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NCWU Announces New Board Members and Reappointment

ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees, along with the reappointment of a current member, following a vote held during the Board meeting on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The newly elected board members include:

• Mr. Chuck Braswell
• Dr. LaWanda Peace (returning)
• Mr. Danijel Velicki
• Mrs. Shelia Wallace
• Dr. Quinton White, ’68

Mr. Paul Bauer ’86, our Board Chair, has been reappointed to continue his service on the Board.

All appointments and the reappointment will take effect for a four-year term from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2030.

“We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said NCWU President, Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and dedication that will help advance our mission and serve our community with excellence.”

About the New Board Members

Chuck Braswell
Chuck Braswell is the president and owner of Rocky Mount Radiator, continuing his family’s third-generation legacy in the business. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into commercial radiator and HVAC repair for trucks and buses. A dedicated community supporter, Braswell is involved with Dortches Baptist Church, the Nash Rocky Mount Rotary, and the CiTi High School Board, and he has also served as a state championship softball coach.

Dr. LaWanda Peace
Dr. LaWanda Peace is an accomplished higher education leader and retired Associate Dean at Howard University’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences, where she served from 1999 to 2016. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication and has extensive experience in student services, enrollment management, STEM program development, and outreach initiatives. Throughout her career, she has led multimillion-dollar programs and worked to expand opportunities for underrepresented students in science and engineering fields. She has served two terms from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2025.

Danijel Velicki
Danijel Velicki is an entrepreneur and financial educator and the founder of Opus Wealth Strategies and Sqwire, a financial education platform designed to help individuals build long-term financial stability. Originally from Croatia, he immigrated to the United States and built a successful career in business while pursuing continued studies in innovation and strategy at Oxford University. Mr. Velicki was our 2025 Commencement Speaker.

Shelia Wallace
Shelia Wallace serves as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Federal Programs for Nash County Public Schools and brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education. Her career spans roles from teacher to executive leadership, and she is deeply committed to student achievement, equity, and community service.

Dr. Quinton White, ’68
Dr. Quinton White is a distinguished marine scientist, educator, and administrator. A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College, he went on to serve as Professor and Executive Director of the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University. His career includes decades of leadership in environmental research, higher education administration, and community engagement.

Reappointed Board Member

Paul Bauer, ’86
Mr. Bauer continues his service on the Board through his reappointment, providing ongoing leadership and continuity to support the organization’s mission.

As fiduciary stewards of the institution, members of the Board of Trustees provide strategic oversight, support the University's mission, and help ensure NCWU remains positioned to serve students and the region for generations to come.

The addition of these distinguished leaders reflects NCWU's ongoing commitment to strong governance, community engagement, and institutional excellence as the University continues to grow and evolve.

About North Carolina Wesleyan University

North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students.

NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.

To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.