Alumni Archives - ��

From �� Student to Social Media Strategist: Stetson Patton Returns to Teach Next Generation

Office of University Communications — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:53:44 +0000

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—With over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing sphere, �� 2006 alumna Stetson Patton specializes in helping small businesses and personal brands elevate their online presence. In September, she’s returning to her alma mater to share her strategies in a new Searight PACE Freelance Social Media Marketing Program.

Patton said this class is for everyone from beginners to those who already know how to post on social media. It’s for the person who wants a career change or someone who has a full-time job but needs extra income. One client could bring $2,500 a month or more.

“This is going to be a 101 class,” she noted. “If you are just like interested in learning about social media, how to make some extra income, we’re going to the basics here. I’m going to teach you the different platforms. Even if you’re already posting, this class is for you

because we’re going to teach you what makes a video go viral, how to script that, how to use AI to find that, how to find clients.”

An unexpected turn of events led Patton to ��, where she found opportunities that would influence both her personal and professional life. Just months before her freshman year, she suffered a vocal cord injury and lost a music scholarship to another university. Encouraged by her father, then �� Head Football Coach Steve Patton, she enrolled at GWU with plans to stay for only a year. Instead, she immersed herself in campus life, became a cheerleader, forged lasting connections and discovered a passion for marketing that would launch a decades-long career.

“My freshman year, I met my best friend on campus, Dr. Charles Tichenor, marketing professor,” she shared. “It was a fluke that I got put in a marketing (upper level) class as a freshman, and he was such a good mentor. I fell in love with marketing through that.”

Tichenor offered practical advice and taught the class from his years of experience as the former CEO of Kraft and later as chairman, president and CEO of Champale Inc. Sparkling Beverages.

After graduating in 2006, Patton put her newfound passion to work as marketing coordinator for The Tapestry Group, a nonprofit ministry for women founded by �� alumna Sharon Decker. Facebook was still new, and Patton quickly recognized its potential. Because Decker also worked in economic development in Rutherfordton, N.C., Patton visited churches, car dealerships and restaurants throughout the area, offering to create Facebook pages for local businesses for a fee.

The experience not only sharpened her business instincts but also offered an early glimpse of social media’s growing power to connect organizations with their audiences. Next, she took her skills to work as membership connection director at Dover YMCA in Shelby, N.C. She was also the dance team coach at �� and later took the same position at Lenoir-Rhyne University. During that time, she opened a clothing boutique, which would teach her an important lesson about the growing influence of social media.

“I saw the girls at a basketball game. I was like, ‘What’s this?’ And they’re like, ‘Instagram,’” Patton recalled. “And I was like, ‘What is Instagram?’ So, I think being around the college kids you learn a lot more, faster. Fast fashion really did become a thing because of social media. We lost the business due to social media because we could not keep up with the Joneses. And I remember vowing to learn as much about it as possible because we were already behind.”

Even after graduation, Patton remained connected to the professors who had helped shape her career path. Tichenor and Dr. Tom Meaders, professor of management information systems and operations, were among the first to support her entrepreneurial venture. While Patton never sat in one of Meaders’ classes, his encouragement and willingness to invest in her success reflected the close-knit relationships she found at ��.

“I thought it was so cool to have two professors come visit me at the store,” Patton reflected. “Dr. Meaders even found a supplier for our store. To have those friendships with the professors, you just wouldn’t find that anywhere else.”

After the loss of her boutique, she took another marketing job. As she attempted to learn about social media, she realized the drawbacks of watching online tutorials. “I would realize if that video was posted six months ago, it’s outdated now,” Patton said. “So, some of these buttons and features aren’t the same or there’s a different social media platform. Plus, I would ask a question in the comments and never get a response.”

Through her own experience, Patton started making social media tutorials and teaching people about social media while also working full time in a marketing role. Eventually, she realized that she could open her own social media agency—Socially Stetson—and manage social media accounts for other businesses. She will bring all these insights to the PACE Freelance Social Media Marketing Program, and her goal is for every person who takes the class to have one paid retainer client by the end and making $500 or more.

The 12-week certificate program begins on Sept. 19 and will meet on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Microsoft Teams. The course is designed to help learners build practical skills in content creation, client management, AI tools, business development, and digital marketing. Students will be paired with a non-profit organization to manage its social media, gaining real-world experience and creating a portfolio.

For Patton, the program is about showing people that a new career path may be closer than they think. By combining practical training, real-world experience and mentorship, she hopes participants gain the confidence to take that first step. “I think that’s what I really want people to know is this is a business you can start with zero dollars. It’s just getting started,” she said.

�� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.

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One Question at a Time: �� 2026 Alumna Turns Internship into Career

Office of University Communications — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:45:38 +0000

Curiosity and Initiative Helped Mollie Fuller Secure a Full-Time Position with Metrolina Greenhouses

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Mollie Fuller has a piece of advice for �� students completing an internship. She shares two simple words that can make a lasting difference: “Ask questions.”

Fuller explained, “Employers truly want to see effort and initiative from interns to see if they will be a good full-time employee. A go-getter attitude is important to show that you are willing and able to learn.”

The 2026 GWU alumna speaks from experience. During her 2025 internship at Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, N.C., she immersed herself in an unfamiliar industry, sought out opportunities to contribute, and made an impression on her supervisors. By the end of the internship, those efforts led to a full-time job offer.

