he ecree T since 1960 “of,D by, and for the Wesleyan community.” January 17, 2014 NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN COLLEGE, ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804 Wesleyan Grad Dewey Clark To Become College’s Seventh President North Carolina Wesleyan College’s Board of phenomenal growth through a daily culture of A: With my 36 years of continuous Q: One might well argue that, given the Trustees has announced that Dr. Dewey G. continuous improvement and a commitment to affiliation with Wesleyan, I’ve been afforded challenges faced by Wesleyan, it would be better Clark, a 1982 Wesleyan graduate and chairman quality. Looking back at my career at MBM, the opportunity to see the college from for the college to hire an “outsider,” a leader who of the college’s Board of Trustees, will succeed I would say basically everything I’ve done has many different angles. Since I arrived in 1978 can view the college with more detachment and James A. Gray III as president of the college. prepared me for the President’s position. I have as a student, the traditional day program has objectivity. How do you respond to that view? Gray recently announced plans to retire at the experience in human resources, which will help changed very little. Back then our resident A: I could not more strongly disagree with the end of the 2013-14 academic year in May. He with hiring and personnel issues. I have experi- capacity was 450 students, and today it is opinion to hire an outsider. Wesleyan is at a very came to Wesleyan as its sixth president in June ence in accounting and finance, which will be 2009 and will remain involved with the college 550. Wesleyan still faces financial challenges, crucial time in its history, and given our current invaluable for understanding income statements to concentrate on several ongoing initiatives. lack of student activities, and an imbalance financial position, we do not have the luxury of In announcing the selection of Clark as the and the balance sheet. The experiences in of athletes vs. non-athletes. Working for the bringing in an outsider. An outsider would spend college’s next president, Will Lassiter, vice operations, marketing, and strategic planning college as a staff employee for eight years two to three years trying to discern the unique chairman of Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, will be by far the most beneficial. allowed me to experience how an educational problems facing the college, meeting the key said, “As we explored the leadership require- My current position, Executive Director of organization functions. In 1990, I was on players, and acclimating themselves to the Rocky ments of the college at this time, our discus- Strategic Planning, is very similar in many ways several accreditation committees. Having Mount area. Just like businesses vary one from sions led us to conclude that the obvious choice to the president position. I examine every area of eight years of admissions experience will be another within their segment, Wesleyan is Dr. Clark. In our opinion, he has a unique MBM, including all its subsidiaries, to find ways extremely valuable in dealing with our current is vastly different from other private, four-year set of skills and experience that perfectly equip to increase profits and improve efficiencies. enrollment issues. Some of the most beneficial liberal arts colleges. With my experi- him to handle the task at hand.” The same will be true at Wesleyan, where the experience will be the 12 years as an adjunct ences, I understand our problems of low Thomas A. Betts, former chairman of greatest emphasis will be the troubled areas professor in our ASPIRE program. I’ve taught traditional enrollment, distressed finances, Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees and chairman of such as enrollment and fund raising. our Operations Management Business class 21 the imbalance of athletes, our discon- Q: the presidential search committee, said, “Not Describe your leadership and times. This class has averaged 15 students each nection with alumni and community, only does he bring a fresh set of eyes to old and management style. semester, so I have taught over 300 students. dependence on ASPIRE, and under-funding A: tired problems, but his management style is My style is very proactive, as I want Each time I teach this class I’m re-energized of key areas that have led to Wesleyan starving inclusive and decisive. He is a proven visionary to influence events as opposed to reacting to in my commitment to make a difference in the the liberal arts side of the college. According to Dr. Dewey Clark, a Wesleyan grad historians, “those that know no history are fated and strategic leader who is results-driven. problems. Wesleyan has been in a reactionary students’ lives. Each semester, I hired the best Those strengths, coupled with his undeniable and MBM executive, has been to repeat it.” An outsider would not be able to mode for some time now, and has not focused student in my class, and created a position for devotion to Wesleyan, are what put a smile on named the college’s next president, enough time on strategic planning. I prefer immediately understand that, even though our them at MBM. These students have become facilities are basically debt-free, we’re not our faces and reinforced that we had made the succeeding James Gray, who has short-term plans backed by specific measur- correct call. We are confident in our decision.’’ some of MBM’s finest employees. Continued on pg 2 announced that he will retire in able goals that are used to develop the long- Clark earned his bachelor’s degree at term vision. There is absolutely no substitution Wesleyan in business administration and May after five years. Wesleyan PR Photo for preparation, an area where I will spend a history and his master’s degree in business lot of my time. Hard work is engrained in me. administration from Campbell University. Mount, I had no plans to leave until Warren Ideas become stale and momentum is lost with He completed his doctor of business Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought MBM time away from critical areas. Leadership administration with a concentration in in the summer of 2012. MBM is still a great management from Argosy University. deals with influence. When employees see company and I will always cherish my time that the leader has a passionate vision, they Since 1990 he has held executive positions there, but I felt like this was a great opportunity at MBM Corporation in Rocky Mount. are more likely to follow. Integrity has always to make a real difference in something about been very important to me. I believe that During the past 10 years he has served as which I care deeply. Being a college president executive director of strategic planning. people want to know the truth regardless of has never been a career goal, but looking the situation. Lastly, being respectful to all “I am humbled and honored by this back on my career, it’s something I have been opportunity to return to my alma mater as people is important to me. There are some preparing for all of my life. Anyone can look president,” Clark said. “With 32 years of individuals on campus that may not have been experience in business and education, I feel at my résumé and see that I would not be as in agreement on my selection as Wesleyan’s I am uniquely qualified to lead Wesleyan to “uniquely qualified” to be president of any other next president. I am very respectful of their the next level. I will approach this challenge college. Education and background aside, the opinion, and I look forward to working with with the same passion and dedication that I three over-riding characteristics I possess are a them to make Wesleyan a better place. have given MBM throughout my career.” passion for the college, a deep knowledge base Q: What kind of fund-raising experi- Clark said that, given President Gray’s May of the inner workings of the college, and being ence do you bring to the job? retirement and his current obligations, he will an area resident for 36 years. Coming from A: Successful fund raising requires a specific Katie Farrell directs ASPIRE’s new Wilmington, Whiteville and Brunswick cam- transition to the role of president sometime humble agricultural beginnings, and being a skill set that is partly God-given and partly learned. next year, yet to be determined. “Wesleyan has first-generation college student, I have listened The fund raiser has to be able to communicate puses. Seen here with Provost Michael Brown, Farrell received a Distinguished been blessed with exceptional faculty, staff, to critics every step of the way. Fortunately, a need and a vision for a specific project. This Staff Award last fall during Founders Day ceremonies. S. Best Photo and students,” Clark said. “I look forward to through hard work, and God’s grace I have must be done in such a way that the potential partnering with them in the coming years.” succeeded in every undertaking. Being a college Clark came to Wesleyan in the fall of 1978 donor feels a connection to the project and sees president will be a tremendous challenge, but the long-term benefit. In my role at MBM I have ASPIRE Program Sees as a first-generation college student. Since I’m very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime then he has continually been associated with been presenting projects and opportunities to the opportunity. shareholders for over 20 years. The message must the college in