NCICU Receives Grant from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) has received a three-year grant totaling $240,000 from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to establish a Faculty-Student STEM Mentoring Program. The program will seek to improve student retention and graduation rates among first generation college students, women, and students of color  majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

“Employer demand for STEM graduates has experienced a steady increase in the past 20 years,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams. “While North Carolina has a strong STEM workforce, it has been a challenge nationally to attract a diverse population in these fields. NCICU wants to help increase racial and gender diversity and believes this faculty-student mentor program can produce positive results.”

Twelve of North Carolina’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities will be invited to participate in the program, including the five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with at least 20 participants per campus.  Components of the program will include mentor support, student scholarships, career workshops, guest speakers, and faculty and peer connections. Students will work in small groups with a peer mentor who is a junior or a senior, as well as with a faculty member. Professionals in STEM fields will be invited to share their experiences with participants and to become part of a network of mentors.

“NCICU’s 36 institutions are continuing to increase and expand offerings in STEM programs,” Williams said.  “The smaller class sizes at private institutions can provide the additional support and mentoring to help students from underrepresented populations to thrive.”

“Providing mentors to students helps them build their confidence and enhances their learning” stated Marilyn Foote-Hudson executive director of the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.

While this program is focused on North Carolina’s independent colleges, it will have a statewide impact and will support myFutureNC’s goal to ensure that by 2030, two million North Carolinians will have a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree.

About The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. Since its creation in 1986, the foundation has granted over $80 million to support North Carolina projects and programs that emphasize the understanding and application of science, health and education at all academic and professional levels. Visit us at NCGSKFoundation.org.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

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$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

NCICU Distributes $115,200 in UPS Scholarships

NCICU has received $115,200 and distributed UPS Scholarships to assist 36 students, one student attending each of the private colleges and universities in North Carolina. The scholarships were made possible by a grant through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) from the UPS Educational Endowment which UPS directed in 1953 to private college students attending colleges in North Carolina.

“The Council of Independent Colleges has managed the UPS Endowment since 2010, continuing the role of providing a scholarship to each college in what are now all State Councils,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams. “The UPS scholarships provide crucial funds for students, assuring their access to a transformative college education.”

Nationally, CIC distributed more than $1.4 million in student scholarships through the UPS Endowment to make private colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students.

“The Council of Independent Colleges is proud to support nearly 450 low-income, first-generation, minority, and new American students in 26 states through the CIC/UPS Scholarships,” said Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges. “Through our partnership with NCICU, these scholarships help individual students pursue their education at one of North Carolina’s superb independent colleges and universities.”

The UPS Scholarships Program has made a private college education possible for more than 21,000 low-income, first generation, and minority students and has had a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.

About The UPS Foundation

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, the UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. The foundation’s philanthropic approach centers on four focus areas: health & humanitarian relief, equity and economic empowerment, local engagement, and planet protection. To UPS, giving means combining employees’ skills, passion and time with the company’s logistics expertise, transportation assets, and charitable donations to make a measurable difference in society.

About the Council of Independent Colleges

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of 758 nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. CIC also conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers in the United States. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.cic.edu.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

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$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

Independent College Fund Raises $2.3M

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), a division of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) has raised $2.3 million in its 2020-21 fundraising campaign (May 2020-April 2021), according to director, Colleen Kinser.

The funds provided $611,284 in scholarship support to students at North Carolina’s 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. In addition, the ICFNC has seen an increase in the number of named scholarships that are available to North Carolina students based on specific criteria.

Those scholarships are:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC
Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
Burlington Industries Foundation Scholarship
CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
Clancy & Theys Construction Co. Scholarship
Dominion NC Power Scholarship
ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
North Carolina Sherriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future
Generations
Truist Foundation Scholarship
Workforce Development Opportunity Scholarship

“These companies and individuals have been so supportive of our independent college students. Some have been contributing to the fund for more than 60 years,” said Kinser. “Their generosity has had a profound impact – 156 students will benefit from a named scholarship during the 2021-22 academic year, and hundreds of additional students will benefit, from the general scholarship funds we raise for the campuses to distribute.

Donations for programs totaled $319,470 and support NCICU events such as its annual Ethics Bowl, and the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research Symposium.

