RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the institution has expanded its educational offerings with the addition of its criminal justice major. The William Peace University Criminal Justice Program will consist of interdisciplinary courses that will provide students with insight into the conditions – psychological and sociological – that lead to criminal behavior. Additionally, the program will cover components of the U.S. legal system as well as forensics.

The Criminal Justice Program is comprised of 39 hours. Students will be required to meet 18 hours of criminal justice core courses and nine hours of elective courses. Additionally, students will complete 12 hours toward The Raleigh Experience, which will provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students to work alongside area professionals in fields specifically related to criminal justice.

The Raleigh Experience will allow students in their senior year to complete an intensive, 40 hours per week co-op program. Through the program, students will be expected to work for three areas related to the criminal justice concentration, which includes advocacy and lobbying, governance, law, nonprofit administration, politics, policy research, and public administration. During that time, students will additionally rotate through three five-week practicums.

QUOTES:

“Whether it’s working for the FBI or assisting companies in protecting their private cyber material, our workforce has a growing demanded for employees educated in the field of criminal justice,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “We are proud to announce the William Peace University Criminal Justice Program and the unique opportunity it will provide students through The Raleigh Experience. Students who pursue this major will gain firsthand experience in the field of criminal justice prior to graduation, positioning them as marketable candidates for future employers.”

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:

William Peace University Twitter:

http://twitter.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WPeaceU

 RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that Sorien Schmidt, JD, will serve as adjunct professor and pre-law advisor. In her role, Schmidt will be responsible for teaching a course on law and the legal system, as well as providing educational and professional guidance to students seeking a career in the legal profession following their graduation.

With 25 years of professional experience as a lawyer, Schmidt previously served as a lobbyist and lawyer on behalf of low-income families and children for both the North Carolina Justice Center and Action for Children, where she delivered speeches, met with state legislators, advocated with administrative agencies, provided policy analysis, and handled related duties in order to reduce poverty and improve the lives of North Carolina’s families and children. Prior to that position, she practiced law with Legal Aid of North Carolina for six years.

Schmidt has participated in many professional organizations throughout her career, including the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys, the American Civil Liberties Union and Advocates for Justice. She has received awards from the NC Association of Women Attorneys and from Legal Aid of North Carolina for her work on behalf of representing women, children and low-income families. Schmidt earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law.

QUOTES:

“There is a crucial need to educate people on the basic information required to better understand the courts and the law and the impact it has in our everyday lives,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “Sorien is bringing to us a strong background of excellence in her field that will enlighten all who attend her class and receive her advice.”

“I am pleased that William Peace University has chosen me to provide instruction on an overview of the legal system to students,” said Schmidt. “As an adviser, my door is open to share my experiences and insights to help students who are considering whether to pursue this field in their future.”

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:

William Peace University Twitter:

http://twitter.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WPeaceU

Four-Year Baccalaureate University Hires Paulhus To Serve As Student Accounts Coordinator

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that Linda Paulhus has been named student accounts coordinator. In her position, Paulhus will serve as the primary cashier for the university and will be responsible for preparing statements and collection follow-ups, as well as assisting students, staff and faculty with transactions involving the PacerCard, which is the university’s campus card system. Additionally, she will serve asthe primary contact for all university billing and accounts receivable payments, including walk-in traffic and phone calls, and will advise students and parents on payment options and arrangements.

Paulhus has an extensive career in the accounting industry.  Prior to joining William Peace University, she worked at Hood College in Frederick, Md., in the student accounts department.

QUOTES:
“We are excited to welcome Linda to the staff of William Peace University, as she understands how critically important the role of student accounts plays into our institution and into the daily lives of each of our students,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “With an increasing number of students and their parents seeking more information on available payment options that they can utilize, her efforts are essential for our continuing success in meeting their needs for affordability while at our university.”

“There is nothing that can compare to a career in higher education, which is why I am so excited to join the staff of William Peace University,” said Paulhus. “The atmosphere of a college setting is unlike any other, and I look forward to advising students and parents of this outstanding institution through the financial process that comes with higher education.”