various ways. After graduating Q: There had been initial discussion Continued Growth from Wesleyan, he went to work in the be concise and clear. The biggest advantage of On February 1, Dr. Evan Duff will enter A: Goldsboro has seen the highest increases about conducting a national search for hiring an alumni and resident of Rocky Mount Admissions Office. In addition, Clark has a new president, but that idea was soon his fourth year at NC Wesleyan, having in enrollment (credit hours taken by students) taught a course in operations management at is the instant connection with these groups. Our overseen dramatic growth in the college’s and has had close to 10-12 percent increases abandoned. Describe the deliberations and Wesleyan more than 20 times. Recently he alumni base is around 12,000, but nearly half adult degree program, known as ASPIRE. since 2011 each year. Rocky Mount has had discussion that led to your appointment. began his fourth term on the Board of Trust- A: are ASPIRE students that feel little connection When he joined the college administration more significant increases in enrollment within ees, where he has served as vice-chairman As Chairman of the Board, I had every to the college. We must increase alumni giving from Mt. Olive, Wesleyan operated three the last two years and has about an 8 percent intention of conducting a national search. Obvi- and chairman of the finance committee. by reconnecting with them. There are many campuses and enrolled a total of 650 students. average increase per year. Raleigh-Durham has ously, a national search can be done with hiring a A member of Englewood Baptist creative ways that we can establish a more solid Under Dr. Duff’s leadership, the ASPIRE experienced increases and decreases since 2011. search firm by placing ads in national publications Church, Clark has been active in the connection to the Rocky Mount region, which program has expanded to nine campuses. From 2011-2012 there was a 5 percent increase in such as the Chronicle of Higher Education. We community in many organizations and will enhance fundraising. As a matter of reference, Classes have already begun in Wilmington, Raleigh-Durham and over the last year and half had written the ad to be placed in the publications has been recognized with numerous Wesleyan has never been ultra-successful at Greenville, Washington and Whiteville, while we have seen a slight decrease. Reassigning our when General Hugh Shelton, our Vice Chairman service awards. He lives in Wilson with fund raising. After the initial gift of the 200 acres the Manteo campus will begin classes this long-term admissions officer (John Dismukes) to of the Board of Trustees, nominated me for his wife, Suzanne, and children, Blakely and the $2 million to build our first buildings, semester, with Brunswick to follow in May. our Wilmington offices had some impact on this. and Nicholas. (Article courtesy of NCWC PR) the Presidency. When asked, I had stated all along Q: the majority of our expansion efforts have been As of fall 2013, total ASPIRE enrollment had We imagine that the Raleigh-Durham The Decree conducted a recent email that I would not apply for the position unless I was risen to 976, far exceeding enrollment in the campus faces the most competition. Identify through borrowed funds. The college still owes interview with Dr. Clark. nominated and encouraged by the Board. When I traditional day program. the main competitors in the Triangle area. nearly $3 million on the Dunn center, and the Q: At what point did you think that was nominated for the Presidency I resigned from Dr. Duff, whose title is Vice President What’s Wesleyan’s niche in that market? What recent Edgecombe renovation is all borrowed you’d like to become a college president? the Search Committee and was excluded from of Adult & Professional Studies, was steps can the college take to better compete? A: funds. Even though it is less than 5 percent of our The rumor about me being any further deliberations. interviewed about the ASPIRE program. A: Some of our competitors in Raleigh- annual budget, fund raising is the second most Wesleyan’s next president had been Q: How will your experiences at MBM Q: Wesleyan just held another gradua- Durham include Mount Olive College, DeVry, important function for Wesleyan’s president going around Rocky Mount for some help you in your new post as college president? tion ceremony. What are you thinking as Strayer University, and ECPI. Wesleyan does a after admissions. We need to keep in mind that time. Having the best job in Rocky A: MBM has helped prepare me in many you watch ASPIRE students walk across lot of things well compared to these other col- a dollar generated from a freshman’s tuition ways to be a college president. A college presi- the stage to receive their diploma? leges. Our tuition is more cost effective, we offer has an economic impact of more than five A: dent must be a visionary, one that can envision It is so gratifying to work for a college a range of course structures to include 8-week, times that of a dollar donated because of the that understands the importance of education hybrid, and online classes, and we offer more a clear direction or path in which the college continuous revenue stream it generates over for all demographics and age groups. Wes- variety in our majors such as teacher education, must head. At MBM I’ve been in a role to help time. This potential revenue stream continues leyan provides such an important service to organizational administration, and marketing. establish direction through a collaborative vi- for the entire lifetime of the student. adults throughout eastern North Carolina, who Our biggest weakness is lack of advertising and sion. When I arrived at MBM in 1990, we were Q: You’ve been a Wesleyan student, an for many reasons could not go or finish their awareness. The competitors listed above spend a $150 million company with five distribution admissions counselor, an ASPIRE instructor college degree between the ages of 18-22. well over $1 million a year just on advertising centers. This year we’re a $7 billion company and a trustee. In what specific ways will this Q: Describe the typical ASPIRE student. and it is very difficult to compete with that. with 36 distribution centers. We achieved this varied background help you as president? A: We have students who range in age Q: Let’s turn to the recent expansion into of 22 to 62 with an average age of 34. new markets in eastern North Carolina. Under Our students are typically working adults your direction, the college has established Dean Williams To Leave in May that are mid-career professionals who several new sites. How do you account for the Dr. Randy Williams will leave NC private college with more than 5,000 students. have a family. We also have many single growth in ASPIRE? Is the college entering Wesleyan in May after five years as the US News & World Report ranks it number parents who have more than one job. under-served markets, or has the 2008 recession college’s Vice President for Student Affairs one among regional universities in the South. Q: What are the current enrollment motivated more adults to earn their degrees? and Dean of Students. In his email, President Gray praised figures for each of the satellite campuses? A: The nation has seen a trend over the last He will become a Presidential Fellow and Williams for his accomplishments over the A: This was at the end of fall 2013: 10 years of more working adults going back to Special Assistant to the President/Dean of past five years, citing everything from his Raleigh 215, Wilmington 99, Rocky school to start or finish a bachelor’s degree that Kenyata Harris has already Multicultural Affairs, according to NCWC management of the Honor Code and Code of Mt. 293, Goldsboro 282, Greenville 59, they did not finish in their early 20’s. The Washington 15, Whiteville 13. evolving job market also requires more and more made an impact in her first year President James Gray, who announced Student Conduct, to establishment of a viable Q: Williams’ departure in an email. Greek system, to improvements in the Student What have been recent enrollment employees to have a bachelor’s degree. Combine on the Bishops hoops team. trends in the three oldest campuses—Ra- this with adults who are geographically bound Elon University, located between Success Center, to stronger campus security. See sports page 3. SI photo leigh-Durham, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount? See ASPIRE pg 4 Greensboro and the Raleigh-Durham area, is a 2 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 January 17, 2014 NEWS

