give freshmen this advice because it’s something that I didn’t take full advantage of until my sophomore year of college,” she said. “If I had started getting involved and networking more in my freshman year, I would have far more opportuni- ties than I currently have.” Sophomore Benjamin Sellers recommends that students make a visual schedule for the week. “A visual guide was helpful,” he said. “I could see what I had to get done.” He also said that before he started doing this that it was stressful trying to figure out what he needed to get done and recommended students do this to help make life easier. College can be a new world, especially for freshmen. You have to adjust to being on your own and learning to function without your friends and family around. For some, the adjustment can be difficult for the first few weeks or even months of college. Nyesha Leary, a senior, feels like it’s okay to not have decided on a major when coming into college. “I wish I would’ve found myself more and figured out what I wanted before I decided,” she said. She’s now stuck in a field that she’s having second thoughts about. Jonathan Hill, a sophomore, said he made the mistake of going home too often during his first year. He now regrets it. “The more I went home, the more I wanted to stay there, and always ended up staying too long,” he said in urging freshmen to get more involved and participate in events scheduled on campus. Junior Anna Ray also thinks students should get involved in student activities and be active on campus. “Getting involved in the community helps you make more friends,” she said. It will help your experience be a lot smoother. Like Hill and Ray, Wesleyan athletic trainer Morgan Comfort thinks getting involved is the way to go. “I was really involved in college and thought of that as a way to make friends outside of my sport,” he said. When you play on an athletic team, he added, it’s always good to have friends who aren’t athletes. Luca Lucidi, a junior, feels the same way. “Most of the friends I made here were at special events.” Making friends will help you enjoy your experience, Lu- cidi noted, because it’s going to be a long four years. He doesn’t think you should say “no” to go- ing to most events on campus. Senior Lailah Espinal thinks venturing out and getting involved in clubs is the best way to become comfortable on campus. “If you venture out, it will help you to make more friends so you don’t just sit in your room all the time.” Ashanti Clanton, a junior, doesn’t think you should take school too seriously. “If you get a C, you’re not going to die,” she said. As a freshman, she would cry when she got C’s and be down on herself until she realized it wasn’t the end of the world. Senior Sherfield Smith says to keep God first and manage your work. “Every morning you’ve gotta thank God first and also remind yourself that you’re here to get your work done,” he said. This helped him focus and have a more calm life. Key Strickland, a senior, thinks that time management is the most important thing for freshmen. “Prioritize what you need to get done first before you go out and have fun,” she said. When she started, time management wasn’t something she was too big on, and after a while, it caused her grades to slip. Head athletic trainer Tim Donavan thinks time manage- ment is crucial. “I was never the smartest student, but I did a really good job managing my time, which allowed me to outperform others,” he said. He feels like managing your time is one of the most effective skills you can learn in your collegiate career. Jalen Anderson, an area coordinator on campus, thinks that you shouldn’t procrastinate. “Plan out ahead. If you can get assignments done early, get them done early,” he said. When he was a freshman, he waited too long to complete assignments, plus he was taking challenging classes, which caused him to fall behind. He feels like if he would’ve used his resources better he would’ve been more successful. Seth Badders, a sophomore, feels that freshmen should never miss a class and always turn in their assignments. “Having the flu and missing class for a week definitely screwed me up,” he said of his first year. Senior Santiago Scida believes studying is the key to success. “In order to do well in the future, it’s a must to study.” He knows that being here for four years is a long process and thinks that studying and making good grades are huge parts of the journey. Lashwan Audrey, a senior, thinks that freshmen should come in being themselves. “Be yourself and don’t come in being somebody you’re not,” he said. He said new students often get out of character. He said he’s seen freshmen arrive on campus and change who they are to fit in with others. Having a significant other can be a distraction for some when first entering college. According to Kendra Turpin, a junior, she pri- oritized her relationship over her education. “You’re not going into debt to have a little sneka boo,” she said. “I wasted three years.” Article Three By Valentina Rabino Decree Staff Writer By looking in different areas of North Carolina Wesleyan University, and interviewing different people, from students, to educational staff, there is a common answer among all of them, addressing time management and the students’ fear of asking questions. Many also talked about the importance of a social life. The Decree chose to take the opinion of other students, in upper levels, who could share their struggles during their freshman year. Tomas Castagino, a native of Argentina, is a second semester freshman majoring in business and management. He advises freshmen to not fall behind with homework. If you can, he said, try to get ahead so you’re not do- ing it all at the last minute. He also shared that he was a procrastinator as a freshman. “That’s what I did, and it didn’t go so well for me. I was stressed out. I did all the assignments two weeks before the semester ended,” he said, noting he was lucky that professors cut him some slack. “Not all professors do that.” Another student, Agustina Re- quejo, encourages freshmen to not be scared about asking questions. “It's easier if you ask questions rather than trying to solve every- thing on your own,” she said. Requejo, a native of Buenos Ai- res, Argentina, let us know how she had to deal with the language barrier in her first year. “My first semester I was really confused in every single class because in Argentina, it was really different from here.” So, she said, she got into the habit of talking with professors after class and ask- ing different questions.” Because of these issues, she saw how the professors were open to explaining what she didn’t understand all over again. Requejo also commented that professors were willing to adjust their talking speed. “They said ‘if you need me to speak slowly so you can understand it better, you can tell me,’” she said. Similar advice was provided by members of Wesleyan’s staff. Jessica Edwards, an academic advisor, also urged freshmen to ask questions. “I remember being a freshman and how many questions I had that could have easily been answered,” she explained. “Look- ing back on it now, I would have saved myself a lot of anxiety.” She attempts to draw on her own experiences in teaching and advis- ing freshmen in her College 103 classes. “I can see people’s shoulders relaxed” when she answers questions that the students may be afraid to ask. Aaron Allen, an associate professor of mathematics, discussed the same topic. He noted that NC Wesleyan professors are “very friendly.” Not only that but they want to help, so students shouldn’t be afraid to approach their teachers outside class. “It may feel awkward at first,” Dr. Allen said. “But students should feel free to ask questions, strike up a conversation and get to know their professors.” In providing advice, other stu- dents focused on life outside of class. One tip was for freshmen to get to know their classmates as way to build a social life. Junior Roberta Vulcano, a biomedical science major from Italy, stated that the most important advice she would give to a freshman is to get involved on campus as much as possible. For example, the Pash Hall resident advisor offered a simple ex- ample. “If there’s a soccer game and there’s some people that ask you to go, go, even if you’re like ‘I don’t really feel like it,’” she said. “At the end of the day these are things that will help you to make friends and have a more enjoyable time here.” Agreeing with her, junior Alberto Robinelli, a business and sport administration major from Italy, believes that it’s important to create good connections and good relationships with the other students. “You’ll have the opportunity to meet people from different cul- tures, who speak different languag- es,” he said. “You can have friends all over the world in the future.” He noted that this could be easily achieved by going to the cafeteria, playing sports, and participating in a group assignment or project groups. But Jacqueline Shaw, an adjunct professor of religious studies and a clinical mental health/substance abuse specialist in Wilson, believes it’s easy See THREE on pg 3

