We are Battling Bishops | North Carolina Wesleyan University
Source: https://ncwu.edu/about/battling-bishops
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
We are Battling Bishops | North Carolina Wesleyan University
We are Battling Bishops | North Carolina Wesleyan University
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History of the Original "Battling Bishops" phrase
What is a Battling Bishop?
During medieval Europe (18th and 19th century), a
“Battling Bishop”
was a Methodist preacher/clergy member, appointed by a King, who actively participated in military campaigns and led the church. He traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
John Wesley, the father of Methodism, enlisted these circuit riders to help lay the foundation for the Methodist Church, especially in the South. The circuit riders accepted a difficult and dangerous task, riding on horseback and laboring against the forces of nature.
Francis Asbury
(1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, was himself a circuit rider. During his 45 years in the colonies and the newly independent United States, he devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback and by carriage thousands of miles (average of 6,000 miles each year), and preached over 16,000 sermons to those living on the frontier. Under his direction, the church grew from 1,200 to 214,000 members and 700 ordained preachers.
Like him, the circuit rider that represents Wesleyan can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Bishops were known for being well educated, using their vast talents and experience to teach and provide humanitarian aid.
What does it mean to be a modern-day "Battling Bishop" at NC Wesleyan?
As a NC Wesleyan University Battling Bishop, our students are part of a fiercely connected community. They are prepared for a life of purpose to make a difference through service to their community. Being a part of Bishop Nation equips you with personal mentorship, practical learning, and purpose-driven career experiences to build the metaphorical armor you need to prevail in life.
Meet some of our successful real-life Battling Bishops
Jeana Parrish ’11
Career:
Financial Intelligence Officer at PNC Bank
Degree:
BA in Political Science
As a Battling Bishop, I was able to foster and nurture relationships that are a huge part of my personal and professional life over 12 years later. Being more than a number at a large university created networking and career opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Tiffany Brown ’15
Career:
Senior Quality Control Specialist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Degree:
BS in Computer Information Systems
Navod McNeil ’14
Career:
Senior Product Support Specialist at Linedata
Degree:
BA in Accounting
Becoming a Battling Bishop set the stage for everything I’ve done since then. From gaining lifelong friendships, to earning my graduate degree, and various career advancement opportunities through the Bishop alumni and staff network.
Madison Gill Barbour ’21
Career:
Consumer Loan Documentation Specialist at First Carolina Bank
Degree:
BA in Psychology
Jacob Strickland ’11
Career:
Officer at the Rocky Mount Police Department
Degree:
BA in Justice Studies & Political Science
The NC Wesleyan Athletics "Battling Bishops" Concept
In one of our athletic logos, the man riding the horse is namely called “Wes” and his horse goes by “Charger.” They both have strong ties to the history of the Methodist Church and thus to NC Wesleyan’s heritage.
Wes represents a circuit rider, an 18th and 19th century Methodist preacher who traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
Like Francis Asbury (1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, the circuit rider on horseback represents Wesleyan and can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Where did the NC Wesleyan College phrase “Battling Bishop” originally come from?
Paul Massey, ’64, of Norfolk, a member of Wesleyan’s first graduating class and student body president, actually named the Battling Bishops back in the second semester of 1960. He wanted to tie in NC Wesleyan’s religious affiliation with a fighting word. So, he chose a Bishop and wanted him in action as portrayed in the original logo. Bishops fought like all of us. So, that’s how the team name became the “Battling Bishops.”
NC Wesleyan University
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252.985.5100
800.488.6292
Contact Us
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News
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Campus Hazing Policy
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Bishop Beat Newsletter
Student Achievement Report
Academic Program Inventory
Consumer Information
Transcript Requests
Working at Wesleyan
Campus
Campus Map & Tour
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Campus Safety
Parent Resources
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Faculty & Staff Directory
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Library
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Dining Services
Catering Services
Event Venue Rentals
Photo Gallery
Apply
Request More Info
Plan A Visit
Give
NCWU
About
Why NC Wesleyan?
Campus Map & Tour
Bishop Beliefs
We are Battling Bishops
Departments
Publications
Faculty & Staff Directory
Contact Us
Admissions
Apply
Visit
Tuition Deposit
Connect with a Counselor
Orientation
Financial Aid
Academics
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Executive Residency Programs
Adult & Online Studies
Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways
Certificate Programs
Partnerships
Practical Skills Academy
Registrar
Library
Our Faculty
Accreditation & Accountability
Adult & Online
Adult Undergraduate Programs
Adult Studies Tuition
Financial Aid
Graduate & Professional Programs
Graduate Programs Tuition
Campus Life
Live. Eat. Play.
Athletics
Spiritual Life
Student Engagement
WesQuest Program
International
Student Resources
Parent Resources
First Year Experience
Veteran Benefits
Community
The Dunn Center | Official Site
Cultural Arts
Mims and Gravely Art Galleries
Work at Wesleyan
Shelton Challenge
Rock the Mount Community Event
NCWU Summer Camps
Event Venue Rentals
Athletics
The Dunn Center
Alumni/Donors
Ways to Give
Library
Apply for Admissions
My NCWU
Campus Resources
Student Email
News
Event Calendar
Academic Calendar
Campus Map
University Catalog
Faculty & Staff
X
We are Battling Bishops | North Carolina Wesleyan University
myNCWU
Academic Calendar
University Catalog
Events Calendar
Campus Map
Student/Staff Email
Directory
Faculty & Staff Resources
Recent News & Articles
QUICKLINKS
About Us
Fast Facts
Why NC Wesleyan?
Wesleyan… Worth It!