“My manager started mentioning full-time opportunities towards the end of my internship,” Fuller noted. “Thankfully, I was able to stay on part time throughout my final year at �� and then transition to full time a few weeks after graduation.”

Fuller applied for the internship knowing very little about the horticulture industry but willing to expand her knowledge. As a retail marketing intern, she worked with a major retail account, updating product listings to ensure accuracy. “I even helped out in the greenhouse some,” she noted. “Overall, my internship was not the same thing every day, and I really enjoyed that.”

One of her most challenging projects was an analysis of Metrolina’s online items. Completing the tedious task helped shape future marketing strategy.

Now employed as Metrolina’s retail marketing coordinator, she is responsible for digital product content and search engine optimization, support and execution of marketing campaigns, and cross-functional collaboration. She knew about a week into her internship that she would enjoy working there full time. “The people are extremely kind and helpful,” she described. “I have never been afraid to ask questions. It is a very welcoming environment that is truly special when looking for a great workplace.”

While working in horticulture is new to Fuller, she was prepared for the marketing aspects of her job by her professors in the Godbold College of Business. “�� gave me a great foundation in Microsoft Office and really helped with soft skills like communication and problem-solving skills that are useful in any career field,” she reflected. “�� staff and faculty truly want every student to succeed. I loved my professors and appreciated how much they genuinely care about all students’ success.”

Beyond the classroom, Fuller built confidence through opportunities such as ��’s Career Fair, where she practiced introducing herself to employers and discussing her future goals. “I have always been introverted, but the Career Fair helped me to become more comfortable with talking to employers and be confident in myself when looking for internships,” she shared.

Curiosity also brought Fuller to ��. A native of Indian Trail, N.C., she received mail from GWU when she was in high school and came to check it out. “I instantly felt welcomed and a sense of peace when I first toured the campus,” she described. “I really liked the idea of a small campus and small class sizes.”

Arriving at GWU, Fuller explored several options before settling on a major in marketing with a minor in economics and finance. “I decided on marketing, because I really enjoyed my general education business classes and the professors in the College of Business,” she said.

Fuller said her business professors gave her a solid foundation to build her career, and the mentorship of Micah Martin, director of the Center for Personal and Professional Development, helped her obtain her first job. “I worked for him in the Career Center during my senior year,” she noted. “During that time, I learned a lot about communication, hirable skills, and of course resumes.”

Beyond helping her prepare professionally, Fuller said �� influenced how she approaches her work. “��’s focus on faith helped me learn how to put faith into practice in the workplace,” she reflected. “Most people think that work and faith have to be separated, but that is not true. �� taught me to lead with my faith and let success follow.”

She is excited about her future with Metrolina Greenhouses. “They have given me many opportunities to learn about the horticulture industry and see everything from production to sales to photography to shipping and so much more,” Fuller shared. “I love learning new parts of the industry and hope to continue to learn more. There is so much more to plants than one would think.”

For students preparing for internships of their own, her message remains simple: ask questions, seek opportunities to learn, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

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�� Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading

Office of University Communications — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:47:48 +0000

Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at �� has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, “,” spotlights GWU’s College of Education for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for the most effective methods of reading instruction.

Scientifically based reading instruction emphasizes five core components identified through decades of research: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. To earn an A+, ��’s programs had to exceed those standards and avoid teaching any instructional practices not supported by research.

Dr. Prince Bull

“Excellence is the minimum standard in the College of Education,” stated Professor and Dean of the College of Education Dr. Prince Hycy Bull. “Because literacy is the foundation of every content area, we are committed to preparing educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to teach, inspire, and empower the next generation of citizens.”

A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), four in 10 fourth graders in North Carolina cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most powerful drivers of change, but only when it is aligned with research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.

�� is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future educators are trained to teach reading. The skills that Allie Rains, a 2024 GWU alumna, learned in the program continue to serve her as both a private reading tutor and a first-grade teacher at Evergreen Christian Academy in Greenville, N.C.

Allie Rains

“The literacy instruction at �� was excellent,” Rains reflected. “The detailed courses were extremely practical for the classroom. They included realistic student patterns and behaviors for me to learn from. The information obtained during my time at �� was crucial for my licensing as well as growing my passion for literacy. I gained an urgency for children and their reading journeys.”

Working alongside her school’s curriculum team, Rains used her knowledge of the Science of Reading to help identify a curriculum that aligns with the school’s educational model. Among the students she has tutored, Rains has seen significant progress using evidence-based reading instruction.

“The Science of Reading research is too important and accurate to keep to myself,” she noted. “I begin every tutoring session with an assessment tool I learned about while taking these courses at ��. I then use targeted resources that are Science of Reading-based to grow the students’ literacy skills. I have loved seeing firsthand the growth from child to child.”

NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at ��.

About NCTQ

The National Council on Teacher Quality is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher, and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. For more information about NCTQ, visit .

About �� �� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., �� prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at

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�� Alumna Shelby Putnam Combines History, Community and Storytelling at Carolina Theatre

Office of University Communications — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:59:55 +0000

The 2020 Graduate Credits GWU’s Liberal Arts Education, Faculty Mentorship and Leadership Experiences for Helping Shape Her Career

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On those rare occasions when �� 2020 alumna Shelby Putnam catches a show at the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C., she takes in the beautifully-preserved auditorium and knows she is in the right place. She is reminded why she left her own business to become the theatre’s director of marketing and public relations.