In addition, more than $1.4 million in in-kind gifts was received, the majority provided by SAS in donations of software and training support for 30 NCICU campuses.

Independent College Fund Raises $2.3M

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

NC Sheriffs’ Association Establishes Scholarships

The North Carolina Sheriffs Association (NCSA) has established the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship for students at 26 private colleges and universities in North Carolina that will be administered by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU).

Recipients, who must be North Carolina residents, will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Priority will be given to students whose parent or guardian has served in law enforcement, or the scholarship will go to a student majoring in criminal justice or a related program.

Colleen Kinser, Director of the Independent College Fund of North Carolina expressed appreciation for this scholarship support, “We are thankful for this partnership with NCSA to assist qualifying students who want to pursue a career in law enfocement and to give back to the dependents of those who are already serving our community. We are looking forward to working with NCSA to administer these funds.”

Recipients of the scholarship will be chosen by the financial aid office at the university that the student plans to attend or is currently attending. Applications are available from the university’s financial aid office, and after completion, should be returned to the university’s financial aid office.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

Virtual Counselors Tour Scheduled

North Carolina’s 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities will be showcased via a virtual Counselors Tour July 12-29. Each afternoon, Monday-Thursday, high school counselors from around the state of North Carolina and the nation will learn about the academic programs, campus life, and uniqueness of the institutions.

The virtual format, implemented because of the pandemic, replaces an annual weeklong bus tour, which traditionally fills up on the day the registration is announced. “The virtual format may limit participants’ ability to see the campuses firsthand,” said coordinator Rebecca Leggett, “but it allows so many more counselors to participate in the tour and to get a look at North Carolina’s higher education options and unique attributes for students.”

In addition to 45-minute presentations by each institution, panel discussions featuring campuses’ students and faculty, and a focus on College Affordability are offered to participants. Keynote speakers, including Cris Charbonneau, director of Advocacy & Engagement, myFutureNC; Thomas Stith, president, NC Community College System; and Geoff Coltrane, senior education advisor, Office of the Governor, will be featured on Monday of each week.

To view the schedule or to register for the tour, go to https://ncicu.org/ncicu-2021-counselors-tour/.  For additional information, contact Ms. Leggett at [email protected].

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

NCICU and NCCCS Sign Psychology and Sociology Articulation Agreements

Students studying Psychology or Sociology at North Carolina’s community colleges can now seamlessly transfer to a number of private colleges and universities in the state to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of these disciplines.  NC Community College System (NCCCS) president, Thomas Stith, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) president, Hope Williams, signed articulation agreements today. The articulation agreement includes all 58 community colleges.

“I am most pleased to sign another agreement that lets us simplify processes and remove barriers for students to continue their education in North Carolina,” said Stith. “We appreciate this needed opportunity to better align with partners within NCICU to accelerate student progress.”

“NCICU and NCCCS have worked together on statewide articulation agreements since the 1990s, said Williams. “Being recognized nationally for the importance of this work is an honor and the Teagle Foundation Grant is allowing us to provide even greater support to our transfer students.”

This agreement provides a progression degree plan that includes required general education and prerequisite courses that are acceptable to all signatory programs. The NCICU Board approved the agreements on April 14, 2021, and the State Board of Community Colleges approved them on April 16, 2021. The agreements will go into effect with the 2021 fall semester.

Pathways in psychology and sociology were mapped out by 15 NCICU institutions paired with 15 two-year colleges (14 community colleges and one private two-year college) (see lists below). The colleges are working together to create a “culture of transfer” that ensures students receive the most comprehensive information and are carefully advised from their first year at a two-year college until graduation with a bachelor’s degree.

Work on this agreement was funded by a grant from the Teagle Foundation through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and includes a component of advising and policy development for financial aid to nontraditional students. “The advising and financial aid components of the grant will provide critical supplemental support to help these students be successful in completing their baccalaureate degrees,” Williams said.

In addition to Psychology and Sociology, NCICU and NCCCS have articulation agreements in Music, Theatre, Fine Arts, Teacher Education and RN to BSN.