Student Testimonials
Our Rankings
Campus Map & Tour
The Campus
Bishop Beliefs
History
We are Battling Bishops
Religious Life
Office of the President
Board of Trustees
Leadership Cabinet
Economic Impact of NC Wesleyan
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Publications
Faculty & Staff Directory
Departments
Contact Us
History of the Original "Battling Bishops" phrase
What is a Battling Bishop?
During medieval Europe (18th and 19th century), a
“Battling Bishop”
was a Methodist preacher/clergy member, appointed by a King, who actively participated in military campaigns and led the church. He traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
John Wesley, the father of Methodism, enlisted these circuit riders to help lay the foundation for the Methodist Church, especially in the South. The circuit riders accepted a difficult and dangerous task, riding on horseback and laboring against the forces of nature.
Francis Asbury
(1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, was himself a circuit rider. During his 45 years in the colonies and the newly independent United States, he devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback and by carriage thousands of miles (average of 6,000 miles each year), and preached over 16,000 sermons to those living on the frontier. Under his direction, the church grew from 1,200 to 214,000 members and 700 ordained preachers.
Like him, the circuit rider that represents Wesleyan can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Bishops were known for being well educated, using their vast talents and experience to teach and provide humanitarian aid.
What does it mean to be a modern-day "Battling Bishop" at NC Wesleyan?
As a NC Wesleyan University Battling Bishop, our students are part of a fiercely connected community. They are prepared for a life of purpose to make a difference through service to their community. Being a part of Bishop Nation equips you with personal mentorship, practical learning, and purpose-driven career experiences to build the metaphorical armor you need to prevail in life.
Meet some of our successful real-life Battling Bishops
Jeana Parrish ’11
Career:
Financial Intelligence Officer at PNC Bank
Degree:
BA in Political Science
As a Battling Bishop, I was able to foster and nurture relationships that are a huge part of my personal and professional life over 12 years later. Being more than a number at a large university created networking and career opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Tiffany Brown ’15
Career:
Senior Quality Control Specialist at Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Degree:
BS in Computer Information Systems
Navod McNeil ’14
Career:
Senior Product Support Specialist at Linedata
Degree:
BA in Accounting
Becoming a Battling Bishop set the stage for everything I’ve done since then. From gaining lifelong friendships, to earning my graduate degree, and various career advancement opportunities through the Bishop alumni and staff network.
Madison Gill Barbour ’21
Career:
Consumer Loan Documentation Specialist at First Carolina Bank
Degree:
BA in Psychology
Jacob Strickland ’11
Career:
Officer at the Rocky Mount Police Department
Degree:
BA in Justice Studies & Political Science
The NC Wesleyan Athletics "Battling Bishops" Concept
In one of our athletic logos, the man riding the horse is namely called “Wes” and his horse goes by “Charger.” They both have strong ties to the history of the Methodist Church and thus to NC Wesleyan’s heritage.
Wes represents a circuit rider, an 18th and 19th century Methodist preacher who traveled throughout a territory, called a “circuit,” carrying little more than a Bible and a few belongings in order to minister as a missionary.
Like Francis Asbury (1745-1816), the founding bishop of American Methodism, the circuit rider on horseback represents Wesleyan and can be considered a “Battling Bishop.”
Where did the NC Wesleyan College phrase “Battling Bishop” originally come from?
Paul Massey, ’64, of Norfolk, a member of Wesleyan’s first graduating class and student body president, actually named the Battling Bishops back in the second semester of 1960. He wanted to tie in NC Wesleyan’s religious affiliation with a fighting word. So, he chose a Bishop and wanted him in action as portrayed in the original logo. Bishops fought like all of us. So, that’s how the team name became the “Battling Bishops.”
NC Wesleyan University
3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252.985.5100
800.488.6292
Contact Us
Campus Map
All Social Media Channels >
Resources
My NCWU
University Catalog
Request More Info
Events
News
Student Email
Policies & Notices
Title IX and Equal Opportunity
Campus Hazing Policy
Faculty & Staff Resources
Media & Branding Resources
Alumni Relations
Bishop Beat Newsletter
Student Achievement Report
Academic Program Inventory
Consumer Information
Transcript Requests
Working at Wesleyan
Campus
Campus Map & Tour
Campus Store
Campus Safety
Parent Resources
The Dunn Center
Faculty & Staff Directory
Health Services
Library
Wesleyan News
Dining Services
Catering Services
Event Venue Rentals
Photo Gallery
Apply
Request More Info
Plan A Visit
Give
NCWU
About
Why NC Wesleyan?
Campus Map & Tour
Bishop Beliefs
We are Battling Bishops
Departments
Publications
Faculty & Staff Directory
Contact Us
Admissions
Apply
Visit
Tuition Deposit
Connect with a Counselor
Orientation
Financial Aid
Academics
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Executive Residency Programs
Adult & Online Studies
Accelerated Dual Degree Pathways
Certificate Programs
Partnerships
Practical Skills Academy
Registrar
Library
Our Faculty
Accreditation & Accountability
Adult & Online
Adult Undergraduate Programs
Adult Studies Tuition
Financial Aid
Graduate & Professional Programs
Graduate Programs Tuition
Campus Life
Live. Eat. Play.
Athletics
Spiritual Life
Student Engagement
WesQuest Program
International
Student Resources
Parent Resources
First Year Experience
Veteran Benefits
Community
The Dunn Center | Official Site
Cultural Arts
Mims and Gravely Art Galleries
Work at Wesleyan
Shelton Challenge
Rock the Mount Community Event
NCWU Summer Camps
Event Venue Rentals
Athletics
The Dunn Center
Alumni/Donors
Ways to Give
Library
Apply for Admissions
My NCWU
Campus Resources
Student Email
News
Event Calendar
Academic Calendar
Campus Map
University Catalog
Faculty & Staff
X