T. Brooke Fassnacht: The value of a college degree and a personalized approach

In the landscape of higher education, small universities are increasingly proving their worth by offering unique advantages that can significantly enhance the value of a college degree. These institutions, often characterized by close-knit communities and personalized attention, provide students with opportunities that go beyond the classroom. At small universities, students benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering more intimate interactions with professors and peers. This personalized approach to education enables deeper engagement, tailored feedback, and a stronger sense of community.

So, what sets N.C. Wesleyan University even more apart than other small universities? With 10 campus locations and 100 percent online programs in undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, we meet the educational needs of adult learners. N.C. Wesleyan emphasizes experiential learning and individualized academic support. Students have increased access to research opportunities, internships and mentorship programs, enhancing their professional development and marketability upon graduation. A key advantage of attending N.C. Wesleyan is the sense of belonging and community spirit that permeates campus life.

N.C. Wesleyan is worth it, even starting with your freshman year. Examples? Individualized first-year advising, first-year experience, academic support and the writing center. N.C. Wesleyan is still worth it past your first-year experience for transfer students and adult professionals. For those who are thinking about or currently pursuing an associate degree, we have great partnerships in place to provide a seamless transfer to the university following completion of your two-year degree at many N.C. community colleges.

It is commonly agreed that it is not what you know, but who you know. At N.C. Wesleyan, you will not only know your professors, but your professors will know you. They will know about your goals and aspirations, giving you the tools that you need to be successful. They will assist with forming connections and internships that will make professional success a real possibility for students.

Dr. Joe Lane, N.C. Wesleyan’s provost and vice president, knows what a difference it makes to be able to engage with college professors.

“We have full-time professors actively engaged in your life, asking you questions about what you want to do and preparing you for the future that you envision for yourself,” Lane says.

Makaela Stokes, a student in her senior year, couldn’t agree more.

“As a transfer, I was looking for something that was catered to me as a student,” Stokes says. “Wesleyan did exactly that. I came in, and they welcomed me with full-opened arms.”

Stokes chose to take steps beyond being a student and athlete, by becoming a student worker at the library and a secretary of the Black Student Association. Her favorite memory is associated with the opportunity granted by taking part in a student club.

“Attending the Student Association of Educators Conference with four other peers and our advisor, Dr. Brewer, is something that I probably would not have gotten the option to do at any other school, and I really appreciate the development I got as student, a future educator and as a person,” Stokes says.

After recently accepting a new role here at N.C. Wesleyan as the communications specialist in the marketing department, I immediately knew from the beginning of my application, interview and onboarding process why this university is referred to as the “hometown” university.

I was born and raised in Rocky Mount, but the campus experience has lived up to its familial relationships, comforting surroundings and exciting opportunities. Faculty, staff and students all desire the best of the best experiences, planning and opportunities, and I am proud to share part in making that happen.

N.C. Wesleyan offers several more stories of why Bishops chose the Wesleyan experience over others in their “Why Wesleyan” series and additionally in student testimonials.

All education makes a difference in one’s life, but it is how that education is delivered that will make the largest difference. At N.C. Wesleyan, we provide opportunities that are personal, practical and purpose-driven to help you unlock your potential and accomplish your goals in life. To learn more about our offerings for traditional and adult students, visit our website at ncwc.edu/academics.