WORKING GROUP

Community College Partners
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Blue Ridge Community College
Central Carolina Community College
Central Piedmont Community College
Durham Technical Community College
Forsyth Technical Community College
Guilford Technical Community College
Isothermal Community College
Roanoke-Chowan Community College
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
South Piedmont Community College
Stanly Community College
Wake Technical Community College
Wilson Community College

NCICU Participants
Barton College: psychology
Brevard College: psychology
Campbell University: psychology
Catawba College: psychology and sociology
Chowan University: psychology
Gardner-Webb University: psychology & sociology
Guilford College: psychology and sociology
Johnson C. Smith University: psychology
Louisburg College (two-year): psychology & sociology
Mars Hill University: psychology and sociology
Meredith College: psychology and sociology
Pfeiffer University: psychology
Salem College: psychology and sociology
Shaw University: psychology and sociology
William Peace University: psychology
Wingate University: psychology

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

Meredith President Elected Chair of NCICU

Meredith College president, Jo Allen, has been elected chair of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Board of Directors. The election took place at NCICU’s annual meeting held virtually on March 30. President Allen previously served terms as treasurer and vice chair on the board. She will replace Wake Forest University president, Nathan Hatch, who has served as chair for four years.

NCICU board is made up of the presidents of its 36 colleges and universities. Other executive committee officers elected at the meeting are President Jimmy Jenkins, Livingstone College, vice chair; President Nido Qubein, High Point University, treasurer; and President Rhett Brown, Wingate University, secretary. The new board will assume office on July 1.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

NCICU Chair Honored by Governor

Wake Forest University President and Chair of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Nathan O. Hatch has been awarded the highest honor for state service granted by the Office of the Governor for achievement and service, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

N.C. Governor Roy Cooper presented the award to Hatch March 29 during North Carolina of Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual meeting of presidents. Hatch had been nominated for the award by NCICU President Hope Williams.

In presenting the award, Governor Cooper recognized Hatch for his leadership.

“Dr. Hatch, when you think about what your career at Wake Forest University — what it has meant to the University, to the Winston-Salem area, to the state as a whole, to this country and to the world — you have a lot to be proud of.”

Hatch has served as Wake Forest’s president for nearly 16 years, and as NCICU chair for four years. He plans to retire on June 30.

“Dr. Hatch’s leadership at Wake Forest University and with NCICU, including the last four years as chair of the NCICU board, has been dedicated to access and success for students, to support of faculty and expansion of academic programs, and to innovation leading to economic growth for our state and our citizens,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “He is most deserving of this award.”

Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “Ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a Roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.

CIC/UPS Scholarship Recipients at NC Private Colleges & Universities Announced

Thirty-six students at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) have each received CIC/UPS Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 for the 2020-21 academic year. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.

“UPS has been a valued supporter of independent higher education for more than 40 years,” said Hope Williams, president of NCICU. “The scholarships they provide to students at each of our 36 campuses are significant and help make it possible for students to meet their educational goals.”

Nationally, CIC provided more than $1.5 million in student scholarships through statewide offices of private higher education to make private colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students.

Recipients of the CIC/UPS Scholarships this year from NCICU are:

La’Haua Thomas of Charlotte, NC, a sophomore at Barton College majoring in Criminal Justice
Layla Figueroa of Gastonia, NC, a junior at Belmont Abbey College majoring in Psychology
Jessica Bolden of Durham, NC, a junior at Bennett College majoring in Psychology
Morgan Rice of Asheville, NC, a sophomore at Brevard College majoring in Health Science
Hannah Schelling of Midland, NC, a sophomore at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences majoring in Nursing
Elizabeth Moncerath Bucaro Vasquez of Sanford, NC, a senior at Campbell University majoring in Criminal Justice Pre-Law
Andrea Valeria Garrido Lecca of Salisbury, NC, a Freshman at Catawba College majoring in Political Science
Ulyses Orteg-Espino of La Grange, NC, a freshman at Chowan University majoring in Graphic Design
Airen Ellis of Greensboro, NC, a senior at Davidson College, major Undeclared
Ayana Paul of Waxhaw, NC, a senior at Duke University majoring in Biology
Kendra Johnson of Fuquay Varina, NC, a senior at Elon University majoring in  Acting and Art Administration
Brittany Ray of Morganton, NC, a freshman at Gardner-Webb University majoring in Chemistry
Teiko Joe’el Ruffin of Ramseur, NC, a freshman at Greensboro College majoring in Biology
Terry Dixon of Concord, NC, a sophomore at High Point University majoring in Business Administration
Chaz Gwyn of Winston-Salem, NC, a freshman at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in Business Administration
Jessica Cervantes of Spruce Pine, NC, a junior at Lees-McRae College majoring in Elementary Education
Aspen Bilal of Shelby, NC, a junior at Lenoir-Rhyne University majoring in Political Science
Shania M. Scott of Maxton, NC, a sophomore at Livingstone College majoring in Social Work
Tayari Allen of Raleigh, NC, a sophomore at Louisburg College University majoring in Business
India Staley of Gastonia, NC, a senior at Mars Hill University majoring in Integrated Health Sciences
Zanaiia Lynn of Garner, NC, a junior at Meredith College majoring in Interior Design
Jazanae Billings of Pittsboro, NC, a sophomore at Methodist University majoring in Social Work
Zyere Harris-Long of Statesville, NC, a senior at Montreat College majoring in Psychology
Thomas Clark of Cape Carteret, NC, a junior at N.C. Wesleyan College majoring in Criminal Justice
Tyquon Jackson of Lumberton, NC, a junior at Pfeiffer University majoring in Business Administration
Carla Lopez-Cervantes of Marion, NC, a freshman at Queens University of Charlotte majoring in Spanish
Jykeis McLean of Goldsboro, NC, a senior at Saint Augustine’s University majoring in Business Administrations
Melissa Cisneros-Damaso of Winston-Salem, NC, a sophomore at Salem College majoring in Business Administration
Damita Warren of Raleigh, NC, a sophomore at Shaw University majoring in Social Work
Asa Moretz of Taylorsville, NC, a senior at St. Andrews University majoring in Business Administration
Eian Hines of Elizabethtown, NC, a senior at University of Mount Olive majoring in Graphic Design
Frantasia T. Hill of Stella, NC, a junior at Wake Forest University majoring in Sociology
William Wilson of Valdese, NC, a junior at Warren Wilson College majoring in Outdoor Leadership
Brandi Bowers of Louisburg, NC, a junior at William Peace University majoring in Psychology
Tamiria Thomas of Conyers, GA, a junior at Wingate University majoring in Biology

“Independent colleges and universities in this country are remarkably effective at educating and graduating low-income and first-generation students in less time, with less student debt,” said Richard Ekman, president of CIC.

“Helping these students afford a private college education is a truly critical need in our society, and it is rewarding to be a partner with the UPS Foundation and NCICU as we help to support deserving students.”

The CIC/UPS Scholarships Program has made a private college education possible for more than 21,000 low-income, first generation, and minority students and has had a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities across the country.

About the Council of Independent Colleges

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils of independent colleges, and other higher education affiliates, that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility. It conducts the largest annual conferences of college and university presidents and of chief academic officers. Founded in 1956, CIC is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. www.cic.edu

About The UPS Foundation

Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2019, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $123.8 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found at UPS.com/Foundation and @UPS_Foundation on Twitter.

ALL NEWS

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAMSM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

  • Albemarle Foundation
  • Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
  • CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
  • Clancy & Theys Scholarship
  • Dominion NC Power Scholarship
  • ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
  • Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
  • North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
  • Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

Governor Cooper’s Budget Provides Funds for NCICU

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced his proposed budget this week which includes strong support for education, including $31 million for NCICU campuses and students. The Governor’s budget is a recommendation to the General Assembly from the Executive Branch and has been presented to the House and Senate Appropriations committees.

The Governor’s recommendations to the General Assembly include:

  • $5m in additional recurring funding for the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS.)  If enacted, this would increase the NCNBS from $91.1m to $96.1m in recurring funding.
  • $10m in non-recurring funds for assistance to NCICU institutions for Growing the Healthcare Workforce.
  • $16m in non-recurring funds from the State Capital Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to assist NCICU HBCUs and MSIs with their critical infrastructure needs.

“On behalf of our 36 independent colleges and universities, I want to thank the Governor for his support of our colleges and universities and, especially, our students,” said NCICU president Hope Williams. “North Carolina families are still recovering from the pandemic and the additional financial aid will be critical in making college possible for many students. In addition, we are committed to responding to the state’s significant need for more healthcare professionals which these funds would support. We also deeply appreciate the recommendation of funds to address infrastructure needs at our minority-serving institutions to support their historic missions.”

