Christian Life and Service Archives - ��

Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of ��

Office of University Communications — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 12:20:03 +0000

Record-Setting Commitment Names the Tucker College of Health Sciences, Strengthens Academic Programs and Expands the Tucker Scholarship Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The family of Robert and Carolyn Tucker and �� have announced a record-setting $11 million gift to name the Tucker College of Health Sciences and expand the Tucker Scholarship Program. The commitment, representing the largest single pledge in the University’s history, reflects a decades-long partnership rooted in faith, service and a shared belief in the power of Christian higher education and the future of ��.

Robert and Carolyn Tucker explain their dedication to
�� in 2010 when they announced the
donation to develop Tucker Student Center.

“This is an extraordinary blessing for ��. I am incredibly proud of the faculty, staff, and leaders who have worked so hard to build and strengthen our College of Health Sciences, and I am deeply grateful to the Tucker family for their belief in its future,” shared GWU President Nate Evans. “For decades, the Tuckers have believed in ��, our Christian mission, and our students. Their generosity has already changed thousands of lives, and this historic commitment will extend that impact for generations. We are profoundly grateful for their friendship, their trust, and their remarkable investment in ��, and I look forward to seeing all that will be accomplished through their generosity.”

The transformational gift will advance the Tucker College of Health Sciences’ academic programs and faculty support, enhance opportunities for student learning and help prepare skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. Beginning in Fall 2027, it will increase the number of Tucker Scholars awarded annually to two, ultimately supporting eight Tucker Scholars concurrently.

“It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this generous gift,” affirmed Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters. “I am deeply grateful to the Tucker family. Their generosity honors the foundation laid by those who came before us, creates opportunities today, and offers hope for the future. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this investment in our mission. My prayer is that every student educated through the Tucker College of Health Sciences will use their God-given talents to serve others with excellence and compassion, reflecting Christ’s love as they provide care across our region, throughout our nation, and around the world.”

Robert Tucker talks to the �� community about the development of the Tucker Student Center.

For the Tucker family, investing in �� has always been personal. Their relationship with the University began when daughter Lisa Tucker enrolled as a student-athlete in the 1980s.

“This gift is given trusting in God and �� to continue to provide a haven where young adults may increase their faith while gaining a higher education,” Carolyn Tucker stated. “As we look back on our lives, it is usually family, mentors, and educators who have had the greatest influence. I pray that God will continue to be the guiding force at ��.”

Carolyn and Lisa Tucker pose with the first Tucker
Scholar, Leah Carpenter, at her graduation in 2024.

A 1989 graduate and former volleyball player, Lisa Tucker has often credited the University with helping shape the course of her life and career. Her experiences as a student, along with the mentorship she received from former Vice President for Student Development Dr. Dee Hunt, inspired a lifelong connection to the institution and its mission. Today, she serves on the �� Board of Trustees, continuing a relationship that spans nearly four decades.

The life-changing impact �� had on Lisa Tucker inspired a broader commitment from her family. Seeing firsthand how the University shaped their daughter’s life, Robert and Carolyn Tucker became passionate about helping provide the same life-changing educational experience for future generations of students.

As business leaders, the couple understood the value of investing in opportunities with the potential to change lives. In 1960, they founded Shoe Show as a single store in Kannapolis, N.C. Guided by entrepreneurship and their faith, they built the company into one of the nation’s largest family-owned footwear retailers with more than 1,000 stores in 47 states. Throughout the company’s success, Robert and Carolyn Tucker remained committed to using their resources to create opportunities for others, strengthen communities and support educational initiatives that transform lives.

In recognition of their extraordinary business leadership, philanthropy and longstanding support of ��, Robert and Carolyn Tucker were awarded honorary doctorates by the University in 2013. The honor recognized both their accomplishments as entrepreneurs and their longstanding commitment to servant leadership, Christian values and educational opportunity.

Replicas of this plaque, which Carolyn and
Robert Tucker have placed at their business
on Tucker Student Center and have given
to all of their family, were placed at the entrance
to every building on the GWU Campus in 2019.

The family’s support has left a lasting mark on the �� campus. In 2010, the Tuckers made what was then the largest gift in University history to begin construction of the Tucker Student Center, now the hub of student life on campus. Two years later, Robert Tucker surprised the University community by announcing an additional $500,000 contribution during the facility’s dedication ceremony.

