Wanda Becton Receives W. Burkette Raper Leadership Award at UMO Homecoming
November 22, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE – During the University of Mount Olive’s Homecoming Weekend, alumna Wanda Becton was honored with the prestigious W. Burkette Raper Leadership Award. Named in memory of UMO’s first president, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the values and mission of the University.
A native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Becton attended Mount Olive College from 1979 to 1981, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was recognized among the Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. During her time as a student, she also performed with the New Creations and the Mount Olive College Singers.
After earning her associate degree, Becton went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1983. She has dedicated more than 30 years to serving children and families through her work with the Wayne Action Group for Economic Solvency, Inc. (WAGES) in Goldsboro, where she serves as Health Services Manager for the Head Start program. In this role, she oversees the health and wellness of enrolled children and provides CPR and First Aid instruction to agency staff. While at WAGES, she also earned certification in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
Before joining WAGES, Becton spent 11 years with the Lenoir County Mental Health Center as Director of the Child Development Center, serving young children with disabilities. Her compassionate leadership earned her recognition from the ARC as Committee Member of the Year.
In addition to her professional career, Becton has been a lifelong supporter of the arts. She has performed with Center Stage Theatre and Encore Entertainment for more than 20 years, taking on roles as an actor, assistant director, and stage manager. Each year, she portrays “Elizabeth” in the Paramount Theatre’s local Christmas production of Child of the Promise, marking her twelfth year in the role this December. In 2019, she was honored to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City with composer Pepper Choplin, joined by family and college friends in the audience.
Becton also lends her talents to community performances, including a gospel trio from Dudley Christian Church that participates in local events such as the Crimestoppers Gospel Sing Fundraiser. She has also performed for eight years in the annual Christmas showcase Home for the Holidays at Johnston Community College.
Deeply rooted in community service, Becton currently serves as Chair of the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, where she was named Committee Member of the Year in 2021. She was recently inducted into the Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and is an active member of both the Brogden Grange and the Brogden Chapter of the Lady Banks Garden Club.
Becton credits her faith and family as her greatest blessings. She and her husband, Ray, have been married for 43 years. Their son, Nick, serves in the United States Coast Guard and is married to Jessica; together they have a daughter, Ashton, whom Becton lovingly calls her “Precious Punkin.” She also treasures her close bond with her three sisters and lifelong friendships formed during her Mount Olive College years.
She is grateful for the many blessings in her life and holds close the words of Psalm 115:1-2: “Not for our sake, God, no, not for our sake, but for Your Name’s sake, show Your Glory. Do it on account of Your merciful love, do it on account of Your faithful ways.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