The budget also includes an average 18% teacher raise over the biennium, a $1 billion plan to support mental health, and major funding for childcare, job training, and economic development.

The General Assembly’s budget is being crafted first in the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by April 6 before being sent to the Senate, which will also pass a budget before the two chambers meet jointly in conference committee to determine the final budget plan.

Queens University of Charlotte Wins NCICU Ethics Bowl

Queens University of Charlotte is the champion of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) 12th Annual Ethics Bowl. The Queens team faced Wingate University in the final round. The theme this year was Ethics in Contemporary Society, and the topic debated in the finals concerned voting rights.

Queens had faced Campbell University in the semifinals, as Wingate met Montreat College. The case for that round considered the ethics of removing Russia from the Security Council of the United Nations. Additional topics covered during the initial four-rounds of competition included Germline Editing, Food and Energy Shortages, Artificial Intelligence and Our Changing World, and Mental Health.

“All the participants demonstrated a high level of understanding of and insight about the complex issues presented,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was apparent that they had done significant research in preparation for the Ethics Bowl. Judges and moderators of the event said the students’ commitment to the
integrity of the event and the issues in the case studies presented instills them with great faith in these future leaders.”

Sixteen of North Carolina’s private colleges competed in the event which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh. More than 60 corporate, nonprofit, legislative and community leaders served as judges and moderators for the two-day event.

At a banquet held Friday evening at the NC Museum of History, Leslie Garvin, executive director of North Carolina Campus Engagement, told participants that to be a citizen of the United States is to choose to live ethically.

Participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, NC Wesleyan University, Queens University of Charlotte, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is supported by sponsorships allowing students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.

16 Colleges to Explore Ethics in Contemporary Society

Artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens (NFT’s) in the art world are a few of the topics that may be debated under the umbrella of Ethics in Contemporary Society as part of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) annual Ethics Bowl. Students from 16 private college and university campuses across North Carolina will participate in the event on February 10 and 11 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

 “This is NCICU’s 12th annual Ethics Bowl, and the first in-person event since 2020.

The broad theme of Ethics in Contemporary Society presents timely and important topics for discussion,” said NCICU president Hope Williams.

 “The Ethics Bowl is both academically challenging and an individually rewarding experience for our students,” she continued. “Determining ethical responses to complex situations leads to personal awareness and valuable discussion among team members and participating business and community leaders.”

 Each Ethics Bowl team has four-to-six student members. A campus coordinator works with the students to help them prepare for the competition which consists of four rounds over the two days, plus semi-final and final rounds. In each round, a specially developed case study outlining a complex ethical situation related to the theme will be presented to the teams for debate. Each match is awarded to the team that makes the most sound, persuasive presentation.

 Three judges and one moderator participate in each match. Approximately 60 business, non-profit and government professionals have volunteered to fill those roles.

 A banquet for campus participants, judges, moderators, and sponsors will be held Friday evening at the North Carolina Museum of History. Leslie Garvin, Executive Director of NC Campus Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet. NC Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities that champions civic and community engagement in higher education. 

Garvin has worked with the organization for 18 years and was named executive director in 2015. She holds a Master of Social Work with a concentration in social and economic development and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Garvin is a former White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and an AmeriCorps alum. She is currently a Fellow with the University of California Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Garvin also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Issues Forum and co-chairs the State Summits & Networks Subcommittee of the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.  

The NCICU Ethics Bowl is made possible by sponsorships that allow students to participate at no cost to themselves or their institutions.  

“Students consistently cite the NCICU Ethics Bowl as a highlight of their college experience,” Williams said. “We deeply appreciate the corporate and civic leaders who make this event possible through financial contributions and by volunteering their time as judges and moderators.”