Faith has long been the foundation of the Tucker family’s generosity. Robert and Carolyn Tucker centered their lives around Mark 12:29-31, a passage Carolyn Tucker describes as the family’s life verse and a guiding principle behind the family’s commitment to serving others.

The verses read: “Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’” (New King James Version)

The family’s faith is reflected in one of the University’s most distinctive scholarship programs, an eight-semester award that covers full tuition, room, and board. Established in 2019, through a $4 million endowment, the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship draws its name from the scripture.

The influence of those values can also be seen across the �� campus. Also in 2019, the University placed plaques bearing Mark 12:29-31 at the main entrances of every campus building. The passage was selected because of the example set by Robert and Carolyn Tucker, who requested a similar plaque for the entrance of the Tucker Student Center and have given the same plaques to their children and grandchildren to display at their homes.

In 2019, the Tucker family established the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship through a $4 million endowment.

“The Tucker family’s generosity is woven into the life of �� and has helped shape this University for decades,” said Jeff Cogburn, vice president for Advancement. “The Tucker College of Health Sciences brings new energy and lasting investment to an already incredible College, and its impact will reach across the University. We are grateful for the trust they continue to place in ��, and we will steward it well for the students and families who will benefit for generations to come.”

Robert and Carolyn Tucker were awarded honorary
doctorates by the University in 2013.

The $11 million pledge, to be fulfilled over five years, represents the latest chapter in a tradition of philanthropy that has helped to shape the �� experience for thousands of students. Tucker College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Tracy Arnold said the gift will elevate the college’s ability to prepare future healthcare professionals while advancing its mission.

“In the Tucker College of Health Sciences, our commitment is to be Christ-centered, student-focused, and purpose-driven,” Arnold stated. “We are honored to be stewards of this generous gift, which will strengthen the education of our students through enhanced resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and experiences designed to meet the evolving health needs of our communities. It will also provide our faculty and staff with opportunities to advance teaching, mentorship, and innovation, further enriching the educational experience of our students. This gift is not only an investment in our students, faculty, and staff—it is an investment in the health and well-being of the communities our graduates will serve.”

Although Robert Tucker passed away in 2023, his legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his family and the lives impacted by his generosity. From the founding of Shoe Show to decades of support for ��, the Tuckers have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to faith, service and educational opportunity. Through this record-setting gift, the Tucker family is carrying that vision forward while helping equip future generations of �� students to lead, serve and transform their communities.

�� 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 .

The post Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of �� appeared first on ��.

Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry

Office of University Communications — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:46:56 +0000

Christian Studies Major Uses Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Roles and Service Experiences to Prepare for Ministry

By Victoria Edwards, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As a teenager, Ignite Scholar Jackson Hartley made one of the most important decisions of his life: following Jesus. “God saved my life when I was in high school,” noted Hartley. Since then, Hartley has devoted himself to ministry. “I would love to be in a role where I can minister to teenagers, because I want to pay forward the work that was done in my life.”

Jackson Hartley helps lead a men’s
Bible study group.

A Christian studies major, Hartley is from Winston-Salem, N.C., and first heard about �� from friends and family. After touring the campus, he was drawn to the close-knit and Christ-centered community. “I immediately enjoyed the campus atmosphere, outdoors, and the emphasis on belief in God,” Hartley explained. “The campus just fit me. It fit my life, and I knew the visions I had for my college experience had begun to be fulfilled.”

He believes his degree is equipping him to serve in a variety of settings. “No matter if I’m a youth pastor or a professor, if I become a chaplain in the military, or even if I explore a different field, I can use ministry in every area,” Hartley noted.

Knowing �� was where he felt called to continue growing in his faith and preparing for ministry, Hartley was grateful when the Ignite Scholarship opened the door for him to attend. “Being an Ignite Scholar means that I’ve been chosen for a great honor,” Hartley shared. “It makes me want to represent �� well, since I’ve been entrusted with such a great opportunity.”

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship, ��’s most competitive academic award, recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and service. Awarded to a select group of students each year, the scholarship provides full tuition for up to eight semesters, while encouraging recipients to continue growing as leaders and servants.

Jackson Hartley, second from right, helped
new students move in at the beginning of the
semester.

