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Jacobs, Perry take leadership roles at Methodist University

By Staff Report, posted Apr 22, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Jacobs

Methodist University has a new voice on its executive leadership team with the addition of Kelvin Jacobs as vice president for Legal Affairs & General Counsel.

At MU, Jacobs will oversee all legal affairs for the institution and provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to the president, board of trustees and senior leadership on matters such as employment, civil rights, compliance and contracts. His role also includes support for initiatives, such as the development of the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine.

“We are most fortunate to have Kelvin Jacobs as a member of the MU executive leadership team,” said Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D. in a press release. “He brought with him a wealth of expertise and experience in higher education law. In addition, he is an excellent and patient communicator who makes himself available for counsel with all MU leaders. And he is an important resource for me in my role as president.”

Jacobs brings over a decade of experience in law and higher education, formerly serving as general counsel at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke before joining MU.

A native of Hope Mills and a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Jacobs earned his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from UNC Pembroke and his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Before transitioning into his career as an attorney, he served five years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, climbing through the ranks of captain, missile launch officer and training instructor.

Working hand-in-hand with Jacobs is Nathan Perry, who has assumed the role of institutional compliance and Title IX coordinator for Methodist University. Perry has taken the lead on MU’s compliance and the administration of Title IX policies and procedures to make sure that the University meets federal, state and various other requirements.

Perry

Perry oversees Title IX investigations and complaint processes, while also developing training for faculty, staff and students and working with University leadership to promote a safe, equitable and compliant campus environment.

“Nate brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to compliance and fairness,” Jacobs said in a press release. “His work will play an important role in helping Methodist University maintain a safe, respectful and accountable campus community.”

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