Clark To Become College’s Seventh President (continued from pg 1) leveraging them to our advantage. tremendous dedication and work, and usu- Q: As a former admissions counselor, what Also, the knowledge of the how the ally improves the time-management skills of specific changes would you like to see in the cash-generated depreciation funds have the student. The greater value of athletics is college’s recruitment and admission process? been used to basically cover our accounts the life lessons that are learned being part of A: With eight years’ experience in admis- receivable situation would be hard for an team. Some of our best employees at MBM sions, I think we could have done this entire outsider to comprehend. This trend has led are former Wesleyan athletes. article on this one question. We have some fine us to steer away from the normal business Currently, the college has an imbal- employees in Admissions and we’re doing trends of using cash from depreciation to ance of athletes vs. non-athletes and we many of the right things. However, we need a replenish our assets. All these obstacles are will address that quickly. Thanks to our total transformation of this area to fill up our compounded given that we have a SACS excellent coaching staff and successful dorms. Michael Pratt has unselfishly stepped mid-term review in 2015. Lastly, with over athletic teams, we have been blessed in to lead Admissions while we’re finding 90 percent of revenues generated from with large numbers of athletic recruits. our next Vice President. This area generates students, it is imperative to have someone However, in order to build a diverse over 90 percent of our revenue and needs that has a very good understanding not student body, we need to increase the to be the area with the greatest investment. only of admissions and marketing, but number of non-athletic recruits. Once that We’re going to increase expectations, hold fast admissions and marketing that is specific is attained, we need to consider a greater accountability, and restructure compensation to Wesleyan’s unique model. offering of sports such as swimming, track accordingly. Admissions is understaffed for Q: It’s often the case when a new president and field, and cross country. Wesleyan has the aggressive recruiting process towards takes office that there is a shakeup in the a rich athletic tradition, which is a huge which we are headed. The local area has been vice president ranks. For example, when Dr. recruiting advantage for the school. We largely ignored in recent years. Study after Newbould left, two VPs departed and two can continue to use this advantage while study shows that 70 percent of the time, college Colonel Mike Morgan, seen here with President James Gray, delivered the commencement others were soon replaced. At this point, are you we build some other attractions. graduates come from an area within 250 miles address at the December graduation ceremony. A 1989 Wesleyan graduate and the recipi- hoping to retain your current VPs or will you Q: Many students would like to know of their home town. We’re going to start in ent of numerous military awards, Colonel Morgan has been deployed in support of Operation undertake some sort of review process? your stand on each of the following issues: Rocky Mount and saturate eastern North • Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He now serves as Chief of Staff for the 1st A: Fortunately, we are blessed with Allowing students age 21 and older Carolina, and eastern Virginia. Over 75 percent strong leadership on the vice presidential to drink alcohol in their dorm rooms. of our alumni and our current student body are Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Wesleyan PR Photo level. I’m inheriting a very good situation A: I am not at all in favor of alcohol in the from this area. There are many private schools with our current leadership structure. dorms. A very small percentage of our student and Christian schools that we have overlooked. 1ST PERSON However this area, like every other area population is over the age of 21, which creates We need much more training in the at Wesleyan, will be reviewed more a security and student life nightmare in terms psychology of recruiting, marketing I am Not a Stick-in-the-Mud closely once I arrive. A huge advantage of enforcing a policy that allows students over concepts, phone etiquette, the art of ef- By Jonathan Winchester that I have is that I’ve known each of our 21 to possess alcohol. This policy creates fective interviewing, presentation skills, Decree Staff Writer not fun. I approach it like I would any vice presidents for a long time, and have situations where roommates, one of age and financial aid, general customer service Not a day goes by at North Carolina business––I do what I need to do in already worked with them. I will have one not, are living under different rules. It also attitudes, understanding body language, Wesleyan College where I’m not reminded order to complete the task and move on all of the spring semester and summer to puts the 21-year-old student at jeopardy for computer training, and team building. that I graduated from high school a decade to the next. Fun is taking my children continue forging relationships with the being an accomplice to under-age drinking. Financial Aid and Admissions personnel before my contemporaries. Whether it is a to mini-putt and watching them hack at vice presidents and will be able to jointly • Permitting licensed individuals to need to be cross-trained. Our Admis- pop-culture reference by an instructor that the ball until it finally goes in the hole. develop a strategic plan with each of them. I carry concealed weapons on campus. sions Ambassador program needs to be I do get, or one from a fellow student that I Of course I have made a few friends in think all of them know me well enough that A: This is a very sensitive issue where expanded, which would help us increase do not, there is always something shining a my time at Wesleyan, mostly through they sense it will be a new day and things I am sure we will come up with a solution our hours of weekend and holiday light on my slightly advanced age. common interest in “Star Wars” and will be done differently. with which everyone is comfortable. We’re coverage. Additional names need to be While most college students are other nerdy indulgences, but I leave Q: How would you characterize your all working toward the same goal of a safe purchased with a more specific target looking for the next party or planning them all on campus and go home when commitment to maintaining Wesleyan’s campus. It gets difficult when you have a market in mind. Recruitment literature an epic social gathering, my old ass is I am done for the day. liberal arts-based education? trustee or donor that is licensed to carry a con- needs a major overhaul, and the website trying to find ways to excuse myself The generational gap between me A: We have starved the Liberal Arts side cealed weapon that refuses to come on campus needs some work. We need better litera- from yet another baby shower, bridal and most of my fellow students does of the college due to the reduction of majors, because of the ban. I was a student here in 1980 ture highlighting areas such as majors shower, or child’s birthday party in a create a few differences of opinion. For shortage of faculty in some areas, and a when Willette Collins, a Wesleyan cheerleader, and clubs. The recruiting cycle needs to small space with singing rats and hor- one, in the debate of who is better, Leb- general underfunding of the programs. I am was kidnapped, and killed by an outsider with start earlier, targeting sophomore and rible pizza––there are not but so many ron James or Kobe Bryant, the answer concerned, as I am sure many are, that we a gun. Willette sat behind me in biology and juniors. There needs to be an earlier excuses my feeble mind can conjure. is Michael Jordan. Also, Ewoks are do not have a foreign language major and was one of the kindest people I have ever met. cutoff for the freshman class as opposed This is not to say I do not make time not cute and fuzzy creatures that bring a study-abroad program, and a declining It was a horrible time for our community. to accepting students up to when classes for fun. Besides, “Jeopardy” and warm, happy feelings in “Return of number of traditional liberal arts majors. Security is a top priority to the board, and it’s start. A comprehensive process manual “Wheel of Fortune” are on television the Jedi.” Roger Moore will always Having personally experienced the enormous a top priority for me. outlining every area of admissions is six nights every week, so I have plenty be my image of James Bond, not advantage of having a liberal arts back- • Reestablishing weekly chapel services being developed to ensure that everyone of enjoyment. Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig; Sean ground, I’m aware that we as a college are A: We need to reestablish weekly knows what to do and how to do it. This I constantly boost my self-esteem Connery was before my time and not where we need to be in this regard. Many chapel services as soon as possible. North will also ensure everyone is performing as the “elder-statesman” by claiming nobody includes Timothy Dalton or of the students in my classes struggle with Carolina Wesleyan College is a Method- tasks in a consistent manner. my experience in the real world gives George Lazenby. More importantly, basic writing skills, and have substandard ist affiliated college whose motto is Wesleyan has stopped using alumni to me an advantage. In reality, this sells while “South Park” and “Family mathematical skills. Today’s global “Wisdom and Courage through a Christian help us recruit, as we did 20 years ago. There many of my peers short by assuming Guy” are really funny shows, their marketplace is demanding graduates who are education.” I understand that we have is a need to find about 30 alumni that will they have not had the type of life-lesson every plotline has already been done critical thinkers and strong communicators students from many different faiths, and help us to cover key market areas such as experiences because of their youth. I by “The Simpsons” at some point in and possess proven analytical ability. I appreciate that, but we have a strong Raleigh, and