During his time on campus, Hartley has had the privilege to learn from many respected academic leaders. He credits Dr. Paula Qualls for her outstanding teaching methods, saying that she has been a profound influence both in his personal life and academic journey. “She clearly has so much passion for her subject…and explains Old Testament theology in such a simple way,” he described.

Hartley noted how her teaching style is interactive, which enhances the learning process for students even more. “I loved it when she brought items from Israel and Jerusalem to class…because I got to see what I’ve been learning about and researching right in front of me,” he said.

Hartley actively participates in multiple organizations at �� and is well known for his commitment to service. He is a men’s Bible study leader with Campus Ministries United and is involved with ��’s FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians United in Service) ministry, which hosts faith-filled retreats for youth throughout the region. He also serves in productions and media for several on-campus events, as well as being the vice president of the Religious Studies Association.

Additionally, Hartley is a Peer Leader, mentoring first-year students, and a Student Recruitment Ambassador, working to represent �� to prospective students and their families. This role gives him the ability to share his love for ��’s Christ-centered community. He emphasizes that �� is a place for everyone: “I believe a non-believer can come to this campus and leave with a new purpose in life, and a believer can come here and have their faith sharpened like iron.”

Students like Hartley are able to pursue their calling through the support of �� scholarships.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities.

Victoria Edwards, of Salisbury, N.C., is a junior majoring in both English and Psychology.

The post Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry appeared first on ��.

��, Boiling Springs, and the Ruby YMCA Team Up for Octoberfest Fun

Office of University Communications — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:38:07 +0000

Campus Tradition Returns with Games, Activities, Candy and Prizes

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Families from across the community are invited to celebrate the fall season at �� during the annual Octoberfest on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more than 20 years, Octoberfest has welcomed generations of families to campus for an evening of fun, fellowship and community connection.

The campus tradition will transform the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) into a festive gathering place filled with inflatables, games and activities hosted by �� student clubs, organizations and athletics teams. The University will also serve pizza during the event, while children can enjoy collecting treats at an outdoor Trunk-or-Treat featuring festively decorated vehicles.

Over the years, Octoberfest has expanded into a collaborative community celebration co-hosted by the University, the Town of Boiling Springs and the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA.

“Octoberfest is a wonderful event for us here at ��!” said Jaquan Lynch, associate minister of athletic ministries. “We bring our community together one game, one sweet treat, and one joyful moment at a time. Octoberfest is a time to celebrate connection, fun, and community. Our students have the opportunity to serve and create a fun experience for local youth, while families can come together and enjoy a memorable evening filled with games, candy, laughter, and fellowship.

In addition to activities inside LYCC, the Town of Boiling Springs Police Department will bring a patrol car for children and families to explore. Officer Anthony Fields said participation goes beyond monitoring event safety. “It’s about active relationship building,” he explained. “We treasure opportunities like this where we can step out of an enforcement role and connect with our residents, GWU students, and local families in a completely relaxed, celebratory environment. Bringing our patrol vehicle to the event gives children a hands-on, positive experience with law enforcement early on. Public safety relies heavily on mutual trust, and participating in this long-standing town tradition helps ensure that our community knows our officers are approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in the neighborhood we all share.”

The Ruby C. Hunt YMCA will once again offer its popular “Spooky Bus,” a family-friendly mini haunted house featuring festive lights, laughter and plenty of Halloween fun without the scares.

“The YMCA loves partnering with the Town of Boiling Springs and �� for OctoberFest because it gives us the opportunity to come together and create a fun, safe, and welcoming experience for kids and families in our community,” said Amber Wray, family programs director and media specialist for the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA. “It’s a great reflection of what we strive for at the Y: Faith, Belonging, and Excellence. Through partnerships like this, we build connections, make everyone feel like they belong, and work together to create an event that our community can enjoy and look forward to each year. We’re excited to bring our Trunk-or-Treat and Spooky Bus and be part of this special tradition!”

With free activities, candy, games, community partners and opportunities for children to interact with local first responders, Octoberfest offers an evening of family-friendly fun and fellowship for all ages.

The event is free and open to the public.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

The post ��, Boiling Springs, and the Ruby YMCA Team Up for Octoberfest Fun appeared first on ��.

�� to Celebrate Grand Opening of Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Oct. 2

Office of University Communications — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:43:33 +0000

Campus Community Invited to Bring Donations and Help Stock Shelves for Students in Need

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— A jar of peanut butter. A box of pasta. A bottle of laundry detergent. Each may seem like a small contribution, but together they can make a meaningful difference for a �� student facing hardship.