“The first time I walked into the auditorium, my jaw dropped, and I couldn’t believe that there was a building like this still here,” she reflected. “I felt like there’s only one time I could say yes, to being here … and if I don’t say yes to it now, then I’ll never get this opportunity again, to just be a part of this, and be a part of this place.”

Opened on Halloween night in 1927 as a silent-film palace, the Carolina Theatre has evolved alongside a century of entertainment, from screenings accompanied by the Robert Morton pipe organ to today’s concerts, films and live productions. Since joining the staff, Putnam has helped promote an eclectic mix of events, including opera, ballet, comedians, concerts and community programs.

Putnam’s journey to the Carolina Theatre began years earlier with a providential discovery. A native of Rock Hill, S.C., she was looking through family records and discovered a report card showing her grandfather had attended �� Junior College in 1942 and 1943.

“I immediately asked my dad, ‘Where is this? What is this? I thought granddad went to N.C. State,'” Putnam recalled. “And he was like, ‘Well, he also went to this school in the town that you named after,’ and never told me that until that moment.”

The discovery prompted her to apply, and she was accepted. When she visited the GWU campus, the connections continued to emerge. “I ran into one of the history professors who was also in seminary with my dad, and had probably two or three other small- town moments,” Putnam said. “I realized that there’s only so much that’s serendipitous, and sometimes it just is divine timing.”

While pursuing her degree in political science, Putnam immersed herself in leadership opportunities, internships and service projects. As student body president, she encountered a challenge that would steer her in a new professional direction. “When I was in student government, one of the things that we were struggling with was promotion of student events,” she explained.

Looking for solutions, she turned to ��’s marketing team. “The social media manager and I sat down and had coffee probably five plus times at least, just me asking her a thousand questions and picking her brain,” Putnam shared.

Taking what she learned from those conversations, Putnam began taking photos and creating content to promote student events and engage her fellow students. “I found out that I was pretty good at it, and I really enjoyed figuring out how to connect with people,” she said. “If I can use my skills to get people to connect with this student event or with this fundraising event or this free community event where they can meet new people, then I feel like I’ve done something.”

Shelby Putnam speaks during a �� new student
orientation in 2019.

After graduation, she put her photography and marketing skills to work with the Boys & Girls Club in Shelby. “It was really gratifying to know that I could use technical skills to help propel an organization into this next generation and get people to connect with them in a way that maybe they hadn’t before,” she shared.

Her work went beyond marketing. “If I’m going to spend my limited amount of time on this earth doing something, then what do I want it to be for?” she reflected. “I don’t really care to get a bunch of jewels or gain a bunch of fame or money, but I do want whatever I do here and whatever I spend my time doing to have an impact.”

She credits her adaptability and problem-solving skills to her �� liberal arts education. Exposed to disciplines ranging from history and acting to business, psychology and rhetoric, she developed the ability to think broadly and communicate across fields. “If you’re looking at what type of degree will get you the most amount of skills, I would argue, it’s a liberal arts education,” she offered.

Putnam’s experience was also shaped by ��’s small-campus environment. She appreciated being part of a community where people knew one another beyond the classroom. She built meaningful relationships with faculty, including former Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Amato, whom she credits with broadening her perspective on learning and career possibilities.

“She’s just an incredible mentor and person,” Putnam said. “As a professor, she inspired me to think about learning in more than one way.” Rather than limiting political science to government or politics, Amato encouraged students to examine issues through historical, sociological and economic lenses and emphasized that there was more than one career path for graduates.

As she pursued her degree and various interests, Putnam discovered that her greatest satisfaction came from connecting people with places, experiences and causes that mattered. Her passion for history and service began long before her professional career. A longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she grew up volunteering and gaining an appreciation for the individuals and institutions that strengthen ties between generations.

Those passions ultimately drew her to the Carolina Theatre in January 2026. Putnam believes theaters have long served as gathering places that bring together people of different generations and backgrounds. “There’s very few places physically that you can see an older couple enjoying something at the same time as a younger couple in the same building, same space,” she observed. The theater, she added, has traditionally been “a place where everyone was welcome.” She sees that every day at the Carolina Theatre as audiences arrive with different stories, backgrounds and reasons for attending, yet share the same experience once the lights go down.

“There’s this moment of awe,” Putnam described. “There’s a realization in that moment that, wow, people have performances and stories and weddings right here. And there’s years and years of history that you can feel, I think, the moment that you walk into the auditorium.”

As the Carolina Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, Putnam embraces the opportunity to combine the passions that have shaped her journey—history, community engagement and storytelling. “My role here is to be a steward of this building,” she said. “The goal, too, in my eyes, is making sure that this building is here past me.”

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Family Establishes Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at ��

Office of University Communications — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:44:06 +0000

Endowment Honors Cleveland County Couple’s Longtime Love of Music, Education, and Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Music was woven into everyday life in the home of Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss of Cleveland County, N.C. The family listened to a wide variety and sometimes sang along. To honor their parents’ love for music, support for education and service to the community, the couple’s children—Mark Cabaniss, Garry Cabaniss, and Michele Cabaniss Peraldo—recently endowed the Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at ��.

Reflecting on the family’s decision, Michele said, “Our family is deeply honored to support the music department at �� through this endowment in memory of our parents. Music was a meaningful part of their lives, and we hope this gift will encourage and inspire students for generations to come while honoring the values they cherished.”

While considering the various ways they could memorialize their parents, “a scholarship seemed like the perfect choice,” noted Mark, an award-winning music composer and publisher. “Since our parents spent the better part of their lives in Cleveland County and were supporters of ��—and my brother is a �� graduate—establishing the scholarship at �� was a natural and fitting way to celebrate their legacy.”

Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss

During a recent visit to campus, Mark was impressed by what he saw in the Department of Music. “�� understands that music education is about much more than teaching notes and rhythms,” he stated. “�� combines academic excellence with a strong sense of purpose and faith. It is a place where students are encouraged to develop their talents while also growing as people of character. Music educators have an extraordinary opportunity to shape young lives through the transforming power of music, and �� is preparing students to do exactly that. Investing in future music educators creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond any single classroom.”

Mark’s passion for music was inspired and nurtured by his parents. “My father sang in the Shelby (N.C.) First Baptist Church choir for about 50 years; he grew up at Zion Baptist Church in greater Shelby and at the age of 5, sang his first solo in that church standing on a pew,” he shared. “My mother sang around the house and had a beautiful voice and did a stint of taking piano lessons as an adult.”

Mark said his mother often recalled telling a friend, respected Shelby piano teacher Jean Mauney, that she hoped her child would one day study music. When he was 8 years old, his mother asked if he would like to take piano lessons.

“That simple conversation changed the course of my life,” Mark said. “I fell in love with the process of making music and naturally gravitated toward chorus, band, and drama classes and ensembles throughout junior high and high school. Eventually, that passion led me to earn a degree in music education with a concentration in trumpet.”

The encouragement provided by his parents and Cleveland County teachers helped launch him into a career that has influenced musicians and music educators around the world. Mark serves as president and CEO of Jubilate Music Group and has enjoyed success as an ASCAP composer and arranger. He is also an accomplished author, broadcaster, and educator. His published works have been performed nationally and abroad, and his concert musical “Triumph of Faith” (co-written with Mark Blankenship) received its world premiere at Carnegie Hall. A multiple recipient of ASCAP’s Popular Music Award, Mark is also a Dove Award- and Angel Award-winning producer.

“My parents believed deeply in the value of education, as does the larger Cabaniss (and Evelyn Woodall) family,” Mark said. “Our parents encouraged us to pursue higher education and supported us every step of the way, financially and otherwise. Looking back, I realize how much of my professional journey—from teaching to publishing to writing books—rests on the foundation they helped create. They encouraged discipline, curiosity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.”

Whether through professional leadership, church involvement, volunteer service, or caring for their family, Robert and Evelyn invested in friends, neighbors, church members, and countless others throughout the community. Their legacy was not defined by a single accomplishment, but by decades of faithful service.

“My father, Robert G. Cabaniss, was a respected business executive and civic leader who was deeply involved in the Lions Club, earning the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor,” Mark noted. “My mother, Evelyn Cabaniss, devoted more than forty years to caring for children in the First Baptist Shelby nursery in addition to being involved in other volunteer service activities. She quietly touched countless lives through her kindness, patience, and faithful service.”

The scholarship will support aspiring music educators who will, in turn, influence future generations through their own classrooms and communities. For the Cabaniss children, the opportunity to extend their parents’ influence far into the future is the greatest value of the gift.

“That may be the most meaningful aspect of all,” he said. “A scholarship like this becomes a living memorial. Long after my siblings and I are gone, students will continue benefiting from the values my parents embodied. The scholarship doesn’t merely remember Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss; it extends their influence into the future. That thought brings me tremendous joy and peace.”

View the Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship on

Learn more information about the scholarship and the GWU Department of Music.

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Former Runnin’ Bulldog Mason Miller Earns Second MLB All-Star Selection

Office of University Communications — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:51:20 +0000

San Diego Padres Closer Continues Remarkable Rise from �� to Baseball’s Brightest Stage

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Former �� standout and 2021 alumnus Mason Miller has been selected to the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, earning the second All-Star selection of his outstanding professional career. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on FOX.

Now playing for the San Diego Padres, Miller has been one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant relief pitchers during the first half of the 2026 season. Entering the All-Star break, the hard-throwing right-hander owns a 2-1 record with 22 saves, a 0.98 ERA, 67 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched, and a 0.82 WHIP, cementing himself as one of the premier closers in baseball.

Miller’s selection comes after another remarkable season highlighted by his overpowering fastball, elite strikeout ability and consistency in high-leverage situations. His performance has helped anchor the Padres’ bullpen while earning recognition among the National League’s best pitchers.

Since beginning his professional career, Miller has emerged as one of the game’s elite relievers. His second All-Star selection is a testament to the work ethic, perseverance and determination that have defined his journey from �� to Major League Baseball.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game annually showcases the sport’s top players and serves as one of baseball’s premier events. Miller’s selection adds another chapter to one of the greatest professional success stories in �� baseball history and continues the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ tradition of producing talent capable of competing on baseball’s biggest stage.

Katelyn Williams: A Story of Faith, Purpose and God’s Intentionality

Office of University Communications — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:56:09 +0000

2015 �� Alumna Shares Journey of Grief and Trust in God’s Plan

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In the face of deep loss, Katelyn Shepherd Williams, a 2015 alumna of ��, has learned to trust God with her story. Her faith was tested in 2025 when her 24-year-old brother died from injuries sustained in a car accident.

“I was deeply grieved, but also just so angry,” reflected Williams, of Winston-Salem, N.C. “My parents were deeply grieved. It was just me and my brother; there’s no other siblings.”