Washington, DC. Scholarships do, however, feel that life experience the last two decades. Q: How would you assess the col- Methodist heritage, about which we need need to be developed for such target areas does teach the importance of prioritiz- There is one quality I envy in my lege’s current financial situation? to be proud and highlight. Chapel was as Eagle Scouts, high school marshals and ing. While receiving a bad grade can younger colleagues––adaptability. The A: Our current financial situation is stable, required when I came to Wesleyan. At that ushers. Our admissions technology is one early twenties is a time when plans be deflating, it’s safe to say that getting but not strong. This year’s budget shows a time we did not even have a real “chapel” of the greatest needs we have in that can go sideways, but there is still evicted, seeing a car get repossessed, $600,000 loss from Operations, which is building as we do now. Given academic area. We should be tracking information plenty of time and youth to adapt to and athletic schedules, we may have to be and having the electric company very concerning. Fortunately, the budget such as Wesleyan alumni working in target disconnecting its services in the dead the situation. I have built everything includes $1.6 million in depreciation, so if creative in scheduling chapel, but it is an in my life so rigid that everything had initiative about which I’m excited. high schools, and high schools with sports of winter are far worse. I will survive our accounts receivable is flawless, we will and clubs that match our clubs. Every if my GPA takes a few bumps, but life best work out or it may collapse. For • Construction of a football stadium on campus end the year with a $1 million in cash. That counselor needs to be populating a data base without Wi-Fi is unbearable. example, a 20-year-old student may has not been the case in recent years. Last A: Ideally, we need a football stadium on of information of every high school in their College is supposed to be fun. For find it too difficult to major in history year we wrote off about $1.2 million in bad campus. It would create an additional level the four-year resident students, there and English, so he or she decides to be debts. This is a very troubling trend that has of excitement on game days. However, we assigned market area. These are just some are many ways to mingle, network, and a fashion model instead. Regardless to be reversed. Schools like High Point, Elon, need more students, dorms, and programs initiatives that we need to accomplish in build relationships that span a lifetime of stumbles, I have to continue my and Methodist have been able to borrow first. The good news is that when the funds the first few months. There are many more through school-sponsored events and course because I want to finish school massive amounts of capital to build their come along to build the stadium on campus, areas that need to be addressed. Q: being forced to entertain one another before my children and flex dollars and campuses. We do not have this luxury, and we have the land to accommodate it. There We’ve covered a lot of ground. What in close quarters. For me, college is Bishop Bucks are hardly the retirement must build our campus with surpluses from are many alumni, including myself, that other message would you like to communi- nest egg I imagined. Also, people are operations and fund raising. Currently, our see this is as a top priority, but we’re in no cate to the Wesleyan community? A: expected to make radical, life-altering endowment equals our debt, which I would financial position to focus on it now. I’m very excited about this opportunity THE decisions and experiment in young again characterize as stable. Q: What traits and abilities would you to be the next president of North Carolina adulthood. I would lose the respect of Q: Identify initiatives undertaken by like to see in the next Vice President of Wesleyan College. I have loved this college ECREE my bridge group if I changed my name Mr. Gray that you would like to continue. Enrollment Management? since the first time I visited in December of D to Helvetica, went completely vegan, A: Our facilities are old and most need A: Our next Vice President of Enrollment 1977. It has been bittersweet in a way because since 1960 wore cashmere scarves in the summer, the college has not attained its full potential. “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” renovations. Unfortunately, in recent times we Management must have a high level of market- and trimmed my beard into a yin-yang. have used our depreciation dollars to cover our ing savvy. Admissions is repetitive in nature, Rocky Mount should be a college town, and TA F F But a younger man could do so without accounts receivables issue and have not used the same monthly processes occur year after our alumni should be proud of their education. s as much ridicule. this money to restore our facilities. For ex- year. For this reason, I’m more concerned Wesleyan starts with “We”, and with God’s In reality, going to college in my ample, this year our depreciation expenses are with attracting someone with strong help, we’ll make it a better place. Q: Senior Staff Writers thirties is not all that much different $1.6 million. Assuming no lingering payment marketing skills as opposed to someone with Let’s end at the beginning of your Emily Bower, Daniel “Bubba” than someone who is the typical issues, we will have $1.6 million to continue lengthy admissions experience. This Vice relationship with NCWC. What’s your fond- Carroll, Katherine Crickmore, college age. Just like any other student, with our dorm renovation projects, and other President must also have strong leadership est memory from your time as a student here? I have to find balance between my skills and a passion for what he or she does. A: I have many fond memories of my time Bristy Parker, KeCharna White initiatives. Obviously, this would be in a studies and other priorities. But my balanced-budget scenario. To address many Good admissions leaders understand the value at NCWC as a student. The incoming class priorities are slightly different, being a of our problems of being too small, the lack of of image and are the kind of people that their of 1978 was a large class that helped bring Staff Writers parent and maintaining the image of a student activities, and our over-dependence in employees try to emulate. Admissions is an Wesleyan out of its financial crisis. I came to Denise Battle, Katie Beeman, responsible adult. I have trouble getting the ASPIRE area, we need to begin expanding area that has been underfunded for years, and Wesleyan for several reasons; it was close to Tyler Clark, Amanda Gauthier, to class on time if class is before noon. our resident population. Filling our empty we’ve suffered tremendously. Wesleyan has home, to play basketball, and the “Wisdom And, similar to students two-thirds my spent many man-hours recruiting in areas and Courage through a Christian Education” Shenika Harper, beds and using our deprecation-generated cash age, I survive off copious amounts of would give us over $3 million per year to build that have been very unproductive for us. One motto. The campus with its pine trees and brick Jonathan Winchester caffeine and nicotine, and consume and renovate dorms. This is cash generated example is South Carolina, where we have buildings was very charming and collegiate. junk food in lieu of a real diet. solely from operations and does not include spent some years as much as 25 percent of our However, the reason I stayed was because of the Special Contributors As a reminder to all the students at any resources from fund raising. fall recruiting hours, only to yield less than 1 people I met here. There were professors like Grace Wallace (Photos) Wesleyan enjoying the fun and freedom Q: What do you see as the role of Divi- percent of our freshman class. I’m much more David Jones, Moe Bauer, Don Scalf, and Alan of early adulthood: Be mindful of the sion III athletics at a school like Wesleyan? interested in building the right team in admis- Johnson who took a great interest in me. They handful of us old folks also seeking higher A: Athletics play a major role at sions than I am in finding the right leader. The challenged me every day in the classroom, and Faculty Advisor pushed me to new heights. There was staff like Dr. William Grattan education. We may not be cool anymore, Wesleyan given that over 70 percent of our best coach in the world struggles unless he has a strong team under him. Wesleyan needs a Rachel Dix and Cliff Sullivan who made a posi- (ext 5336) but we always have awesome stories from resident population is involved in sports. the dark ages known as the 80’s and early The athletes historically have performed marketing-savvy leader for the Vice President tive impact on me. Fellow students like Carson 179 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336 Saunders (a roommate), Tammy Gaulding, and Email: [email protected] 90’s. Also, 20 turns into 30 quickly, so be better in the classroom than the non-athletes. of Enrollment Management with a strong, prepared to be old with very little notice. Playing Division III sports requires supportive staff. Shelly Costello became life-long friends. January 17, 2014 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 3 SPORTS Second-Place Baseball Team Returns 8 Starters Q. Charlie Long, last year’s conference The other graduating senior was he relies on