Beginning Oct. 2, those items and others like them will help stock the shelves of the new Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, a resource designed to ensure students have access to basic necessities while pursuing their degrees.

The University will celebrate the grand opening of the pantry on Friday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. in Tucker Student Center Room 302. As part of the event, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters are encouraged to “Bring a Little Bulldog Care” by donating items to the pantry.

“Consider bringing a nonperishable food item, personal-care product, laundry detergent, or other essential item for our students,” suggested Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection. “Together, we can fill the shelves and show our students just how much their �� family cares.”

Raduly said the pantry concept began a few years ago with several staff members who responded to students struggling to meet basic needs, including having enough food. “What started as a small collection of items in an office grew into a larger effort as more people on campus wanted to help,” she explained. “The goal was simple: make sure no student had to choose between buying food and continuing their education.”

Bulldog Cares was formally established in the fall of 2022 as a joint initiative led by Student Development, Student Success, and Christian Life and Service. The program supports �� students by providing emergency financial assistance intended to help prevent students from leaving the University due to unexpected financial hardships. It expanded the University’s ability to help students not only with food insecurity but also with other emergency needs that could interfere with completing their education such as emergency dental procedures or the need for prescription medications.

“Bulldog Cares is a reflection of who we are as a �� community: a family that cares for one another, supports our students when they need us most, and believes that no Bulldog should have to face a difficult season alone,” Raduly shared.

Like colleges and universities across the country, �� has seen demand for assistance increase as the costs of groceries, housing, transportation, and other necessities continue to rise.

“Many students experience financial hardships caused by rising grocery prices, unexpected medical bills, loss of employment, family emergencies, and transportation expenses,” Raduly stated. “Some students simply need extra help to lessen the burden of having to choose hardship over their education.”

Raduly hopes students who may be struggling will not hesitate to seek assistance. “Everyone needs help sometimes, and asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said. “There may be times in all of our lives when circumstances change unexpectedly and we need someone to come alongside us. There is absolutely no shame in that.”

She emphasized that the pantry was created to support students through difficult seasons without judgment. “If you are a student who is hesitant to visit the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, I would want you to know that you do not have to struggle alone,” Raduly said. “You do not have to explain or apologize for needing help. The pantry was created because we understand that food insecurity and financial challenges can affect anyone, including hardworking students who are doing everything they can to stay in school and reach their goals.”

The Bulldog Cares Fund and Food Pantry are supported by donations from faculty, staff, students, alumni, churches, local businesses, and community partners. Contributions from organizations such as Food Lion Feeds, the Physician Assistant Program, �� Baseball, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and numerous campus groups help ensure students have access to essential resources throughout the year.

“This collective support from our �� family and community partners has made it possible for the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry to continue serving students throughout the year,” Raduly said. “We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped make this resource possible and for their continued commitment to caring for our students.”

Looking ahead, Raduly hopes the pantry will continue to grow through partnerships, donations, and increased awareness.

“The goal is to continue expanding resources so that every �� student who is experiencing food insecurity knows that help is available and feels comfortable reaching out for support,” she said. “We want Bulldog Cares to be more than a pantry—we want it to be a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and reminded that they are part of a community that cares about their well-being and success.”

How Can Students Access the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry?

Currently enrolled �� students can visit the pantry in the Tucker Student Center Room 302 during operating hours:

Monday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Students unable to visit during those hours can email to request an after-hours appointment or special accommodation. The process is designed to be welcoming, confidential, and respectful so students can receive assistance without unnecessary barriers.

How Can I Support Bulldog Cares?

Community members can support Bulldog Cares by donating nonperishable food items, personal-care products, laundry supplies, school supplies, and other essential items. Find the complete list here. Financial contributions are also welcome. For more information, visit the Bulldog Cares website.

The post �� to Celebrate Grand Opening of Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Oct. 2 appeared first on ��.

�� Students Support Community Health Through Partnership with Washington Outreach Ministry

Office of University Communications — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:39:42 +0000

Health Sciences Students Assist �� Alumna the Rev. Frances Webber with Diabetes Education Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the last six years, students from ��’s College of Health Sciences have stepped beyond the classroom and into communities across Cleveland County through a partnership with Washington Outreach Ministry (WOM). While physician assistant (PA) and nursing students gain practical healthcare experience, they also help support a community-based diabetes education program taught by certified facilitators.