Sharing her testimony during a GWU Dimensions program, Williams explained to the students how she wrestled with questions of faith and fairness. “I was like, ‘God, we’ve been faithful to you,’” she began. “‘You know, we’ve loved you. We’ve been devoted. We’ve served in the church all our lives. We’ve never had a moment where we ran from you and had a rebellious period that we had to come back that you’re teaching us this lesson. How could this happen?’”

As Williams kept searching, God began to reveal his goodness. “About a week after the accident, we got a message from a woman on Facebook,” she shared. “She said, ‘I live right outside of the crash site. I sat with him and stayed with him so that he wasn’t alone.’ She was a gift to our family, and God was intentional to let us know that piece of the story.”

Working through her grief, Williams realized God was moving in other ways. “My husband and I set intentions at the beginning of every year, goals for ourselves,” she explained. “One of those was to draw more people to the Lord. We didn’t know what that looked like specifically.”

Her brother pursued many different interests and had made friends through collecting Pokemon cards and sharing his enthusiasm for muscle cars. More than 400 people attended the funeral. “We met so many different people from so many walks of life that he was able to touch,” she observed. “I just have to believe that some of those people heard Jesus proclaimed for the first time and walked away with a deeper knowledge of him. I said, ‘God, I didn’t intend to make disciples like this. This was not my goal, but I can tell that you’re intentional.’”

The experience deepened and affirmed how Williams understands Scripture. She believes that the Bible is not a collection of isolated stories, but a single, intentional narrative revealing God’s faithfulness across every season. She described how God continually showed up for people in the Old Testament and then throughout the New Testament. He never left them. “God wastes nothing, no situation, no words,” she explained. “The more you read scripture, every word is so intentional. He didn’t put that there by accident. We waste words as humans, but God does not.”

Her faith journey began early, shaped by a strong Christian upbringing. That foundation deepened at a church summer camp, where journaling led her to seek a more personal understanding of God’s voice. After returning home, she continued growing through church and youth group involvement. She chose to attend ��, drawn by its welcoming community and Christ-centered mission.

Williams immersed herself fully in academics, spiritual life, and the GWU campus community. A religion class centered on spiritual disciplines proved transformative. A book assigned in the course, “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard J. Foster, stays on her nightstand. “It just radically changed how I looked at all the things I had been taught my entire life,” she noted. “What does it look like to fast? To meditate on God’s word?”

Her search for answers led to late nights spent in the Dover Chapel prayer room. “I remember praying really big prayers, asking some hard questions of God, and crying there knowing it was a safe place to do that,” Williams related.

Beyond spiritual and academic growth, she also met her husband, Rodney, at ��. The relationship began during their first week on campus. “We were both from Winston-Salem and came two hours away to meet at ��,” she observed.

After earning her master’s degree in counseling from UNC-Greensboro, Williams embraced what she describes as a “multi-passionate” calling that blended her many interests.

“I knew I loved words. I knew I loved kids. I knew I loved teaching,” she stated. “As a kid, I loved being that listening ear, the friend who gives you advice. I took the pieces of what I wanted, and all those things came together in being a school counselor, which was really beautiful and special to me.”

She helps students navigate anxiety, self-doubt, and identity. “I tell kids that sometimes we have to trick our brain because whatever we think the most, our brain believes,” Williams explained. “Words are powerful. Say those things that are positive, and at some point, your brain will believe them, and you’ll act accordingly.”

That same emphasis on words extends beyond counseling into her personal passions. Williams discovered a love for writing as a child, often creating stories as gifts for family members, though it took years to fully embrace her talent. Her children’s book, “What Can Brown Girls Do?”, was written in 2017 but remained tucked away until she rediscovered it years later and published in 2026.

The inspiration for the story came from a deeply personal place: seeing a Disney princess who reflected her identity. “I was so excited about it, because I had never seen a Disney princess that looked like me,” she said. “It made me kind of reflect on the other times in life that I wanted to do something, but I didn’t see someone that looked like me or that had my skill set or was my age that did it, and so maybe I wrote it off as it wasn’t for me.”

Today, the book is impacting children in unexpected ways. At one reading, a young girl with a disability shared how the story helped reshape her view of her own limitations. “It just makes me think that there is absolutely nothing that I can’t do,” the child said, affirming for Williams that the message extends far beyond its original intent.

Moments like that reinforce what she shared at Dimensions: God’s story is intentional, and every person has a place within it. Reflecting on her journey, Williams said, “Seeing the different pieces of my life over time—the jobs I’ve had, the interests I’ve had, the passions I’ve had—God is saying, ‘The way that I made you was intentional.’”

“What Can Brown Girls Do?” is available online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever your favorite books are sold.

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Building Something Different: �� Team Focuses on Relationships and Gospel Witness in Argentina

Office of University Communications — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:34:53 +0000

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—This trip was different,” shared Dr. Josh Parrott, �� vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service. “This was heavy gospel ministry—evangelism, prayer walking, and sharing testimonies.”

Focused on those priorities, a 10-member team spent a week in San Francisco, Argentina, partnering with SCORE International missionary Kelly Kemp. Rather than traditional service projects, the group built meaningful connections.

Parrott was joined by Stacy Simmons, associate minister to the University for Pastoral Care, four May graduates and four rising sophomores. The trip aligned with the Office of Christian Life and Service’s goal to reach five new countries by 2030. Parrott noted, “We looked at the map to see where �� has never been and said, ‘Let’s go take the gospel there and mobilize our students to fulfill the Great Commission.’ Argentina was first.”