deception and changing speeds. find a third baseman or shortstop. Alexis all are hungry to see us succeed. I’ve been Coach of the Year, leads a seasoned team right-handed pitcher Jake Swartout, who Our bullpen will be another key to our success. Rodriguez and James Kornegay did a good pleased with their positive reinforcement. into the 2014 season with hopes of win- was an honorable mention selection. Who Daniel Carroll and Matt Rhyne will anchor our job at third base last season, so they could Q. What most concerns you about your team? ning a conference regular-season title. will assume his place in the starting rotation pen with some of the starters listed above filling again fill that hole if Ciro plays shortstop. A. Our consistency. We have the Wesleyan has lost only two key and who else is in the mix? roles where needed. Second-base will be a good competition as talent, but will we lack focus at times? A. Q. performers—all-conference shortstop Ciro will replace Jake. He has a good Tyler Clark returns this year after well with Chris Rogerson and Jason Riley. Can we maintain the hunger throughout Jake Alexander and honorable mention splitter and a plus fastball. Dillon Moore will sitting out most of last season with a medi- Q. Do you see any first-year players the season from the first pitch to the last? right-handed starter Jake Swartout––to probably be used as a starter as well, after cal condition. In his absence, the team making an impact on the varsity? Q. What teams look to be tough in the graduation from last year’s second-place closing for us last year. Dillon attacks the got a strong performance from freshman A. Luis Palencia will make a serious conference in 2014? team (15-9 in the USA Conference). hitter and mixes his pitches well. Will Beasley James Lovett (all-conference honorable push in the outfield. He really runs the A. CNU is no longer in our league. All The Bishops return eight every-day serves as our #1 guy with a good fastball. He mention). How will you find enough bases well and gives us the speed threat I of the teams are good. When we play a starters and welcome back standout catcher also mixes his pitches well and keeps hitters innings and at bats for your two catchers? enjoy. Marcus Anderson seems very steady three-game series on the road, everything is A. Tyler Clark, who red-shirted last year fol- off balance. Freshmen Tom DeArmitt and Lee Dunn also received valuable expe- in the infield and last fall he put the ball in level, even if we may be better on paper. I do lowing an early-season medical condition. Spenser Ramsey will compete for time as well. rience in Tyler’s absence. I believe it will be play consistently. Ramsey and DeArmitt really like our team and our goal will be to In a recent interview Coach Long Each has a good fastball and works quickly. fun because there will be great competition will get quite a few innings to show us win every series and we should with Beasley expressed optimism about the upcom- Jackson Pleasant (a good changeup) and back there. I’m excited to know that we’re what they can do as well. We definitely and Norzagaray on the mound. We have ing season, a year after his team upset Chase Johnson, who pounds the strike zone, very deep in a very important area! have a talented group of freshmen that can several new coaches (at Ferrum, Greensboro, Q. Christopher Newport in the conference will also compete for time as a possible starter. What starting positions do you still push us to be better and deeper. Huntingdon, LaGrange, Covenant) in the tourney before it was eliminated by George Moore should play a pivotal role in need to fill on the varsity team? Q. What do you like most about your league this year, so I really don’t know what A. USA-South newcomer LaGrange. our success as well; he has a plus fastball. DH. We have several candidates team as you head into the season? to expect. The key this season will be getting Q. Your team performed well in the Hatteras Brooks will also serve as one and will give many guys a look. We need A. Our leadership. The captains are off to a good start. With no conference conference last year, placing second, of the team’s valuable returning starters; to find out where Ciro will play and then Will Beasley, Tyler Clark, Mike DeVin- tournament and the regular season champion before losing a heart-breaking elimination ney, and Daniel Carroll. Each brings a getting the bid to the NCAA, we have to game to LaGrange in the tournament. unique style to their leadership roles and start quicker than we have in the past. What do you want your young team to take from last season and that final game? A. 1. Confidence – We were on a roll and Women’s Hoops Team knew that we would win when we stepped on the field. 2. Hunger – We had a great fall and worked with a sincere purpose. The Wins Conference Opener goal of returning to the NCAA tournament The NCWC women's basketball team cruised basketball, as we had 17 assists, which enabled is within reach. 3. Humility – Even when to a dominating 90-62 win over William Peace us to have five players (Tiffany Bell, Monet you’re playing well, the game has a way of University on January 7 in its USA South opener. Edwards, Shanice Goree, Kenyata Harris, and humbling you if you let down your guard. Following a 19-1 run at the outset, Kourtney Salisbury) in double-digit scoring. We Q. You’re losing only two seniors from NCWC held a 48-28 lead at the half as Tif- did a great job on defense, holding their leading last year’s team. One is Jake Alexander, an fany Bell, Shanice Goree and Kenyata Harris scorer and rebounder (Derrica Jones: 12.7 ppg and all-conference first-team shortstop who batted all reached double-figures in the period. 9.0 rpg) to five points and two rebounds. That was third every game. Who will replace him? For the game, five Bishops scored in double a team effort, but Monet Edwards and Kenyata A. We don’t know who our starting figures and Harris hauled in 12 rebounds, along Harris did most of the “one-on-one” against her. shortstop will be at the moment. We’ll prob- with a team-leading 16 points. Senior Monet Q. Which conference teams appear to ably go with Ciro Norzagaray, but he will also Edwards contributed 15 points off the bench. be the ones to beat? serve as our #2 starting pitcher, so we would The Wesleyan baseball team will look to Ciro Norzagaray to provide pitching As a team, the Bishops shot over 48 A. As usual, there’s Ferrum (due to depth in ideally like to keep him at 3B. We have a few and offense in the coming year. The sophomore right-hander went 4-0 with percent from the field and connected on a the post and good guard play), as well as Maryville other options, Marcus Anderson, a freshman a 1.51 ERA in 2013 and, when playing infield, he batted .372 with 14 RBIs. The solid 18-of-23 free throw attempts. NCWC (depth at every position), Greensboro (great guard from Florida, and Robbie Lanier, who played held a 48-37 advantage in rebounding. play), and Methodist (well coached and always Mexico City native earned all-conference honors. SI photo shortstop for the JV squad last season. The victory was the second in a row for prepared). I should include Huntingdon as well; Wesleyan. On January 3, in Lynchburg, their team is new to the league, and I don’t know Virginia, the Bishops edged the Hornets on much about them, but they beat Ferrum in the first J Mo Leads Bishops to Early-Season Wins a buzzer-beating three-point shot by Harris. round of the NCAA tournament last season. Senior Josh Morrison recorded a double- South opponent, the game was not a pair of free throws that ignited a 14-2 Except for an early 2-0 lead, the Bishops Q. You’ve got five freshmen on this year’s counted toward either team's confer- Bishop run over the next five minutes. double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to help trailed the entire game, until Harris launched team. Which ones do you expect to make an lead the NC Wesleyan men's basketball ence record in order to compensate WPU would get no closer than eight team to a 68-56 victory at William Peace for unbalanced scheduling. The USA points the rest of the way, as Wesleyan her decisive shot. It was one of two three- immediate impact with either scoring or rebound- University on January 7. South's North Division has six partici- went 6-of-8 from the free-throw line in pointers made by the freshman in the final ing? Which ones will get decent minutes? Morrison scored 10 of his points in pating men's basketball programs, the the final minute to secure the win. 16 seconds. Bell led the Bishops with 15 A. Jordan Cager (technically is a red-shirt the second half to help turn a 33-28 South Division only five. Brandon Brown (13 points) and points and 10 rebounds. freshman) and Kenyata Harris will both contrib- halftime lead into a 12-point win. After the Pacers tied the game at Devontae Williams (12) joined Morrison in The two wins give Wesleyan ute early with scoring and rebounding. Cager is a While William Peace is a USA 39-39 with 13:59 to go, Morrison made double-figures, while fellow sophomore D.J. momentum as the team begins USA South quick guard with a consistent mid-range jumper Weaver chipped in 11. Junior Isaac Brown Conference action. Coach Artina Trader, and Harris is “tweener,” who can extend defenses hauled in 10 rebounds, all on offense. now in her fifth season, continues to build with her jump-shot. When focused, Harris can Coach Brackett Wants Tighter Defense as As a team, Wesleyan shot over 48 percent from