Dr. LaDonna Clark, director of clinical education and assistant professor in ��’s PA Studies Program, recruited and supervises the group of PA and nursing students who participate in WOM’s eight-week Diabetes Education Maintenance and Control (DEMAC) program. Each week, students travel to Holly Oak Park in Shelby, N.C., to perform blood pressure screenings and weight checks for participants.

The Rev. Frances Webber shares a laugh with a student
in the �� Physician Assistant Studies Program.

According to WOM co-founder and Executive Director the Rev. Frances Webber, the joint effort highlights how organizations can achieve greater impact when they work together to address health needs. “The best description I can give is collective impact,” Webber said. “The partnership closes the gap in making DEMAC a most effective healthcare tool.”

She created the diabetes education program for WOM after seeing the need for greater health education and support in marginalized and low-income communities. “We have discovered that people will not go to get help for various reasons, but if you take the help to communities, it’s transformational,” Webber acknowledged.

As she developed the program, Webber received support from the Dover Foundation YMCA and Healthy Together Cleveland and sought guidance from a �� nursing faculty member. “We had conversations about what I was trying to accomplish,” Webber related. “When people don’t have food that leads to health issues. I always think about Maslow’s hierarchy. Give me what I need here, if you want me to get there. I won’t get there if I don’t have food. Food insecurity is huge in Cleveland County.”

According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Cleveland County is designated as a Tier 1 county, placing it among North Carolina’s most economically distressed counties. Through partnerships with organizations including ��, Cleveland Community College, Atrium Health and the Cleveland County Health Department, WOM addresses nutritional and health needs through education, outreach and direct assistance.

The Washington Outreach Ministry in Cherryville distributes food to more than 16,000 clients each month with the assistance of volunteers at 13 churches across Cleveland County.

Webber and her husband, Lewis, founded WOM in 1995. She earned both a business administration degree and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from ��. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown into Cleveland County’s largest emergency food pantry and serves as the Food Hub for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina/Feeding America.

Partnering with 20 hunger relief agencies, WOM distributes food to more than 16,000 clients each month with the assistance of volunteers at 13 churches across Cleveland County. The ministry also provides monthly food assistance to low-income senior adults through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and offers additional food support through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). More than 90 families from two elementary schools receive food through WOM’s backpack ministry, while the Summer Nutrition Program serves more than 3,500 meals to youth each year.

For the College of Health Sciences, the partnership offers students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge while serving others. “When the call came from Dean Tracy Arnold to help support this incredible program, I immediately knew it was something we had to be involved in,” Clark said. “The mission of Washington Outreach Ministry closely aligns with our commitment to serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through education and outreach.”

Clark said students gain firsthand exposure to the social and economic factors that influence health outcomes. “Experiences like DEMAC help students better understand these realities while they are still developing their clinical and professional identities,” she said. “They learn to provide patient-centered care, communicate effectively across diverse populations and appreciate the broader factors that influence health outcomes.”

Dr. LaDonna Clark (in background), the director of clinical
education and assistant professor in ��’s PA
Studies Program, coordinates the program for GWU.

The experience extends well beyond recording blood pressure and weight measurements. “The students actually stay in class for the entire session,” Webber said. “I strongly believe that the students are fully engaged in this portion of the DEMAC class, which is very educational.”

Clark said participation in the program helps students understand challenges related to healthcare access, transportation, food security and health literacy that they are likely to encounter throughout their careers. Exposure to underserved populations is especially important in a state where many counties face shortages of healthcare professionals.

During the first five weeks of the program, Clark has witnessed meaningful connections form between students and participants. “The interactions have been overwhelmingly positive, and there has been a genuine sense of connection and trust developing between participants and the healthcare students serving alongside them,” Clark said. “Students are learning how to meet people where they are and gaining a deeper understanding of the unique challenges many individuals face when managing chronic health conditions.”

The program has made an impact on Katie Bowyer, a PA student in the Class of 2028. “I have had the chance to learn so much about interacting with patients and educating them in real time about their blood pressure,” Bowyer said. “We have been able to discuss topics like diet, stress and exercise and how these can impact health. It has been rewarding to apply what we learn in the classroom in a real-world setting.”