October 19, 2023 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 3 WESLEYAN PROFILES STONE from pg 1 I also became Interim Director of Student Success. Then in June of 2019, I became director of Student Success. Q. Summarize your current responsibilities: A. My responsibilities are wide-rang- ing. They involve everything from providing leadership at the Student Success Center, to organizing precollege orientation, to teaching the first-year seminar and advising my own group of freshmen, to serving on various university-wide committees and completing special projects. Q. Outline a typical day, beginning with waking up. A. I wake up every morning at 5:30. I boil an egg while making my lunch and Luke’s snack for preschool. I let my dog out and feed him breakfast and get myself ready. I eat a hard- boiled egg and waffle with Nutella almost every day for breakfast. Jordan and I tag-team getting Luke up, ready, and fed. Then, I take Luke to preschool and get to work. Every day is different, but I know I will sift through emails looking for high-priority messages that came in overnight. I manage email traffic all day, every day. I typically have 2-3 student meet- ings, staff meetings, and committee meetings on an average day and I teach three COL 103 sessions each week. If I’m not teaching that day, then I’m usually grading and prepping for the next session. I try to take a break for lunch around 12, but that doesn’t always happen. It’s a good thing I pack my lunch every day. I spend some time every day going through early alerts and trying to intervene in situations. I spend time trying to support my teammates and help them with their programs and questions. I try to post some SSC content to our Instagram (@ncwesley- anssc) at least once each week. I usually have one or two unexpected situations pop up every day and I give my attention to those. I do a lot of juggling, planning, respond- ing, answering, teaching, advising, designing, and reporting. My day ends at 5 p.m. and then I go pick Luke up from my parents and head home to figure out supper. We eat as a family, play, and then get Luke ready for bed. I usually can’t keep my eyes open past 10. Q. What’s been most exciting and most challenging about motherhood and balancing homelife and work? A. I’m a wife and a mother first. I’ve learned that if I have my priorities in order, my life runs much more smoothly. When I’m at work, I work hard and strive for excellence. I can’t really explain it, but I feel like God multiplies my time and blesses my efforts here and at home when I put first things first. Q. Over the past 20 years, there seems to have been a fair amount of turnover at the SSC, with three staffers leaving within the past year. What do you think is the cause of this? A. Student Success provides the perfect slice of the higher ed experience. We’re exposed to and involved in so many different aspects of college life outside of our own office. This makes staff on our team well-rounded and marketable. Because of this, we’ve seen teammates go on to start their own businesses and nonprofits, go into full-time ministry, become elementary educators, and more. At the same time, we also have a staff member who has worked in Student Success for over 30 years. Erma Hedgepeth has a wealth of knowledge about the SSC and NCWU and she is an invaluable part of our team. I pray God’s will for everyone on my team and I know He’ll bring the right people to us. Q. Based on your experiences, what is one thing all successful Wesleyan students seem to “get?” A. They understand that they’re paying for this education and experience and want to get the most out of it. Successful Wesleyan students treat their education like their job. They make it a priority. They ask for help when they need it. They’re resilient when faced with adversity. They keep the goal of graduation in mind and stay on mission. Q. What is one thing that freshmen fail to do, something that comes back to hurt them in terms of grades and overall success? A. College semesters are fast. By the time we get started, midterms are here and then we’re registering for new classes and studying for finals. Freshmen often think that there is time to relax and then catch up later. But that’s not the case. Every class session counts. Every assignment counts. Every week counts. We cannot waste time. Q. How would you assess the usage of the SSC’s peer and other tutoring? Do you feel it could be utilized more? If so, why do some students seem reluctant to use it? A. Our Bishop tutors do a great job and want to be used more. Right now they have set hours in the tutoring center and they take students by appointment. We’d love to see more students using this free resource and more students applying to become tutors. Students often don’t use tutoring because they don’t know how to articulate what they need from the tutor. We train tutors to ask questions and help students figure out the disconnect. The real concern may not be the course material itself. Maybe it’s note taking. Maybe it’s organization. Maybe it’s missing due dates. Maybe it’s course attendance. Once those things are settled, the student can focus on learning the material. Tutors want to help, so students should just go meet with them and start the conversation. Q. Tell us your three goals for the SSC? • WES 101: This is our online orientation course new students take over the summer. I would love to see more documents, videos, and interactive assignments included in the course and increased par- ticipation from our students. • Project Success: Dr. Katie Beeman is reviving this enrichment program and providing extra academic support for students who want it. We’ve already seen so many students sign up and we’d love to see even more. • Tutoring: We want to see more students using our Bishop Tutors and we want to be able to offer more tutoring for upper-level courses. We had quite a few tutors graduate recently and we are trying to build up the program again. Additionally, we just partnered with Brainfuse, an online tutoring program, and it seems to be really helpful. We would love to see more students using that as well. Q. What's it like working at the same place with your husband? A. The students just call him “the guy with the camera,” which I think is funny. Truthfully, we don’t see each other very much because he is on the other side of campus and we stay so busy. If our schedules allow, we try to eat lunch together a few times each week. Even if I can’t see him, it’s comforting knowing that he is close. Q. Let’s change to Taylor Stone outside of work. What are your hobbies and other interests? A. I spend a lot of time right now trying to help my son develop his interests and hobbies. He enjoys being outside, riding tractors, swim- ming, and learning about planes and construction equipment. When I have time, I enjoy crocheting. I’ve made many blankets and hats. Q. What do you like to do for exercise? A. I walk on my treadmill at home several times during the week. Identify your favorites from the following list: MEAL: I love a shredded chicken taco salad from El Tapatio. DESSERT OR SNACK: Any kind of chocolate and a Diet Sundrop. SPORTS TEAMS: NC State–Go Pack! TV SHOWS: Current favorites: I don’t really get to watch many new things. My son usually has a show on TV and I just watch with him. All-time favorites: “The Office” and “Friends.” MOVIES: “Christmas Vacation” and “Father of the Bride.” MUSICAL ARTISTS: Elevation Worship--all of their albums encourage my heart and remind me what is really important. BOOKS: In this season of life, I don’t have much time to read. I do make time to read my Bible every morning. Q. What social media do you use most? A. Instagram is my favorite. I mostly have family and a few close friends on the app. It’s fun to share pictures of my little boy and see what my family and friends are doing. Q. Describe your dream vacation. A. Jordan and I want to visit Hawaii one day. It’s just beautiful and the culture seems so relaxed and joyful. We also want to go to Israel one day because of the spiritual and historical significance. Q. What's one aspect about living in Rocky Mount/Nash County that you feel is unrecognized or undervalued? A. Rocky Mount is my hometown. All of my best memories are here. I realize I am biased. I like our location because we’re in the middle of everything. We can easily get to the beach, the mountains, bigger cities, and rural areas. We can hop on I-95 and go to D.C. or Florida. This area is just special. (Editor’s Note: 30 exclamation points were removed in the preparation of this profile!) THREE from pg 2 for students to become “too social.” She said that students should be clear on the purpose of attending the university. They should adopt the proper mindset and understand that it’s different from high school, meaning that there will be stricter requirements. “They have to stay focused on their purpose and become organized, become structured and have a plan of action so that they don't miss time, time you can't repeat,” she said. Worried about students losing focus, Shaw related that she has seen this happen multiple times. “Students have the ability,” she said. “They’re intelligent people but they get distracted and become more social. Not having the kind of parental guidance they had in high school, they get off track and they've lost time and they've lost money.” At the same time Shaw understands the importance of social interaction among students. “The socialization part, all of that's important, because we're looking at total development,” she said, pointing to the many social activities on campus. Shaw also acknowledged that college can be challenging and stressful, taking a mental toll on students. When necessary, she said, freshmen should contact the counseling service and reach out to other support systems on campus. “Don't suffer in silence,” she said. Bentley, Summa Cum Laude Grad, Joins Acccounting Team Margaret Bentley Photo courtesy of A. Modlin By Amanda Modlin Decree Staff Writer I met with NCWU’s Staff Accountant and Payroll Processor, Margaret Bentley, in her office to get to know her. On the walls were pictures of her daughter, Mary, and her ex-husband, Johnny, and her accounting degree with her cords draped over it. She had papers neatly arranged on her desk and a mintgreen mini fridge and black coffee maker in the corner of the room. She wore a paisley printed shirt and her long grey hair was done in an up-do. She accessorized with simple jewelry. She greeted me with a smile that was contagious. When I entered her office, she offered me coffee which I gladly accepted. She told me she loves coffee and used to drink about 12 cups a day, but due to health concerns, she is now down to two cups of caffeinated coffee, and the rest must be decaf. Bentley, born in 1976, grew up in Tennessee and later the mountains of Virginia just over the hill from Kentucky with her identical twin sister, Bessie. She said her mom didn’t know she was having twins until 12 minutes before they were born. This was because their hearts beat in sync, so the doctor only heard one. Bentley said she and her sister were farm kids. They raised animals, a huge garden, and only went to the store once a month to buy the things they could not grow. They grew up not eating any junk food and when she turned 14 Bentley had her first pizza. She described her first slice as an entirely new experience. It was at a Pizza Hut in St. Paul, Virginia. “I thought it was the height of fancy and absolutely delicious,” she said. “Looking back I don’t think it came close to my mom’s cooking.” Bentley said she had a very old-fashioned childhood. She compared it to the 70s TV show “Little House on the Prairie.” She mentioned times when they didn’t have electricity. She said a major change in her life occurred in the summer of 1987, at age 11. She said that her parents had decided to build a house on a piece of land her father had purchased years earlier in southwestern Virginia. “So we loaded up everything we owned in an old 1976 Ford truck and made the move from Tennessee,” Bentley said. While her father constructed their small house, Bentley’s family lived outdoors, sleeping on foam rubber mats and blankets and eating canned beans, saltines and Vienna sausages. If the weather was bad, the family slept in the truck. “At the time, it never dawned on me that we were ‘homeless,’” she recalled. “I guess it’s because my parents, especially my mother, taught me to always be thankful for whatever situation God brought my way. Even at eleven, I truly was thankful.” Bentley called that summer “an adventure.” She remembers playing in the creek and roaming the mountainside, exploring old slate mining areas and playing their hearts out. Despite all the fun, Bentley was grateful when they moved into their new house. “That meant my mom could cook again,” she said. “She was an amazing cook. The summer of canned food was not quite the same.” Bentley and Johnny met when she was 15; she said she couldn’t stand him at first. “He was very fidgety,” she recalled, laughing. When she was 16, Johnny invited her to go play basketball with him, her sister, and her boyfriend. They all started hanging out and eventually he asked her to go to a concert with him. “It was the first concert I ever went to,” she said. They went to see Firehouse Tesla. Her sister and her boyfriend were in the front with Bentley and Johnny in the back when she finally snapped on him. “Do you have to fidget?” she said. “Be still.” He complied. They started dating and married when she was 19. They were married about 10 years when their daughter, Mary, was born. They got divorced when Mary was seven. Even after they divorced Bentley said her exhusband remained her best friend. She started her accounting degree in 1994 at a local college after she graduated from high school. She went for part of a semester and decided to drop out to go to work. Bentley moved to North Carolina just after her daughter turned one. Her then-husband, an engineer working in quality control, had taken a job at a plastics manufacturer in Rocky Mount (now in Wilson). She eventually went back to college in 2015. At the time Bentley had a small business that performed house cleaning, landscape designing, and raised-bed gardening. Her neighbor was a psychology professor at Nash Community College and he encouraged her to take his class. Bentley began as a student at Nash but went part time to care for her daughter, who was still young at the time. She studied there for five years. In June of 2019 Bentley had surgery for a brain tumor that turned out to be benign. She was supposed to start her accounting degree at Wesleyan in the fall of 2019 but, due to her surgery, she had to postpone her enrollment. Bentley finally came to Wesleyan in January 2020. Just as she had done at Nash Community, she chose daytime classes so she could be home in the evenings for her daughter. Bentley mentioned that the biggest challenges she had to face while in college were her surgery and her age. “When I walked into the classroom other students would think I was the teacher,” she said. She said to help with this she thought of them as her children but also as her friends. But Bentley didn’t let any of that stop her. She pushed through and gave it everything she had. She said she never got a single B at either Nash Community Col- lege or here at NCWU. Asked to name her favorite class at Wesley- an, Bentley replied, “I had so many favorite classes at Wesleyan. It’s hard to name them all.” Among her favorites were geology with See BENTLEY pg 6