the field and held a 47-36 the program with an eye toward a confer- be a very good rebounder. Alexis Fitzgerald Team Eyes Improvement in USA South rebounding advantage. ence championship. Last year the Bishops and Taylor Paige will both get decent minutes. Senior Paige Pritchett and sophomore men competing for that position. The Bishops would like to see more won 13 games, one more than in the previ- Fitzgerald is one of our better defenders at the Jasmine Edgren return to lead the NCWC Q. Do you see any first-year players of such a balanced attack as the team ous season, and posted an 11-7 conference guard position and Paige is physical in the post softball team in 2014, as the Bishops look making an impact this year? turns its attention to conference action. mark. It was eliminated in the semi-finals and has the tools to become a good post player. to improve on last year’s 10-12 record in A. All eight of our freshmen could make an Through the first 11 games, Morrison of the 2013 conference tournament. Q. Two of your freshmen are listed at the USA South Conference. impact in one way or another. They’re a very versatile (17.2 ppg) and freshman Marcus The Decree sports staff conducted a recent 5’ 8”. Do you feel better about your team’s Williams (10.3) were the only Bishops email interview with Coach Trader following her overall size or is that still a concern? Both were third-team all-conference group and will compete for a number of positions. to average in double figures. selections in 2013, as Pritchett batted .314 with 4 Q. Over all, what do like most about the 2014 team? team’s game against William Peace in Raleigh. A. Until we get some six-foot post The team opened the season by Q. homers and 19 RBIs and Edgren hit .312 with 11 A. The things I like most about this year’s beating Maryland Bible College and You lost one of your top players players, I will always be concerned with RBIs. Other key returners include senior pitcher team are our experience, depth and leadership. Bob Jones University in the Roger from last year, Samantha Urquhart. Who our overall size but as long as we have Leanna Fann (8-8, 3.12 ERA in 101 innings), Q. What most concerns you about your Taylor Invitational held on the NCWC else must you replace? quickness, it’s a little easier to deal with it. juniors Kendra Hoes (.299, 8 HRs, 25 RBIs) and team as you get ready to begin the season? campus. The team then lost six of A. Yes, we lost Samantha and that was Q. How would you describe your Carla Matthews (.294, 2 HRs, 13 RBIs), and A. My biggest concerns are our its next eight games, with its only a big loss, not just points and rebounds but team’s style of play? senior Carly Creef (.337, 12 stolen bases). strength of schedule early in the season, victories coming in a home-and-away leadership in the locker-room and on the court A. I guess you could call it “run and gun,” On defense the team committed 68 and our players’ ability to accept their series with Mid-Atlantic Christian. as well. And we definitely will miss Leann but I like to think of it as us using our quickness. errors, almost two per game, and recorded roles as the season progresses. (Article courtesy of Sports Information) Breeden’s court experience and shooting. an overall fielding percentage of .929. When Leann’s shots were falling, she made Coach John Bracektt likes that he’s got us a very dangerous team; last year down the New Tennis a young team that’s gained some valuable stretch, her offense won some games for us. Coach Appointed experience in recent years. Only one Q. What did you learn about your team in the player, starting third-baseman Amanda six games leading up to the conference opener? Following an extensive national Warley, graduated from last year’s team. A. I learned that, when focused, we can be search, Andres Amores has been named a very good team. With our lack of height, we head coach of the Battling Bishop The Decree interviewed Brackett, now in men’s and women’s tennis programs. his 24th year as head coach, before the season. have to really focus and put an emphasis on rebounding. We came into the game against Wil- Amores joins Wesleyan after a successful Q. Looking back to last year, in what one-year stint as assistant coach at Vassar specific areas would you like to see liam Peace with two wins and four losses out College, and he takes over an NCWC men's improvement in your team? of conference play. The four losses were against program that has captured five straight USA A. We have to cut down on our errors. We good teams and we could have easily come back South Championships, while accepting the made too many errors defensively last year. from the holiday break without much focus and challenge of rebuilding a women's program Q. Are you set with your pitching rotation? enthusiasm, but the ladies had some of their best that won its first-ever conference title in 2012. A. At this time our pitching rotation is not practices going into the New Year. “We’re excited to have Coach Amores Q. CNU is no longer in the conference, join our Wesleyan community as head set. Leanna Fann is our top returning pitcher; tennis coach,” said Vice President and she has very good control and stays very but you’ve played them twice a season in recent years. Did this year’s early-season Director of Athletics John Thompson. focused in the circle. We have three freshmen “He has a proven track record of success that could see time in the circle this year. matchup give you insights into your team? A. as a both a player and coach, and we look Q. Which conference teams are Playing CNU early was no different forward to working with him as he furthers expected to be tough this year? than playing Virginia Wesleyan or Guilford the great success of our programs.” A. Our conference is very strong, and early. It showed us areas to improve in order As a Vassar assistant, Amores I feel Piedmont is the team to beat this to beat the better teams in our region. We helped the regionally-ranked Brewers year. They have a very good one-two need to use our defense to create offense and capture the 2013 Liberty League conference championship and secure punch in the circle, and they’re very take advantage of the turnovers we force. Q. William Peace represented your first a berth in the NCAA Division III aggressive offensively. The Bishops will count on senior Leanna Fann to anchor the pitching Tournament. His success last season is Q. conference game. What were the plusses Who will replace Amanda Warley staff in 2014. She worked more than 100 innings last year in compiling sure to benefit the first-year head coach at third base? and minuses that you saw against WP? on both the men’s and women’s side. an 8-8 record and 3.12 ERA. SI photo A. A. We have some returners and fresh- We did a very good job of sharing the See TENNIS pg 4 4 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 January 17, 2014 CAMPUS LIFE Internationals Return after Observing ing December and is broken into two periods. Unique Holiday Traditions Christmas goes from September to October. By Katie Beeman “The first period lasts for 10 days and the Decree Staff Writer is not huge like it is in the United States,” other for five,” she said, explaining that during North Carolina Wesleyan College has said Asano. She said most Japanese families this time there are feasts and firecrackers as a always had a significant number of interna- have a small tree, about three of four feet tall, celebration. Presents are given by parents or tional students that come from all corners of and some even put lights on their houses. grandparents, but not from Santa. the world. This year, in fact, Wesleyan hosts A special Christmas treat consists of some Some Nepalese celebrate the English New students from 20 different countries. form of cake. Christmas doesn’t hold much Year as a more commercialized event, similar While Christmas for Americans usually religious significance, she explained, seeing to what they see in American movies. “Most consists of a Christmas tree, presents, time as most people in Japan don’t have a religion. young people celebrate the English New Year. with family, and religious ceremonies, for “Usually Japanese go out with their boyfriend The Nepali New Year is celebrated the same international students these traditions may vary. or girlfriend; it’s a more romantic holiday way, just at a different time,” said Paudel, Among the participants at the recent "Dash for Cash" benefit race in Greenville was a contingent Asia from the NCWC softball team (from left): Carly Creef, Alexis Jones, Noodle Allen, Brittany Manning, rather than one you spend with family,” said noting that the Nepali New Year is in April. Laura Roberts, Sierra Hayden, Tiffany Manning, and leaning on table Paige Pritchett. Not pictured is Motoko Asano, a freshman from Asano, who went on to say that presents are Europe Jasmine Edgren. The annual race is a fund raiser for college scholarships in memory of Christopher Kanagawa, Japan, explained some of the exchanged on New Year’s Day. Christmas doesn’t come to Russia until Cash, Sr., a 1993 NC Wesleyan graduate and service member who was killed in June 2004 at age differences between how Japan and America Sabina Paudel, of Kathmandu, Nepal, said January 7, explained senior Iraklii Marutain, a 36 near Baqouba, Iraq. PR Photo celebrate the winter holidays. “Christmas that their version of Christmas isn’t even dur- native of St. Petersburg. “We’re Orthodox, so we have dinner with family and then go to