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:

William Peace University Twitter:

http://twitter.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/WPeaceU

William Peace University YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/WPeaceU

The honor, which is voted on by the entire student body, is the highest tribute paid to an individual at William Peace University.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that it will freeze housing and board for the 2013-2014 academic year at the same level of the current academic calendar. The decision was made in an effort to monitor costs and provide students with a viable access to higher education. For students enrolling in fall 2013, standard housing will remain at $6,186 and the standard 14-meal plan will remain at $2,814. The housing and board freeze follows the institutions previous announcement in 2012 to freeze tuition for the 2013-2014 academic calendar, which marks the second consecutive year for William Peace University. Tuition will remain at $23,700. The tuition, housing and board freeze reflects the same amount it cost for students attending William Peace University since the 2012-2013 academic year, which marked a 7.73 percent reduction instituted in fall 2012.

The 2012-2013 academic year has proven to be a year of significant growth for William Peace University, with enrollment figures totaling 791 students, an increase of 9 percent from the previous year. New student enrollment increased by 82 percent in the 2012-2013 academic year, and to date the university has an 80 percent increase on deposits for the 2013-2014 academic year compared to the previous year. Continuing in its commitment to offer affordability and higher learning access to all students, the university’s tuition, housing and board freeze takes place in the midst of countless institutions across the state of North Carolina and the nation who have recently announced increases in tuition, room and board.

The ability to freeze tuition, housing and board in the state of our current economy comes from the focus of William Peace University’s Board of Trustees on controlling institutional costs overall, much of which came from the cost savings program implemented in 2011. William Peace University has implemented refined internal processes and environmental initiatives such as recycling more materials and becoming more energy efficient in an effort to decrease expenses.

“William Peace University’s ongoing commitment to higher education has been centered on three guiding principles – affordability, accessibility and accountability – as we truly believe that each of these play an integral role in providing students with the education they rightfully deserve,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “It is our primary focus to equip students for their professional career, but the only way to ensure that it takes place is by establishing a system that addresses the financial considerations of students today. Our economy is improving, but is still a challenge for most Americans. We hope that the tuition, housing and board freeze will better assist students throughout the learning process.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

PacerCamp 2012 Relay Race

Crystal Alston ’14
Taylor Boyd ’15
Josie Carmona ‘ 14
Cecilia Dhali ’14
Brittany Ely ’14
Melvin Gray ’16
Brittany Humphries ’15
Patty Livingston ’14
Aaron Mull ’16
Terrace Myles ’16
Lauren Naugle ’14
Sheena Pitt ’14
Jessica Reveal ’14
Samantha Sellers ’15
Dale Stephenson ’14
Ashton Tucker ’16

Peer Mentors lead activities at PacerCamp, the WPU summer orientation program for new students. Additionally, they will serve as a mentor and a role model for new students through their transition to college life

Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a private coeducational university located in downtown Raleigh, NC. The university’s mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of William Peace University’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced its second phase of campus renovations, which will focus on the university bookstore and offices for student services and residential life and housing. Both facilities will be relocating to the former maintenance and facilities building located in the center of campus, with the bookstore moving to the first floor and the student services and residential life and housing offices to the second. The Belk Dining Hall Building, which formerly housed the bookstore and student services, will now serve as home to an expanded student union in addition to the dining hall. The construction process and renovations are expected to begin immediately, and they will be overseen by Davidson and Jones Construction Company and Smith Sinnett Architecture.

This phase of renovations follows the 2012 board of trustees’ approval for campus improvements, including the athletic center, student center, bookstore and President’s House. The second phase of campus renovations are expected to be completed by fall 2013.

“We are proud to announce with the support of the William Peace University Board of Trustees that the second phase of campus renovations are underway,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “These improvements have been carefully considered and are a wise decision for our institution. We look forward to seeing the final results and enjoying them with students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors alike.”

On Jan. 19, 2012, the William Peace University Board of Trustees approved a multiyear plan of significant campus improvements. The first phase of these improvements, which included the renovation of the Hermann Athletic Center, was completed prior to the start of the fall 2012 semester.

Money for the improvements came from donations, the William Peace University capital campaign and external financing. Gifts from alumnae and friends of the university are supporting the projects as well.

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

Four-Year Baccalaureate University Continues Athletic Tradition
In Support Of The Pretty In Pink Foundation’s Fight Against Breast Cancer

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that it will host the 8^th Annual Softball Doubleheader game against Meredith College, an independent private women’s college in Raleigh, on Wednesday, March 20 beginning at 3 p.m. The Pretty in Pink Foundation, a Raleigh-based nonprofit organization serving breast cancer patients with limited or no health insurance benefits, will be the recipient of all event proceeds. The softball doubleheader runs in conjunction with the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association’s (NFPCA) annual Strike Out Cancer event, where the NFPCA partners with the American Cancer Society^® in support of women’s cancer research. Additionally, the event will include dunking booths for students to dunk both Meredith College and William Peace University faculty and staff.