4 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 NEW FACULTY October 19, 2023 Wesleyan Welcomes Five New Full-Time Faculty Members Five new professors joined NC Wesleyan’s full-time faculty this fall, including one in the university’s new master’s in public health program. Four full-time faculty left after the last academic year to pursue other opportunities: Eean Grim- shaw, communication; Alyssa Jones, psychology; Skye Poole, library; and Montana Torrey, art. New faculty include Megan Von Doren and Mark Sursavage in English; Troy Hunt, business; Tim Dornemann, exercise science; and Meredith Gringle, public health. The following faculty submitted profiles and photographs: Dr. Tim Dornemann JOB TITLE: Associate Professor of Exercise Science HOMETOWN: I grew up in the Midwest, specifically around Milwaukee (Go Bucks, Packers and Brewers!) DEGREES EARNED: B.S. in sports administration, with a minor in exercise science from Rockford University; MA in exercise physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Ed.D. with a major in sports management with an emphasis on sport, fitness, and health, U.S. Sports Academy. YOUR PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE: I ran the health and fitness programs at the Frederick and Cumberland YMCAs in Maryland, and worked in campus recreation fitness at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. YOUR PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: I taught for five years at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, one year at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, and nine years at Barton College in Wilson. I also had the opportunity to teach internationally for the US Sports Academy with a long-term appointment in Malaysia, and short-term assignments in Thailand and China. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WESLEYAN: I was attracted by the opportunity to enhance the strength and conditioning component of the exercise science program here; that was a major draw for me. Along with developing the educational aspect of strength and conditioning in the exercise science program, I found it enticing to have the opportunity to develop facilities that can enhance student education and scientific training. By fostering a relationship with athletics, we can give students an opportunity to apply that knowledge. YOUR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: I enjoy the strength and conditioning side of the field and the development of using sports science to guide training programs. I recently organized a book project, “The PowerRev Way,” with 10 other contributors; the book was published this past May. It was designed to serve as the primary resource for the international certificate in strength and conditioning coaching program that I’ve been developing. COURSES YOU EXPECT TO TEACH AT WESLEYAN: This fall I’m teaching Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning for Coaches, Nutrition and Human Performance, and Research and Statistics in Exercise Science. YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I enjoy teaching skill-based courses and incorporating activities into classes that introduce and develop skills needed in the field of exercise science. For example, with a resistance training course, in the classroom students will learn how to design training programs, while in the weight room they will learn to do and teach the exercises. YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: I like to travel and partner with Athletes in Action to use strength and conditioning as a ministry tool. I’ve been fortunate to conduct clinics in Guatemala, Nicaragua, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. LIST YOUR FAVORITES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: TV SHOWS: “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Mandalorian.” MOVIES: I liked movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and sports movies like “The Blind Side” and “Coach Carter.” MUSIC: My favorite genres are Christian and rock. My favorite groups are Casting Crowns, Skillet, and Rush. CUISINE: Thai and Mexican. BOOKS: The Bible, and Tony Dungy’s “Uncommon,” “Mentor Leader” and “Quiet Strength.” PLACE TO VISIT: Cape Cod or Door County, Wisconsin. SPORTS TEAMS: UNC Tar Heels, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette Golden Eagles. SOCIAL MEDIA: I use Facebook for maintaining connections with family and friends and connecting with interest groups. WHAT’S ONE SURPRISING THING ABOUT YOU: I had the opportunity to extend my first trip to the Philippines to work for the Philippine Olympic Committee. I trained 100 national team coaches for three months. Dr. Meredith Gringle JOB TITLE: Assistant Professor of Public Health HOMETOWN: Durham. DEGREES EARNED: B.A. in political science and English literature from McGill University; MPH (Master of Public Health), UNC-Greensboro; Ph.D., community health education, UNC-Greensboro. PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE: Before going to graduate school, I worked in both clinical and public health research, focusing on a variety of topics in maternal and child health. PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: I started teaching during the second year of my MPH and I’ve designed and taught a wide array of face-to-face, online, and hybrid undergraduate and graduate courses. I also taught online courses for a year at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; I was hired by a former teaching assistant (TA) who taught me when I was a student. (We should always keep in touch with the folks you meet during your time in school; you never know when one might offer you a job!) WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WESLEYAN: I was first drawn to Wesleyan because of the growing public health programs, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I was intrigued by the approach that my new colleagues have been developing, which engages with physical activity (a particularly cost-effective, evidence-based public health focus) as both a practical and critical way to do and think about public health. Put another way, the Wesleyan approach to public health uses physical activity to consider how we understand what “health” means and also the things we can do to help improve health among communities and populations. I’m so pleased to be part of Wesleyan family, and I look forward to learning more about how public health can be part of both our academic and community-based work. YOUR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: My dissertation was entitled “The Performances are Politicized: A Poetic Hermeneutical Phenomenology Examining Mothering and Self-Care.” This work examined mothers’ descriptions of their self-care practices and explored how maternal self-care is incorporated into the public health commitment to maternal and child health. The main finding: It isn’t. More broadly I’m interested in storytelling in public health, especially around how morality narratives, like what it means to be a “good” mother, impact reproductive health equity. I’m also a qualitative methodology nerd. I’m especially drawn to poetic and arts-based research methods that challenge and expand how we tell and understand stories. My current research explores care-provision for mothers, infants, and families who have experienced Substance Exposed Pregnancy (SEP). One of the things I’m most curious about right now is the role(s) of organizational culture/ structure in care. What does “care” look like at the organizational level- -so, for instance, what is a “caring institution?”--and how does this connect to the stories we tell…and those we don’t? How does this impact how we conceive of and provide inclusive, equitable, just care? COURSES YOU EXPECT TO TEACH AT WESLEYAN: I hope to teach broadly across the Wesleyan undergrad and MPH programs. This semester I’m teaching the undergraduate course Introduction to Public Health and the graduate courses Foundations of Public Health and Public Health Policy, Management, and Leadership. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to develop a few new undergraduate public health courses and perhaps incorporate a focus on social epidemiology, which helps us empirically examine how social determinants (where we live, go to school, work, etc.) affect our health, into the MPH program. YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: We’re all teachers and we’re all learners. I aim to build collaborative, active classes that help us explore what we know and how and why we know it. I like taking up challenging questions that push us, lovingly, toward new ideas. It’s important to me that course material feels relevant to members of our community and that we reflect on our engagements with course content and with each other. Learning takes courage; I want classes I teach to be respectful, rigorous, and playful. In practice this involves lots of interaction as we think, talk, write, and plot together. YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: I have three children (current ages 12, 10, and 7). We share our home with a spoiled little dog, a brash guinea pig, and a very dear, very big bunny, adopted from one of my research partners. In addition to hanging out with my slightly chaotic crew of a household, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I think I’m starting to enjoy cooking, and I know I like going for long ambling walks. Thanks to my commute, I also listen to a lot of podcasts; I won’t miss episodes of “Maintenance Phase” and “Sentimental Garbage.” LIST YOUR FAVORITES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: TV SHOWS: Historically I haven’t been much a of TV watcher, but I’m making up for that now. I just finished semi-binging the adorable, hilarious show “The Other Two.” I try to get everyone I know to watch “Better Things.” I’m excited that “Reservation Dogs” is back for a new season. During the Covid lockdown, a friend and I decided to watch the entire run of “Gilmore Girls,” coordinating our start times from our separate houses and live-texting each other. We are, as of this writing, almost finished! MOVIES: It’s been over 20 years since I saw “Being John Malkovich” and I still think about it all the time. When I’m in the mood for “Roman Holiday,” nothing else will do. I saw “Barbie” over the summer and found it delightful--it’s made even better by the “Sentimental Garbage” podcast episode devoted to its analysis. MUSICAL ARTISTS: I like lots of different kinds of music. Of late Beyonce, Lilly Hiatt, and Rosalia have been in heavy rotation. FOOD: I’m quite attached to my mother’s banana bread, which contains coffee, walnuts, and mini chocolate chips- -all indispensable additions in my opinion. BOOKS: Playing favorites with books is so hard, so I’ll just note that I delight in fluffy, low-stakes but well-written fiction. “Beach reads?” I’ll take them all! More specific favorite authors include the poets Anne Carson and Danez Smith and I can’t get enough of Adrienne Maree Brown’s exciting work. PLACE TO VISIT: I love the beach, especially in the fall and winter. SPORTS TEAMS: I don’t have any major allegiances (other than Wesleyan, of course) but as a person who grew up in Durham in the 1980/90s, I would be remiss to not mention Duke basketball. Every now and then, among certain company, I will become a screaming superfan. SOCIAL MEDIA: The TikTok algorithm knows my heart and always serves me a gratifying mix of funny, incisive, sweet content; I find it soothing, informative, and often hopeful. Colleagues in public health tell me that LinkedIn is a preferred resource for networking, so I’ve been trying to be a bit more present in that space as well. WHAT’S ONE SURPRISING THING ABOUT YOU: I used to love archery as a kid and lately have had a major hankering to relearn! Dr. Megan Von Doren JOB TITLE: Assistant Professor of English, Director of the Writing Program. HOMETOWN: Rural Kansas. DEGREES EARNED: B.A., English, Bob Jones University; M.A., English, Kansas State University, Ph.D., English, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE: Before my M.A. degree, I worked for seven months at an auto repair shop as a customer service representative. PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Seven years teaching first-year writing and literature at Emmaus Bible College (Iowa); and five years teaching first- and second-year writing at the University of Tennessee. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WESLEYAN: One of the things I liked the most about working at Emmaus was developing connections with students and getting to see them grow their skills over the course of their undergraduate career. I wanted to return to a small college where teaching and mentoring were valued. YOUR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Writing assessment, antiracist writing education, and religious rhetoric. COURSES YOU EXPECT TO TEACH AT WESLEYAN: I’m currently teaching Basic Reading & Writing, Writing I, and Multimedia Writing. I’ll teach Writing II in the spring. YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I emphasize student-centered classes- -lots of hands-on, in-class work. We also foreground the importance of students’ own language and voice in writing, so that people feel comfortable sounding like themselves when they write. And finally, I do a lot of “ungrading”; so grades come, not from me judging students’ work based on how good I think it is, but from the work students do over the term. If you do the things, you’ll get an A. YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Running/walking and reading science fiction novels. LIST YOUR FAVORITES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: TV SHOWS: “Monk,” “The Good Place,” “SG-1.” MOVIES: “Star Trek” (2008), “The Princess Bride,” “Dune” (2021). MUSICAL ARTISTS: Of Monsters and Men. BOOKS: I read a lot of science fiction. “Canticle for Leibowitz” (by Walter Miller) is a favorite, as is “Children of Time” (Adrian Tchaikovsky) and “Xenogenesis” (Octavia Butler). PLACE TO VISIT: Big South Fork National Recreation Area in Tennessee. SPORTS TEAMS: I’m not really a team-sport person. I’m big into ultrarunning/trail running. Right now the top athlete in the world, the GOAT of trail running, is Courtney Dauwalter, who won the three biggest races in the field this summer--the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB 100. Dr. Mark Sursavage JOB TITLE: Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Writing Center HOMETOWN: I was born in Sylva, North Carolina and grew up in the western part of the state, but have been in Houston for the last 12 years. DEGREES EARNED: B.A. in English from Clemson University, M.A. in English from Belmont University, and Ph.D. in literature from the University of Houston. PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE: I have pretty much taught or tutored in some capacity for my entire professional life with some work in retail and the service industry at various points in between to pay bills while in grad school. See Sursavage pg 6

North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 SPORTS PROFILES October 19, 2023 5 By Albert Sitwell Profile: John Falke, Numero Uno on Tennis Team Decree Staff Writer As I observe the action on the tennis court at one of America's top ten Division III programs, my attention is drawn to the tall and thick figure of John Falke. He stands at a towering 6 feet, 6 inches, an outlier from the rest of the guys on the tennis team, a striking presence amidst the sea of blue tennis courts. Falke’s tennis clothes are crisp, glistening under the bright afternoon sun. Across the net stands his opponent from the same university. There is a friendly rivalry between the two, as they begin to hit cross court on the forehand side. Both men sweat profusely in the heat, Falke’s yellow shirt clinging to his body. The contrast is stark as Falke effortlessly moves across the court, but Luca Knese seems to put everything he has into each step, his bright yellow NC Wesleyan Tennis shirt billowing with each graceful stride. The ball whizzes through the air as the hitting session unfolds. Falke’s forehand, a precise instrument of destruction, sends the ball hurtling with remarkable force and accuracy. He moves with a fluidity that belies his stature, his blue tennis shorts swishing as he pivots and dashes across the court. In the stands, Coach Albie Brice watches his number-one player and team captain with a different look than he does when he watches the rest of his team. Falke’s sandy blonde hair bounces slightly as he moves gracefully around the court. He's known for his good-natured banter, but when it comes to anything more serious, Falke’s all business. The tennis ball, pristine yellow against the deep blue sky, becomes a blur as he smashes it across the net. During practice sessions at the Wesleyan tennis complex, Falke’s vibrant personality shines through as he occasionally takes a break from intense drills to inject lightheartedness into the atmosphere. As he saunters over to the water cooler, his teammates follow suit, thirsty for a break. Falke grabs a bottle and takes a long, exaggerated swig. He puckers his lips and mockingly lets out a dramatic sigh of relief, his sandy blonde hair tousled from the heat. “Ah, water from the gods!” he exclaims, his voice carrying a hint of theatricality. A few chuckles ripple through the group as they appreciate his sense of humor. John Falke was born in November 2000 in Gothenburg, Sweden. As a child Falke