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR TEAM SPONSORS

Barton College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Campbell University
– Sponsored by SageView
Catawba College – 
Sponsored by Catawba College Alumni Association
Chowan University – 
Sponsored by Southern Bank Foundation
Gardner-Webb University
– Sponsored by Cherry Bekaert
High Point University
– Sponsored by the Wren Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
– Sponsored by Duke Energy
Livingstone College – Sponsored by Duke Energy
Mars Hill University – Sponsored by NC Electric Cooperatives
Methodist University – Sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas
Montreat College
– Sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated 
NC Wesleyan University  Sponsored by Mindstream
Queens University of Charlotte – Sponsored by BHDP
University of Mount Olive – Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickle Company
William Peace University
 Sponsored by Fidelity Investments
Wingate University
– Sponsored by Centrica Business Solutions

 

Students Receive Stipends for Research

More than 400 students from colleges, universities and community colleges in North Carolina will participate in the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) which will be held Saturday, December 3, on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. The annual symposium showcases NC undergraduate student research and creative work and provides undergraduate scholars in all fields a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances, and works of art.

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) awarded stipends to seven students to support the research that they will showcase at the symposium. The stipends ranged from $400-$600. The students and their research projects are:

Emma Ahrens, Wingate University senior, Fetal Microchimerism in Sheep:  Determining patterns of fetal cell transfer in the ewe during pregnancy and beyond; faculty advisor, Dr. Alison Brown.

Jalen Garner, Catawba College senior, Mining the root microbiome for antibiotic-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Jacob Hiatt, Catawba College senior, Identification of antimicrobial synthetic genes in a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

Heidi Jensen, Chowan University junior, The fungicidal activity of nanoemulsion particles derived from thymol on belowground pathogens of wheat; faculty advisor, Dr. Torrence Gill.

Kasey McLamb, Catawba College senior, Molecular effects of BPA on invertebrate cell models; faculty advisor, Dr. Erin Witalison.

Hunter Sjobom, Catawba College sophomore, Screening soils near aquatic sources for antimicrobial-producing bacteria; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

William Roque, Catawba College junior, Characterization of antimicrobial metabolites produced by a novel Pseudomonas strain; faculty advisor, Dr. Amanda Rushing.

“We are pleased to reward the intellect and creativity demonstrated by these undergraduate students,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “Each year we get to witness the passion and resourcefulness that could lead to game-changing research.”

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

Our fall newsletter includes updates on grant-funded projects, our upcoming Ethics Bowl, and welcomes new presidents and Business Affiliates.

NCICU Fall 2022 Newsletter

NCICU Educator Prep Programs Make Strides in Implementing the Science of Reading

In April 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation requiring college and university Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide coursework in the Science of Reading, recognizing that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement. In December the Goodnight Educational Foundation awarded North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) $1 million over two years to support the implementation of this initiative – $500,000 in the first year and another $500,000 in the second year. NCICU is the statewide office representing 36 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, 31 of which have EPPs.

To implement this important curriculum, NCICU established a task force made up of representatives from nine colleges and chaired by Dr. Monica Campbell of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna of Elon University. The Task Force has been meeting monthly developing strategies to strengthen preparation in the science of reading, including holding a two-day Summer Faculty Institute in June.

NCICU recently disbursed a total of $248,000 in subgrants to the 31 EPPs to support the work of the faculty in each individual program. The work will include enhancing, redesigning, and developing effective literacy coursework, practica, and internships based on the Science of Reading.

Participating EPPs are at the following colleges: Barton College, Belmont-Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Duke University, Elon University, Gardner-Webb University, Greensboro College, Guilford College, High Point University, Lees McRae College, Lenoir Rhyne University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, Mount Olive University, NC Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, Wake Forest University, William Peace University, and Wingate University

Each of NCICU’s 31 EPPs received $8,000 in grant funds following an application and review process. Subgrant funds are being used for faculty stipends, external reviewer costs, curricular revision, relevant teaching and learning materials, student evaluation, and other professional development supports. EPPs are also using their subgrant funds to support their local communities to use the Science of Reading when teaching young children. EPP faculty are offering virtual, onsite, and mobile tutoring programs and professional development sessions open to the public.

“Reading is the core concept and foundation for success in all levels of education,” said NCICU President Hope Williams, “We deeply appreciate the grant from  the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support this  critical work.”

Pending continued funding from the Goodnight Educational Foundation, each of the 31 EPPs will receive an additional $7,600 in 2023 to fully implement their projects.

EPPs will present the outcomes of their projects during the 2023 Summer Faculty Institute and will also submit a final report to NCICU in September 2023.

NCICU’s Science of Reading project managers are Denise Adams and Pasts Pierce.