the church.” The main celebration for Christmas is NCWC Alum Serves as New Residence Life Area Director just a big dinner, he said. There are no presents Shenika Harper & learning in his position.” said that he looked for ways to relate to for Christmas, but rather for New Year’s Day. Decree Staff Calling Rice a “positive, very caring person,” students. “Since I don’t play sports, I had “New Year is a bigger holiday,” stated (Editor’s Note: This is the second in an occasional Langley said that he possesses the right personality to start building relationships by finding Marutain. “This is the time that we have and temperament for the job. things that we had in common,” Rice said, series about alumni and former staff members who the tree and presents.” have returned to work at NC Wesleyan.) Erma Hedgepeth, a member of the Student Suc- explaining that he builds rapport and respect Wesleyan graduate Jonathan Rice has just cess Center staff, agreed with Langley’s assessment. with the students by getting to know their For England native Joe Storer, Christmas completed his first semester as area director for She worked with Rice while he was a Wesleyan likes and dislikes, in areas such as movies means family, pubs, and football (or soccer, Edgecombe and Petteway residence halls, a job student and a leading member of Voices of Triumph, and video games (“Hunger Games” is one as we call it in the States). A resident of that he finds challenging and rewarding. the college’s gospel music ensemble. She said that of his favorites), not to mention music, one Alfreton in Derbyshire, Storer said that Living in Petteway, he supervises a staff of six resident Rice, a former president of VOT, is a true leader. “He of his passions while he was at Wesleyan. Christmas Eve is spent with family and then advisors. In his position, he helps to keep rooms in order, medi- handled the position in a very professional manner, In his free time, Rice has continued to perform the younger people go out as if it were a ates disputes, serves as a liaison to the administration, handles and if he needed to put students in their place, he did gospel music. In 2012, he toured Germany with regular Saturday night. “We get home around discipline problems, and assists students with academic issues. so, but in a very respectful manner,” Hedgepeth said, the New York-based Glory Gospel Singers. And 2 or 3 a.m. and Santa has already been to the adding that Rice is “very charismatic” and effective last month, singing “For Your Glory” by Tasha Jessie Langley, Associate Dean of house,” Storer said, “but we're far too drunk Students for Campus Life, said that Rice has at building one-on-one relationships. Cobbs, he finished 16th in a qualifying round of shown that he’s “interested in growing and Trying to spend as much time as possible with the Super Bowl Gospel Festival. The competition to even consider opening presents.” students, Rice said he wants them to know that he’s Area Director Jonathan Rice (’07) was conducted on-line with performers uploading Presents are opened on Christmas morning in charge, while making them comfortable enough YouTube videos that were rated by viewers. and then it’s back to the pubs in the afternoon. to talk to him about their needs. He said that it helps men and women, he indicated that his daily schedule Had he finished in the top 10, Rice would have “We'll see a lot of people we haven't seen for is variable and that he often faces long days, from pg 1 that he was once a Wesleyan freshman himself. advanced to the next round in Atlanta, where he a few years in the pubs on Christmas day, so ASPIRE Rice acknowledged that his job is challenging. “depending on what’s happening.” would have sung before a live audience as well (i.e. Manteo, Wilmington, etc) and there is a need When he began his new position, Rice it's good to catch up and chat,” said Storer. for higher education in those areas. In many Dealing with plenty of first-year students, young as well-known gospel recording artists Kierra Most families cook a turkey, or some other Sheard, Bishop Paul Morton and James Moss. bird for Christmas dinner. “We usually have a cases North Carolina does have regional state A Henderson native, Rice has experienced universities (UNC-Wilmington, ECU) but Ask Student Affairs: Handling Roommate Problems capon (rooster) in my household,” said Storer. Question: What advice would you offer a the difficult North Carolina job market first-hand. they don’t offer education tailored to working open communication about issues when they “We all like that much better. It's a bit more freshman who’s experiencing difficulties with first present themselves. This usually allows for Since graduating in December 2007 with a degree in adults in an accelerated, evening model. business administration, he has held a series of jobs, most expensive but we get one cheap because our Q: his or her roommate? Let’s say that the problem things to be resolved before they escalate and Is the focus now on establishing more stems from contrasting lifestyles. The student calm conversation becomes more difficult. of them part-time. He has been employed at the YMCA family friends are butchers.” satellite campuses or growing the existing comes to you and says the following: “I like quiet, We also provide students with support to in Rocky Mount and Henderson, serving in a range of England recognizes Boxing Day as a campuses? What do you project as enrollments while my roommate enjoys listening to music at have these difficult conversations. We can positions such as after-school and campus counselor. national holiday that falls on the 26th of at each new campus in the next five years? all hours. I like to turn in early while my room- role-play to help them feel more ready to Most recently, he worked at Infinite Possibilities, a com- December. According to Storer, this is the best A: The main goal now is to strengthen and mate is a night person. I like my space to be clearly have the discussion with their roommate or munity organization in Henderson that supports single day to go see a football game. Most women increase our current locations but always being mind- defined, while my roommate prefers a more we can be involved as facilitators of those mothers. There he mentored teenaged students. “The go shopping, he said, noting that the sales are ful of potential partnerships with other community “communal” approach, sharing clothes, food and conversations until the students are ready to program was geared toward giving students a sense of purpose,” Rice said, noting that the teens were involved much like Black Friday here in America. colleges in eastern North Carolina. If it makes sense video games, etc.” How would you respond? begin tackling these situations independently. Latin America What steps should the aggrieved roommate take? in community service projects such as conducting food and we have the support of Wesleyan constituents, The resident advisors (RAs) can even sit Ewardo “Lalo” Ugalde, a freshman from Response by Jessie Langley, Associate down with both roommates to develop a drives and assisting local elderly citizens. “In our sessions then we may entertain other instructional locations. Queretaro, Mexico, talked mainly about the Over the next five years, I would love to see a total Dean of Students for Campus Life: "roommate contract" that defines the we talked about current events, leadership, goal setting, traditional food. “We have a special dish that is ASPIRE enrollment of 2,000-2,500 students. I would say that the lack of good "rules" of their room. For a contract to and issues that teens face during their adolescent years. Q: What are some new programs ASPIRE communication is the underlying issue to work, both parties will have to be willing Being a facilitator was very rewarding. I’m still in contact called 'romeritos,’” he noted. “It’s mole, a special most roommate conflicts. The scenarios you to make compromises and be creative in with some of the students today.” sauce made with chocolate and chile, with would like to add to individual campuses? Rice said that he always wanted to return to his A: At this time, I think we have some very mentioned are definitely common and can identifying solutions. For example, a "night potatoes and romeros, a plant.” Fish, turkey and be resolved if both roommates are willing to owl" might be willing to use a small lamp alma mater as an employee. Now that he’s back, he pastas, such as spaghetti and ravioli, are also a effective and dynamic majors/minors that are have mature, ongoing communication about feels a sense of accomplishment offered to our adult students. We need to add more for light and headphones to listen to music/ part of the Christmas dinner in his family. them. The Residence Life team and I regularly TV after 10 p.m., so that his/her roommate Ugalde said that it is common for families full-time faculty to support our current majors at help students navigate these types of issues. can maintain a sleep schedule that involves to go to church around 8 p.m., before dinner. our Rocky Mount location as well as at some of Often when students come to us requesting going to bed early. The other roommate our other locations. I do think faculty and the entire TENNIS from page 3 Families put up a tree and exchange presents. “At permission to switch rooms, we find that the might be willing to wear a sleep mask and “I’m honored to be given this school need to think about graduate programs and reason behind