described himself as having a “ton of energy, a kid who couldn’t sit still. But I think I was still loveable.” Falke’s mother, Charlotte, is a consultant and his father, Thomas, is retired. Falke says he is very much a “similar character” to his father who, he said, has a pretty relaxed take on life, always fishing and boating. Some of Falke’s fondest early memories include his father. He said that the two of them loved to play Swedish board games together and that his father was an avid cook, an interest that he’s passed onto his son. But one of Falke’s most traumatic memories also involved his father. Calling the incident “one of his scariest moments,” Falke, then 5, fell down a flight of stairs as his father playfully chased him around the house. It was around the age of 10 that Falke began to dream of becoming a professional tennis player. He said that although he had these dreams, they never really felt like they were going anywhere as he only started to get into competitive tennis around the age of 13. At the time, he said, he was overweight and out of shape. “Too many Swedish meatballs,” he joked. But everything changed for him, tennis wise, when he met a new coach. Staffan. This man, Falke said, “revolutionized the way I thought about and played tennis.” As he participated in more competitions, Falke said he lost a huge amount of weight. “I was working out every day and drinking more coffee than you can imagine,” he said, noting that his success on the court sparked his interest in coming to the U.S. to continue his playing career. When talking about his youth in Sweden, Falke figures it was similar to life in this country. “It sounds quite American,” he said, “but I’d go to school from Monday to Friday, then on the weekend me and my mates would get round a table and just enjoy each other’s company.” Falke had many role models growing up. “My dad, Roger Federer and my neighbor Patrick Larsson,” Falke said, explaining that his old soccer coach lived next door to him and taught him a lot about “sport and life.” Falke said that all three men shared one thing and it was their type of leadership. Falke mentioned that with these role models he was able to have “a great childhood.” Asked about setbacks he has experienced in his life, Falke said that a year ago, while a student at Wesleyan, he surrounded himself with some people who had a very negative effect on his life. He found that these people took a toll on his sporting life as well as his private and social life. Things got tough for him, he said. But he has since separated himself from the others and now finds that he’s a lot happier. Falke has many interests outside of tennis: cooking, music, golf, handball and hockey. When- ever Falke gets angry on the tennis court, he’ll often shout either “SHOULD’VE PLAYED GOLF!!!” or “SHOUL’VE PLAYED HANDBALL.” Falke says that his other interests provide him with a needed break from tennis and help him maintain his passion for the sport. It’s good every now and then, he said, “to completely forget about tennis.” Falke has some clear career goals and none of them relates to tennis. “I want to work in sales and drive a Volvo,” he said. When asked where he wants to live after college and beyond, his answer was immediate, “not America. It’s too much of a culture clash for me. I want to wear smart clothes and drink coffee, not sit in lounge wear and eat Chick-fil-A.” As far as politics, Falke doen’t have many “extreme” or “contro- versial” views, but said he believes in, “democracy.” He described how most days pass without him even thinking about politics at all. “I know I probably should,” he said, “but if World War III is coming, is it even worth me knowing?” In terms of his religious beliefs, Falke is an atheist and says he “doesn’t believe in anything supernatural. I’m more of a scientific human being.” Age 40 Falke sees himself with a family, “a sweet wife, a dog and with two Volvos in the garage. Profile: Kayla Ruffin, Wesleyan’s Assistant Volleyball Coach By Mary Alice Butler Senior Staff Writer In the heart of Greenville, Kayla Ruffin found a way to continue to take part in a sport she loves, both as a dedicated athlete and a seasoned coach. Her journey has taken her from the schoolyards of Greenville to the college fields and back, all while cultivating a passion for volleyball. Growing up, Ruffin was no stranger to the excitement of outdoor activities. She spent her childhood days running and playing with neighborhood friends, a testament to her active spirit. Sports soon became her primary focus, and she excelled in soccer, tennis, and volleyball. But it was softball that first captured her heart. She started playing at the age of 7, and her natural talent quickly made it her favorite pastime. Ruffin had high ambitions even as a child. She dreamt of becom- ing a lawyer, drawn to the idea of persuasive arguments and the allure of financial success. “I’m really good at arguing,” Ruffin stated. “Getting paid to do it for a living is even better.” However, as she progressed through school, she discovered that her passion for sports outweighed her enthusiasm for the legal world, leading her to rethink her career aspirations. Her high school years were marked by her attendance at South Central High School in Greenville. During this time, she honed her skills in softball and, notably, volleyball, setting the stage for her future achievements. Her dedication paid off when she became a two-time hitter of the year and earned an all-conference award. After graduating from high school, Ruffin pursued her education at Pitt Community College, where she earned her associate degree in 2015. From there, she ventured to East Carolina University, attending from 2017 to 2019 and majoring in a program disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she finds herself in the adult studies program at North Carolina Wesleyan, determined to reach her educational goals. One of her major achievements was her successful collegiate soft- ball career. Playing for Pitt Com- munity College, she became a star, adding to her love for the sport. Her freshmen year she averaged a .361 at the plate and recorded an on-base percentage of .446 with 26 hits and 13 runs. Her good start her first year would be nothing compared to her sophomore year when Ruffin’s batting average was .425 with an on-base percentage of .510. During her second year, she scored 24 runs and recorded 34 hits, including two homers. Her excellence on the diamond earned her the title of hitter of the year and an all-conference recognition. Despite her focus on softball, volleyball has remained a constant in Ruffin's life. She continued to play the sport she adores, even through her college years. Today, she remains active in volleyball, playing multiple times a week, and participating in recreational leagues. Ruffin’s life took an unex- pected turn when she discovered her talent for coaching. At the age of 17, while playing for the East Coast Juniors Volleyball Club, her director and coach recognized her potential and offered her a chance to coach. This opportunity would prove to be the start of a successful coaching career that has spanned nine years and counting. While she briefly coached softball, it was volleyball that ignited her coaching passion. Ruffin has had an interesting journey that led her to North Carolina Wesleyan University and is committed to making a positive impact on the university's volleyball program. It all began with a recommendation from an old friend named Caitlyn, who used to coach at the universi- ty. Caitlyn was aware of Ruffin’s recent job transition and informed her about an opening for an assistant coach position with Head Coach Vicky Gentile. This initial connection set the stage for her entry into the volleyball program. The hiring process involved two phone interviews followed by a campus visit to meet the staff. During the visit, she had the opportunity to share a meal and engage in meaningful discussions with the Assistant Athletic Director Mike Armbruster and Coach Gentile, which ultimately solidified her interest in joining the NCWU coaching team. Currently, in her second year at NCWU, Ruffin reflects on the opportunity that “fell into her lap.” She recognizes the potential for growth and success within the program and is determined to enhance its reputation. “I want the players to come here know- ing they will compete and grow as a person and player,” Ruffin stated, noting that she looks