“The annual softball doubleheader against Meredith College continues to be a highlight of our school year as it brings together a longstanding athletic competition while supporting a very worthwhile cause,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “We are proud for William Peace University to be hosting and participating in an event that both supports the ongoing fight against breast cancer and honors its survivors. All members of the community are encouraged to attend this fun and inspiring event.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the university hosted a fashion show titled “EveryBODY” in conjunction with and support of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which ran from Feb. 24 through March 2 and is an extension of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). The university’s fashion show featured students and staff as models, each representing various body shapes, sizes, colors, nationalities and genders. Participants came together to promote the importance of a positive body image and encourage the appreciation of natural beauty. In addition to the fashion show, representatives with Veritas Collaborative, a center for excellence in the treatment of eating disorders, were on-site to provide education and medical insight into body imaging to attendees, as well as Sherrill’s University of Barbering and Cosmetology, whose students provided free hair and make-up services for participating models. Cofre Consignment Store of Raleigh also participated through the donation of clothing for models. Performance choreography was led by Melissa Daniels, a former model who struggled with eating disorders and has created Bitter Rebellion, a website developed for helping raise awareness of individuals facing similar challenges in their lives.

The NEDA is committed to ultimately preventing eating disorders and overall body image issues, while reducing the stigma associated with eating disorders and improving access to medical treatment and support. According to the NEDA, 20 million women and nearly 10 million men across the United States will suffer from an eating disorder sometime in their lifetime, a number that has continued to increase since the 1950s. For more information on NEDA, visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/.

“Eating disorders go beyond an individual’s personal choice or thoughts and are serious medical concerns that if left untreated have the potential to be a life-threatening matter,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “In a society that is driven by beauty and imaging, it is important that we set a realistic example for our students to follow. The ‘EveryBODY’ fashion show was a wonderful event that demonstrated first-hand the university’s commitment to addressing a healthy lifestyle and self image for our students and the greater Raleigh community to follow.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.

RALEIGH, N.C. – William Peace University (http://www.peace.edu), a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, has announced that the Board of Trustees has approved a partnership between the university and Wolf Creek Apartments, which will provide the option of University-affiliated student housing to all sophomore, junior and senior students. The apartments, which are located at 403 Wolf Creek Circle, provide an excellent student housing community in southwest Raleigh, with four-bedroom options to fit all lifestyles. Operating in the same manner as on-campus housing, Wolf Creek Apartments will have William Peace University resident staff living on-site. Additionally, the apartments will host student activities and have a shuttle running to and from campus. Wolf Creek amenities include private bedrooms, luxury kitchens, furnished living rooms, tennis courts and 24-hour fitness center, computer lab and maintenance.

“William Peace University fully embraces being an urban campus, so the idea of expanding our University-affiliated living was a natural progression to what it means to operate in our downtown setting,” said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., president of William Peace University. “Our partnership with Wolf Creek Apartments allows us to provide living for students interested in pursuing this option, with convenient, safe transportation to and from our campus provided as well.”

“As a graduating senior, I am proud to see that our school is growing and can provide opportunities such as new housing at Wolf Creek,” said Jeanna Buck, president of William Peace University’s 2012-2013 Student Government Association. “I am grateful to be a part of the Student Government Association that worked alongside university administration to make this expansion possible for our student body, marking one of many ongoing positive improvements to come to the WPU community.”

ABOUT WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY:
William Peace University is located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. It was founded in 1857 as Peace Institute, offering education for boys and girls in primary grades and to women from high school to college. Peace, an all-women’s college, became a four-year baccalaureate college and graduated its first bachelor’s students in August of 1996. Exclusively an all-women’s institution for its first 152 years, Peace began offering coeducational evening courses through the William Peace School of Professional Studies in 2009. In 2011, Peace College transitioned to William Peace University and welcomed its first coeducational class to its day program in fall 2012. Its mission is to prepare students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. On average, more than 90 percent of the university’s graduates are placed in jobs or graduate school within one year of graduation. For more information, please visit http://www.peace.edu.