PEACE Magazine, Spring 2019

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 1

MAGAZINE

SPRING, 2019

BELIEVE PEACE! IN

Believe in Peace!

2 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Greetings

from

Main

I am enjoying my fourth year as President of William Peace University. Each day as I walk about campus along the timeless brick paths, passing in front of William Peace himself, I am reminded of our incredible history. I am walking a path that so many have walked before me, and I shoulder a legacy that is both humbling and privileging.

There is a quiet challenge, one that is issued nonetheless by our historic establishment; it demands that we relentlessly pursue excellence and demonstrate perseverance in the face of adversity.

Simply put, it demands that we become our best.

Every day, I see good become better, and better become the best—from the growth in our academic profile of entering students to the success of athletics teams winning competitions to our musical theatre students delivering flawless performances. I see the faculty who are developing immersive learning experiences so that their students are not just prepared for careers after their time here, but they are better prepared as citizens to go and make a difference in the world.

Each person who steps foot on our campus must consider whether they are ready to accept this challenge.

Our students work tirelessly in and out of the classroom exploring their passions, as our faculty and staff work to create curricula to inspire that exploration and develop the spaces to make it all possible.

In 2016, WPU began the process of developing a new strategic plan for the University. The Believe in Peace Strategic Plan outlines Peace’s focus over the next five to seven years and highlights our four pillars: Immersive Learning, Innovative Partnerships, Strategic Growth, and Distinctive Identity. Our pillars are founded on taking tangible and impactful steps to achieve our mission of preparing students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. The plan is both aspirational and inspirational.

In the first year, we boasted the successful completion of 28 aggressive year one initiatives. And that is just the beginning... our faculty and staff have tackled an additional 23 new initiatives for year two.

In the past 24 months alone we have added more than 10 new academic programs as part of the Plan, including becoming the only Triangle institution to offer an RN to BSN program through our School of Professional Studies. In the coming year, we look forward to launching a new Center for Immersive Learning and redesigning the curriculum to include more experiences both in the classroom and through innovative partnerships in the Raleigh community.

This growth is encouraging and its success is inspiring. Now more than ever I ask you to continue believing in William Peace University and its impact beyond 15 E. Peace Street. With the sale of a portion of Seaboard Station this year and the return on that investment to the endowment, we are ready for our campus to grow and are preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

I recently left a Board of Trustee meeting feeling invigorated by the support and the opportunities that lie ahead for Peace. I invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s be the best version of ourselves, for the University that has never accepted anything less.

With Peace,

Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D. President

Believe in Peace!

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 3

MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Jodi Stamey, MBA,CFRE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jessica Kleean Communications and Donor Relations Manager

Tableof

Contents

7

Peace Around the World

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sergio Analco | Branding + Design PRINTER the National Group Office of Advancement 15 East Peace Street Raleigh, NC 27604 919.508.2586 advancement@peace.edu PHOTOGRAPHY Ian C. Dunne Chip Haver Jessica Kleean Rachel Linder Jen Mink Christopher J. Newman Cory Nolan Lindsay Perry Jacob Warren Callie Yohn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ellie Barker Maya Bryant ’16 Kerri Habben ’93 Megan Hoffner ’11 Jessica Kleean Christopher J. Newman Taylor Peatross ’17 Valeska Redmond Callie Yohn

18

A Legacy of Love: Fay Jackson Anderson ’54

24 Strategic Plan Update

29 Finding a Place of Peace

Founded in 1857 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), William Peace University is an independent, residential University with a deep commitment to our students. We provide outstanding immersive learning opportunities that focus both on what and how a student learns - and includes experiential programs, opportunities to

32 Athletics Recap

collaborate with faculty, the ability to use the classroom theories in applied, hands-on learning experiences through group projects, internships, and research projects-both on and off campus. All students are guaranteed immersive learning opportunities at William Peace University, as promised in our Mission: “ To prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the student develops

45 Class Notes

an appreciation for life-long learning, a focus on meaningful careers, and skills for ethical citizenship.”

Believe in Peace!

Investing

in

Innovation

By Jessica Kleean

4 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

William Peace University (WPU) has strengthened its commitment to Immersive Learning, announcing this visionary approach to higher education in 2016. Peace defines Immersive Learning as a transformational experience connecting the classroom to the world, where students grow intellectually through mentorship, collaboration, reflection, and learning by doing.

Immersive experiences will not be occasional opportunities our students encounter in their courses, but instead they will be woven into the very fabric of our DNA as a University. Since the announcement of the strategic plan, the entire campus has played a part, recognizing that in order to best serve the students and the community, Immersive Learning must be a priority in every program across every department.

Immersive Learning is changing the face of higher education, and we are excited to be spearheading such an innovative initiative.

Introducing Christopher Born, Ph.D. as Director of Immersive Learning Chris Born, Ph.D., has always had a passion for exploring and implementing new, creative pedagogies to best engage students in a classroom setting. He drew inspiration for developing this kind of programming after recognizing a need in his classroom while teaching at the Catholic University of America in D.C. “I just kept seeing this Ferris Bueller’s Day Off look on student’s faces... I’m talking glazed eyes, slack mouths - the works; and I realized that this traditional classroom lecture style wasn’t working,” laughed Dr. Born.

He continued, “I began looking at the best ways to engage students, and the main need I kept having to address was how do I give students perspective on why what they were learning matters? I determined through extensive research that the best way to conquer this ‘So What?’ mentality was to place them [students] in real-life situations and to have them apply their classroom theories. Immersive Learning programming does exactly this by raising the bar for students and challenging them to create work that they are not just invested in, but work that can be used by our community partners in their field.”

Dr. Born’s responsibilities as Director of Immersive Learning is to continue to foster innovative thinking by our faculty and staff, to create service-learning opportunities for students with non-profit organizations, and to build new relationships with businesses and organizations in the Triangle. These connections are avenues for students to gain experience and build their professional networks while they study at WPU. “The purpose of immersive learning is to bridge the gap between the theories students learn in the classroom and how they apply that knowledge,” Dr. Born said. “We are being intentional through the internship program and the Center for Immersive Learning, which helps students bridge the gap between their academics and what they want to be doing beyond Peace.”

Believe in Peace!

THERE’S THAT QUOTE: ’INSANITY IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.’ WELL, THAT’S HOW PEOPLE TRADITIONALLY APPROACH HIGHER EDUCATION - AND THIS IS WPU’S WAY OF CHALLENGING THAT. — Chris Born, Ph.D., Director of Immersive Learning

Proven success of pilot programs Through innovative programming, WPU unites traditional classroom learning and authentic application by providing opportunities for students to explore their passions and make connections in the community. Faculty across every discipline have been redesigning their courses to provide students with immersive learning opportunities.

One example of the success of this programming is seen in Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Elizabeth Kusko’s State and Local Government Course, when members of her class visited Raleigh mayoral candidates offices the week before the election. They met with campaign leadership, including campaign managers, and immersed themselves in the life of a campaign staffer by calling hundreds of potential voters and entering data for the campaigns.

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 5

Dr. Kusko commented on the success of the program, “Being able to visit and interact with each mayoral campaign was truly invigorating. Students were able to see how a local, and very important, campaign was run; were able to meet with each campaign manager, and were able to engage meaningfully with a bit of campaign work. As an educator, I really loved seeing the students learn by doing, by taking the theory and content that we discuss in the classroom and put it in action in the real world.”

Other exemplary opportunities include: Sport Management students shadowing employees at PNC Arena, home of the Carolina Hurricanes; Business Analytics students completing training at SAS Institute; Honors students working with community activists to relieve homelessness in Raleigh; Education students working with elementary students on their literacy skills; and so many more. WPU’s dedication to the student experience and our greater Triangle community will shape the notion of higher education for years to come. As we continue to explore the benefits of introducing more innovative programming, we are also expanding our own campus to expedite this growth.

As seen in the rendering, these spaces will be an open concept design with glass walls ensuring the space stays open while still providing separate areas of focus. The Collaboratory glass slider will be soundproofed to create a productive working atmosphere, and will also include a Partnership Wall, where premier WPU Immersive Learning partners will be commemorated. It is designed to be used not only as a classroom space but also as an area dedicated to active learning outside of class meeting times. When not in use as a classroom, students can use the Center's space for projects, group work or studying.

This space will be the central hub for Immersive Learning programming and will be the defining feature of our commitment to this new chapter in Peace’s approach to higher education.

Clancy & Theys Construction Company contribution Excitement about immersive learning stretches beyond our campus. Peace received a $100,000 donation from Clancy & Theys Construction Company in support of the launch of this new programming and space. Clancy & Theys recognizes the potential in Immersive Learning programs, but more importantly, they appreciated the tangible impact these experiences would have for WPU students, staff and the Raleigh community.

David T. “Tim” Clancy, President of Clancy & Theys Construction Company, stated that their motivations in supporting a program like the Immersive Learning initiatives were clear. “We want to be a part of creating truly unique and powerful learning experiences for Peace students,” [Tim] Clancy said. “This is a program that we believe is both distinctive and important, not only to the students at William Peace University – but also to the organizations and partners located in Raleigh and the region.”

Establishing the Center for Immersive Learning The Center for Immersive Learning is particularly exciting as it serves as a physical testament to the growth that WPU anticipates with the incorporation of this new curriculum.

Designed by Hanbury, the Center for Immersive Learning will embody the principles of our educational approach and set the standard for high quality academic space at a liberal arts institution.

Set to be completed and functional by Fall 2019, this educational hub will be found on the second floor of the Finch library. It will incorporate a revolutionary “Collaboratory” space for our classes to work in-person with community partners on a variety of projects. Renovations will also take place for the adjoining Center for Student Success, founded in 2016, to create a cohesive, high quality access point for students to receive support and inspiration at WPU.

Through our campus' dedication to focusing on Immersive Learning, students are equipped to become leaders who are prepared to solve the challenges of tomorrow. Our focus on students first is what differentiates Peace and what will solidify Peace as a leading metropolitan University in the Southeast. The size of our school in conjunction with our deep roots within the Raleigh community makes WPU uniquely qualified to provide students with an immersive education. We offer valuable on and off-campus opportunities through both local and global partners that are all together facilitated by a world-class faculty invested in each student’s success.

This programming officially launched last fall, and the physical facilities will open for the beginning of the 20192020 school year.

For more information on the Experiential and Immersive Learning program at WPU, visit peace.edu/experiential-learning-opportunities.

Believe in Peace!

6 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

WIN Sir Walter Communication Students

RaleighAward

By Christopher J. Newman

WPU Communication students being presented with the 2018 Sir Walter Raleigh Award by members of the Raleigh Public Relations Society.

WPU Communication students won a 2018 Sir Walter Raleigh Award for their work promoting the grand opening of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The students were awarded by the Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS) in their annual competition that honors local organizations and students for their exemplary communications work.

A group of students studying public relations hosted and marketed an on-campus screening of the film, “The Wiz”, as part of the University’s Black History Month Film Series. The event was also used in conjunction to promote the grand opening of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Students worked with Alamo’s Creative Director, Kristy Breneman, to design the project from the ground up, where they applied what they learned in the classroom to book auditorium space on campus, design fliers and write press releases. They marketed the event locally, in print, on social media, and even on the radio. Assistant Professor Kate Maddalena, Ph.D., who taught the public relations course, applauds her students for their work and the professional experience they gained.

“Students are coming away from this experience with a stronger network of personal and professional relationships that will extend forward into their lives and careers,” Dr. Maddalena said. “Thanks to this partnership with Alamo, WPU PR students got to engage in the relationship-building practice firsthand on multiple levels.”

When their event concluded, the group assessed the success of their efforts with measurements used in the classroom and the public relations profession. That’s when Mary Kubeny, a senior student in the group and already a member of the RPRS, suggested they submit their work to the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards.

RPRS is a Raleigh organization dedicated to advancing the careers and communities of public relations professionals and those in similar fields of communications, including students.

Needless to say, the group was excited to learn they had not only been accepted to the student division of the competition, but they had also won.

“Professor Maddalena provided us with amazing real-world experience and Alamo Drafthouse was extremely supportive,” Kubeny said. “Our class had a great time planning and hosting the event and we were honored to receive professional recognition for our efforts.”

Public relations students learn that the overarching philosophy of the field is about building and maintaining relationships, which can occur on multiple levels.

This is something that Dr. Maddalena’s class learned firsthand throughout the many stages of their project, from inception to execution. Dr. Maddalena was excited that her students not only had a chance to acquire hands-on experience in public relations but to also be recognized by the community for their efforts.

STUDENTS ARE COMING AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE WITH A STRONGER NETWORK OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL EXTEND FORWARD INTO THEIR LIVES AND CAREERS. THANKS TO THIS PARTNERSHIP WITH ALAMO, WPU PR STUDENTS GOT TO ENGAGE THE RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING PRACTICE FIRSTHAND ON MULTIPLE LEVELS. — Kate Maddalena, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at WPU

Believe in Peace!

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 7

Peace

Around theWorld

By Kathy Corley

ADAIR ROBERTSON,

Associate Professor of Mathematics & Coordinator for International Studies

KATHY CORLEY,

Adjunct Professor/Senior Lecturer & Coordinator for International Studies

Hundreds of William Peace University students have traveled internationally throughout the years and you can too!

Adair Robertson, Associate Professor of Mathematics, is also the Coordinator for International Studies at WPU. Through her passion for international travel and her diligent efforts to provide the very best global learning experiences for WPU students, hundreds of students, faculty members, professional community members, family, and friends have had the ever-rewarding opportunity to develop, learn, and grow from these trips.

So, what are some of the benefits of Studying Abroad?

First of all, let’s look at some academic and business statistics:

85

%

OF TODAY’S STUDENTS ATTEND COLLEGE TO OBTAIN A BETTER JOB

Source: UCLA Higher Ed Research Institute, 2015, 2016

THIS TRIP HAS GIVEN ME NEW IDEAS ABOUT WORKING, TRAVELING AND LIVING ABROAD THAT I HOPE TO PURSUE IN THE FUTURE. THIS EXPERIENCE WILL FOREVER CHANGE MY LIFE BECAUSE OF THE NEW EXPERIENCES, FRIENDS, AND UNDERSTANDINGS OF SOCIETY, ECONOMICS, AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE .

— Charlie West, Sophomore at WPU Believe in Peace!