Kemp has centered her ministry on evangelism and discipleship in Argentina since 2012. Working through her church and community contacts, she helped design a trip emphasizing personal outreach.

�� students visited children in the English Institutes, told them about �� and America, and gave them GWU stickers.

Students spent time in English Institutes, engaging children in conversation while sharing about life in North Carolina. They also connected with university students, discovering shared challenges and experiences across cultures. Additional outreach included attending the church’s soccer league, where team members shared their testimonies between games. They distributed invitations to church events to the people they encountered during the week.

This trip was a first for Morgan Lilly, a May graduate with a degree in English education. “I am so glad I was able to go on this trip,” she said. “I learned so much and, more importantly, got to serve others.” One of Lilly’s most meaningful experiences occurred in a local park, where Argentine culture encourages community gatherings. Lilly and teammate Aslin Turner, a rising sophomore, prayed with a teenage girl. “We met her while inviting people to a church event, and the conversation just grew from there,” Lilly informed.

�� team members participated in several
outreach opportunities in Argentina.

Parrott and �� graduate Isaiah LaNave also spent time with two addiction recovery ministries for men. LaNave shared his testimony. “Josh and I had the opportunity to meet and interact with a drug addiction recovery life group the church led, and it gave me a glimpse into what true biblical brotherhood ought to be,” LaNave reflected. “Every man there had a story of brokenness and despair, but also the hope they shared together as new creations in Christ.” He was moved by how the group cared for each other. “They loved each other with a love that can only come from having an encounter with the living God and being brought from death to life,” he described.

Preparation played a key role in the team’s outreach. Beginning five months before the trip, the team met regularly for training, learning to clearly share both their testimonies and the gospel message in just 15 seconds each. Once in Argentina, they continued refining those conversations in real time. Students learned to present their stories in three parts: life before faith, how they encountered Jesus, and life afterward.

Isaiah LaNave shares his testimony.

As the team spent time meeting and talking to people throughout the city, LaNave said he was intimidated at first. However, his fears began to fade as he relied on God and what he had learned during pre-trip training. “When you initiate with vulnerability, people are surprisingly open to share their story,” LaNave explained. “In our case, many of them showed true interest in the hope in Christ we were able to share with them.”

One conversation he had in a park lasted 30 minutes as he talked with someone his own age about purpose and faith. The person shared openly about his beliefs, and LaNave talked about his hope in Christ. “I think if nothing else that experience made the trip worth it to me,” LaNave said, noting that he exchanged phone numbers with the person and plans to keep in touch.

Parrott said moments like those were among the most encouraging parts of the trip. “The fun part of this for me, and I think for Stacy, was to watch our students, who had never done this kind of cold call evangelism before … to see them in their uneasiness go forward, encourage, and remember that God is with us, and he’s a shield, he’s a helper,” Parrott affirmed. “This is the greatest news in the history of the world. Let’s go tell them.”

Beyond structured outreach, the team experienced Argentina’s strong sense of community. Chloe French, a nursing student from Paradise, Mont., said one of her favorite memories came after a young adult church event, when the group gathered in a local home. “We visited around the crowded table sharing our testimonies and varying life experiences, drinking the Argentine traditional drink, mate, recounting the events of the day, and just enjoying each other’s company until the early hours of the morning,” French described. “This is how the Argentines prefer to fellowship, and it was a joy to take part in.”

The �� team talked to university students about life in America, left, and also enjoyed fellowshipping with people in Argentina.

French remarked on the openness of the people they encountered, which made conversations about faith feel natural. “I went into it with more curiosity than expectations and trusted that God would give me the words to speak,” French acknowledged. “Ultimately, I am just a tool in His hand and what I say can plant seeds in others’ lives that I may never know.”

�� students participated in the
church service.

The experience is already influencing future mission efforts, with training models from Argentina being applied to upcoming teams serving both locally and internationally. LaNave encourages other students to get involved, even if they feel unprepared. “My advice to anyone considering going on a mission trip with �� would be to make the time and God will make a way,” he asserted. “If you’re worried about being under-qualified that’s exactly how I felt.”

LaNave has been on six mission trips with �� teams. Through each one, he learned that commitment matters more than experience. “The more you’re willing to give of your time and talent the more God will show you that it’s much less of your own ability and much more of His ability to work through a willing heart,” LaNave said.

Though the goal is always to serve others, LaNave said the impact often comes full circle. “With every trip I went on,” he shared, “I hoped to be a blessing to other people, and every single time I felt more blessed by those I came to help.

Argentina Team Members

Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service
Stacy Simmons, Associate Minister to the University for Pastoral Care
Chloe French (Spring ’26 Grad)
Sarah McLean (December ’25 Grad)
Isaiah LaNave (Spring ’26 Grad
Morgan Lilly (Spring ’26 Grad)
Peyton Youngblood (rising Sophomore)
Aslin Turner (rising Sophomore)
Jalyn Safley (rising Sophomore)
Jessica Stogner (rising Sophomore)

Join the Mission

The Office of Christian Life and Service is currently planning domestic and international trips for 2026-2027. Partner with them in prayer as they consider trip locations and as they pray about the Gospel and Great Commission efforts of the missionaries in those locations. Additionally, supporters can contribute toward the cost of the trips. Any financial contribution directly relieves the cost for students desiring to “go and make disciples.” Make a donation . If you have questions or would like to contribute, please contact Alexandra Poole at (704) 406-4277 or stop by the office in the Tucker Student Center (Suite 231).