for athletes who possess a blend of strength, mental fortitude, a high volleyball IQ, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. One of the challenges she faces in her coaching role at Wesleyan is the university's Division III status, which means there is limited scholarship funding available. Ruffins says that “the lack of athletic scholarships and activities in Rocky Mount can be a turn-off for recruits.” Despite the challenges, Ruffin appreciates the friendly atmosphere among the coaching staff and values the support and camaraderie she has found at her new home. Coach Gentile said that Ruffin’s exceptional qualities are what set her apart. Her dedication to her role as a coach is characterized by a deep knowledge of volleyball, a commitment to truthfulness, a delightful sense of humor, and a strong sense of accountability. Her expertise is an asset, enabling her to provide valuable insights, strategic guidance, and technical expertise to her athletes. “She truly knows the game inside and out,” said coach Gentile. Ruffin’s honesty and integrity are qualities that leave a lasting impression. Her straightforward approach to communication builds trust among her colleagues and players. She's unafraid to provide honest feedback, whether it's praise or constructive criticism, fostering an environment of growth and improvement. “‘You always know what you're going to get with her as a coach,” Gentile comment- ed. “It’s never a guessing game.” Evening out the straightforward- ness, Ruffin brings a wonderful sense of humor to the workplace, creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. Gentile appreciates this aspect of her personality. “Her ability to bring laughter into our daily interactions is a refreshing and much-appreciated trait that contributes to team morale.” Ruffin leads by example, ensuring that she and her team take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. This dedication to accountability instills a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility in those she works with and coaches. While many candidates applied for the assistant coaching position, Ruffin’s unique qualities made her the clear choice. What most impresses her colleagues is her authenticity. “The realness is the biggest thing,” says Coach Gentile. “This consistency and authenticity are qualities that make her a valu- able member of our team.” Ruffin is respected among her players. Mackenzie Landers, a freshman defensive specialist, is thrilled about having “Coach Kayla” in her first season. See RUFFIN pg 6 John Falke Photo courtesy of A. Sitwell Kayla Ruffin Photo courtesy of M.A. Butler

6 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 ARTS & CAMPUS CULTURE October 19, 2023 BENTLEY from pg 3 Bruce Harvey, ethics with Barry Drum, Studies in British Literature before 1700 with Lee Templeton, and Intermediate Accounting II with Wendy Achilles. “I truly loved every class,” she said. “Learning is such a blessing to me.” Bentley noted that being a fulltime mother and a full-time student, while maintaining her business wasn’t easy. “But there was never a moment here that I thought I wouldn’t finish,” she said, adding that she received tons of encouragement throughout her education. She credits her perseverance to her faith in Christ. “Without Christ I am nothing,” she said. She said this gave her strength to get through these trials in her life. She says this is the most important thing anyone needs to know about her. Bentley said she enjoyed her time as a Wesleyan student. “Being surrounded by faculty and staff that constantly encouraged me (and still do), was unlike anything I’d ever ex- perienced,” she said. She said that she is happy to now call them coworkers and friends. She said that NCWU fostered the love she had for learning and helped her grow as a person. Bentley graduated summa cum laude in December of 2022. “Having a college degree is a dream come true,” she said, explaining that she is the only person in her family to graduate from high school, let alone college. “I have to pinch myself at times because I am so very grateful. It took me eight years to finish, but I never got a single B. How else could I better say thank you than to do my very best?” Bentley’s hobbies include reading classic novels, listening to classical music, and gardening. Her favorite hobby is cooking although she is not fond of the cleaning aspect. “I love all things spicy,” she said. Thai food, Mexican food, and Indian food are among her favorites. Bentley expressed pride in her daughter, now 18. Mary is dualenrolled as both a high school and college student at Nash Community College. She will graduate with honors in December, having completed about 60 college credits, and will begin at Wesleyan in January. “She is an amazing person,” her mother said, “and excels in everything.” RUFFIN from pg 5 Ruffin’s connection with Landers extends beyond her current coaching role. They knew each other previously from East Carolina Junior Varsity Club, where Ruffin coaches and Landers was a player. While Ruffin wasn't Landers’ formal coach at ECJVC, she consistently went above and beyond by offering guidance and support to help Landers elevate her volleyball skills. “Her dedication to player development speaks volumes about Coach Kayla's commitment to her athletes,” Landers stated. “I was beyond excited to start my collegiate career with Coach Kayla in my corner.” Having Ruffin as a college coach is especially valuable to Landers. “It was a seamless transition into college life,” the player said. With Ruffin already familiar with Landers’ playing style and learning preferences, it has created a sense of comfort and familiarity within the team. Landers appreciates having a mentor who not only knows her game but also under- stands how she learns and thrives in a volleyball environment. Looking back on her journey, Ruffin offers a valuable piece of advice to her younger self and anyone with big dreams: “Don’t settle; pursue whatever you dream of.” Her own story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of one’s passions. NCWU Profile: Professor Jaycob Zachry By Deonna Starks Decree Staff Writer Powers Recital Hall was spacious and empty of students. There was nothing there, but empty red cloth seats, dim lighting, and a black stage occupied by Jaycob Zachry. Zachry is one of the theater professors here who conducts the majority of his school activities in the Dunn Center. He is tall with a slender frame and is usually wearing a plaid shirt, and khaki pants, and walks around with a maroon computer bag. Although a theater professor now, Zachry did not expect this to be his career. Jaycob Zachry grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born into a military family that seemed to be on duty quite a bit. Zachry’s parents were in the Navy and both served four years. When his parents left the military there was a specific technology in its first development called echo sonography. Echo sonography is a particular technology that can look at people’s hearts. Zachry’s dad worked for a company that produces echo sonography equipment. Now Zachry’s father is an echo tech that uses this equipment to check military patients’ hearts at a cardiologist’s office. Zachry’s mother also used to be an echo tech, but she worked with children at a pediatric doctor’s office called Cardiologist Pediatrics. Since Zachry’s parents were occupied with work, Zachry saw it necessary to be involved with something that would keep his interest. At age five he became interested in soccer and his primary position was goalie. Zachry managed to play soccer for some time, from primary school up until high school. “Growing up, my whole life was soccer,” he said. “I was a super jerk jock.” He enjoyed every minute of the sport until one serious accident that caused two discs in his back to be herniated. Zachry was a senior in high school and was playing a preseason scrimmage game with his team. The ball was kicked and he and a player from the opposite team were both going for it, or so Zachry thought. The opposing player was going for Zachry and knocked him into the metal pole framing the goalie’s net. He recalled blacking out for a bit, but then he recovered and continued to play for the rest of game. Upon returning home, Zachry went to bed that night and started to experience excruciating pain in his back that caused him to lose strength in his legs. “It was so bad to the point where my mom