Program participant Pattie Hunt said the classes have inspired her to make lifestyle changes and increased her awareness of factors that can contribute to diabetes, including stress and traumatic experiences. She and her grandson now take regular walks together, and she pays closer attention to nutrition and portion sizes.

As DEMAC enters its sixth year, Webber said the program continues to open doors for GWU students while expanding resources to local residents. “We are more productive together as a team and not working in a silo,” she shared. “We are better together. This partnership allows the students to have hands-on experience and additional training on what to expect before completing their degree. Having GWU in the community is valuable to the school and the community.”

The post �� Students Support Community Health Through Partnership with Washington Outreach Ministry appeared first on ��.

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.

The post Katelyn Williams: A Story of Faith, Purpose and God’s Intentionality appeared first on ��.

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).

The post Building Something Different: �� Team Focuses on Relationships and Gospel Witness in Argentina appeared first on ��.

�� Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation

Office of University Communications — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:21:17 +0000

Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�� has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering place on campus.

The Dover Foundation, established by members of the Dover family, reflects a longstanding legacy of generosity that has helped shape �� for decades. Dover Chapel, named in memory of John R. Dover Jr. and built in 1972, stands as a lasting symbol of that legacy, serving as the spiritual heart of campus where worship services, student gatherings, convocations, concerts, and special events take place.

Over the years, however, the sanctuary’s aging lighting system has become increasingly inadequate for the needs of modern worship and programming. The Dover Foundation grant will fund a comprehensive lighting upgrade designed to enhance both the functionality and atmosphere of the chapel sanctuary while preserving its beauty and character.

University leaders say the project will expand both the artistic and experiential possibilities of the chapel. “This sacred space is home to a number of campus events across the academic year, including serving as the home base for ��’s choral ensembles, departmental recitals, guest artist series concerts, and small ensemble performances,” noted Dr. Aaron M. Rice, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music. “We are so excited about the new enhancements that will make this space a destination venue for the performing arts at ��. Our partnership with the Dover Foundation not only enhances one of our most iconic venues, it also provides an exceptional opportunity for our students’ development and growth. We’re truly grateful for the Dover Foundation’s continued investment in �� and the Department of Music.”

While the renovation will enhance performance and event capabilities, it also holds deep significance for the chapel’s spiritual role on campus. Dr. James R. McConnell Jr., interim dean of the School of Divinity, emphasized the importance of the chapel to the University’s spiritual and academic life. “The lighting upgrade in the Dover Chapel is a welcome improvement,” McConnell shared. “Dover Chapel is a sacred space for School of Divinity chapel services, and the new lighting will further enhance the chapel as a place of worship for students and faculty.”

Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain, echoed McConnell’s sentiments, and highlighted the chapel’s broader impact on students and the campus community. “The chapel is consistently recognized as one of the University’s greatest structural assets, and it is home to several University worship services throughout the year,” Parrott emphasized. “Our students and other members of the community use the chapel for prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. Chapel improvements aid in expanding God’s kingdom, spreading the Gospel, and help as we care for the souls of our community—thank you to all who are involved in the process.”

The project includes the removal of outdated lighting fixtures and the installation of six new cross-design chandeliers equipped with energy-efficient lighting. These chandeliers will provide improved 360-degree illumination throughout the sanctuary, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for worship services and campus events. To ensure long-term maintenance and safety, the renovation will also include motorized winch systems and cables that allow the chandeliers to be safely lowered to floor level for cleaning and servicing.

Improvements will include replacing ten wall-mounted
light fixtures.

Additional improvements will include replacing ten wall-mounted light fixtures with new ones designed to complement the chapel’s architectural style while enhancing ambient lighting throughout the sanctuary. The project will also enhance the lighting around the pulpit with a new system that can be easily adjusted to match the tone and purpose of each service or event, offering clearer visibility for speakers while creating a more inviting, focused, and meaningful atmosphere for worship, ceremonies, and gatherings.

The significance of the project extends beyond infrastructure, reflecting a continued investment in the University’s mission and student experience. “The generosity of The Dover Foundation will help ensure that Dover Chapel continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place for worship, reflection, and community for generations of students,” said Candice Thomas, director of Foundation Relations and Corporate Partnerships. “This project will significantly improve the worship experience and expand the chapel’s ability to host meaningful campus events.”

The post �� Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation appeared first on ��.