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�� Doctor of Business Administration Advances Alumna from Doctoral Study to Faculty Career

Office of University Communications — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:33:34 +0000

Dr. Stephanie Austin-Campbell Accepts Teaching Role and Presents Research at International Conference

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Within six months of completing the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at ��, Dr. Stephanie Austin-Campbell accepted a full-time faculty position at Georgia College and State University in Athens, Ga. Less than a year into her new role, she was invited to present her dissertation, “Risky Business: Executive Compensation Attributes and Enterprise Risk Management,” at the Academy of Business Research (ABR). The conference brings together scholars and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas and collaborate.

She was honored, enthusiastic and humbled to participate and represent Georgia College and her alma mater at the ABR conference. Beyond presenting her research, the conference allowed her to connect with scholars who share similar interests, fostering the potential for future collaborative initiatives.

Her research examines executive compensation, particularly for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). It explores how these incentives influence the management of firm-wide risk in the banking industry. “This area of research is especially significant because the banking sector represents one of the most volatile yet essential industries in the global economy,” Austin-Campbell noted. “Senior executives must maintain a strong awareness of organizational and market conditions to ensure that risks are managed effectively and responsibly. Failure to do so can contribute to severe economic consequences, such as the global financial crisis most notably experienced in 2008.”

Austin-Campbell said one of the most valuable aspects of her experience was receiving feedback from scholars around the world. She also attended sessions aligned with her academic and professional interests, gaining insight into a variety of teaching approaches.

“Through these sessions, I had the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds and learn more about their instructional approaches and teaching styles,” Austin-Campbell said. “These interactions broadened my perspective on effective pedagogical strategies and reinforced the value of collaborative learning within the global academic community.”

While her research continues to evolve, Austin-Campbell now applies these insights in the classroom. At Georgia College, she teaches Principles of Management and Freshman Seminar courses, and during the summer, she also teaches at Athens Technical College.

Before enrolling in the DBA program at ��, Austin-Campbell had served in higher education administrative and teaching roles for nearly three decades. When the timing was right to take the next step in her career, she started exploring doctoral programs to strengthen both her academic credentials and professional opportunities. Her search led to ��.

“Although I live near a major flagship university, I was seeking a doctoral program that would provide a high-quality education while also allowing me to complete the degree within a structured and defined timeframe,” she explained. “I ultimately selected �� because it aligned well with my academic and professional goals.”

��’s DBA program is 60 credit hours with concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Students who maintain full-time status can complete the program in nine consecutive semesters. The curriculum emphasizes both technical expertise and leadership, preparing graduates to become effective educators, innovative thinkers and ethical decision-makers.

A defining feature of the program is its emphasis on personalized learning and individualized support, said Dr. Christine Sutton, associate dean, associate professor of business administration and the program’s director. “The professors in ��’s DBA program work diligently to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce quality scholarly research,” Sutton stated.

Austin-Campbell affirmed that faculty mentorship was a key component of her success. “Every faculty member with whom I interacted played a pivotal role in that process,” she observed. “I could not have accomplished this milestone without their unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement.”

Austin-Campbell described the program as both “rigorous and rewarding, requiring students to effectively balance academic responsibilities with personal and professional obligations.” She encouraged current and prospective students to fully engage with faculty and peers. “The support, mentorship, and collaborative learning environment are instrumental to both academic success and professional growth,” she stated.

Sutton commended Austin-Campbell for maximizing the benefits of the program in pursuit of her goals. “Dr. Austin-Campbell worked tirelessly while she was a student in the DBA program,” she asserted. “We are proud of her many accomplishments since earning her doctoral degree from �� in December of 2024.”

Dr. Stephanie Austin-Campbell

While completing the degree equipped Austin-Campbell with credentials to advance her career, she also strengthened her professional confidence. “I have long aspired to become a tenured professor and, potentially, transition into a higher-level administrative role in the future,” she reflected. “Roles that had once seemed beyond my reach now appear attainable.”

Drawing on her experience as both a student and a teacher, Austin-Campbell brings a heightened sense of empathy to the classroom. She understands firsthand the challenges students face as they balance academic expectations with personal and professional responsibilities.

“I remain committed to sharing knowledge with students who are navigating their own academic journeys in order to help them achieve their highest level of success,” she said. “One of the most important lessons emphasized throughout my doctoral studies was the importance of proper academic and scholarly writing, which serves as a foundational element of higher education and research.”

Looking ahead, Austin-Campbell remains focused on continued growth. She plans to collaborate with colleagues to expand her dissertation research and publish in scholarly journals while refining her effectiveness in the classroom.

“Over the next three to four years, I plan to systematically compile and document scholarly contributions for inclusion in my tenure and promotion portfolio, with the objective of being fully prepared to apply for tenure and promotion by my fifth year,” she emphasized. “My goal is to contribute both to the advancement of knowledge within the discipline and to the development and success of future students through high-quality teaching and mentorship.”

Become more in your career with ��’s DBA program.

Take the next step by contacting Blake Elizalde at welizalde@gardner-webb.edu or Dr. Christine Sutton at ccsutton@gardner-webb.edu.

Apply by July 31 for fall admission.

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�� Alumnus Appointed to State Public Health Commission

Office of University Communications — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:41:06 +0000

Pharmacist Nathan Roberts’ Experience in Rural Healthcare Access Positioned Him for Service on 13-Member Board

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Since graduating from Gardner‑Webb University 12 years ago, pharmacist Nathan Roberts has expanded his skill set, taken on increasing responsibility, and demonstrated a clear capacity for leadership. His impact drew the attention of his company, CVS Health, and the notice of N.C. Governor Josh Stein, who tapped Roberts to serve on the state’s 13-member Commission for Public Health.

