Rocky Mount, N.C. - The N.C. Wesleyan Athletic Department is pleased to announce Robert Wilson '19 as its Assistant to the Athletic Director for Academic Intervention and Student-Athlete Support. A NCAA grant funded position. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to the division's member schools and conferences that are committed to enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in entry-level, intercollegiate athletics administrative positions. These positions should include exposure to a variety of the following areas: strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, campus and NCAA compliance, sport oversight, student-athlete welfare issues and initiatives, academics, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff oversight/ management.

Aaron Denton, NCWU Vice President and Director of Athletics, expresses his thanks to the NCAA, "We are appreciative the NCAA recognizes N.C. Wesleyan's commitment to both supporting our student-athletes and to working hard to build experiences and opportunities for women and minorities in athletics. This funding will have an immediate impact on the academic success of our student-athletes. It is truly an exciting time at N.C. Wesleyan."

In this new role, Wilson will work with support services from across campus to serve student-athletes. A requirement will be weekly meetings with students, particularly focusing on academic success and strategies for first-year students. The position will additionally impact leadership opportunities and experiences to support student-athletes.

When asked about coming back to his alma mater Wilson stated, "It's an honor and a privilege to return to North Carolina Wesleyan University. I am excited to grow professionally and to help develop current and future Bishops."

A standout basketball athlete under Head Coach John Thompson, Robert was named Wesleyan's Male Student-Athlete of the year in 2018-19 and was named a USA South All-Conference selection twice in his illustrious career as a Bishop. The 2017-18 men's basketball MVP, Coach Thompson is ecstatic for Robert to be back at Wesleyan, " I am thrilled to have Rob join our athletic staff. He is a perfect fit. He has been family for a long time and he is an excellent example of what Wesleyan is all about. Our student-athletes will benefit greatly from having him here every day. He is a teacher and will do a tremendous job mentoring Battling Bishop student-athletes."