Nathaniel J. Evans Officially Inaugurated as ��’s 14th President

Office of University Communications — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:15:20 +0000

Investiture Ceremony Affirms Christ‑Centered Mission and Shared Vision for the University’s Future

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—��’s 14th president, Nathaniel J. Evans, was formally sworn into his office on April 24, 2026. The program was held at 10:15 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Board of Trustees Chair the Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. presided over the investiture ceremony.

“Today, we gather as a community of faith, learning, and service,” Littlejohn stated. “We are confident that the leadership being installed today will continue to strengthen the legacy of ��—building upon the foundation laid by those who have served before, while guiding this institution toward new opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.”

Evans officially took office at �� on Nov. 11, 2025, after a competitive national search led by Littlejohn. “It was my pleasure to serve as the chair of the Presidential Search Committee,” he reflected. “I am grateful to that committee for their hard work and dedication to the process of finding a new president to lead our beloved institution.”

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters welcomed attendees and led the program. She introduced podium guests and recognized former �� presidents who were present for the ceremony: Dr. Christopher White, Dr. A. Frank Bonner and former Interim President Dr. Ben Leslie.

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott offered the invocation. Dr. Aaron M. Rice, chair of the Department of Music, led the audience in singing the hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Interim dean of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity Dr. Jim McConnell said the closing prayer.

Greetings were offered by Student Body President Andrea Stampone, Faculty Chair Dr. Cal Robertson, Vice President for Athletics Brendan Fahey, Big South Conference Commissioner Sherika Montgomery, a GWU alumna, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities President A. Hope Williams.

Evans began his inaugural address with a spirit of thanksgiving. “First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—not only for this opportunity—but for each of you, and for this institution, this mission field we call ��,” he reflected.

He also expressed appreciation for his wife, Brittany, his parents and friends, Littlejohn and members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students. He thanked Executive Assistant to the President Stephanie Stearns and the inauguration steering committee for their leadership in planning the program and celebration.

“Today is not about a ceremony or speeches or any one person. It is about a chapter in a much larger and enduring story, built on the faith, the sacrifice, and the shoulders of those who came before us,” Evans affirmed. “And today, we are entrusted with carrying it forward. Gardner‑Webb is, and will remain, a Christ‑centered university. We will be focused in our priorities, disciplined in our decisions, and bold in our ambition.”

Evans also pointed to the University’s “Become More” vision as a guiding expression of its mission—calling students to grow in Christ, in knowledge, and in purpose. He emphasized that this shared purpose unites faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners as “One Webb.”

“So, if you are looking for something to believe in, something to invest your time, your talent, and your trust in, bet on us. Bet on ��,” Evans emphasized. “This is our chapter to write. And I am honored to be with you as we write it—grounded in our mission, confident in our future, and committed to the work we are called to do together. The future of �� is bright, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish—together.”

As part of the ceremony, Evans was bestowed the President’s Medallion, which he will wear around his neck at commencements and other important ceremonial occasions. Littlejohn explained that its weight symbolizes the responsibility carried by all who serve in this role, while its design—a replica of the University Seal—represents the community the president serves.

Evans earned his bachelor’s in exercise sports science with a minor in biology from East Carolina University (ECU). He holds Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Western Carolina University.

Prior to his appointment as president at ��, he began his career in admissions at ECU before transitioning to advancement and serving as a major gifts officer for ECU’s Honors College. In 2020, Evans became ��’s vice president for Advancement. Before his career in higher education, Evans served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

His wife, Brittany, is a �� alumna and a visiting assistant professor in the College of Education.

The post Nathaniel J. Evans Officially Inaugurated as ��’s 14th President appeared first on ��.

From Chemistry Lab to Clinical Care: Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake’s �� Journey

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:57:11 +0000

2012 Alumna Built a Career That Blends Pharmacy Expertise with a Passion for Helping Patients and Students Thrive

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake, ’12, of Fletcher, N.C., was nearing the end of her freshman year at Gardner‑Webb University when a conversation with her volleyball teammate nudged her toward an unexpected future. Her teammate shared that her goal was to become a pharmacist, and she planned to major in chemistry to get started. Drake had always liked math and science, but she knew little about the pharmacy field.

“I looked into pharmacy and then chemistry, and I talked to the �� faculty,” Drake told a group of GWU students during a recent visit to campus. Her presentation was part of the Applications of Chemistry Seminar Series, hosted by the Department of Natural Sciences.