had to take me to the hospital to get an MRI,” he said. While Zachry was at the hospital, the doctor diagnosed him with degenerated disk disease. “That was not fun to hear,” he said. “That was not fun at all. My whole life was full steam ahead and then derailed in a matter of seconds.” After this incident Zachry was put on bed rest for more than two months. During this healing period, Zachry became keenly interested in movies, poetry, and acting. Zachry indulged himself in these arts during his whole recovery. Once his recovery period was coming to an end, he was told that professional soccer, something he was planning on doing for a lifetime, was not ever going to be an option for him. “I was a big-time soccer player and wanted to do that professionally,” he said. Zachry didn’t want to let that knowledge hinder him from exploring other possibilities, so he sought out a new passion, theater. After high school, he decided to apply to Charleston Southern University and was accepted. He stayed at Charleston Southern four semesters, originally studying in the athletic training program. Zachry’s student counselor, Christi Willams, met with him and told him that it would be best to study theatre since he seemed to be interested in the subject. Zachry also knew that he couldn’t risk playing soccer in his condition. “When she said that, I said yes immediately,” Zachry said. Once Zachry completed two years at Charleston Southern, he decided to audition for a prestigious theater arts school called New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts. After his audition, Zachry waited with his nerves on high alert. “During my waiting process my mom was told by my agent to think of ways to comfort me and other plans we can (implement) just in case I wasn’t accepted,” Zachry said. Not a moment too soon, Zachry received the news from the school that he was accepted. “They only take a selective amount of students,” he said. While having the opportunity to live in New York City, Zachry had the pleasure of being involved with multiple talented artists. “I got to see how acting was, cut and dry,” he said. Zachry attended the school for a year and graduated with his degree in dramatic arts. During the next seven years, he was acting. He starred in plays and movies, and worked for a news station named WRCB Channel 3 News. At WRCB Zachry started as a camera operator, then he worked his way up to be the director of audio. He stated that it was fun working at the news station, but it was also a pain at times. “They wanted to make me a news reporter, but I said no,” he said. “Anytime you are involved with media and politics it can get irritating quickly.” Among the highlights of his acting career, Zachry played an alien in the “Men in Black” movies. He mentioned that the audition itself was confusing as he was told little to no information about what his character was supposed to be doing exactly. “The director told us to look for our ’Wingler,’” he said. “Like I’m supposed to know who or what that is.” Although more opportunities were to come, Zachry decided it was time to step away from the film industry. “I absolutely loved the things that I did, but I got out of the business before it made me jaded,” he said. Zachry feels that he would have been a better actor if he had let his ego go. “I spent the first two years trying to be the center of attention,” he said, “not knowing that I was ruining others in the process.” Zachry believes it takes a strong person to be a working actor. Burned out on acting, he left New York and moved back in with his parents. Not too long after the move he met his future wife, Veronica. A doctor, Veronica was in a surgical residency in Chattanooga at the time. They had the opportunity to get to know each other and now have been married for eight years. The couple has a son, Jaylen. While in Chattanooga, Zachry attended the University of Tennessee and earned his bachelor’s in theater communications, so he could officially teach acting classes. Eventually Zachry and his family landed in Rocky Mount, where his wife had accepted a position. Looking for work, Zachry connected with Roger Drake, the now-retired director of Wesleyan’s theater program. According to Zachry, Drake was impressed with his acting experience and hired him as a theater instructor. Now in his third year at Wesleyan, Zachry has been able to teach the majority of the theater classes offered here. This semester he is teaching two sections of theater appreciation classes and also theater history. He teaches Monday through Friday and supervises afterschool plays staged in Powers Recital Hall and Minges Auditorium in the Dunn Center. Zachry’s teaching style is very engaging. During his classes, he will ask questions, run interactive activities, and make exaggerated movements with his body to keep students enticed. “I like to make things seem fun, even when I know it can come off as boring,” he said. During play rehearsals, he will act with the students and he shows how characters can be depicted, while leaving room for student actors to also play the characters how they see them. He also offers personal acting lessons for free to any interested students. “One of the things I love about teaching acting classes,” Zachry said, “is it is nothing like teaching your regular college class.” SURSAVAGE from pg 4 PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: I taught high school English in South Carolina for two years, English as a Foreign Language in Prague, Czech Republic for a year, and then at the University of Houston I taught first-year writing, introduction to drama, and a graduate thesis writing class intermittently for 12 years. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WESLEYAN: I’m very excited to be in an atmosphere in which professors know students personally and are committed to their success in the classroom. I have also been very encouraged by my colleagues’ welcoming attitudes and sincere desire for me to find the work meaningful. YOUR AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: My dissertation was about using spatial theory to better understand how we evaluate world literature, but my current interests relate to ethnographies of writing, writing in the disciplines, and writing center administration. COURSES YOU EXPECT TO TEACH AT WESLEYAN: Writing I & Writing II, Professional Writing, Developmental Writing, Writing for New Media. YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I’m interested in how students’ personal experiences and area of study inform their writing practices, so in my classes I try to find ways for students to connect these aspects of themselves to their assignments. That often means using groupwork and class discussions to help students develop their priorities within the framework of a particular assignment. Working in writing centers has led me to see the immense value that students bring to one another as well as the diverse approaches they bring to composing, so my role is often to facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas that students can use to develop their writing. YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: I like to stay active hiking, running and biking, although I’m often quite happy to spend my time reading when I’m not able to get outside. I have a dog named Buddy who started sleeping on my porch during the pandemic, and who is now very spoiled. I’m a big beer fan, so I’ve enjoyed exploring the breweries in the Rocky Mount and Raleigh area and am eager to check out more. LIST YOUR FAVORITES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: TV SHOWS: All-time “Fargo,” “Atlanta.” Current: “Rick & Morty.” Does sports count? MOVIES: All-time: “Dr. Strangelove,” “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Current: “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans.” MUSICAL ARTISTS AND GENRES: Avett Brothers, Kendrick Lamar, Outkast; 90’s alternative. FOOD: My mom’s fried chicken. BOOKS: All-time: “Absalom, Absalom!” by William Faulkner, “The Tall Woman” by Wilma Dykeman, Current: “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward. PLACE TO VISIT: Black Balsam and the Art Loeb Trail in the Shining Rock Wilderness area of North Carolina. SPORTS TEAMS: Any Clemson team, but especially football since my dad and uncle played there SOCIAL MEDIA USE: I follow sports pretty closely on the internet but am not on social media. Jaycob Zachry Photo courtesy of D. Starks