this is that one party has let an prepare all of his or her clothes/items for opportunity at North Carolina Wesleyan,” midnight everyone exchanges the Christmas hug if that is something Wesleyan should consider for issue fester for far too long without speaking up the next day before going to bed so as to be said Amores. “I look forward to building and fireworks are common as well,” said Ugalde. traditional and ASPIRE students. about it, and then he or she just wants to get out. quiet in the early-morning hours when the In Venezuela, Christmas is fairly similar to Q: upon the regional and national success of Some have expressed concern about The problem is that this student will "night owl" is just getting into REM sleep. the men’s program, and I welcome the chal- the United States, according to Ricardo “Ricky” Wesleyan’s rapid expansion and that, for very likely run into challenges with a new While we’re not aiming to have students lenge of establishing our women’s program Ciuffetelli, who’s from Caracas. The family example, the college may lack an adequate roommate, even if they’re not the same issues. create something as lengthy as Sheldon as a yearly contender in the USA South.” gathers at one house on Christmas Eve around 8 number of qualified faculty to match the Another problem is that the students involved Cooper's infamous "roommate agreement" on Amores competed for Division I to talk and have appetizers until dinner is served would miss the opportunity to learn about com- program growth. How do you respond to that? “The Big Bang Theory,” details certainly are Jacksonville State University (Alabama) at 10. A typical Venezuelan dinner consists A: munication and conflict resolution, invaluable important. Both roommates must be involved in I certainly understand that concern, which from 2005 to 2008, winning a pair of Ohio of hallaca, sides of chicken salad, and pan de skills they will use throughout their lives. For the creation of the contract to ensure that issues Valley conference titles in 2005 and 2007. In is one of the reasons I proposed and succeeded jamon (Venezuelan Christmas bread). “The in hiring five new faculty members when I was these reasons, we encourage students to have of importance to both parties are covered fairly. 2009, he moved to the sidelines as a student hallaca is like a chicken pot pie, but more dry. Provost from 2012-2013 and why I supported the assistant coach and helped the Gamecocks three new hires for this coming academic year. I secure another conference tournament crown, It can have chicken, or beef and have different will always support the hiring of more faculty to Cookout Wins Again as well as a spot in the national rankings. vegetables inside,” said Ciuffetelli. “And pan de support our growth in traditional and ASPIRE. For the fourth consecutive year, Cookout was the the top area “sit-down” restaurant. It garnered 9 first-place After completing his degree in business jamon is a type of bread with ham inside.” Q: What do you see as the trends, nation- runaway winner in The Decree’s informal restaurant poll of votes to edge Applebee’s (8), Chili’s (7), and San Jose (6). administration that same year, Amores served At midnight, presents are exchanged and wide, when it comes to adult education? students, faculty and staff. Robert Kjellberg, a native of Sweden, voted for as a professional instructor at the Anniston and afterward the family socializes by talking, A: Most of the research states that non-traditional Located at 1020 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Cookout Olive Garden. His favorite menu item is seafood alfredo Willow Oaks Country Clubs while working drinking coffee, and playing games. “On racked up 25 first-place votes, 17 more than Zaxby’s, pasta. “It reminds me of the food from Europe,” he said. on his master’s degree, which he completed in Christmas morning we wake up around 11 or students (adults) are growing in higher education, sports management at JSU in 2011. and by 2020, that population could be as high as the second-place finisher in the fast-food category. In the survey, conducted last fall, Decree staff 12 after a long night and open more presents, the The North Carolina-based restaurant is known members asked participants to select their favorite A native of Quito, Ecuador, Amores was 70 percent. This does take into account graduate heralded as his country’s No. 1 player in both ones that Santa brings,” he said. “And then we programs, which are exclusively adult students. For for its low prices and wide variety of sandwiches sit-down and fast-food restaurants in the Rocky Mount all get together again in the same house we went and milkshakes. According to local store manager singles and doubles in the Under-14 and undergraduate programs I would say that this number area. Follow-up questions asked respondents to explain for Christmas Eve.” The family serves turkey Daniel Barbee, its most popular items include their choices and identify their favorite menu items. Under-16 divisions. Additionally, he was will grow beyond the 50 percent mark over the new the Cookout hamburgers and double-burgers, ranked No. 1 in doubles for the Under-18 for lunch and stays together until night time. few years. The need will only continue to grow for While a total of 70 members of the NC Wesleyan and chicken nuggets. The top-selling shake is the community were surveyed, not all responses indicated division, while representing his country in Africa quality adult higher education. According to the strawberry cheesecake. a fast-food restaurant. For the purposes of this survey, four South American Junior Circuits, as well Muhamadou Jallow is a student from 2010 Census data, we see for the first time that 30 In their responses, many Cookout enthusiasts noted the the Decree defined a sit-down restaurant as one where as several European junior tournaments. At Banjul, the only city in Gambia. For percent of American adults, aged 25+, have attained wide range of side items: french fries, cheese fries, onion a customer is served by a waiter or waitress. 16, Amores moved to Europe to train and Christmas, he related, Christians first go to a bachelor’s degree or higher. While this number is rings, hush puppies, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, chicken Here is the final tally: play ITF and satellite tournaments, and he has church and then everyone gathers in Banjul. growing, it demonstrates a large population of wraps, bacon wraps, quesadillas, coleslaw and chili. Sit-down Restaurants since competed and trained with Davis Cup players from Ecuador. More recently, Amores “Everyone comes to the city and there’s a adults who still do not hold a bachelor’s degree. When he’s at Cookout, student Trey Cooper favors the Olive Garden (9), Applebee’s (8), Chili’s (7), San big parade,” said Jallow. Participants dress Q: What percentage of ASPIRE stu- Cookout “tray,” of course. He orders chicken quesadilla has volunteered his time and efforts to work Jose (6), Ruby Tuesday (5), Outback Steakhouse (4), in costumes with masks made out clay. dents take classes on-line vs. face-to-face? (as an entrée), a double order of cheese fries, and a sweat with the top junior players from Ecuador, El Tapatio (3), Red Lobster (3), Texas Steakhouse “The masks are shaped like different animal And what do you think is the ideal ratio? tea; price tag: $4.59 plus tax. “Cookout’s cheap and offers (3), Golden Corral (2), Ichiban Japanese Steak coaching players who have been ranked in the A: I would say that 90 percent of the ASPIRE variety,” he said. House (2), Pizza Inn (2), Brian’s Cheesesteaks (1), top-10 in both Ecuador and South America. heads and some have horns,” said Jallow. students have taken at least one online class on Carly Creef appreciates the low prices as well. Chico’s (1), Crepe World (1), Gardner’s (1), Grill (Article courtesy of Sports Information) Jallow explained that since Gambians their road to completing their degree. The beauty She orders chicken nuggets, fries, and sweet tea. “It’s on Zebulon Road (1), Highway Diner (1), Hunter return to the country for Christmas from all of our structure is that we allow students to take a only three bucks,” she said, “and the food has the Hill Café (1), K&W Cafeteria (1), Madison’s over the world, the style of street clothes mix of face-to-face, online, and hybrid classes to homemade flavor that other fast-food doesn’t have.” Seafood (1), On the Square (1), Pizza Hut (1), Prime varies from person to person during complete their degree. I don’t think there is an ideal Like her classmates, Tiffany Joyner emphasized Smokehouse (1), Waffle House (1). this large celebration. After the parade, ratio. I think each student is unique and in working the value offered at Cookout. She gets the chicken strip Fast-Food Restaurants Gambians go home and exchange gifts with tray with double cheese fries and a large sweet tea. “I Cookout (25), Zaxby’s (8), McDonald’s (7), Chick their family or go out to clubs, with their advisor, based on their learning style and love Cookout because they have very cheap prices and work situation, will devise a schedule that includes fil-A (6), Bojangles’ (4), Subway (4), Wendy’s (4), Sheetz The New Year’s celebration is the same as you get your money’s worth,” she said. (3), Taco Bell (2), Arby’s (1), Burger King (1), Hardee’s the right ratio that works for him or her. Olive Garden once again took first place in voting for (1), Sonic (1). Christmas, but it is even bigger, Jallow said.