This content first appeared in Economy & Business 2026. Click here to view the full publication.

By Lynn Morton, Ph.D., William Peace University

William Peace University recently launched a bold set of initiatives to expand access to a college education. In 2026, that momentum will continue, bringing even more students to our campus and opening more doors for academic and professional success.

The Peace Pledge guarantees full tuition for first-year North Carolina residents with household incomes under $75,000, a minimum weighted GPA of 3.25, and eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant. This program reflects our deep commitment to affordability and opportunity.

Through Peace Pathways, a direct-transfer partnership with Wake Technical Community College, students can seamlessly move from associate to bachelor’s degrees with guaranteed admission and reduced tuition. The specialized Criminal Justice Pathway ensures degree completion in just two years, with more program-specific pathways in development.

We also continue to grow our online programs, including RN to BSN and Human Resource Management degrees. Staff specializing in transfer and online admissions provide guidance to support student success and flexibility.

Innovation drives every program at Peace. Majors in UX design, simulation and game design, and clinical and
behavioral research respond directly to workforce needs in the Triangle region. Peace’s immersive learning model emphasizes applied experience, reflection, and realworld application. Our students learn by doing, applying classroom concepts through projects, community engagement, and professional experiences. In addition, we take a forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence, integrating AI literacy across disciplines and preparing students to engage with emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically, and creatively.

A cornerstone of downtown Raleigh, Peace leverages its location to strengthen ties with employers, nonprofits, and cultural organizations such as the Raleigh Film & Art Festival. Events like the tree lighting and Peace Pacer 5K foster engagement and visibility with our local community. Peace students graduate career ready. Every in-person student completes an internship, while online learners receive robust career development support. Coaching, mock interviews, resume reviews, and reflection built into the internship experience further enhance students’ career preparation; the proximity of campus to internships and employers fuels professional opportunity.

Our new visual identity, unveiled in 2025, emphasizes innovation, growth, and continuity with our historic mission. From a founding commitment to women’s education to a modern, career-focused curriculum, William Peace University continues to lead as a vital contributor to Raleigh’s educational and economic landscape.

“In 2026, William Peace University will continue to expand access to a college degree through innovative programs such as Peace Pathways, the Peace Pledge, and Peace Online. The combination of increased opportunity and affordability with our uniquely powerful immersive learning model is propelling Peace
forward and enabling us to help meet the growing employment needs of the Triangle.”

– Lynn Morton, Ph.D., President, William Peace University