Independent College Fund of North Carolina Raises Nearly $3.5M in 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 by Demarcus Williams

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the crucial fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU), has achieved a groundbreaking fundraising milestone by raising nearly $3.5 million during its annual campaign, which ended April 30, 2024. This impressive amount represents an outstanding 81% increase from the previous year and is the second-highest fundraising total in ICFNC’s seventy-year history.

“The incredible support we have received this year demonstrates the collective dedication to supporting students, faculty and staff, and enhancing educational opportunities in North Carolina,” said NCICU President Dr. Hope Williams. “We immensely thank all our donors and partners for their generosity.”

Of the Campaign Total of $3,456,358.39, $1,783,814.00 will support NCICU programs, $1,192,949.95 came through in-kind gifts and services, and $479,594.44 is designated for scholarships.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed our fundraising goals for 2024, which are a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters and a lifeline that transforms students’ lives through higher education in North Carolina,” said Colleen Kinser, Director of ICFNC. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the tireless support and belief in the mission of ICFNC and NCICU.”

One of the standout scholarships is the S.T.A.R. (Student Teacher Assistance for Retention) Scholarship, which aims to provide financial support to college seniors pursuing an educator preparation program. This scholarship received overwhelming support, with over $313,000 raised. Thanks to this commitment, numerous college seniors can now focus on their studies, classroom experience as student teachers and future careers. Notably, the Dogwood Health Trust contributed $224,000 towards scholarships, living expenses, testing stipends, and educational materials for colleges and universities in the western part of the state. The Council of Independent Colleges also made a significant contribution of $25,000, matched by generous donors including The Broyhill Family Foundation and Clancy & Theys Construction Company.

NCICU’s partnership with critical foundations led to a substantial fundraising amount of over $1.3 million this year. The contributions from The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, The ECMC Foundation, The Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation, The John M. Belk Endowment, The Lumina Foundation, and The Teagle Foundation have enabled a pilot project involving NCICU institutions and North Carolina Community College System institutions. This project will support the design of a transfer portal for students seeking to transfer to a four-year independent college or university and it will also provide the software to enable a Reverse Transfer process between two and four-year institutions.

In addition to scholarships and programs, ICFNC received a valuable $1.2 million in-kind donation from SAS Software. This grant supports NCICU and individual campuses by offering software and training. Currently, 32 NCICU institutions are part of this program, further reinforcing the commitment to advancing education through technology.

The success of the 2024 fundraising efforts highlights the collaborative efforts and commitment of ICFNC, NCICU, donors, and partners toward creating a brighter future for higher education in North Carolina.

For more information about NCICU’s scholarships and programs, visit www.ncicu.org.
To support the Independent College Fund of North Carolina, visit www.ncicu.org/give.

ALL NEWS

NCICU Launches Direct Admission Program for Eligible High School Seniors

Twenty-six North Carolina private colleges and universities are offering eligible students more immediate acceptance to their campuses for the 2025-2026 academic year. North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) proudly presents to North Carolina high school seniors and their families the NCICU Direct Admission Program. This groundbreaking initiative simplifies the college application process for North Carolina high school seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher. In just five minutes, students can complete their application at www.ncicu.org without the worry of any application fees. Among the 36 NCICU campuses, 26 are part of this innovative program, offering eligible students the exciting opportunity to confirm their acceptance.

The participating NCICU campuses are:

Barton College
Belmont Abbey College
Bennett College
Catawba College
Chowan University
Gardner-Webb University
Greensboro College
Guilford College
Johnson C. Smith University
Lees-McRae College
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Livingstone College
Louisburg College
Mars Hill University
Meredith College
Methodist University
Montreat College
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Pfeiffer University
Shaw University
St. Andrews University
Saint Augustine’s University
University of Mount Olive
Warren Wilson College
William Peace University
Wingate University

The NCICU Direct Admission Program provides a seamless and swift application process. By answering a few straightforward questions, students will receive information directly from the colleges and universities of their choice, including details about conditional acceptance, specific campus requirements, and available financial aid options. This streamlined process is designed to make the college application experience as stress-free as possible.

The Superintendent of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCPDI) has refused to allow NCICU to send letters through NCDPI to the eligible students and families about their direct admission to these 26 private, non-profit colleges and universities, as she is doing for a pilot with all the community colleges and 6 public universities. She has stated that, “It is our thought that a separate letter from NCICU will confuse students and parents and therefore affect the potential for a successful pilot.”

NCICU strongly disagrees.

“We believe that informing students about their options at these 26 private, non-profit colleges and universities can only enhance their educational opportunities,” said NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams. “To suggest that this information may confuse students undermines their ability to make informed decisions about their futures. We recognize 70,000 students could benefit from this direct admission opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring they receive this vital information. We believe having more acceptances to college will help students find their “right fit” and will also contribute to meeting the state’s myFutureNC educational attainment goal.”

NCICU will ask North Carolina district superintendents and high school principals to urge educators and community leaders to champion this exciting initiative. NCICU is also distributing Counselor’s Handbooks to over 1,000 North Carolina school counselors, which includes information about the Direct Admission Program this year.

NCICU encourages all students to prioritize completing their FAFSA and seize the opportunities presented by the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship, Federal Pell Grants, and significant Institutional Aid available at NCICU campuses. These financial aid programs provide crucial financial support to help ease the burden of college expenses.

All NCICU colleges and universities also offer the traditional admissions process.

Click here for more information about the NCICU Direct Admission Program.

September 3, 2024

NCICU Welcomes Students for the Start of a Promising Academic Year

This August, the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) campuses are buzzing with excitement as they open their doors to a new academic year. From the picturesque settings of Barton College and Belmont Abbey College to the urban landscapes of Duke University and Wake Forest University, students are eagerly stepping onto campuses brimming with opportunities for growth and success.

Below is a list of class start dates from each NCICU campus:

Barton College | August 26th
Belmont Abbey College | August 20th
Bennett College | August 19th
Brevard College | August 20th
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | August 26th
Campbell University | August 21st
Catawba College | August 21st
Chowan University | August 19th
Davidson College | August 26th
Duke University | August 26th
Elon University | August 27th
Gardner-Webb University | August 21st
Greensboro College | August 20th
Guilford College | August 23th
High Point University | August 19th
Johnson C. Smith University | August 21st
Lees-McRae College | August 19th
Lenior Rhyne University | August 26th
Livingstone College | August 21st
Louisburg College | August 21st
Mars Hills University | August 20th
Meredith College | August 21st
Methodist University | August 19th
Montreat College | August 20th
NC Wesleyan University | August 21st
Pfeiffer University | August 19th
Queens University of Charlotte | August 26th
St. Andrews University | August 27th
Saint Augustine’s University | September 3rd
Salem College | August 21st
Shaw University | August 14th
University of Mount Olive | August 26th
Wake Forest University | August 26th
Warren Wilson College | August 28th
Willam Peace University | August 21st
Wingate University | August 19th

With classes commencing on various dates throughout the month, these institutions are gearing up to offer unparalleled educational experiences to their diverse student bodies. NCICU campuses are renowned not only for academic excellence but also for their commitment to affordability. Understanding the financial challenges students and their families face, each NCICU campus ensures that their top-notch education is accessible without the burden of overwhelming financial stress, thanks to the Institutional Aid that each campus offers, along with the NC Need-Based Scholarship and Federal Pell Grant.

As the first days of class unfold across the NCICU campuses, a sense of anticipation fills the air, heralding a year of academic achievement, personal growth, and boundless opportunities. North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities campuses invite students to embark on this exciting venture and pursue their dreams with unyielding dedication and enthusiasm.

Click here to learn more about NCICU’s 36 campuses.

August 14, 2024

NCICU Hosts Inflation Reduction Act Workshop Empowering Campuses for Sustainable Energy Projects at Catawba College

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) continues its commitment to serving as a vital resource for its campuses by hosting an impactful workshop on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) focused on supporting sustainable, clean energy projects.

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, representatives from twenty-one NCICU campuses gathered at host campus Catawba College in collaboration with Wake Forest University’s Sabin Center and the Green South Foundation to explore the IRA’s potential for driving sustainability initiatives across higher education institutions.

The workshop featured a diverse agenda showcasing leading experts in the field:

Clean Energy Tax Credits: Jason Volz, PE, Bill Powell, Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager – CMTA, Inc., Martin Karamon, and David Monimini – Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, shared their extensive insights on leveraging tax credits for clean energy projects, ensuring that the audience was well-informed and confident in their understanding of the topic.
Project Finance: Brian Schneiderman from Self-Help Credit Union/Climate United enlightened participants on the EPA’s National Clean Investment Fund Loan Program, paving the way for financially sustainable projects.
Utility Incentives: Charity McPhail from Duke Energy provided practical and valuable information on utility incentives, highlighting cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions that the audience can readily implement.

The workshop saw high engagement and collaboration among the registrants and presenters, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy initiatives within the NCICU campus community.

By fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing, NCICU underscores its unwavering commitment to sustainability, inspiring and motivating campuses to embrace renewable energy solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.

Click here for information, including a list of registrants and presenters.

August 5, 2024

NCICU Spring 2024 Newsletter

Click image for full content

August 1, 2024

NCICU Receives $1.3M Grant to Partner with NCCCS to Streamline Transfer Pathways

A newly funded technology platform provides more assurance to North Carolina community college students that their credits will count toward a bachelor’s degree at any private four-year university in the state. North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) announced a new grant-funded partnership to facilitate the successful transfer of course credits for students moving from two-year colleges to four-year private colleges and universities in the state.

The new initiative will leverage technology from Acadeum to streamline the transfer process and reduce credit loss, to replicate this technology in other states through the generous support of a $1.3 million collective grant from the Teagle Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, ECMC Foundation, the John M. Belk Endowment, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition, Lumina Foundation has provided complementary funding to ensure the involvement of NCICU and NCCCS faculty and staff in the development and implementation of this project.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina to have both a comprehensive articulation agreement for students to be able to transfer the first two years of college courses and we also have discipline-specific agreements for those students who know the major they wish pursue,” said Dr. Hope Williams, the president of NCICU. “We are grateful to the funders of this project for helping us use world-class technology to streamline the transfer process with our partners from the North Carolina community college system.”

Nationally, 80% of entering community college students indicate they want to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, but only 31% of those students actually go on to do so. For many students navigating the education landscape, the transfer process may pose a challenge in finding the “right fit” in terms of course credits accepted and majors offered at four-year institutions.

“Continuing to enhance transfer opportunities for North Carolina’s community college students is critical to helping them continue their education and improve their social and economic mobility,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System. “We are proud to partner with NCICU to strengthen the transfer process to help our students achieve both associate and baccalaureate degrees.”

Any credit loss can set students back financially and academically, creating unnecessary roadblocks to students completing their intended credentials.

The new funding will help the state’s community college students within NCCCS and students at Louisburg College in NCICU leverage a statewide transfer portal to be powered by technology partner Acadeum. Working in collaboration with other statewide transfer efforts, the project will build on existing state policies and articulation agreements in North Carolina, and specifically address four transfer frameworks:

Associate degree transfer – facilitating four-year universities’ acceptance of general education or core credits earned at community colleges in order for students to maximize credit completion.
Transfer pathways – enabling students to plan major-specific credits earned at a community college towards their degree at a four-year university to have the highest application of their community college credits.
Transfer guarantee – providing the option of admission guarantees for community college transfer students who meet certain criteria so that learners have a clear understanding of admission requirements and confidence in acceptance of credit.
Reverse transfer – helping students enrolled at four-year universities complete their associate degree while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.

The project will leverage the Acadeum Course Share platform (ACS), which allows participating colleges to offer available seats in open courses and map course equivalencies to help credit count at the home institution. Acadeum already works with multiple institutions within North Carolina and has a longstanding partnership with NCICU.

“Every student has their own unique education journey and should be able to move between institutions and receive full credit for their work,” said Dave Daniels, president and CEO of Acadeum. “We are proud to support the innovative collaboration of NCCCS and NCICU as we work towards greater credit mobility through transfer pathways.”

To learn more about the transfer initiative, contact Dr. Hope Williams at [email protected].

July 16, 2024

New Funding to Streamline Transfer Pathways in North Carolina from Two-year colleges to Four-year Private Colleges and Universities

NCICU Celebrates Presidential Transitions on Campuses

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) proudly acknowledges the recent presidential transitions on its campuses, highlighting the continued commitment to excellence and leadership in private higher education institutions across the state.

The strength of independent, private higher education leadership shines through as institutions like William Peace University, Meredith College, and Cabarrus College of Health Sciences undergo transitions at the helm. These changes reflect the dedication to fostering innovation, scholarship, and student success in the dynamic landscape of North Carolina’s independent higher education sector.

Critical Presidential Transitions Include:

Dr. Brian C. Ralph concluded his tenure as president of William Peace University at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Dr. Lynn Morton was immediately appointed president for two years. Click here to read more.

Dr. Jo Allen retires after 13 years of service as the Meredith College’s first alumna president. Dr. Aimee W. Sapp was named the ninth president, carrying forward a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. Click here to read more.

Dr. Cam Cruickshank concludes his tenure after four years as President of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences to become President/CEO of the newly created Greater Cabarrus Foundation. Dr. Steven Currall was appointed Interim President, ensuring continuity and strategic leadership.

These transitions mark a new chapter in the history of these esteemed institutions, emphasizing the values of integrity, innovation, and student-centered learning that define the essence of NCICU campuses. The dedication of outgoing presidents and the vision of incoming leaders as new members of NCICU’s Board of Directors reflect the tireless commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

NCICU stands alongside its institutions in supporting these transitions, recognizing the pivotal role that independent colleges play in shaping the future leaders of North Carolina. The collaborative efforts of legislators, corporate sponsors, and educational advocates contribute to the success of private higher education and its impact on the state’s economy and leadership pipeline.

Click here to learn more about NCICU’s Board of Directors.

June 28, 2024

NCICU Celebrates Success at 2024 Internship Luncheon

On June 11th, the North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) hosted a prestigious Internship Luncheon at Cantina 18 in Raleigh, NC. The event was a jubilant celebration of the remarkable achievements of 13 students from NCICU campuses who secured internships with the North Carolina legislature and the State of North Carolina Internship Program.

The luncheon was a testament to the tireless dedication and exceptional talent of the interns serving in North Carolina’s Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches of state government. It showcased the commitment of students from private higher education institutions from various NCICU campuses, who represent the high caliber of individuals nurtured by independent, private colleges in North Carolina.

The Internship Luncheon’s success underscores private colleges’ critical role in shaping the next generation of leaders for North Carolina. By providing opportunities for practical learning and professional development, NCICU institutions prepare students to excel in diverse fields and make meaningful contributions to society.

The students who secured internships with the North Carolina legislature and the State of North Carolina Internship Program this year are:

Julia Avery >

Caleb Brinkley >

Macy Erin Daniels >

Anna Diorio >

Shreya Kumar >

Beckett Lindsey >

Katherine McKenzie >

Jenna McLamb >

Morgan Moser >

Aryan Nair >

Karina Rotimi >

Leiloni Sharpe >

Colin Tierney >

Julia Avery
Junior, Environmental Studies with a concentration in Water and Earth Resources, Wake County
Warren Wilson College
NC Department of Environmental Quality/Division of Water Resources