The Commission is authorized and directed by the N.C. General Assembly to adopt rules to protect and promote the health of the public. Four of its members are elected by the North Carolina Medical Society and nine are appointed by the governor. Members include representatives from medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, and engineering.

Nathan Roberts

Roberts doesn’t know for sure, but he suspects his employer recommended him for the Commission. He noted that one of the most pressing challenges facing the N.C. Department of Public Health is providing access to care for residents in rural North Carolina.

As a district manager over the past three years, Roberts has overseen 60 different stores, in both metropolitan and rural areas. He visits stores, troubleshoots, pores over customer-service, efficiency and compliance data, and generally makes sure that the stores are running well and that employees are engaged and happy.

In September 2024, Roberts served pharmacies in Boone, Spruce Pine and West Jefferson, towns that were devasted by Hurricane Helene. “I don’t know this for a fact, but I think I got nominated from that perspective,” he reflected. “I saw firsthand how lack of patient access can lead to really difficult situations. We had stores that didn’t have power for days. Just seeing how that impacted the community and how much the community needed us opened my eyes to how much the profession of pharmacy is needed and how we have to maintain access throughout all the challenges we might face.”

Roberts entered the pharmacy profession to fulfill a calling he’s had from an early age. “I knew I wanted a career centered on helping and caring for others, even though I wasn’t initially sure what path to take,” he related. “I was first introduced to pharmacy by my brother-in-law, Dustin Hayes, who is a pharmacist. He encouraged me to explore the profession and suggested I start by gaining hands-on experience while I was a student at Gardner‑Webb.”

During his junior year, he obtained his first job as a pharmacy technician at a community pharmacy. “Through that experience, I discovered how much I valued patient interaction and the meaningful relationships pharmacists build with their patients,” he acknowledged. “I saw firsthand the impact pharmacists make every day through counseling, education, and accessibility. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals, and witnessing that role in action solidified my decision. Pharmacy allowed me to combine my passion for patient care with the opportunity to make a direct and lasting difference in people’s lives.”

His decision to come to �� was influenced by family—his grandfather and parents are alumni, and his older sister, GWU Instructor of Nursing Tara Hayes, was a student at the time. His father, Chris Roberts, also taught one year at ��.

Ultimately, the choice was his to make and shaped by his own experiences on the close-knit campus. “I knew that I was going to get the attention from my professors that I needed to be successful,” Roberts shared.

That level of personal attention stands out to him even more now as he listens to pharmacy students who work for CVS Health talk about their difficulty with organic chemistry. “I’m not saying organic chemistry was easy for me, but what made organic chemistry fun and not as challenging was the relationship that I had with Dr. (Benjamin) Brooks,” Roberts asserted. “He wanted us to be successful, and his one-on-one time helped.”

Roberts became a chemistry lab assistant and this experience gave him more hands-on opportunities to learn the subject. “When I figured out that I actually did a pretty good job at organic chemistry, it motivated me,” he noted. “Brooks definitely pushes his students to do well, and it helped me want to go into a science direction with my career.”

While he could have left �� after two years to enter pharmacy school, Roberts said the decision to stay for all four years made a lasting difference. He noted that his third and fourth years proved especially formative, helping him develop structure, discipline, and strong relationship‑building skills.

Those same habits now guide how he prepares for meetings, connects with his teams, and leads across multiple locations as a pharmacy district leader. “I have to study for my job before I walk into a store,” Roberts said. “I have to be prepared and know what I’m talking about.”

Likewise, as a member of the Commission, Roberts studies the topics they will discuss and vote on before each meeting. The board meets once every quarter, plus any special sessions necessary to tackle timely topics.

After graduating in 2014 from �� with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, Roberts received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2018 from Wingate University and also went to work as a CVS Health pharmacist in Charlotte. Within a year, he moved into pharmacy management. “As I started to do that job, I realized that I actually loved leading people,” Roberts stated. “I enjoyed setting a goal and aligning my team to achieve the goal. Essentially, like any leadership job, is you’re building a culture within your team.”

Noticing Roberts’ success, his supervisor asked him if he would be interested in taking on a larger role. Roberts, ready to apply what he had learned across a broader market, responded, “I would love to try to extend my culture to 22 stores.” He attended leadership courses, received his first assignment covering a market, and enjoyed the new challenge. “I love the team aspect—finding out what motivates people— and how to help them do their job well.”

CVS Health recently moved Roberts into a territory that includes the pharmacy in Boiling Springs located across the street from ��. When he looks over at the campus and thinks back to when he was a student, he’s reminded of how unlikely the moment once seemed. “I never knew I’d eventually oversee this one,” he remarked.

This article includes material adapted from a story written by Chuck Gordon, managing editor for Wingate University Marketing and Communications.

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Alumni Archives - ������

From ������ Student to Social Media Strategist: Stetson Patton Returns to Teach Next Generation

The 2006 Alumna and Founder of Socially Stetson will Lead a New Searight PACE Certificate Program in Freelance Social Media Marketing

One Question at a Time: ������ 2026 Alumna Turns Internship into Career

Curiosity and Initiative Helped Mollie Fuller Secure a Full-Time Position with Metrolina Greenhouses

������ Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading