A new initiative from Wesleyan's Department of Athletics is a program called WesPros. With a focus on career development, professionalism, and preparation; WesPros will include a variety of sessions and modes of communication. Information on resume writing, etiquette, internships, interviewing, networking and more will be a part of the program's curriculum.
The inaugural version of WesPros was held on Monday, September 26 in The Dunn Center's Minges Auditorium. A panel discussion that included: General Arnold Gordon Bray, Central Missouri State (now the University of Central Missouri) '78 (Men's Basketball) US Army Brigadier General (Ret.) and a member of Wesleyan's Board of Trustees; along with 4 Wesleyan graduates – Dave Gruver '87 (Men's Basketball) National Sales Director for UGG Australia; Suzanne Brackett '87 (Cheerleading) Senior Vice President of Administration at North Carolina Wesleyan University; Roger Taylor '70 (Men's Basketball) Founder/Owner Roger Taylor and Associates; and Quinderra Spellman '09 (Football) Head Football Coach, Louisburg College. They discussed their career paths, what they look for in hiring and promotion, and what it means to be a professional.
Nearly 400 student-athletes were in attendance for the forum. The quality and depth of information Wesleyan's student-athletes were exposed to was outstanding. The value of first impressions, internships and volunteering, being willing to take on any job – no matter how big, or how small, and being prepared are just a few examples of topics the panel touched on.
North Carolina Wesleyan Director of Athletics Aaron Denton commented on the program, saying, "WesPros is the perfect intersection between our coaches' desire to develop student-athletes, the university's focus on developing practical skills, and our students' looking for opportunities to learn. WesPros is unique as it features various formats and settings all designed to impact our students-athletes as they prepare for success at and after Wesleyan. I'd like to thank Coach John Thompson for keeping our athletic program and university at the forefront of creative programs carefully planned to support the education of our students."
Wesleyan Head Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson, the architect of WesPros, said, "This is really exciting. There is such a tremendous opportunity here for our student-athletes to learn and grow, to network and build relationships, and to better understand the world that they will be entering after earning their degree."
WesPros is designed for Freshmen through Senior student-athletes, to help them prepare for and transition into professional life, regardless of their chosen field. WesPros will also work in concert with Wesleyan's Office of Career Development and Leadership. Exploring Industry, determining career goals, and building a professional network will be some of the goals of the individuals in the program as they develop post-graduation plans.
"The first WesPros event was a remarkable success. Our student-athletes and many of their coaches were in attendance, and the panel offered remarkable insights into their professional journeys. I know that many of the students were excited to learn more about how they can enhance their sense of leadership, professionalism, and self-discipline during their college careers, and I look forward to watching them put what they have learned into action," observed Dr. Joe Lane, the University's Provost.
Pictured from left: WesPros Moderator John Thompson, Roger Taylor, Quinderra Spellman, General Arnold Gord-Bray, Suzanne Brackett, and Dave Bruver