After those conversations with professors, she chose chemistry as her major. Drake also took a job at a pharmacy to see the profession up close and discovered she genuinely enjoyed the work. “I liked the science,” she recalled, “but I also realized how much I enjoyed interacting with patients.” That early exposure set her on the path that would eventually lead to pharmacy school, clinical practice, teaching, and research.

“�� was the jumping board for me,” Drake noted. “Here’s where I learned what I wanted to do. Here’s where I started the pursuit. I went into pharmacy school with the knowledge I needed. I felt prepared walking in, a lot more than some of my classmates did.”

Her academic preparation went beyond learning chemistry. The GWU faculty had already taught her how to work at a graduate‑school pace. “They challenged me; they taught me at a high level, but they expected me to perform at a high level,” Drake said. “Sometimes that felt really daunting, and it was really hard. I hadn’t been challenged like that before. Some of my classmates had an easy undergrad, so to speak. They got a big wake-up call in pharmacy school when they had to study at night, study on weekends, do study groups, extra projects.”

Drake honed her study habits with the help of �� professors. “I learned to be more studious; I learned to be diligent,” she reflected. “I was able to grow in my discipline and organizational traits. So, you are getting prepared here. I can promise you that. You put your part in; they do their part.”

Another strength of the Gardner‑Webb environment is the faculty’s approachability. “I learned it’s OK to ask questions here, because they made it a safe place for me to ask questions,” she said. “I was able to ask things that I didn’t understand, and I felt comfortable doing that.”

That same spirit now informs Drake’s teaching as an assistant professor in the Wingate School of Pharmacy, where she earned her PharmD in 2016. Her position also includes serving as a clinical pharmacist at St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, N.C. “It’s common in pharmacy education to be employed by the university, but placed in a clinic or hospital,” she explained. “You serve patients a few days a week and then teach a few days a week. Pharmacists are needed everywhere as part of a whole team and team-based approach to patient care. When I first went to pharmacy school, I thought I’d be working at a CVS or in the basement of a hospital. But it is so much more than that. There is a plethora of opportunities with a pharmacy degree.”

At St. Luke’s, Drake serves as an ambulatory care pharmacist, caring for patients who walk into the office for help managing chronic conditions. “When they are diagnosed with a chronic disease and they need help managing that or a lot of education, they’re referred to me,” she explained. “So, things to think about would be like diabetes, high blood pressure, bone loss or osteoporosis, depression, or heart failure.”

Working with patients one-on-one deepened her sense of calling. “I love having time with my patients,” she said. “A lot of them are older adults or veterans. Hearing their stories, building trust—those relationships matter. Helping someone improve their health over months or years is incredibly meaningful work.”

In North Carolina, pharmacists can obtain a prescribing license. Working in collaboration with a supervising physician, Drake can adjust medications, order labs, and help manage treatment plans. In rural areas, where physicians are few, an ambulatory care pharmacist can dramatically support patient access and lighten the physician’s load. For Drake, it’s a way of ensuring patients get the attention, education, and follow‑up they need. “Sometimes it’s just explaining what a number means or how a medication works,” she said. “Those five minutes of education can change the trajectory of someone’s health.”

Another part of Drake’s teaching position is conducting research, something she once thought would be too overwhelming. But through collaboration with her colleagues, she has found that she enjoys the challenge and is energized by exploring questions that directly affect patients and student pharmacists. She’s co‑authored studies including “Building and Testing a Team-Based Care Model in Primary Care: The Heart‑2‑Heart Blood Pressure Control Partners Study” and “Geographic Disparities in Glucagon Prescriptions Across North Carolina.” Her work focuses on improving patient care, strengthening rural health outcomes, and understanding how students grow in clinical settings.

From her days as a student‑athlete discovering a new career path to her current work as a teacher, researcher, and clinician, Drake’s journey reflects a commitment to service shaped by her time at Gardner‑Webb. Whether she’s helping a patient understand a chronic condition, mentoring a pharmacy student, or researching ways to improve health outcomes across North Carolina, her work is rooted in compassion and connection. “You don’t have to be just one thing,” she told students. “You can help people in so many ways.”

The post From Chemistry Lab to Clinical Care: Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake’s �� Journey appeared first on ��.

Christian Life and Service Archives - ������

Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of ������