8 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Benefits of

Studying Abroad WHAT DO EMPLOYERS CARE ABOUT AND WHY? HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS NEED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S JOBS 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE SKILLS: • Communication • Computer Skills • Confidence • Course or Major-related Knowledge

• Problem-Solving • Self-Awareness • Teamwork • Tolerance for Ambiguity • Work Ethic

• Curiosity • Flexibility/ Adaptability • Intercultural Skills • Language Skills • Leadership

PEOPLE CAN LEARN A LOT IN A CLASSROOM ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT THEY CANNOT ACTUALLY

Source: The Economist Intelligence Report, 2015

%

of all executives ARE NOT SATISFIED with the level of skill attainment of young people entering the workforce

Source: The Economist Intelligence Report, 2015

KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE

ONLY

66

36

%

of students FEEL READY for the workforce

Source: McGraw Hill Education, 2018)

THERE UNTIL THEY GO. I LEARNED SO MUCH ON THE TRIP THAT I COULD NEVER HAVE LEARNED IN A CLASSROOM. SEEING

THIS % OF EMPLOYERS... think INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE is important for employees are looking for the SKILLS AND TRAITS that students develop in study abroad say that graduates with an international background are given greater professional responsibility Source: Erasmus Student Network, 2015

64% 64%

HOW DIFFERENT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE FROM

92%

MY OWN REALLY GIVES SOMEONE A GOOD PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE. — Aubrey Kitchin, Senior at WPU

I KNEW THAT TRAVELING AND EXPERIENCING EVERYTHING OUTSIDE OF MY HOMETOWN IS WHAT I NEEDED. THAT IS WHY I PRACTICALLY JUMPED AT THE INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE WITH WPU, AND I AM MORE THAN GLAD THAT I DID. I LEARNED A LOT, NOT ONLY ABOUT GLOBAL CULTURE AND BUSINESS BUT ALSO ABOUT MYSELF. THROUGH THE CLASS AND THE TRIP ITSELF, I GAINED INSIGHT INTO THINGS I NEVER WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE. — Natalie Arthur, Senior at WPU Mérida, Mexico

Believe in Peace!

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 9

BOTTOM LINE

STUDY ABROAD IS HELPING TO FILL THE SKILLS GAP IN THE WORKFORCE! GRADUATION RATES ON Study Abroad Experience VS No Study Abroad Experience University of Minnesota

90 59 %

%

University of California, San Diego

92% 78%

Source: Inside Higher Ed Report, 2012

STUDENTS SECURED A JOB WITHIN THE 1ST YEAR AFTER GRADUATION Study Abroad Experience VS No Study Abroad Experience University of California, Merced

97% 49%

90 84% %

Got into their 1st or 2nd choice graduate or professional school felt that studying abroad helped them build valuable job skills, such as Tolerance for Ambiguity, Adaptability, and more

25 70%

Students who study abroad have

higher % starting

salaries

of study abroad alumni claimed that because of study abroad they were more satisfied with their jobs

The OUTCOMES of our International Study Abroad Programs have a HUGE positive impact for students, universities, and the workforce.

We all understand how many business employers look at a resume with international studies experience as a big plus. But, it is more than just the business majors who should concern themselves with this experience. What we often forget to consider is all the other global aspects, influences, concerns, etc. that we are challenged with daily. Think about the wide expanse of our “globalness” – medical and healthcare challenges, global human crisis, major environmental concerns and natural disasters that we collectively face.

All generations to come will be faced and challenged with opportunities and problems that reach far beyond our borders.

With travel, you come to appreciate that there are 7.5 million equally smart, talented, kind, and creative people out there in our world.

Source: University of California, Merced, Study, 2018

THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST 10 DAYS OF MY LIFE, AND I’M SO THANKFUL THAT I GOT TO EXPERIENCE IT WITH THE PEOPLE

Barcelona, Spain

THAT I DID. THIS TRIP NOT ONLY WAS AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AND TO GET TO LEARN SOME ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, BUT IT ALSO SERVED AS A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THAT GROUP OF PEOPLE BETTER, AND TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY. — Sam Arnold, Senior at WPU

GOING TO SPAIN WAS EXCITING, IT WAS THE FIRST COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES THAT I HAD BEEN TO AND SEEING A DIFFERENT CULTURE AND HEARING ANOTHER LANGUAGE REALLY PUT LIFE INTO PERSPECTIVE FOR ME. ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WE DID WAS GO TO THE MARKET WHERE THERE WAS SO MUCH FOOD OF ALL KINDS AND IT ALL LOOKED AMAZING. I COULD HAVE TRIED ANYTHING THERE AND I WOULD HAVE LOVED IT. — Aubrey Kitchin, Senior at WPU

Believe in Peace!

Is it Worth

10 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

the Cost?

Verona, Italy

There is no question that Study Abroad programs can be expensive, but it is an experience that can open doors, and offer career possibilities that without study abroad would be impossible, or at least a lot harder, to obtain. According to the NY Times article, “The Cost of Not Going Is Real”: “Not studying abroad lowers a person’s chances of success in the ever-globalizing world – and that has economic consequences.”

Furthermore, WPU students with a 2.6 GPA or higher will receive financial support in the form of a travel scholarship to help offset some of the costs of the travel expenses. And, equally important to consider is the fact that the course prior to the trip plus the actual trip earn each student 3 – 4 academic credit hours where the normal cost of tuition is already embedded in the trip cost!

Overall, it must be noted that it is very unlikely that an individual will ever be able to travel internationally - with everything that is included in the WPU trips (flights, accommodations, most meals, all entrance sites, ground transportation, travel insurance, full-time tour director and local guides, etc.) for the cost of the WPU trips. And, to be able to do this with fellow students, excellent guides, and committed faculty members is priceless. The VALUE for the cost is incredible.

In summary, the personal, as well as the academic and professional benefits to Study Abroad are immense, life-changing, and invaluable. It is said … Pictures are worth a thousand words, so take a look at some of your WPU fellow students abroad!

Buon Viaggio!

If you are interested in supporting the WPU study abroad program contact the Office of Advancement or visit peace.edu/give to make your gift today.

WPU International Travel Abroad & Study Programs is very excited to announce the first of our 2020 WPU Summer Travel Programs!

In May 2020, WPU students, faculty, alumni, family members and community friends are welcome to join our next European Travel & Learning Adventure to Italy and Hungary! We will fly into the amazing city of Budapest, Hungary – a spectacular Eastern European capital that rivals even Paris for its charm, culture, and sites. Our Italian itinerary will take us to the most breathtaking city in Europe (maybe the world!) – Venice. While in Italy, we will also visit Trieste, a gorgeous Italian town on the Adriatic Sea, and Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance in the heart of Tuscany. While there, we will also visit San Gimignano, a walled medieval hilltop town encircled by 13th-century walls and towers. The trip will be hosted by WPU through EF College Study Tours, for more information on the trip check out their website at efcst.com/2209857BA. This Travel/Study Abroad Program includes a seven-week pre-trip Prep Course and three academic credit hours. While in Trieste, we will do a Site Visit to one of the largest financial firms in the world, Allianz, as well as visit an International School of Management. It truly will be the trip of a lifetime.

For details, please contact one of the two faculty trip leaders: Kathy Corley, kcorley@peace.edu Adair Roberson, arobertson@peace.edu Believe in Peace!

GEOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING, I AM NOW MUCH MORE WELL-TRAVELED. I CAN SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN AS FAR AS 7,332 KM FROM HOME. BEING WELL-TRAVELED MEANS UNDERSTANDING A DIFFERENT LOCATION, PEOPLE, AND CULTURE BETTER. I WAS ABLE TO TRY NEW FOODS, WALK NEW STREETS, LEARN WORDS FROM NEW LANGUAGES, AND COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER TOURISTS AND LOCALS. — Payton Weller, Senior at WPU

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 11

PEACE DEMOGRAPHICS Fall 2018

84%

(765) Traditional Undergraduate (TUG)

16%

(145) School of Professional Studies (SPS)

(78) Part-Time

SPS ENROLLMENT AVERAGE AGE

TOTAL ENROLLMENT

33.3

910

91%

YEARS OLD TOTAL ENROLLMENT AVERAGE AGE

22.4

(832) Full-Time

White 46% Black 28% Hispanic 11% Unknown 7% Two or More Races 3% Asian/Asian American 2% Alaska Native/Native American <1% Hawaiian Pacific Islander <1% Non-Resident Alien <1% NEW FIRST-TIME FULL-TIME (FTFT) STUDENTS

212

Residential

Live in campus housing

5

20.3 YEARS OLD

9%

TOP

TUG ENROLLMENT AVERAGE AGE

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

YEARS OLD

MALE

47%

NEW TRANSFER* STUDENTS

100

TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE

FULL-TIME NEW STUDENTS

(472)

(183)

62%

1. Business Administration 2. Communications 4. Psychology 5. Musical Theatre 6. Exercise and Sport Science

FEMALE

53%

23%

32% (245) Athletes

* Based on most recent census data

Believe in Peace!

12 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

MAKING LIFE

HAPPEN!

By Valeska Redmond, Ph.D.

In today’s work environment, employees have less time and more deadlines than ever before. Adding to that tougher competition and a greater need for sophistication and specialization in one’s field - a job search can seem pretty daunting. Because of the increased demands and challenges, it is clear that having a post-secondary education is a prerequisite for advancing an individual’s career goals and the chance of a better life.

However, many people do not have that four-year degree in their pockets because “life” just happened.

From the stay-at-home mom who goes back to school to focus on her career to the businessman who has been stuck in the same job for a decade and is wanting to advance or even explore a different profession, the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at WPU is the catalyst to jump-start “life” again.

With evening and online classes to meet adult learners’ scheduling needs, it is the accelerated learning format that attracts most students to the School of Professional Studies.

Instead of following the traditional 14-week semester format, classes are compressed into 7-weeks, affording students the opportunity to finish their degrees significantly faster. Along with six start dates per year, the School of Professional Studies also differs in its pedagogical approach from the University’s traditional undergraduate program since courses are geared towards non-traditional, adult learners.

Describing the differences between the traditional and nontraditional undergraduate students at WPU, Dr. Valeska Redmond, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives explains that “SPS students have greater demands on their time and face the challenge of balancing work, family and extracurricular activities. They also have greater life experiences and tend to be more focused on their career goals.” With maturity as a vital differentiator, Dr. Redmond continued to say that “adult learners are often highly motivated and self-directed, and they require a different set of support from the University than their younger, traditional counterparts.”

Believe in Peace!

“Our faculty and staff make every effort to support the needs of our nontraditional students. For example, we provide extended business hours for student advising. We also offer evening in-person tutoring and online tutoring” says Dr. Lori McClaren, Executive Director of the School of Professional Studies.

Currently, the School of Professional Studies offers nine-degree programs including business administration, criminal justice, psychology, liberal studies, strategic communication, education, marketing, leadership and nonprofit administration, and the newly launched RN to BSN degree.

Individuals seeking a career in education can choose from three licensure programs in an adapted curriculum: licensure in elementary education, dual licensure in elementary (K-6), and special education (K+12). The program is better known as the TA to teacher program.

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 13

By offering both a comprehensive online and in-class curricula, SPS redefines the educational experience and caters to the student behind the book, not simply teaching the book itself.

In fact, one of the primary goals of the SPS is to become a leader in online learning in North Carolina. WPU recognized the need for creating adaptable and flexible courses through an online platform as a way to ensure that time, location, and availability were no longer inhibiting factors in the pursuit of an education. Rated among the best online schools in North Carolina by the Community for Accredited Online Schools, the School of Professional Studies is also recognized by the Center for Online Education as the most affordable online college charging $350 per credit hour.

By offering both comprehensive online and in-class curricula, SPS redefines the educational experience for adult learners by remaining true to its mission of “providing programs of study that reflect students’ needs while preparing them for lifelong learning, meaningful careers, and ethical citizenship through intellectual opportunities in a student-focused environment”.

What better way to make “life” happen.

Last year, the School of Professional Studies concluded its first five-year strategic plan in line with the University’s strategic growth plan. Four goals were identified: 1 2 3 4

Advance the academic experience Evaluate and expand academic programs Foster strategic growth Establish and foster a distinctive institutional identity

Over the next five years, the School of Professional Studies will implement new strategic initiatives to grow and expand their programs, reach new students and grow their impact in the surrounding communities. This is not just about redefining a student experience, it’s about redefining the student - making them a better version of themselves following graduation.

80% OF ENROLLED SPS STUDENTS WORK FULLTIME AND CLOSE TO 40% INDEED,

ARE MARRIED WITH CHILDREN. MORE INTERESTINGLY, FEMALE SPS STUDENTS ACCOUNT FOR TWO-THIRDS OF ENROLLED SPS STUDENTS. CLEARLY, THE FACE OF THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THE TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT PEACE. — Valeska Redmond, Ph.D. Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

SPS Senior Graymon Ward hard at work.

Regardless of how you choose to learn, each program comes with access to one-on-one advising and required professional development courses ensuring that each student leaves not only with a degree but with the skills and drive to thrive in any career setting.

ONLINE DEGREE VS. NIGHT CLASSES BENEFITS Online Degree

Night Classes

Only step foot on campus when needed

Changes how you spend your work day

Available for all SPS degree programs

One of the most popular ways for adults to learn

Requires discipline but provides greatest flexibility

Convenient for students who live nearby

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SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

“Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours into their program of choice, but what really sets us apart from many other online schools in North Carolina is our focus on students and the small class sizes,” says Dr. McClaren. She continues, “Our faculty are highly credentialed and work in the disciplines they teach, which enables them to bring authentic learning experiences to the classroom,”.

14 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES: ALUMNI SUCCESS

MATT MICKOOL ’15

B.S. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION To say Matt Mickool has a passion for technology is an understatement, so it does not come as a surprise that his career and means of learning have revolved around it.

Shortly after completing his associates degree in business administration online through Wake Tech Community College through no fault of his own, Mickool found himself out of his day job. At this point, he realized he needed to finish his bachelor’s degree in order to gain stable employment, remain competitive in the job market, and set him up for a bright and successful future.

Mickool turned to WPU and after meeting the admissions staff, he was sold on the School of Professional Studies.

He enrolled and continued his progress down the path toward a business administration degree. An avid online learner, Mickool finished all of his classes in under two years. While maintaining a full-time job, Matt worked tirelessly at his studies and graduated summa cum laude. Upon graduation from WPU, Mickool, at only 28 years of age, earned a promotion to Vice President of Online Services at State Employees’ Credit Union.

EVA BENTON ’17

B.A. PSYCHOLOGY, ’19 DUAL LICENSURE IN EDUCATION From shoes to cosmetics, you name it, Eva Benton can sell almost anything to you. With more than 20 years of experience in retail, the Goldsboro native has been a successful sales professional with a proven track record. But after being on her feet for two decades, Benton decided to move her career in a different direction and follow her true passion: psychology and education.

After receiving a flyer in the mail announcing adult and online learning degree programs offered at WPU, Benton took advantage of the free application and shortly thereafter was accepted into the School of Professional Studies’ (SPS) psychology program. Learning to work more efficiently to accomplish the set tasks became the new reality for Benton.

“I had to adapt to the fast-paced learning environment. I wasn’t used to the seven-week class format, and I had to push myself very hard. But I am grateful for it now, because I finished my degree faster, and I learned to manage my time better,” said Benton, who graduated in just two years in 2017. As if that wasn’t enough, Benton returned to her alma mater in 2018 with the goal of completing the dual licensure program in education.

Given Benton’s good academic standing and deep understanding of WPU, Benton was recently selected to serve as the first SPS ambassador encouraging others to follow in her first steps and achieve their dreams. Soon the classroom will become Benton’s permanent environment as she aspires to teach middle school students in social studies.

Believe in Peace!

PROVE IT TO YOUR SELF, SO OTHERS CAN BELIEVE. MY JOURNEY AT WPU’S SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES BEGAN WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF A CO-WORKER/FRIEND, BUT IT WAS THE SUPPORT OF MY ADVISORS AND THE EASY ACCESS TO MY PROFESSORS THAT KEPT ME THERE. I DID NOT UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING AT FIRST, AND MY DOUBTS LED TO FEAR, BUT THE SPS FACULTY HELPED DISPEL THOSE DOUBTS AND PUT ME ON A PATH TO SUCCESS! — Matt Mickool ’15

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 15

Introducing

RN BSN to

By Maya Bryant ’16

As a component of Peace’s ongoing efforts to establish community partnerships and integrated cross-curriculum Immersive Learning opportunities, through the School of Professional Studies, the University launched the Triangle’s first RN to BSN Program in January 2019.

WPU is the only Triangle University to offer an RN to BSN Program after identifying a need for nurses with a bachelors degree in the area. Registered nurses who hold an associates degree in nursing can earn their bachelors degree with flexible class schedules at an affordable rate.

“The University is answering a need that was identified by the community and delivering. We are providing opportunities for future leaders” said Dr. Kobie Leiper, Assistant Professor of Nursing, RN to BSN Program Director.

This program offers flexible class schedules including on-campus, online and on-site at partner hospitals such as Wake Dr. Kobie Leiper Med and UNC Rex-HealthCare.

Nurses will benefit from a mix of on-campus, online, and on-site courses at partner hospitals, making for a unique learning experience offered nowhere else in the Triangle. It is designed for non-traditional students who need flexibility in scheduling due to existing job and family commitments, including non-traditional work hours. The program’s goal is to prepare future leaders in the industry and to provide an opportunity for nurses to broaden their skills and knowledge.

“I am excited to connect and build relationships with RNs seeking our program. An opportunity to further your education places you in a position for potential career growth.”, says Cheniqua Lassiter, Assistant Director for Adult Enrollment Services.

RN to BSN Orientation for the Inaugural Class of Spring, 2019.

William Peace University is the 12th private college in the state to sign the RN to BSN articulation agreement between North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the NC Community College System. The agreement was established specifically to address the growing need for highly-qualified nursing professionals. A need that Leiper believes our campus size and attentive faculty and staff are uniquely qualified to meet.

“The personalized attention and care that we can provide our students sets our program apart from many other RN to BSN programs, we are one-of-a-kind in our area with the objective to provide personal care for our students and their education,” states Leiper.

At Peace the goal is to not solely provide a quality RN to BSN program; rather it is to provide an immersive educational experience that serves as a foundation of continued growth following a student’s time at the University. The goal is for students to leave both with a BSN and the confidence, support, and resources that only a WPU education provides.

The RN to BSN program at WPU is open to registered nurses with an associates degree in nursing who hold a current and valid RN license in the state of North Carolina.

The RN to BSN program offers a Downtown Raleigh location in close proximity to local hospitals, six convenient start dates throughout the academic year, and hands-on expert nursing faculty.

For more information on the RN to BSN program at WPU, visit peace.edu/RNBSN.

IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE STAFF AT WPU, I WOULD BE PUTTING MY BSN OFF FOR THE 10TH YEAR IN A ROW. HAVING SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL OTHER SCHOOLS, LOCAL AND ONLINE, THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE, WITH LITTLE TO NO ASSISTANCE. THE STAFF AT WPU HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL, GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND, EVEN OVER THE HOLIDAYS TO MAKE SURE ALL OF MY DOCUMENTS WERE PROCESSED AND CORRECT. IF YOU HAVE BEEN FRUSTRATED BY THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS AT OTHER RN-BSN PROGRAMS, THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM! I PERSONALLY CANNOT RECOMMEND THEM [PEACE] ENOUGH — Jason Wilson, RN, RN to BSN Student, WakeMed Critical Care Transport Team

Believe in Peace!

16 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

W h at i s

A LU M N I E N G AG E M E N T ?

Pictured from Left to Right: President Brian C. Ralph; Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving, Ellie Barker; and two of the first Alumni STARS and former Alumni Board Members, Maria Ewing '12 and Jane W. Bondurant '71.

Alumni Engagement is the life-long relationship between graduates and their alma mater, created through alumni participation and involvement in the life and success of William Peace University and its students.

The Alumni Relations team, as part of the Office of Advancement, promotes Alumni Engagement by facilitating the relationship between alumni and their alma mater by providing opportunities for their participation and involvement.

These opportunities consist of FIVE CATEGORIES, and like the pieces of a puzzle, come together to create a picture of a vibrant and strong alumni community.

CONNECT Alumni Engagement is all about meaningful connections.

The Alumni Relations team works to make sure that building these relationships is easier than ever, and are excited to announce the launch of alumniconnect.peace.edu, an online alumni community that streamlines alumni news, communications, events, programs, photos, and more into one accessible, central location. The launch of this program makes staying in contact with everything Peace easier than ever before, allowing alumni to play a vital role in shaping Peace today.

MENTOR Alumni serve as catalysts for students' personal and professional development.

The Office of Career Services partners with the Office of Advancement to provide opportunities like speaking in classes or conducting mock interviews. Alumni are also encouraged to provide practical life advice and experience through the Dinner with 12 Pacers Program. Through alumni guidance, insight, and counsel, the next generations of empowered Peace leaders are shaped.

Believe in Peace!

GIVE Alumni financial support is vital to the future of the institution. Every gift matters. Alumni giving not only helps bridge the gap between tuition and endowment income and operating expenses, but also provides resources for investing in innovative learning opportunities, campus and technology improvements, and much more.

To find out how you can best support Peace, log onto peace.edu/give today!

VOLUNTEER There are a number of opportunities for alumni to volunteer; from hosting regional events to serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The alumni can decide what type of volunteering is right for them, with alumni contributions of time and talent always being needed and welcomed.

ATTEND By attending Peace events alumni stay connected to each other and campus.

The Office of Advancement plans numerous alumni events throughout the year on campus, in select regional areas, and in the Raleigh community. They also encourage alumni to attend athletic games, theatre performances, student programs and community events hosted by Peace to get the most out of their involvement.

BECOMING A STAR HELPS PEACE SHINE BRIGHT Peace believes that when alumni participate in activities from each category annually, like the pieces of the puzzle coming together to create a picture, they represent the perfect portrait of an engaged alum.

To recognize those outstanding alumni who participate in all five categories of alumni engagement each year, we have created our Star Alumni Program. These individuals represent Peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most dedicated and involved alums. Their commitment is helping to shape the future of their alma mater and the next generation of Peace alumni.

WE PRESENT TO YOU OUR FIRST STAR ALUMNI SHOWCASE! Class of

Star Alumni

2016

Deja J. Barber

2011

Kirsten V. Benzaquen

1971

Jane W. Bondurant

2007

Courtney A. Burns

2013

Danica Co

2012

Maria H. Ewing

2011

Brittany J. Goodman

2011

Megan E. Hoffner

2012

Janna A. Joyner

2010

Emma V. Lawrence

1997

Melissa A. McCurry

2013

Melissa P. Moran

1992

Teresa Palmer

2012

Samantha N. Pulley

2015

Erica N. Saraceno

2011

Gale M. Wilkins

2001

Alli N. Woodward

2017

Alex V. Van Meir

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 17

GREETINGS

ALUMNI&FRIENDS OF

PEACE!

I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it has been to connect with many of you and serve as your Alumni Association President over the last two years.

In the heart of Carolina, the WPU campus is buzzing with electricity from students and professors as the excitement of the spring semester is upon us. Our 2019 graduates are wrapping up their formal education with a dash of instruction about how they can continue their Pacer Pride once they join the ranks of our distinguished Alumni.

As I reflect on my time connecting with other graduates since crossing the commencement stage, one of my favorite things to hear is “I loved my time at Peace, and I want to get involved again.” For those of you who feel the same, I can’t wait for you to reconnect with Peace and give back to our alma mater. Many of our wonderful alumni have volunteered to move new first years in during Move-In Day, others have committed to hosting an internship at their workplace, supported the Believe in Peace fund, or donated their time on a board, or committee.

Please check out the Alumni Connect portal to find a plethora of opportunities to get involved and shine as a “Star Alumni”!

For those of us who have already turned our tassel at commencement, there are some fun things in the works as the University Office of Advancement is continuously working to create opportunities for alumni to stay involved with campus life. Whether you join us on campus to celebrate events like Founder’s Day and Alumni Weekend or you attend one of the many regional events the Office hosts in cities across the Southeast - we are excited to have you! No matter when I see you, I hope you’ll share with me your fondest memories made at Peace, and maybe we can make some new memories together.

If you live locally or abroad, I encourage you to find a way to show your Belief in Peace and make a positive impact on the future of our alma mater.

Hail all hail to Peace,

Megan E. Hoffner ’11 President, Alumni Association

Believe in Peace!

18 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Fay Jackson e v lo Anderson ’54 A N D H E R D E D I C AT I O N TO P E AC E

By Jessica Kleean

A Legacy of

“The first thing that you need to know is that this is hallowed ground for me,” Fay J. Anderson said with a smile. “From the minute I walked in that front door, back when I was 14 years old visiting my sister for the weekend, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. It was love at first sight.“

There are many distinguishing features when it comes to Anderson, her wit being sharper and her presence more commanding than most army generals to name a few, but what truly sets Anderson apart is her everyday dedication to Peace.

She defines herself by the love she has for the University – a love that has grown each passing year.

She remembers her years at Peace College fondly, stating: “They were the best years of my life.” She was one of 38 women who graduated in 1954. She worked hard; taking extra classes to achieve her Standard Business Diploma, rather than just the General Business Diploma, and was the only girl in her class to do so. But Anderson has never minded hard work, especially when it is work worth doing.

She called Old Main home for both years, living first on the fourth floor, then on the third. She spent every Sunday morning at the chapel with the rest of the girls and then by 1 pm she sat down for lunch in Main Lobby. Her favorite? Sunday dinners of fried chicken and ice cream topped with Miss Ethel Grammar's chocolate sauce – which she still swears is the best she’s ever tasted. “It was a good way to live,” chuckled Anderson.

Believe in Peace!

Her most important Peace memory did not take place on the court as many would have expected but at the side of a mentor who meant the world to her. Her senior year she successfully memorized an abbreviated Presbyterian catechism at the request of Bible teacher, Miss Lucy Steele.

Anderson smiled as she reflected, “She was a fantastic teacher of the Bible - no one can really compare to her. She took me under her wing, and she’s the reason for my faith today”. Sitting in a chair at Steele’s knees at the end of the semester, she recited it back to her entirely.

It was Anderson’s proudest moment and fondest memory.

Miss Steele died later that year on January 11, 1954, in a tragic car accident on her way to an event to promote Peace. To this day, Anderson keeps the copy of the catechism where Steele wrote on the back cover that Anderson had recited it word for word. She has kept it all her life.

In 1954 the senior class dedicated their yearbook to her memory. Decades later, Anderson and a classmate rallied the senior class again and raised thousands of dollars to have her portrait hung and dedicated outside of the chapel she loved so dearly.

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 19

This story perfectly sums up not only the generous and loving spirit that is Fay J. Anderson but her dedication to Peace. Regardless of her time as a student or as an alumna, she has consistently supported the school throughout all of its endeavors. This is especially true when it comes to anything regarding Pacer Athletics.

One of the more drastic differences between the experiences of a Peace student in 1954 and 2019 is the scale of athletics on campus. Today, the NCAA classifies Peace as a Division III institution along with 450 other institutions. Our Pacers compete across the Southeast in baseball, basketball, golf, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, softball, track and field, and volleyball. As of 2018, nearly a third of traditional undergrad students are considered student-athletes – which is a shocking stat for alumni like Anderson, who in 1954 was one of only five girls on the girls' basketball team.

“That [Five girls] was what was required to play, and that’s what we had! But this year, we have 17 girls on the team! Can you believe it?” said Anderson, “When they told me, I was shocked.

I can’t wait to see them all sitting over there on the bench. We have NEVER had that many students before!”

The increase in the scale of athletics over the past couple of years has been possible due to the new, top-of-the-line facilities that WPU has been steadily investing in as an essential objective of the “Strategic Growth” pillar of the Believe in Peace Strategic Plan.

The introduction of these new athletic centers directly correlates with the growth and success of all of our WPU teams.

This growth would not be possible without people like Anderson, who find the value in and therefore, continuously invest in the success of our athletic coaches, staff, and student athletes.

“I would’ve given anything to have had the facilities that we have now back when I was here. Honestly, that’s one of the reasons I worked so hard on them,” admitted Anderson, “I just wanted to make them better so that we could keep expanding the athletic program. We have all these coaches now; these great teams and I think that a lot of this success is based around the resources that we’re giving our teams to work with. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Comparing Anderson’s experience as a student athlete, when the Peace women’s basketball team practiced on a dirt court underneath the chapel and traveled wherever possible to find a game to play, illustrates this strategic growth best. Back then, according to Anderson, “We had nothing really, except a basketball. We just loved to play.”

This love for the game is still what inspires Anderson. She remains active playing golf as often as she can and making it up to 15 E. Peace Street for afternoon games whenever possible.

This obvious love for playing sports is one of the things that she hopes to convey to all of our current student-athletes. “It’s just a game. At the end of the day, you won if you had a good time, and had fun. This is supposed to be fun; it's not supposed to be drudgery. Be a good sport and be a good teammate - that’s all that matters. It’s just a game if you mess up, you just play again.

Just keep on keeping on.”

This attitude shapes most of Anderson’s life and nearly every interaction. She isn’t one to take herself too seriously, and she’s always down for a good laugh. Her favorite meal consists of a good piece of pizza and a cold Michelob Ultra, and she has more photos on her phone of her dog, Charlie, than most would care to admit. When you’re reading all of these details or if you are lucky enough to sit down and talk with Anderson, it’s pretty easy to forget with whom you are interacting: this is because no matter how long you’ve known her, after one conversation it feels like you’ve been lifelong friends. You would not expect a woman as approachable as this to be the same woman that has had such a significant impact on nearly every aspect of life at WPU.

Believe in Peace!

20 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Nevertheless, Anderson is a woman who stands clear in her convictions and in her faith in Peace, and while her legacy of giving goes back decades, her humble heart is what most recognize her for.

“Fay is one of the most inspiring ladies that I have met since joining the team at Peace,” says Jodi Stamey, Vice President of University Advancement. “Her contributions to Peace have helped shape our campus community in many ways, but more importantly her enthusiasm is what has truly made the difference—she loves Peace, and Peace loves her. “ While Anderson is most commonly associated with athletics due to her time on the basketball team and her fierce loyalty to Pacer Athletics, her real passion lies entirely in supporting Peace.

Anderson’s legacy of giving is inspiring, and representative of her own belief in Peace. She has supported multiple campus improvements including sponsoring residence hall renovations and the updating of the Flowe Academic Building. She regularly contributes to both the Loyalty Fund and maintaining The W. Edward Anderson and Fay Jackson Athletic Endowment Fund providing invaluable support for students throughout the WPU community. She consistently has supported Pacer Athletics including specific projects like the Locker Room Renovations of 2005, sponsoring the senior banquet yearly, and most notably, in 2017 Anderson made another investment toward Pacer Athletics which helped support renovations in the Hermann Athletic Center’s main gym.

Anderson’s dedication to Peace and enthusiasm is what led the University, later that same year, to honor her by naming the new court in the Hermann Athletic Center in her honor – the Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 Court. In October 2018, she also contributed to help make this re-launch of this magazine possible, believing that the Peace story was one worth telling.

If you were to ask Anderson why she does it, she would say it’s simply because she loves Peace and believes in this school. Even with all of the recognition that her generosity has afforded her, she still seems shocked at the outpouring of love she has received from WPU. “You know the highlight of my life at Peace now are the awards that they have given me, honestly, it has just been such a “shockaroo” to be recognized like this!” stated a baffled Anderson. “I was awarded the William Peace medallion, I’ve

Pictured: Fay J. Anderson alongside President Brian C. Ralph and Phil Rowe, Executive Director of Athletic Strategy & Special Projects, unveiling the new Pacer Performance Center

Believe in Peace!

been put in the Hall of Fame, given an honorary doctorate, and even had the basketball court named after me… These are things that you never think are going to happen in your lifetime and somehow they just all happened to me. Why wouldn’t I love this place?”

She doesn’t do it for the recognition though, never has. Her motivation is as the same as it has always been - supporting an institution she believes in. Throughout her years at Peace, Anderson has seen the institution change immeasurably, and through these years she has loved it all the same. She wants more than anything else to inspire others to give back to their alma mater in whatever capacity they can.

“If every alum just gave something…just imagine what we could do,” she said.

She plans to stay at Peace for a long time, still coming in the area around once a week. She has her own parking pass, given to her by her best friend Michael John, Director of Public Safety, and she has plans to attend the next basketball game as soon as she gets the chance. She can’t wait for the next time that she gets to see the teams play and to see first hand all of the good work that the coaches and Athletic Leadership has done for the program – all the progress that she brags about to seemingly anyone who will listen.

Peace is a different campus now than when Anderson attended.

The athletics teams have grown, buildings across campus have been renovated, and there are more people at 15 E. Peace St. than ever before.

But one thing hasn’t changed, and that is the love that Peace has for Fay Anderson.

“Everyone here knows Fay. I have enjoyed some good times with Fay, I respect her wisdom, I have fun with her and I am proud to call her my friend,” said Stamey as she recalled one of her first meetings with Fay. Through decades of dedication, Anderson has shown time and time again how much is possible if a person sincerely believes in what they are advocating for. Peace is fortunate to have passionate and supportive alumni, like Anderson, who believe not only in the future of the University but also in the role that they play in shaping it. Through her years of support, Anderson's contributions have improved the community repeatedly, and at the end, there is only one thing that matters to her...

“I want people to know that I supported my alma mater all my life. From when I was here to after I graduated, for no other reason than I truly love this school. I loved Peace College then, and I love William Peace University now,” said Anderson, “I have faith in the University; I know it’s just going to keep growing. Through all the changes and the updates, it’s still the same home to me. I always come home.”

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 21

MANY ‘NO’S’ YOU GET,

A PEACE

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY, ACCEPT IT, GROW FROM IT AND KEEP GRINDING UNTIL

Star Performer,

By Jessica Kleean

YOU GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.

Alum Jarrett Bennett '17 starring in leading role of Joseph in WPU's Spring 2017 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

After watching Jarrett Bennett ’17 perform you would assume he has been doing it all his life - and you’d be right.

While he may have not formally entertained the idea of pursuing theatre until coming to William Peace University, Bennett knew from the beginning he was meant to be a performer. After combining his passion for singing, dance, and acting with the expansive theatre education offered at Peace, this triple-threat graduated not just with the skills to succeed, but the passion and motivation to thrive.

WPU has always seen the star that is Jarrett Bennett, it is no surprise to us that the rest of the world is noticing.

“I always knew I wanted to perform,” says Bennett, “I had the talent and the motivation, I just needed a stage - an opportunity and a stage.”

He found his passion through the Theatre Department and worked hard to hone his craft both in and out of the classroom.

The small class sizes and the close-knit community within the department are what drew Bennett to Peace. Bennett claims he could tell that he was more than just a number or a statistic to his professors. He made sure to take advantage of every resource that Peace could offer him. He took extra courses to worked with the department to exploring more immersive, educational experiences in theatres in the area through WPU’s extensive community partnerships within the Raleigh art scene.

He even remains close with his former advisor, Mr. Matt Hodge, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Theatre, two years after graduation.

“I am extremely proud of Jarrett and all he is accomplishing as a WPU theatre alumnus,” says Hodge. “He is a prime example of a young professional who works tirelessly to pursue his dreams. His drive and passion have earned him consistent post-graduation work, which has laid the groundwork for a long fulfilling career.”

Jarrett Bennett

REGARDLESS OF HOW

As of January 2019, Bennett has already been cast in three separate productions adding to a long list of playbill appearances he has made over the last couple of years.

These three productions, two with Cape Fear Regional Theatre in their productions of Annie! and Memphis and another with The Temple Theatre in their production of Big River, are the last that Bennett plans to do in NC before making his way to NYC in July of 2019.

“I’m going to New York for the dream,” laughs Bennett, “I feel more mentally prepared than I did a year ago and I’m ready to give this all I got. I know what I want out of life, and I’m not going to stop until I get there.”

Even when in NYC, Bennett plans on staying close with his alma mater, recognizing how much his University invested in him during his time here. “The opportunities I was provided... you just can’t find that somewhere else, especially after you graduate.” reflects Bennett, “You don’t realize how much you have at your disposal until you don’t have it anymore. I’ll always check in, talk to local directors, my old professors, students etc. because I care about the program and its success. I want to be a part of it.”

To current students, Bennett offers some advice on the best way to take advantage of the education that they have received at WPU. “It’s about the connections you make along the way,” says Bennett, “If I can tell them [WPU theatre students] anything, it’s to take advantage of every opportunity offered. You never know what is going to turn into something bigger. Learn as much as you can, and then go live it."

Believe in Peace!

22 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Lou Taft Welch:

An Ace On and

OFF THE COURT

By Jessica Kleean

Members of the USTA Committee recognizing the efforts of Lou T. Welch '84 and the Adaptive Tennis Association of North Carolina at the 2018 US Open.

Lou Taft Welch ’84 has always had quite the presence on the tennis court, but one could argue that her impact off the court is just as measurable. Welch dedicates her life to ensuring that the sport that has defined so much of her life remains accessible to anyone who wants to play, regardless of ability, means or background, as the Executive Director for the Adaptive Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC).

disabilities. Working with more than 350 athletes, hosting six tournaments and 17 clinics a year, ATANC partners with local organization and schools throughout the state to provide tennis programs. ATANC prides itself on offering all of the programs free of charge. Donations, fundraisers, and grants through NC Tennis and USTA allow ATANC to serve their athletes and families.

To say that Peace is proud is an understatement – and we aren’t the only ones impressed.

This is what Welch is most excited about, making tennis accessible to anyone who wants to play.

In fact, Welch and her work at the Adaptive Tennis Association of North Carolina were awarded the 2018 United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award at the US Open on September 3rd. The USTA annually bestows this recognition upon a program or program leader that has demonstrated continued excellence, dedication, and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community.

Lou’s passion for tennis grew during her time at Peace, where she said as a student-athlete, she made a lot of valuable connections and prepared herself for life beyond 15 E. Peace Street. It was here she met Kelly Gaines ’82, a fellow Peace College tennis player and lifelong friend of Welch’s. Gaines, who now serves as the Executive Director of the USTA in North Carolina, was the connection that got Welch back into tennis in such a big way.

In the official released statement of the award by USTA, Craig Morris, Chief Executive of USTA, stated: “Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina continues to strengthen the building blocks for the future of their athletes. Abilities Tennis provides over 350 participants with the opportunity to learn not only the game of tennis but to also learn about themselves, be part of a team and grow and succeed on and off the court.”

This recognition comes as no surprise to those who have seen the impact that Welch and Abilities Tennis Association has had throughout North Carolina. ATANC provides programming opportunities through tennis camps, clinics, and tournaments year-round to those with intellectual and developmental

PROVIDING TENNIS PROGRAMS FOR THE ATHLETES AND THEIR FAMILIES IS A REWARDING ENDEAVOR. WHEN I SEE THE HAPPINESS THAT TENNIS BRINGS TO OUR ATHLETES, I FEEL THAT MY JOB IS ALLOWING PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL WELL-BEING.

Believe in Peace!

“Kelly has been an incredible friend to me over the past years and a joy to work with. She is passionate about what she does, and it shows.” Welch continued, “I’m grateful for this position because it has allowed me to do meaningful and fulfilling work in my community. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

This fall, Peace welcomed Gaines and Welch back onto their old stomping ground for one last game on the courts that helped craft both a lifelong friendship and a passion for the sport.

Joined by Gaines’ niece, Hannah, these Peace girls celebrated a love of the game that has lasted long beyond their time at Peace all while showing off some pretty impressive skills.

Welch credits a lot of her success to the experiences that she had while at Peace. “I would definitely say a lot of my confidence comes from my time at Peace and the friendships I built there,” she says.

Welch’s legacy of giving and her passion for her sport lives on in every single athlete and family she comes across, and this is just the beginning.

For more information on Lou Welch and all of the work that she and the rest of the ATANC organization are doing visit their website atatanc.org.

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 23

WPU STUDENT,

DEJA GAINEY

Interns at U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC

By Christopher J. Newman

IT WAS REALLY AN HONOR TO JUST WORK ALONGSIDE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THIS ON A DAILY BASIS AND WORK WITH DIPLOMATS. I’VE ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO HAVE A CAREER THERE .

— Deja Gainey, Junior at WPU

WPU Junior, Deja Gainey, made her Washington, DC debut last semester through an internship at the U.S. Department of State. She and her team worked behind the scenes of the State Department and in close contact with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

By the time Gainey was a junior in high school she had already decided that she wanted to work for the U.S. Department of State. So she began to research the education and career paths she would need to take to get there. Gainey applied for internships in state and local government and even non-profit organizations–anything to build her resume for her dream job at the State Department. This eventually led her to study Political Science at Peace where she finally had the chance to apply for an internship program offered to college juniors and seniors with the U.S. Department of State.

Deja’s interview process and rigorous background check spanned the course of a few months, but finally, in August she earned her security clearance and was ready to ship up to Washington, DC for her first day in the Harry S. Truman Building.

“Ever since I was a student in high school I knew that I wanted to eventually obtain a career with the U.S. Department of State,” Gainey said. “And I started doing internships related to state and local government and non-profits that cooperated with state and local governments.”

Gainey earned a position within the particular bureau of the State Department that works directly with Congress. Her office served to support congressional members and staffers with passports and documentation to travel abroad.

As part of her job, she was often recruited by senior advisers on her team to go to Capitol Hill to attend Senate and House hearings and take notes on the outcomes. She once spent an entire work week attending Senate and House hearings.

One of the main roles of her internship was to research members of Congress and to find their stances on particular foreign policies and how those policies could affect the State Department. Gainey explained that though her assignments would vary from day-to-day, every morning she would attend State Department press briefings where international affairs are shared and discussed with the press.

Gainey’s internship may have ended, but what she learned from it will always be with her. She states that through her internship and the immersive learning opportunities at William Peace University she was able to bring a lot back her classes. As a Political Science major and a Global Studies minor, Deja believes her firsthand experience within a government entity has brought a new perspective to her courses.

She’s excited to pursue her dream career at the State Department once she graduates, a goal that Assistant Professor, Dr. Elizabeth Kusko believes is extremely likely “Deja is one of the most amazingly talented students I have ever met,” Dr. Kusko said. “Her work ethic, intellect, drive to succeed, and professionalism are each unparalleled. We are so proud of her accomplishments and can’t wait to see just how bright her future is.”

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BELIEVE PEACE! IN

Along with the introduction of the University’s Believe in Peace Strategic Plan, the campus unveiled a new Master Plan to accommodate the upcoming years of exponential growth and development. The Master Plan (pictured in background) is based around the idea that every facility on campus should be designed so that learning could and should happen not only in the classroom, but everywhere else as well. Each campus space is designed to facilitate student growth - from interacting with faculty in a casual setting to adapting public spaces ensuring that our community is not only connected to but truly involved with and welcomed on campus.

For more information on how to support Peace, the continued development of our vibrant learning community, and our ability to provide an exceptional educational and cultural experience for students, faculty and staff, please visit peace.edu/give.

In 2017 WPU launched the Believe in Peace Strategic Plan to both successfully promote the University’s growth and impact, and solidify its place as a distinctive leader in higher education throughout the region. While there is still much left to accomplish, it’s important to celebrate the progress made and explore the innovative paths being forged on the foundations of the successes of the past two years.

Let's examine some of the highlights of the University's first-year initiatives as both stand-alone achievements and as the foundation for the forward-thinking direction WPU is heading in within the year two objectives.

S T R AT E G I C

I N I T I AT I V E S

Year One

23

Completed Initiatives

Year Two New Initiatives

8

15

In Progress

Completed

Initiative

Results

Identify and Create the Best Organizational Structure/System for Immersive Learning

• Academic Affairs created and presented the Center for Immersive Learning to the Board of Trustees and it was approved. Began plans for a new educational Center and brought on Dr. Chris Born as Directory of Immersive Learning.

Create/Redesign Spaces to Facilitate Immersive Learning

• Flowe 113 was redesigned using state-of-the-art Steelcase active learning furniture, including flexible seating and tables and personal whiteboards that allow students to be creative and take risks in the classroom. The classroom has a nearly infinite number of configurations to allow faculty to try new immersive approaches to learning.

• Pressly 100 was redesigned using flexibility laboratory furniture to create a modern physics and biology research lab. The furniture and technology configuration also allows us to offer other classes as necessary to maximize use of the space.

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Initiative

Results

Add New Undergraduate • Professor Janelle Jennings-Alexander’s Professional Writing course created a professional print magazine, Stepping Out. Research and Creative Projects It was so successful that the Office of Admissions sent it to prospective students as a demonstration of the kind of immersive learning experiences available at WPU.

Launch New Alumni Relations Program

• Completed a launch of the new alumni engagement strategy, the Stars Program. Introduced at Alumni Weekend and developed a baseline of engagement.

Re-imagine School of Professional Studies (SPS) Program

• Appointed new leadership by bringing on Dr. Lori McClaren as Executive Director of the School of Professional Studies.

• Drafted new strategic plan.

• Added two new majors and three licensure programs.

Initiative

Results

Enhance weekend & evening programming

• Hosted Pacers After Dark, Last Day of Classes Party (LDOC), a wildly successful Glow Paint Party on the back Lawn, and hosted tailgates throughout the year.

Create additional student spaces on campus

• Opened and renovated Second Floor Belk with new dining and seating spaces.

• Created a game room on the first floor of Belk Hall.

• Built a new outdoor seating/dining area outside Belk Hall • Created a “hammock village” under the trees in front of Bingham Hall.

• Created spaces on the balconies of all buildings for student hang-out spaces.

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26 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Seaboard Sale Brings More

Growth & Opportunity On December 13, 2018, William Peace University, confirmed the sale of a portion of Seaboard Station, a property the University boldly invested in five years ago with the intention of growing the funds entrusted to the University by generous donors and community members to fuel the mission of Peace.

Our intentions were realized.

Selling in the current market maximized the return on the Seaboard investment, creating additional resources designed to support students and fuel the Believe in Peace Strategic plan.

Specifically, this sale increased the value of the endowment from approximately $35 million to an estimated $45 million. As an investment, the purchase and sale of Seaboard Station achieved more than double the rate of return of the S&P 500 over the same period.

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“Seaboard Station is a part of the University’s rich history, and this transaction supports it's bright future,” says President Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D., “Together with TradeMark Properties, we have ensured that the property, its tenants and the neighborhood remain in great hands with PN Hoffman. We’re pleased to welcome our new neighbors, and look forward to seeing what the future holds for Seaboard Station.”

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WPU invested in the Seaboard property in 2013, and earlier this year in partnership with Trademark Properties, the University worked to find a buyer. Of the 13 total offers considered, PN Hoffman’s offer was selected due to the developer’s unique and expansive redevelopment proposal, centered around new density and mixed-uses intended to enhance the downtown community as well as the campus community.

In the statement released by PN Hoffman following confirmation of the sale, the developer detailed the proposed multi-phased development plan for Seaboard Station, describing how “the project’s approximate 800,000 square feet of mixed-use space will consist of ground-level retail, multi-family residential and hotel uses.” The statement continues to detail that of these spaces; the Raleigh community can expect to see approximately 650 apartments, 150 room hotel, and about 90,000 square feet of new retail space for a total of 135,000 square feet of retail space at full build out.

The University made a bold investment, trusting the potential in not only the growth of the University but in the growth within the Raleigh community.

The sale of this property coupled with our Believe in Peace Strategic Plan is an opportunity for the University to be recognized as a leading metropolitan University in the Southeast, known for its vibrancy, innovative and immersive curriculum, and impact it has on the lives of its students and the greater Raleigh region.

Our vision is clear, and our position is one of growth and strength. We invite you to join us on the pursuit of our vision.

Proceeds from this sale will go back into the University Endowment as well as provide support for facilities and programs for our students. The impact that this sale has on the Raleigh community was put best in a statement released by Billie Redmond, Founder of Trademark Properties, “The significant value increase [of the property] is a clear indication of the robust urban market in downtown Raleigh.”

Aerial view of Downtown Raleigh.

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28 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

in·clu·sive (adj.): Engaging, & valuing all the diversity within a community or organization; when a sense of belonging is felt by all members. By Jessica Kleean

Our founder, Mr. William Peace, believed in investing in people.

Even in the most daunting of circumstances, he showed his dedication to the community by founding an educational institute that stood for value-based learning. He founded an institution where opportunity was available for deserving students who worked hard when given the resources needed to succeed.

In Fall 2018, WPU launched the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as part of our University’s dedication to creating a campus and culture enriched by people of different backgrounds and perspectives. The Office represents Peace’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our increasingly diverse community.

What does that mean? Simply put, each student who steps on campus "not only feels supported in who they are now but also proud to contribute their identities as part of the Peace learning community.

Reed believes that Peace is just getting started when it comes to all of the positive, inclusive efforts that this work will have on the campus community. While many metrics still need to be examined when it comes to measuring the success of an Office like this, she believes that this is a strong start. The Office continues to grow, and through its work, we are constructing a campus of which we can all be proud.

Each member of our community can contribute toward the cohesive efforts of diversity, equity and inclusion because at Peace, we believe that is the best way to create a community that reflects the values we strive to represent.

Long term, Reed believes in the program and in its ability to transform the lives of current and future students. “I have a long term vision in mind that includes things like clearly stated goals to improve and strengthen the recruitment and retention of both a diverse student body, with a diverse faculty and staff,” said Reed, “[Additionally,] I would hope that the Office would grow and expand over time.”

The Office’s mission is to provide support, advocacy, training and education for WPU students, faculty and staff. Through theirwork,theOfficefostersrespectandinclusion through open, honest and civil dialogue about PROGRAMMING MODEL individual experiences and perspectives while serving as a resource to the community.

PROVIDING ADVISING & INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Stephanie Reed, explains, “There is a need for the Office to operationalize the institution’s diversity, inclusion and respect value; meaning, the Office is charged to provide leadership and guidance for the campus by embodying these values in all the ways we teach, engage students in leadership development, and welcome students to campus. This is how we create an inclusive campus community.”

The University recognized that cultivating a campus culture that is rooted in intentional and inclusive practices would be a benefit to all.

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• The Minority Student Association • The DEEP Program (Diversity Educators Engaging PEACE: A Peer Educator Program) PROVIDING SUPPORT & ADVOCACY • Diversity Town Hall Meetings & Forums (campus wide) • Creation of Bias Incident Reporting Policy & Process • D&I Graduate Intern—planning campus programs and meeting with students CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE & COMMUNITY BUILDING • Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month programs; Martin Luther King Day Programming, National Coming Out Day, Diversity Week, LGBT History Month; Trans Day of Remembrance, National Day of Silence, Disability Week and more • CommUNITY Fest, Visiting Raleigh area community festivals, etc.

PROVIDING TRAINING & EDUCATION • Inclusive Leadership & diversity training for Student Government, student organizations, Resident Assistants, peer mentors, and Orientation Leaders, etc.

• Ally and Ally+ Training

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Finding

A PLACE OF

PEACE

By Kerri Habben, ’93

We tend to view history through the lens of our own time. We do not always have the benefit of the detail and nuance, which made another era equally or more challenging than our own. History tells all of the facts but is devoid of the gut-wrenching tears, the hearty laugh and all of the everyday sights and sounds that created that day.

For those of us who love Peace, the columns of Old Main seem timeless and enduring as if they and the rest of our beloved institution have been there forever. But “forever” is a relative term. We forget that in the perspective of time it wasn’t long ago that the campus of William Peace University was simply our benefactor’s land. Today, it is easy to see Peace as a foregone conclusion; we read “1857” on the crest, and while the duration of years is indeed impressive; all we know is what we are shown in 2019. This article studies in part William Peace, the era in which he lived, and the unwavering dedication he had to his community. Peace gave generations of women a sisterhood that remains a true and unbreakable bond. And now there are brothers as, since 2011, William Peace has a co-educational University named for him.

They arrived in a city that was six years old, where the stagecoach brought mail and passengers to Casso’s Inn on Fayetteville Street near where their store sat. Later, William Peace served as the treasurer of the Raleigh Academy, located on Burke Square, where the Executive Mansion is today.

Historical context reveals how his altruism and being a benefactor wasn’t necessarily convenient or by any means a simple investment in such contentious times. William Peace was born at the cusp of the American Revolution and died at the end of a war that left the country in tatters. He came to Raleigh from Granville County by 1798, opening a general merchandise store with his brother, Joseph. They owned this store together until Joseph’s death in 1842.

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30 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

The Raleigh Academy opened in 1804 to educate both boys and girls, and it was the first of its kind in the city. Between 1810 and 1826 at its peak, it had 200 students. It was a private institution, though during some years education was provided to students unable to afford the schooling. By the later 1820s, the academy faced financial difficulties. In 1831 this treasurer and merchant advanced his own money to keep the school afloat, ultimately purchasing the buildings.

Cash crops had to be produced, but the market itself was unpredictable.

North Carolina’s soil or perhaps clay never lent itself to one particular boom of a crop. It was always a matter of trial and error, growing different crops each year, hoping there would be profit.

It all sounds quite smooth - convenient even, only it couldn’t have been when he decided to rescue the Raleigh Academy.

To give context, between the 1820 and the 1830 census, the population of Raleigh declined by 1000 people. Then in June of 1831, the Statehouse burned to the ground in an ironic fashion (the roof was in the process of being fireproofed when a moment of carelessness caused the entire building to be destroyed). Certainly, there had been devastating fires along Fayetteville Street, particularly in 1816 and 1821; however, the statehouse had always been spared. With mostly all wooden structures everything could go up in an instant if a spark took hold.

The loss of the Statehouse caused a time of great uncertainty for Raleigh. The General Assembly began to consider moving the seat of government to another North Carolina city, possibly Fayetteville. For a city that was designed in 1792 precisely to be the state’s capital, more insecurity emerged. It would not be until December of 1832 that the decision was made for Raleigh to remain the capital. A new Capitol building, which still stands today, was completed in 1840.

Also in 1831, North Carolina was in the midst of a serious agricultural depression. The state’s population was largely comprised of farmers with less than 100 acres of land to their names with a few owning slaves. Others didn’t own land and were tenant farmers.

THIS ARTICLE CELEBRATES THE TREASURED LEGACY WILLIAM PEACE PROVIDED TO US IN WHAT HAS EVOLVED INTO WPU. EVERY JOURNEY HAS ITS TWISTS AND TURNS - PEACE IS NO DIFFERENT. REGARDLESS, WE ARE BLESSED TO BE HERE TODAY WITH AN ENRICHING PAST, AN INNOVATIVE PRESENT, AND A PROMISING FUTURE.

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Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 31

Since March of 2007, a statue of Mr. Peace sits perusing the columns of Main. At its dedication, then President Laura Bingham noted that while Mr. Peace never married or fathered children, he nonetheless has countless daughters who are his legacy.

It is within this environment that Mr. Peace chose to invest in the educational landscape of Raleigh. Through all the uncertainty and the tumult plaguing Raleigh, Mr. Peace still recognized the need for education and its vital role in advancing society.

Today few know about The Raleigh Academy, but they do know about William Peace University.

By the 1850s there was greater demand for agricultural products, better transportation, and higher market prices. These factors led to more prosperity for North Carolina, as well as the rest of the nation. However, despite the antebellum economic improvement, the state was still considered poor and backward. Older, cruder methods of farming endured even with new approaches available.

Because of this, money wasn’t abundant and the standard of living and average income was low. Commerce was compromised as markets needed developing, and transportation and travel was slow due to bad roads and the geographic layout of the state.

And now Mr. Peace has sons as well. His “children” today embody a diversity that suits the time we thrive in. This is as it should be, especially when Old Main served the wounded and helped African Americans begin the life they deserved all along.

Since its founding, Old Main has stood for opportunity and resilience in the face of adversity - it represents all the good that can be done when people are willing to believe in each other and in their community. It is another day, and we are all an integral part of the Peace family. Past and present, Mr. Peace’s faith in his God and his efforts to provide a haven of education gives all of us a home, a place of Peace.

As alumni, we look back to when we were given a place to grow, to learn about ourselves and our dreams. We were given the steady support and guidance to grow as individuals preparing to leave our own mark upon this earth. We were given an education and an example of integrity that we will forever carry with us.

These are the gifts arriving today for Mr. Peace’s present daughters and sons.

Whenever you are on campus, sit a spell with Mr. Peace as he ponders the columns of “Old Main”. In his enduring example of giving and his timeless legacy, he speaks volumes without saying a word.

It is into this world that Mr. Peace once again invested in the future of his community.

In 1857 Mr. Peace donated $10,000 and eight acres of land to begin a Presbyterian school for boys, girls, and young women. The seeds of war were already set when he began this new venture due to, amongst other circumstances, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision and the Fugitive Slave Act, which was passed in 1850. While he did not live to see his institute come to fruition in 1872, he saw the building lovingly known as “Old Main.” He watched it serve as a Confederate hospital and possibly saw its earliest days as a Freedman’s Bureau, serving formerly enslaved African-Americans as they began their days of freedom. Old Main was the North Carolina headquarters of the Freedman’s Bureau, so it served all of Raleigh at a time of great transition.

Kerri Mai Habben is a 1993 graduate of Peace and currently serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Kerri is a local historian and historic interpreter. She is also a writer and photographer. She grew up in Raleigh and after her time at Peace, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English at North Carolina State University in 1995. Her essays and poetry have appeared in various anthologies and journals, as well as columns in The News and Observer. Kerri has worked in historic interpretation for more than ten years at sites such as Mordecai Historic Park and Haywood Hall and City of Raleigh museum.

Kerri wishes to dedicate this article to the memories of Dr. Sally Buckner and the Reverend George A. Thomas. "In my time at Peace and beyond, you gave me so much, and I thank you."

Believe in Peace!

ATHLETI RECAP 32 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Sam Lavinder, Sophomore

By Callie Yohn

SPRING 2018

ShuDon Brown ’18

The baseball team ended their 2018 season with a .500 overall record of 19-19. The team advanced to the USA South Conference Tournament for the second year in a row after their first playoff berth in 2017. A highlight of the season came midway through conference play with the team’s first sweep of a former conference rival, Ferrum College. Sophomore standout, Alec Allred earned USA South First Team All-Conference honors, another first for the Pacers. Allred went on to be the first Pacer baseball player to play professionally.

The men’s tennis team made waves during the 2018 season with the most wins in a single season in program history, finishing 6-11. Sophomore standout, Dylan Betancourt finished with an impressive 10-6 singles record, the best individual single-season record in men’s tennis history. Another first for the program, Betancourt earned First Team All-Conference Honors.

Betancourt was also named the WPU Rookie of the Year at the inaugural Derby’s end of year ceremony.

Dylan Betancourt, Sophomore

Kristina Mojica, Sophomore

Alec Allred ’18

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The softball team finished their season 16-21 overall. The Pacers fell in the first round of the USA South Softball Tournament to the #1 ranked Salem College. First Year catcher, Kristina Mojiac was named to the USA South All-Conference Second Team and also the National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association All-Region Third Team. Head Coach Charlie Dobbins earned his 300th win during the 2018 season after sweeping Mary Baldwin University in a doubleheader on March 31.

ICS SPRING 2018

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 33

Anthony Florian, Junior

(continued)

The women’s tennis team finished 0-13, however, newcomer Haley Hinton found a singles victory over a Guilford College #2 singles opponent, the only solo victory for the Pacers.

Manessa Fox and senior, Ameera Khattab won their #2 doubles contest against Greensboro College for the only doubles victory of the season.

In their inaugural season, the men’s lacrosse team finished 5-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play. In their first season of play, the Pacers had two impact players who received conference recognition. First Year, Anthony Florian earned USA South Second Team All-Conference honors, while First Year Austin Abourjilie was named to the USA South All-Conference First Team and also USA South Rookie of the Year.

The University also welcomed in Nicole DeSalvia in her first year on the athletics staff as the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. DeSalvia spent the 2017-18 season on the recruiting trails to develop a team to compete in the spring of 2019.

FALL 2018 At the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year, the Pacers welcomed five new Head Coaches into their first season with the Pacers. Reid Clewis would enter his first year as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach and would bring with him eight freshmen to suit up with the returning women’s squad. The women’s soccer program showed growth and improvement in their 2018 season, scoring 15 goals to go along with two wins and one tie on the season.

Nicole Barringer would join the Pacers in her first season as the new Head Volleyball Coach. Barringer would lead her team to an impressive 24-6 record and would share the title of Regular Season Champions with Meredith College. The Pacers would advance to the semi-final round of the USA South Athletic Conference for the second straight year but would fall to the Lions of Piedmont College. With several All-Conference awardees on the 2018 volleyball team, First Year, Emily Braxton would be named the 2018 Libero of the Year for the USA South Athletic Conference. This feat marked the second occasion that a WPU libero has earned this honor.

Emily Braxton, First Year

Grace Marion, First Year

WPU Women's Volleyball named 2018 Co-Champs of East Division by USA South

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34 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

FALL 2018

Ivan Ponce, First Year Ryan Huber, Head Men's Soccer Coach

(continued)

The men’s soccer program would hit several milestones in their 2018 season, after finishing 8-5-5 overall with their best record in program history. The Pacers qualified for the conference tournament, notched five All-Conference player honors, and also took home Rookie of the Year recognition in first year, Ivan Ponce, and Coach of the Year recognition, honoring Head Coach, Ryan Huber; all feats listed being program firsts.

Another new face for the Pacer athletics staff would be found in Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Cross Country Coach, Grahm Smith. The men’s and women’s cross country teams would host several personal best finishes and a program first as first year, Anna Roman would place in the top 25 of the women’s 5 at the Catawba Chick-Fil-A Cross Country Challenge with a final time of 23:55.1. Sophomore, Justin Sanford would finish 23rd in the Monarch Cross Country Challenge at Methodist University in the men’s 8k with a finish time of 39:27.57.

WPU's 2017-2018 Men's Soccer Team celebrating a big win!

Men’s golf competed in three fall tournaments at the start of the 2018-19 academic year, under the leadership of Todd George. George joined the Pacers in the Spring of 2018.

During the 2017-18 academic year, William Peace University introduced the additions of men’s and women’s track & field. Stephen Sousa joined the staff in the fall of 2018 as the Head Track & Field Coach.

Anna Roman, First Year

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HEAD WOMEN’S SOCCER COACH

REID CLEWIS.

HEAD MEN’S GOLF COACH

TODD GEORGE.

HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH

NICOLE BARRINGER. HEAD TRACK & FIELD COACH

STEPHEN SOUSA.

HEAD CROSS COUNTRY COACH

GRAHM SMITH.

WELCOME COACHES!

Justin Sanford, Sophomore

WINTER 2018 The women’s basketball team made great strides during the 2018-19 season under the leadership of first-year Head Coach, Grahm Smith. The Pacers finished with a 16-11 season, the second best finish in program history. The women’s team also featured a program first in defeating a division II team, taking down Shaw University in overtime (80-79). WPU junior, Mikayla Ray, reached the 1,000 career point milestone and the Pacers advanced to the second round of the USA South Conference Tournament.

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 35

Junior, Mikayla Ray standing alongside Callie Yohn (Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach) and Grahm Smith (Head Women’s Basketball Coach) following her 1,000th career point.

The game faces of WPU Women’s Basketball

The WPU men’s basketball team under the leadership of Head Coach, Claude Shields, showed improvement from their 2017 season, posting a .500 record of 13-13. The Pacers were lead

by Tyson Sellers and Trey Bryant throughout the season who averaged 15.8 and 12.2 points, respectively. Bryant also led the team with 9.7 rebounds per game, and at one point during the season, lead the nation in double-doubles.

WPU Men’s Basketball Team huddling around Head Coach, Claude Shields

Members of both WPU Men and Women’s Swim Team

The WPU men’s and women’s swimming programs made waves in the pool during their 2018-19 season. The women’s team earned their first victory in program history with a sweep over Warren Wilson and Greensboro College. The WPU men’s swim team also boasted a victory over Division II opponent, UNC Pembroke with four swimmers posting top three finishes in more than six events.

WPU Women’s Volleyball team being presented with Championship Banner Believe in Peace!

36 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Picking the

Perfect DIAMOND

By Jessica Kleean Photos by Chip Haver

Ever since N.W. Ayer’s famous “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, diamonds are arguably the number one symbol associated with weddings, and to Niki Dobbins ’06, finding the right diamond was one of the most important features of her big day.

But not the diamond that immediately comes to mind.

Niki Dobbins ’06, had her eye on a different kind of diamond - a softball diamond. (Yes, you read that right.) Niki would tell you herself that she is not your typical bride - and that is exactly the way she likes it.

“I didn’t want to have a typical wedding, with all the formal attire and party favors, I wanted to just celebrate with the people that I love in the place that I love, and everything else just fell into place,” Niki shares.

On June 9, 2018, Niki Dobbins returned to 15 E. Peace Street to marry the love of her life, Alex Weathersby. To Niki, having her wedding at WPU was a no-brainer after spending so much of her life on and around campus thanks to having softball coach, Charlie Dobbins, as her father. After moving to North Carolina in 1994, Niki quickly got used to Peace as her second home. Her passion for softball and her love of the school brought her to then, Peace College, as a freshman in 2002.

Never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that the same field she played on for four years would be the place of her “I do’s”.

“Oh at first my mom was completely against it, and it took a lot of convincing, but at the end of the day she was excited for how everything turned out - even if I ended up staining my dress,” laughed Niki, and continuing, “But obviously, Dad was all for it from the beginning.”

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In fact, Charlie (or Coach Dobbins, pending the day) was ecstatic and a real asset when it came to convincing mom that it was a good idea. At the end of the day, she came around, seeing clearly how much it meant to the family. Charlie himself put it best, “A lot of 'sweat equity' had gone into that piece of earth to build a ball field, with everyone in my family helping along the way. It’s my little Fenway, with a lot of home team secrets.”

He continued, “It was one of the most unique venues for an athlete and their family. The great part, Niki’s husband, Alex, was also a ballplayer and he and his family totally embraced the concept. It’s hallowed ground.”

After growing up together playing in the same youth center, the Weathersby’s connected again over their love of the sport, both joining a rec slow pitch softball team seven years ago.

This love of the sport, amongst other things, is what led Alex to ask Niki to be on his team for the rest of their lives last Father’s Day at her family home. And after initially answering “I’m going to punch you!”, Niki agreed.

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IT WAS SUCH A COOL FEELING BEING BACK IN THE HALLS WHERE IT ALL HAPPENED - WHERE ALL THESE SILLY AND CRAZY PEACE GIRL MEMORIES WERE MADE.

This self-proclaimed goofball couple work well together, both on and off the field.

Off the field, they are an incredibly active couple who enjoy spending time with each other, whether it's playing sports or adventuring through Raleigh. On the field, their compatibility really shines. “It’s hard to say which of us is better,” Niki laughed, “What it boils down to is this - if he is hitting and I’m on base we are going to score. We’re just a good team.”

On the big day, Niki and her wedding party gathered in Ross Hall where both herself and her maid of honor, Jamie Baggs ’06, lived their freshman year. Niki recounted.

Pictured from left to right: David Weathersby, Charles Weathersby, Corey Dobbins, Charlie Dobbins, Niki Dobbins Weathersby ’06, Alex Weathersby, Lisa Dobbins, Katy Weathersby, Jamie Baggs Harloe ’06, and Dara Florio Jasinski.

WPU worked with Niki and Alex throughout the planning to ensure that everything on their special day went off without a hitch, even down to ensuring that their doggy ring-bearer, Carter, got a special pass into the dorms. After spending a morning sipping mimosas and eagerly watching guests arrive on the field from the bedroom window, it was finally time for the big moment.

“My dress got dirty walking down the aisle like I knew it would, and I did wear my cleats and ended up stepping on the hem a little causing some holes in the trim, but you know, where am I ever going to wear this again? Sorry, mom,” Niki joked.

Alex and Niki playing ball together in the Wilder's Grove Youth Center.

The Weathersbys on their way to Happily Ever After!

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38 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Walking down the “aisle” from the outfield, Niki was escorted by her parents Charlie and Lisa Dobbins, both smiling as their daughter dragged them towards her fiancé waiting at home plate.

“He [Alex] was just beaming”, Niki recalled, “I nearly ran down the aisle.”

The WPU Softball fields were transformed from the fields that our Pacers dominate on, to a rustic and romantic wedding venue, complete with personalized fans and a flower-covered wedding arch over home plate.

Guests sat in the infield, watching as Niki and Alex recited their own vows (shedding a few tears, of course) and Carter happily presented them with the rings to seal the deal.

After a quick rickshaw ride to Main, the Weathersby’s took their first portraits as husband and wife in front of Old Main. Standing along the brick path, the couple smiled lovingly at one another surrounded by friends and family as Chip Haver, a local photographer, and friend of the bride perfectly captured their bliss in some of the best wedding portraits we’ve ever seen. (Admittedly, we might be a little biased... but can you blame us?)

Finally, retiring to TRAINE in Seaboard Station, the Weathersby's partied throughout the night, celebrating with all of their loved ones.

From a quick game of catch with Dad to snagging a messy bite of cake, Niki said that the day was everything she could’ve asked for and more.

The history of Peace is a rich tapestry, one that defines itself through and through by the love and passion shared within its walls. The Weathersby’s celebration of love and what is promising to be a lifetime of laughter is now embedded within and emboldened by our University’s history.

All in all, if there is any truth to the saying that “Home is where the Heart is” then certainly, home plate is the perfect place to kick off a lifetime of love and happiness.

Congratulations, Niki and Alex, best wishes from Peace!

IT MEANT A LOT TO HAVE MY WEDDING HERE, I MEAN I GREW UP HERE! I’VE SPENT THE MAJORITY OF THE LAST TWENTY YEARS ON CAMPUS AND EVEN NOW I TRY TO STAY AS INVOLVED AS POSSIBLE. I JUST LOVE PEACE! Believe in Peace!

Becoming a

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 39

Piece of Peace

Recognizing Our Alumni Colleagues

By Taylor Peatross ’17

As an alumni, you carry the legacy of your university with you.

You reflect the values of the institution that shaped and nurtured your growth, and you exude them long past your time at your University – Peace is no different. Many of our alumni stay engaged in some way, attending alumni events, serving on alumni boards, interacting on social media, supporting Peace through contributions, etc. Others, you could say, go the extra mile.

These team members not only work for Peace, but they were also all once students here, and though they span a range of almost four decades, they can all agree that they enjoyed their time as a student and are happy to have the opportunity to give back.

Brenna Mickey ’10 Adjunct Professor Brenna joined the WPU staff in 2015 as a communications instructor, and has taught Art Appreciation, Public Speaking, and is currently teaching Imaging. After being contacted by one of her mentors, Roger Christman, Associate Professor of Art, Communication and Simulation and Game Design, she didn’t hesitate to return to campus to teach at the place where she gained her foundation as an emerging designer.

Brenna also works as a full-time user experience designer at a digital content platform company in downtown Raleigh. She has combined her passion for travel, higher education, and design in both of her positions. Brenna served in the Peace Corps twice, first right after graduating from Peace in 2011, and most recently in Vanuatu in 2016.

Brenna encourages her students to take every opportunity to explore their creativity in the classroom and to get out there and develop connections in the local design community in Raleigh. “The design community in Raleigh and Durham has provided me a circle of other design advocates, and I started curating that network while I was a student at Peace.”

Cheniqua Lassiter ’15 Assistant Director for Adult Enrollment Services

Dawn Dillon ’86 Director of Retention and First-Year Experiences

After graduating from the School of Professional Students program at Peace with her B.A. in Psychology, Cheniqua was provided the opportunity to be an admissions counselor. Since then Lassiter has completed her Master of Science in Higher Education from Walden University.

She is now overseeing the same program that provided her an education.

Dawn graduated from Peace College in 1986 with an Associates of Arts degree and 13 years later, in 1999, she returned.

Cheniqua’s favorite part about working for Peace is her colleagues and the relationships that she gets to build with students. “I enjoy working with the faculty, staff, and students at WPU. Because it’s a smaller campus, I’m able to build lasting relationships with members across the Peace community, not just my own office. Knowing that I, and the work that I do, directly play a part in our students' success is not only incredibly rewarding but motivating as well. I believe in the WPU community and I truly enjoy being a part of everything that we are accomplishing.”

“The Dean of Students called and offered me a job,” said Dillon. “I enjoyed my time as a student and had always hoped to work here.

It’s an honor to be able to work at your alma mater since you preserve its history through your experience and help it [the University] move forward.”

Dawn said her experience working for the University is different from her student years since a lot has changed since 1986. The faculty and staff have gone through many changes since Dillon was a student and although many of Dillon’s professors had retired by the time she began working, some were still here.

Dawn’s favorite aspect of working at Peace is her work with students and the opportunity she has to have a positive influence on their future.

She shares, “I really like the collegial atmosphere and I love that every day is different; I am allowed to try new things and sometimes, I still feel like I am in college!”

Ed Parsons ’16 Technical Support Analyst Ed graduated with a degree in liberal studies and a minor in information technology. He joined the Information Technology department at Peace in 2014.

Coming from a previous job at a larger university, Parsons was not only excited to return to Raleigh but to be working in a smaller campus atmosphere.

When deciding to get a degree, Ed chose Peace for the convenience stating, “I had never finished my degree, but had always wanted to. I liked that I could do it online, in my time. I felt supported throughout the process.”

Ed’s favorite part about working for Peace is interacting with the students, faculty and staff.

The smaller campus allows him to make genuine connections with a variety of people all throughout the school, but, according to Parsons, there is one key-unifying factor: “Everybody really cares about what they are doing”

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Becoming a

Piece of Peace Jessica Coscia ’01 Adjunct Professor Jessica, with a degree in mass communication and journalism with a minor in Latin American studies, is currently serving as an adjunct professor teaching Public Speaking in the Communication Department. Coscia began working at Peace in fall of 2016. She had always stayed connected to her alma mater as a donor, alumni board member, and vocal WPU advocate - volunteering in classrooms, guest lecturing and advising Peace students.

“Higher education is important to me, and the thought of giving back to future leaders by teaching in a classroom and sharing so much of my experience was so exciting,” says Jessica “I seized the opportunity.”

Coscia mentioned that although she has spoken in front of national audiences, due to her serving as a judge for the National Public Relations Student Society Bateman Case Study competition and working as Vice President of Communications with Student Veterans of America, she sometimes still feels like a fish out of water standing in front of an audience of 20 students.

“This work is humbling, but the satisfaction you get from knowing you’ve changed these students’ lives is incredible,” she says, “That look on a student’s face when they finally get something - that’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.”

Kathy Lambert ’79 Associate Vice President for Human Resources Kathy graduated from Peace College in 1979 with her degree in business.

After seeing a vacancy, Lambert jumped at the opportunity to return to her alma mater and began working at Peace in fall of 2017.

When describing why she returned, Kathy said, “Peace invested in me as a student and provided the foundation for my career. The faculty and staff cared about my success and my personal well-being. I loved the small classes and the way the faculty engaged with the students. I came back because of my positive student experience.”

Coincidentally, she attributes much of her own success to the internship she had while at Peace in the Office of State Personnel (now the Office of State Human Resources) as it provided much-needed experience in the HR field.

Now she enjoys being able to work at an institution doing so much to provide students with similar opportunities.

“I enjoy participating in student events and activities, providing practice interviews and lending classroom support related to the HR field. I’m proud to work at an institution that has grown so much, and I love being able to help shape its future,” says Kathy.

John Cranham ’14 Associate Vice President for Building and Grounds John graduated with a degree in business administration. Beginning his work at Peace in February 2011 after moving back from New England, John said he wanted to work at Peace because he wanted to explore what it was like working in higher education.

Working with the students is Cranham’s favorite part about his role at Peace. John says, “The average adult does not know what events and activities happen on a college campus, but I get to experience it. I attend Late Night Breakfast, Red Rose Ball, etc. and it’s great to be involved. It’s cool that I get to learn songs that other adults don’t know.”

John is currently working on getting his masters in construction management from Western Carolina University.

Maria Geddis ’16 Database Trainer and Report Writer Maria began working at WPU in 2006 in the Information Technology department as a Database Trainer and Report Writer. Although her work at Peace was a second job supporting her pottery business “Paint Your Own,” she enjoyed her work and her time at the University so much that she decided to stay full time here and has enjoyed it ever since.

“I love the atmosphere and the campus - there’s just so much history to explore,” said Maria.

Maria took advantage of the SPS Program here at WPU to get her degree in 2016 while working full-time in the Office of Information Technology. She was driven to complete her degree and felt supported by the University and the rest of her team while doing so, pointing out that such a great program would’ve been foolish to miss out.

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Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 41

Maya Bryant ’16 Annual Giving and Engagement Coordinator Maya serves as the Annual Giving and Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Advancement. In 2016 Bryant completed her degree in communication and minored in theater. She began working at Peace in August of 2018, after obtaining her Master of Arts degree in communication from Liberty University.

“I loved my time at Peace and grew so much as a student,” Bryant said, “There’s something about Peace that always felt like home. Through my work in the Office of Advancement, I am helping provide funding for valuable resources and opportunities for students, while still representing a University that has given so much to me.”

Merica Ivey ’16 Admissions Recruiter and Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach

Ozzy Peralta ’16 Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Assitant Men’s Soccer Coach

“I knew as a student how much people cared about getting us through, and now I see there is a lot of work that goes into planning and making things work.” says, Merica, the newest Admissions Recruiter and Assistant Women’s Volleyball coach at WPU. After graduating in 2016 with her BA in Psychology with a concentration in research, Merica began coaching in July 2017 and became fulltime August of 2018.

Ozzy is in his first year as both Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach. While earning his BA in Business Administration in 2016, Peralta interned with the athletic department. That summer Peralta assumed his current role, keeping stats for athletic events, maintaining the athletic website, and assisting with anything related to men’s soccer.

Due to Ivey’s experience with research based on Recruitment and Retention in Postsecondary Institutions, she believed that there was no better way or place to jump-start her career, especially surrounded by the rest of her incredible team. Merica said, “I loved the school so much as a student because of the people, and now I’m back and working with people that I love to best serve the University - I couldn’t be happier.”

“I never realized how much behind the scenes work it takes to put on an athletic event,” laughed Ozzy, “[As a student] I just came out and played. The athletic staff doesn’t get enough credit for all the extra work you don’t see, but it takes a lot and I’m glad I’m apart of it.”

Along with his coworkers, Ozzy says his favorite part about working at WPU is being able to help students just like him. He stated, “I love soccer - I loved playing it and now I love coaching it. Having the opportunity to still be learning while working at WPU is invaluable - one day you’ll see me as head coach.”

Sheri Keasler ’16 Student Life Office Manager Sheri or “Mama Sheri” as most know her, serves as the Office Manager for Student Life. While she earned her degree in English from Peace in 2016, she first began her work here as a student worker in 2005, transitioning to a full-time employee in April 2011.

Rebecca Tshibambi, ’18 Campus Visit Experience and Guest Coordinator After graduating with a degree in criminal justice last year, Rebecca began working in the Admissions Office at Peace on May 14, 2018 - only a week after graduation.

“Honestly? It was a ’duh moment’ for me... why would I leave if there was an opportunity to stay?” Rebecca continues, “Now I share my story with prospective students and help them know the Peace that I love. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve been a part of.”

Working for an institution like WPU that truly cares for their students is one of Rebecca’s biggest motivators, especially knowing how much of an impact that Peace has had on her own life. “The culture at Peace left its mark on me and shaped a lot of who I am today. I like that I’m a part of an institution that creates not just great students, but great people that are ready to go out and make a difference in their community.”

To Sheri, Peace has always felt like home, from the first time she stepped on campus to now, she still loves the University and the community that has shaped her. She wouldn’t be who she is today and says, “Without a doubt, Peace has helped develop me into the woman I am today, and I feel very privileged to work at my alma mater.”

This love for Peace has clearly never faltered, as Sheri is inspired daily by her incredible coworkers and the purpose she found in providing opportunity for students. She states, “I have the opportunity to mentor young students - to help encourage their ideas, empower their voices, and embrace their successes. I help make a positive impact on their college experience, just as Peace did for me when I was a student.

Proudly, I can admit that working at Peace is the only job I have ever had, where I smile all the way to work each day.”

Believe in Peace!

PEACE PRIDE SECTION

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Faculty & Staff

HONORS Mark Cushman, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Cushman presented at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association in Charleston, SC. He presented his research on “Attitudes Toward Cell Phone Use and Subsequent Cell Phone Behavior".

Ian C. Dunne

Christopher J. Newman

Director of Communications Marketing and Digital Media Coordinator The WPU Communications and Marketing Team has been recognized for the second consecutive year for their outstanding content and promotion of the University by The Telly Awards. WPU took home four (4) awards, quadrupling its Telly Count from 2017. They received bronze awards for the following video content: “#WPUStrength: The Pacer Performance Center” which received recognition in the Promotional Video Categories of General Fitness, Health and Fitness and General Branding, and both “Harriet Mills: Peace Alumna Takes Wine & Design to Shark Tank” and “#PrepareatPeace: Meet Mary Todd” which each received recognition in the Social Video Category of Craft-Use of Square Format.

Elizabeth Lange, Ed.D.

Assitant Professor and Program Directory of Excercise and Sport Science Dr. Lange published, “Students’ Perception of the Role of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender on Opportunities in Sport Management” in the International Journal of Sport and Society, Volume 9, Issue 4. She also published her own children’s book, Adventures of the Missing Sock, and also presented at a variety of conferences, including the 29th Annual International ACCT Conference and Expo, Denver, CO; Association for Applied Sport Psychology the Annual Conference both in 2017 and 2018; Association for Challenge Course Technology; Creating Change Conference in Washington D.C; and the College Sport Research Institute.

Dr. Lange also serves on two International Association Committees, the Diversity Committee (AASP, Member, 2017-2020), and the Research Work Group (ACCT, Chair, 2016-present, Memxsber, 2012-2016).

Kate Maddalena, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Communication and English Dr. Maddalena authored a chapter about teaching science writing courses in Scientific Communication (Yu and Northcut, eds), Chapter 10: "Dissolving the Divide between Expert and Public." She also presented her research, "Science Trusting Art to Program People to Trust Technoscience: A Case Study" at the Association for Rhetoric of Science, Technology, and Medicine (ARSTM) Annual Preconference of the National Communication Association Convention in Dallas, TX.

Wade Newhouse, Ph.D.

Program Director of Theatre; Associate Professor of English Dr. Newhouse published a short story titled “The Intended” in Lyonesse, an online, subscription-based journal. He also appeared in two productions, playing Kent in Honest Pint Theatre’s King Lear in September 2017 and the lead role of Sidney Bruhl in NCSU’s Deathtrap in May/June 2018.

Ian C. Dunne and Christopher J. Newman exploring the latest issue of The Peace Times.

Additionally, the team presented in San Diego at the annual EduWeb conference, consisting of hundreds of digital marketers in the higher ed landscape, spanning multiple continents and countries - from Canada and Australia to NYU, Duke and NC State. They presented on their research and experience on “Creating High-Level Video In-House with a Small Budget & Team.”

Matt Hodge

Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Theatre Matt Hodge had his first article published in an academic peer-reviewed journal this past summer. The article is titled: Disney ’World’: The Westernization of World Music in EPCOT’s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and was published in Social Sciences. Hodge also served (for the third year in a row) as a preliminary judge for the Marvin Hamlisch International Film Score Competition.

Caleb Husmann, DA

Assistant Professor of Political Science Caleb published his second novel, “Feral Chickens” under the pseudonym C. McGee. He additionally, presented at the Annual Southern Criminal Justice Association Conference alongside Dr. Elizabeth Kusko.

Justin Johnson

Assistant Professor of Communications and Simulation and Game Design Professor Johnson was accepted to NC State University’s inaugural Doctorate of Design Class. Johnson also guest-lectured at the East Coast Game Conference for the fourth year in a row presenting “A guide to getting an education in game development”.

Believe in Peace!

Dr. Newhouse also worked with WPU theatre students and faculty to put on an interactive improvisational play for Special Blessings, a community group that provides support for families of special needs children. Thanks to their talent and hard work they are now the unofficial providers of the entertainment for holiday events in the future.

Jennifer Russell, Ph.D.

Education Department Chair and Associate Professor of Education Dr. Russell has been busy working with North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities on the development of Digital Learning Competencies for faculty in educator preparation programs as mandated by the General Assembly. She has been working with other representatives from other private colleges to write the competencies along with touring schools across the state to see digital learning in action.

Earlier this year, she spoke at both the State Board of Education meeting regarding a change in the required testing for pre-service teachers, and on a panel discussion as part of Leadership Raleigh and Cooperating Raleigh Colleges. She was also a part of a focus group for the Southern Regional Education Board to help state policymakers in North Carolina address difficult education human capital issues.

Jodi Y. Stamey, MBA, CFRE

Vice President for University Advancement Jodi Stamey was a recipient of the 2018 Triangle Business Journal’s prestigious 40 under 40 Leadership Award. The award honors the brightest, most promising young business people under the age of 40 in the Triangle.

Betty Witcher, Ph.D.

Department Chair of Psychology and Business; Professor of Psychology Dr. Witcher presented at the Southeastern Psychological Association in Charleston, S.C. in March of 2018. She presented her research on the use of cell phones in interpersonal interactions.

DONORS

First Citizens Bank

Peace received a significant investment from First Citizens Bank in support of the Believe in Peace Strategic Plan. In recognition of First Citizens’ commitment to the University, WPU will be creating the First Citizens Bank Meeting Room within the new Welcome Center in their honor. The Welcome Center, located in iconic Main Building, is a renovation project and part of the overarching strategic plan.

Clancy & Theys Construction Company

WPU received a generous financial donation from Clancy & Theys Construction Company in support of the Center for Immersive Learning. This $100,000 will go toward providing new, unique opportunities for students and kick-starting the launch of this new, innovative program.

Frank Holding, Chairman and CEO of First Citizens Bank, and President Brian C. Ralph

Main Lobby Renovations Pictured from left to right; Jodi Stamey, VP of University Advancement; David T. “Tim” Clancy, President of Clancy & Theys Construction; Joel T. “Tick” Clancy, Executive Vice President of Clancy & Theys; President Brian C. Ralph.

Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 Court

Thanks to the dedication of Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 and her ongoing support for Peace, the Hermann Athletic Center has been updated with a brand new court. While she consistently has supported Pacer Athletics including specific projects like the Locker Room Renovations of 2005, sponsoring the senior banquet yearly, most notably, in 2017 Anderson made another investment toward Pacer Athletics, which helped support renovations in the Hermann Athletic Center’s main gym.

Anderson’s dedication to Peace and enthusiasm is what led the University in 2017 to honor her by naming the new court in the Hermann Athletic Center in her honor – the Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 Court.

Thanks to an ongoing commitment by the Dillehay family, Main Lobby is undergoing renovations meant to create a more accessible entryway that serves both as a warm welcome area and a tribute to the living history of Peace. These renovations, including a new seal and interactive history wall, serve as a testament to the University’s commitment to not only celebrating the history of Peace but propelling the campus forward into the future. Barry and Yvonne “Nonnie” Peace Dillehay are dedicated members of the Peace community, and their generosity furthers the Peace community and serves to preserve its history. Nonnie is a 1976 graduate of Peace and descendent of the William Peace family.

Manning Concert Series

William Peace University's Manning Music Concert Series began twelve years ago with an idea and a gift made by Sara Jo Allen Manning ’58 ’60. Sara Jo wanted to bring music to the campus and offer free concerts "so that anyone and everyone can enjoy this music". The partnership began with a collaboration between Peace and the North Carolina Symphony providing a series of chamber music concerts. Over the years, it has evolved, offering a wide variety of genres and musicians. This year, Peace celebrated another great season of the Manning Series and we offer our gratitude to Sara Jo for her unfailing support in providing music to broad audiences of students, alumni, faculty, staff, neighbors, and community members.

South State Bank

Members of the A.E. Finley Foundation presenting WPU and President Brian C. Ralph with a new portrait of Marian Finley along with their generous contribution.

South State Bank has made a generous $10,000 contribution in support of student scholarships and continuing to provide unique opportunities for students to excel in their areas of study. Their support showcases the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between Peace and South State Bank as we welcome them to the Raleigh area.

Finley Residence Hall

The A.E. Finley Foundation’s meaningful contribution in late 2018, allows the University to move forward with their plans for significant renovations within Marian N. Finley Residence Hall over the next three years kicking off in the summer of 2019. The plans would not only directly impact the approximately 90 students who call this residence hall home, but campus as a whole, as the University continues to ensure that they are providing students with every resource and opportunity to excel during their time at Peace.

South State Bank Leadership pledging their support for WPU Believe in Peace! students through their generous contribution to student scholarships!

PEACE PRIDE SECTION

Thanks

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PEACE PRIDE SECTION

44 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

In

MEMORIAM 2017

Jean “Jeanie” Dynarski ’67 on February 1, 2018

Betsy Allen ’52 on October 15, 2017

Carrie Evans ’43 on August 3, 2018

Sarah Almond on November 21, 2017

Adelaide Farmer ’51 on June 6, 2018

Roger Ashby on November 16, 2017

Polly Flowe on September 14, 2018

W. Earl Bardin on August 26, 2017

Saralyn Hawkins ’57 on April 8, 2018

Mary “Lou” Beam ’44 on September 12, 2017

Don Jackson on April 25, 2018

Marjorie Burke ’37 on November 13, 2017

Frances Jones ’37 on March 14, 2018

Channing Cathell ’94 on August 25, 2017

Pauline Jones ’51 on November 5, 2018

Charlotte Chesnutt ’56 on December 5, 2017

Thomas McGuire on September 4, 2018

Rhylee Fielding ’89 on December 7, 2017

Peggy McIntosh ’39 on June 8, 2018

Bybe Graham ’62 on November 23, 2017

Gladys McIver ’41 on June 8, 2018

Remembering alumni and friends who have passed before us.

Elizabeth “Lib” Averill Harkey ’38 on June 6, 2017

Elizabeth “Liz” Meeks ’59 on November 2, 2018

Mae “Louise” Hatch ’45 on December 10, 2017

Nancy Miller ’51 on March 8, 2018

Mary Howard ’43 on August 1, 2017

Hilda Morris ’59 on August 21, 2018

Mary McGrory ’48 on December 23, 2017

Elizabeth “Lib” Newton ’44 on July 17, 2018

Please notify William Peace University of an alum’s passing by sending an email to our records division at advancement@peace.edu or call 919.508.2586.

Matilda Parker ’46 on September 9, 2017

Katharine Ogburn ’43 on September 5, 2018

Mary Peterson ’60 on September 30, 2017

Anne Perkins ’44 on April 19, 2018

Hilda Poplin ’52 on December 3, 2017

Janet “Jan” Reeves ’66 on May 26, 2018

Billie Reed ’45 on December 23, 2017

Carol “Diane” Skiba ’76 on June 10, 2018

Lois Rogers ’58 on October 16, 2017

Perry Sloan on October 10, 2018

To learn more about holding memorial services for an alum on campus, contact the Office of Conference and Events at 919.508.2045 or email conferenceandevents@peace.edu.

Madelyn Rutherford ’70 on October 26, 2017

Emily Stack ’63 on January 29, 2018

Sandra Simpson ’67 on October 12, 2017

Martha “Marty” Stephens ’69 on June 9, 2018

Eloise Spangler on September 24, 2017

Seleta Stevens ’55 on June 17, 2018

Betsy Viall ’39 on September 22, 2017

Martha Stoops on January 24, 2018

Jacqueline Williams ’51 on August 5, 2017

Fannie Thomason on March 27, 2018

To make a gift in memory of your classmate or to purchase a memorial brick, please visit peace.edu/give. Or, contact the Office of Advancement.

2018

Faye Voncannon ’49 on August 8, 2018

Barbara Adams ’48 on December 29, 2018

Beverly Wells ’37 on June 21, 2018

Frances Ager ’53 on July 17, 2018

Taylor White ’13 on July 7, 2018

Frances Aiken on January 7, 2018

Blanche Whittington ’45 on June 21, 2018

Rebecca Ashmore ’41 on October 4, 2018

Kathy Williford ’70 on March 30, 2018

Shelley Bailey ’71 on November 8, 2018

Jane “Jay” Wooten ’37 on December 23, 2018

Amelia Thompson ’38 on June 5, 2018

Betty Bamberg ’37 on October 21, 2018 Irwin Belk on February 24, 2018

2019

Laura Birmingham ’44 on February 1, 2018

Eleanor Coley ’49 on January 10, 2019

May Borden on January 25, 2018

Patricia “Patsy” Connolly ’59 on January 1, 2019

J. Mac Boxley on October 17, 2018

Betty Cranor ’59 on February 11, 2019

Sally Buckner on January 7, 2018

Barbara Curtis ’66 on March 6, 2019

Mary Butler ’46 on September 20, 2018

Patsy Elliott ’45 on March 15, 2019

Elizabeth “Betty” Cashwell ’53 on May 29, 2018

Margo Guess ’74 on January 21, 2019

Mary Clark ’37 on November 5, 2018

Patricia “Pat” Halberstadt ’58 on February 15, 2019

Leonora Collins ’49 on February 20, 2018

Betty Haley ’54 on January 17, 2019

Craig Creel on December 19, 2018

Jo Ann Koonce ’60 on January 30, 2019

Eleanor Cromartie ’67 on December 15, 2018

Marilynn Leach ’63 on January 2, 2019

Kenneth Deustch on September 9, 2018

Paula Ryskiewich ’85 on January 8, 2019

Carol Dixon ’86 on February 25, 2018

Mary Spilman ’47 on February 15, 2019

Cathy Dover ’83 on April 6, 2018

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Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 45

NOTES Teresa Williams Atkins ’76 is the proud mom of three boys, with the added joy of having two daughters-in-laws and a grandson. She is currently an ESL teacher with Durham Public Schools. Currently, she has no plans to retire because of how much she loves her job.

Lisa Stone Barnes ’86 was sworn in office to represent District 7 in the North Carolina House of Representatives on November 6, 2018.

Official Headshot of Maya Bryant as Miss Garner 2019 by Jen Mink

Maya Bryant ’16 graduated from Liberty University in August of 2018, earning her Master of Arts in Communication and began working at William Peace University in the Advancement Office as the Annual Giving and Engagement Coordinator. In November 2018, Maya earned the title of Miss Garner 2019 and will compete for the title of Miss North Carolina in June.

Lyl MacLean Clinard ’67 and her husband, Aaron, were honored by the NC Museum of History at the 22nd Annual Spring Frolic in March for their longtime support of preserving the history of our state through their commitment to the Museum. The Clinards currently reside in High Point, NC.

Cameron Ford ’17 is excited to announce that she is marrying her high-school sweetheart, Trevor Breedlove, on June 8, 2019, at Thorndale Oaks in their hometown of Oxford, NC. Deen Harrison ’16 moved to Los Angeles following graduation and is working toward his Masters in Fine Arts, specializing in photography.

Tyquan Nolan ’16 recently started working as the Financial Service Officer III at State Employees Credit Union.

Lee Adams Rast ’75 and her husband, Phil co-founded Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. in 2011 to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abused and starved horses.

The Sanctuary, made up of 180 acres of land in Northwest Georgia, has become the perfect retirement spot and vacation home for their seven grandchildren and five children.

Lauren Swilley ’17 is now working as a Practice Manager for Wake Psychiatry. Through her work she additionally serves as a mentor and resource for our current WPU psychology students.

Mary Paris Templeton ’66 and husband, Bill, will celebrate their 52nd Wedding Anniversary on January 21, 2019!

They have been blessed with two daughters and six grandchildren. They reside in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach, SC. Lara Lee King Waters ’07 married Matthew Waters in Dinwiddie Chapel on September 29, 2018.

April Dehu ’00 gave birth to her second son on Aug 1, 2018, welcoming into the world, Cassius Marcellus Dehu.

Additionally, she accepted a new job at Boehringer Ingelheim as Patient Recruitment Manager.

Kelcey Beech Dodson ’14 married the love of her life, Issac P. Dodson on May 20, 2017, at Merry Hill in Mebane, NC. Jacob Ennis ’17 accepted a position on the Clinical Management Team at PPD, a clinical research company in Morrisville in October of 2017. He oversees all file documentation for the team in accordance with FDA regulation.

Jane Bowman Fain ’76 is excited to say that she and her husband, John, have two grandchildren - Scottie who is 20 months and Mac who will turn one on Valentines Day. They are excited to be grandparents to another girl in April!

William Peace University reserves the right to edit submitted content as deemed necessary to align with our values, goals and University brand guidelines.

Photo courtesy of DistinctivePhotoImages.com

UPDATE YOUR INFO! Have a class note? New email or address?

Tell us at: advancement@peace.edu

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PEACE PRIDE SECTION

Class

46 | Peace Magazine | Spring 2019

Chasing Big

Dreams

IN THE BIG CITY

By Christopher J. Newman

Senior WPU Musical Theatre students traveled to New York City over spring break for an unforgettable immersive learning experience on Broadway. The student-performers took in the Broadway shows, studied in a performance master class, and were even given the chance to audition for professional productions.

With support from the WPU Theatre Department and an Immersive Learning Initiative Grant from WPU’s Center for Immersive Learning, these students flew to the Big Apple to experience live musical theatre at its finest. Students had the opportunity to see two Broadway shows, the smash-hit comedy, The Prom and the world-famous musical, The Phantom of the Opera.

Students also had the opportunity to sharpen their performance and audition skills by taking part in a master class with David Ebert. Ebert, an actor, director, and writer living and working in New York City, had a lot of wisdom to share with the WPU seniors. Learning hands-on with professionals is an invaluable experience for students in any major as they begin to plot their course for life after graduation, and this was no exception.

“I learned so much about the process of getting on a Broadway stage on this trip,” said Tiffany Lewis, a senior WPU Musical Theatre student. “And to see my first shows really helped me see what it looks like to be the most successful in this business. This was an unforgettable opportunity!”

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Students were accompanied on the trip by Amy White, who is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre at WPU. In addition to taking in the shows and learning from a master class, White took the group for a chance to audition for professional productions from across the country. “Raleigh truly has a tremendous theatre scene but there’s really nothing like a Broadway show,” White said. “It’s eye-opening for these students to see all that theatre can be. This trip was inspirational and motivational, and I’m so grateful I was able to share in this experience with our soon to be graduates.”

Immersive learning trips such as these support the mission of the Center for Immersive Learning, which is to enhance student learning and engagement by envisioning student experiences that immerse them in their fields. Faculty across the University have developed amazing activities, trips, and experiences that connect students to the disciplines in exciting ways.

“The Center for Immersive Learning is working diligently with the faculty to bring these new avenues of learning to fruition,” said Dr. Christopher Born, WPU’s Director of Immersive Learning. “And by doing so, we are bridging the gap between the traditional classroom and new transformative and impactful experiences so students can effectively experience the building of knowledge in their lives.”

Peace Magazine | Spring 2019 | 47

Theatre

Upcoming shows Dracula

Directed by Wade Newhouse

LEGGETT THEATRE October 17-20

Meet Me in St Louis Directed by Amy White

KENAN AUDITORIUM November 21-24

The Spitfire Grill Directed by Amy White

LEGGETT THEATRE February 19-23, 2020

Charlotte’s Web Directed by Meredyth Pederson-Cooper

KENAN AUDITORIUM This show will include a “sensory friendly” production for audience members with disabilities such as autism.

April 23-26, 2020

Believe in Peace!

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