Students Archives - 今叔利 /news-category/students/ 今叔利 - Private Christian College in Boiling Springs, North Carolina Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:47:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 /wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Students Archives - 今叔利 /news-category/students/ 32 32 今叔利 Students Engage in Summer Scholar Research Across Disciplines /news/undergraduate-students-engage-in-summer-research/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:47:07 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=41040 campus shot headerSeven Fellows Conduct Faculty-Mentored Projects Spanning History, Science and Human Behavior BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.This summer, 今叔利 undergraduate students are spending five weeks diving deeply into original research. They are exploring topics ranging from World War II history to human behavior, political extremism and biomedical science. Through the Universitys Summer Scholar Fellowship, seven students are […]

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Seven Fellows Conduct Faculty-Mentored Projects Spanning History, Science and Human Behavior

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.This summer, 今叔利 undergraduate students are spending five weeks diving deeply into original research. They are exploring topics ranging from World War II history to human behavior, political extremism and biomedical science.

Through the Universitys Summer Scholar Fellowship, seven students are working closely with faculty mentors to conduct independent research, develop creative projects or engage in service-learning initiatives. They receive hands-on experience that prepares them for graduate study and future careers.

The program is coordinated by 今叔利 Associate Professor of political science Dr. Elizabeth Amato, who serves as director of Undergraduate Research. Fellows may complete their work remotely or on campus, where residential participants receive room and board during the intensive term.

Allie Johnson MG
Allie Johnson poses at Notre Dame in France
during the 2026 spring break College
of Education study abroad experience.

Among this years scholars is Allie Johnson, a rising senior history major with minors in professional education and psychology. Her project examines how the American Revolution has been romanticized in U.S. culture and how those narratives continue to shape public understanding of the nations founding. She also noted that these themes are often more prevalent during important anniversaries, such as the countrys upcoming 250th anniversary.

The romanticization of the American Revolution means the tendency for U.S. citizens to mythologize the revolution as an epic struggle for liberty against tyranny, while also depicting the Founding Fathers as perfect heroes, Johnson explained. However, this view often glorifies the Founding Fathers in ways that were contradictory to their true characters … and often downplays the violence of the war and oversimplifies the motivations for revolution.

Johnson said her interest in the topic grew from previous research on propaganda and revolutionary movements. I have always been highly interested in the American Revolution, she said. Past research I have completed involving propaganda and revolutions guided me to analyze those two concepts within U.S. history.

Through the fellowship, Johnson has been able to spend focused time developing both her research skills and content knowledgesomething she sees directly connecting to her career. After graduation, Johnson plans to teach social studies in high school.

Participating in the Summer Scholars Fellowship has allowed me to gain valuable research skills and content knowledge related to United States History, she said. Both of these insights will be useful in teaching my future students about the intricacies of the American Revolution and the importance of historical research.

Johnson appreciates her faculty mentor, Dr. Timothy Vanderburg, and the knowledge he has shared with her. Dr. Vanderburg has excellently guided me to helpful resources, provided insight on my topic and supported my research throughout my college career, she said. His expertise in U.S. history has been an invaluable resource.

Session I Fellows

  • Molly Blazer (History), mentored by Dr. Austin Collins, is researching the role of psychological analysis in the trials of Nazi officials, focusing on Hermann G旦ring and how psychiatric evaluations may have influenced outcomes during the Nuremberg Trials.
  • Allie Johnson (History), mentored by Dr. Timothy Vanderburg, is researching how the American Revolution has been romanticized in U.S. culture, examining how educational narratives, cultural representations and ideas of American exceptionalism shape public understanding of the nations founding.

Session II Fellows

  • Bella Harding (Psychology), mentored by Dr. Adam Davila, is exploring the use of engineered cells to produce messenger RNA that could help regulate hormone production, with potential therapeutic applications.
  • Max Salerno (Political Science), mentored by Dr. Jim Rennie, is investigating psychological pathways contributing to radicalization in U.S. extremism and how those insights could inform intelligence analysis.
  • Jacob White (Biology), mentored by Dr. Meredith Rowe, is studying how varying levels of ibuprofen exposure affect the movement of microscopic roundworms and whether prolonged exposure reduces the drugs effectiveness.
  • Slawka Ndubuisi (Psychology), mentored by Dr. David Carscaddon, is examining how social media use may influence feelings of inadequacy and perceptions of self-image.
  • Hannah White (Chemistry), mentored by Jacob Willis, is analyzing how common medications break down under different conditions such as heat and light, with potential applications in forensic science.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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Building Something Different: 今叔利 Team Focuses on Relationships and Gospel Witness in Argentina /news/mission-team-builds-relationships-in-argentina/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:34:53 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=41021 Argentina Mission TeamThrough Training, Bold Conversations, and Cross-Cultural Connection, Students Discovered Confidence in Sharing Their Faith BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.This trip was different, shared Dr. Josh Parrott, 今叔利 vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service. This was heavy gospel ministryevangelism, prayer walking, and sharing testimonies. Focused on those priorities, a 10-member team spent a week […]

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Through Training, Bold Conversations, and Cross-Cultural Connection, Students Discovered Confidence in Sharing Their Faith

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.This trip was different, shared Dr. Josh Parrott, 今叔利 vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service. This was heavy gospel ministryevangelism, 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 Services goal to reach five new countries by 2030. Parrott noted, We looked at the map to see where 今叔利 has never been and said, Lets 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.

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今叔利 students visited children in the English Institutes, told them about 今叔利 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 churchs 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 Lillys 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.

argentina mission services trip christian life
今叔利 team members participated in several
outreach opportunities in Argentina.

Parrott and 今叔利 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 teams 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.

argentina mission services trip christian life
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 Argentinas 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 others 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.

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.

argentina mission services trip christian life
今叔利 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 今叔利 would be to make the time and God will make a way, he asserted. If youre worried about being under-qualified thats exactly how I felt.

LaNave has been on six mission trips with 今叔利 teams. Through each one, he learned that commitment matters more than experience. The more youre willing to give of your time and talent the more God will show you that its 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).

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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Q&A with Molly Hanley with 今叔利s First Head Coach for Acrobatics and Tumbling /news/qa-with-head-coach-for-acrobatics-and-tumbling/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:24:07 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40916 Molly Hanley Q&AMolly Hanley Discusses Her Coaching Philosophy, Inspiration, and the Vision for Launching a New Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Molly Hanley, the first head coach for 今叔利 Acrobatics and Tumbling, recently sat down for a Q&A with 今叔利 Sports Information. She offers some insight into her background, building a program, and what to expect from the first […]

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Molly Hanley Discusses Her Coaching Philosophy, Inspiration, and the Vision for Launching a New Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Molly Hanley, the first head coach for 今叔利 Acrobatics and Tumbling, recently sat down for a Q&A with 今叔利 Sports Information. She offers some insight into her background, building a program, and what to expect from the first competitions and early years.

Q: What led you to coaching?

Hanley: I competed in artistic gymnastics for 14 years before continuing my athletic career in acrobatics & tumbling at the collegiate level. During my final five years of gymnastics, I competed as a Level 10 athlete, the highest level of the USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program. I began coaching part-time while I was in high school, working primarily with our Level 1 and Level 2 team athletes. Through that experience, I discovered how rewarding it was to help young athletes learn new skills and gain confidence in themselves. Watching their excitement when they achieved something they had worked hard for gave me a sense of fulfillment that was different from competing myself. I recognized the impact coaches can have on an athlete’s experience, growth, and development both in and out of sport. That realization is what inspired me to pursue coaching professionally and ultimately led me to a career centered on mentoring and developing student-athletes.

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Q: What are your principles in guiding a team and what is your coaching style?

Hanley: I believe in coaching through a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the development of the whole student-athlete. The lessons learned through sport are invaluable and directly translate into success in life and future careers. My coaching style is built on high expectations, strong relationships, and personal accountability. I strive to create an environment where athletes understand that they are responsible for their attitude, effort, impact on others, and commitment to the team. Holding athletes accountable while also providing the support and guidance necessary for them to grow is key. This will be a program that develops successful competitors and resilient individuals who are prepared to succeed long after their athletic careers are over.

Q: What are your keys to building a winning program?

Hanley: My three keys to building a winning culture and program are grit, discipline, and belief. In my athletic and professional career, I learned how to stay committed when success was not immediate, trust the process when results were not yet visible, and continue showing up every day with the same level of effort and purpose. A winning culture is built by people who are willing to embrace hard work, persevere through adversity, and remain committed to a shared vision.

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your journey?

Hanley: My college coach, Emily Lewis (then Emily Powers), has been one of my biggest inspirations and the primary reason I pursued coaching. I had the privilege of being a member of her inaugural team and witnessed firsthand what it takes to build a program from the ground up. During my time as a student-athlete, our team grew from just seven athletes to more than thirty and qualified for nationals during my senior year. Watching Coach Lewis lead with vision, consistency, and a genuine investment in her athletes showed me the impact a coach can have on both a program and the individuals within it. The founding women of our sport also inspire me. The legacy they created and the opportunities they pioneered for generations of athletes to come have shaped the sport into what it is today. Their dedication to growing the sport and creating opportunities for women in athletics is something I deeply respect and aspire to honor through my own coaching career.

Q: What drew you to 今叔利 and building this program?

Hanley: 今叔利 stood out to me because of the beautiful campus, welcoming community, modern facilities, and the genuine excitement surrounding the addition of Acrobatics & Tumbling. Throughout the interview process, it became clear that there is strong institutional support for building a successful program and providing student-athletes with a meaningful experience. What drew me most to this opportunity, however, was the challenge and reward of building something from the ground up. As a student-athlete, I was part of a first-year program and experienced firsthand what it takes to establish a foundation for future success. There is something incredibly rewarding about knowing that your effort today can create opportunities for those who come after you. As a coach, I want to help student-athletes experience that same sense of ownership and pride.

Q: What are the biggest challenges of competing across multiple events in acrobatics and tumbling?

Hanley: One of the biggest challenges in Acrobatics & Tumbling is that many athletes enter the collegiate level with little to no direct experience in the sport. As a result, a large part of the process involves teaching completely new skills while also helping athletes adjust to the demands of a team environment. From a coaching perspective, this requires a strong emphasis on progression and patience. The fall semester is focused on building the technical and foundational skills that will be used in competitions during the spring. Every discipline requires its own level of precision, and those elements take time to develop.

GWU Monogram color CMYK

Q: How has your experience helped prepare you to build this program?

Hanley: Having seen the growth of A&T over nearly a decade as both an athlete and a coach, I recognize how much of its success is rooted in smaller institutions that have committed to investing in and developing it. Those environments taught me to be resourceful, adaptable, and intentional with every aspect of the program. My approach is rooted in a “get it done” mentality, where success is built through consistency, accountability, and attention to detail. I am confident that my background will allow me to build a sustainable, competitive program here at 今叔利.

Q: What has fueled the growth of the sport, and where is it headed?

Hanley: The rapid growth of Acrobatics & Tumbling can be attributed to the athletes, coaches, and pioneers who built the sport from the ground up. It was created to display the strength, athleticism, and versatility of female athletes who previously did not have a clear collegiate outlet to express those abilities in a unified team format. As both an athlete and a coach, I have seen firsthand how intentional the development of this sport has been. It was built around opportunity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growing something new. That foundation has created a strong sense of community and purpose within the sport, which continues to drive its expansion. Looking ahead, I believe Acrobatics & Tumbling will continue to grow as more institutions recognize the value it holds as an NCAA sport for women as visibility increases and more.

Q: During the gap year to recruit and build the program, what can fans expect in 2026?

Hanley: During the gap year, 今叔利 fans can expect to see a program that is highly visible and actively laying the foundation for long-term success. Beyond recruiting I want to support my fellow coaches and integrate myself into the 今叔利 community. The presence of acrobatics & tumbling will be felt across campus, even before athletes arrive on. The goal is to create early buy-in and pride in the program so that when athletes arrive in fall 2027, they are stepping into something already rooted in standards, expectations, and support. This year is about establishing a program identity that reflects discipline and a commitment to excellence from day one.

Q: Looking ahead to 2027 and the first competitions, what are your expectations for the programs early years?

Hanley: From day one, the standard will be centered on excellence in the details with clean technique, strong synchronization, and athletes who compete with composure under pressure. Establishing that foundation is critical, because it sets the tone for how the program will grow in the years that follow. As we continue to develop, my goal is for 今叔利 to quickly establish itself as a competitive program on the national stage. With the sport gaining NCAA championship recognition, there is an opportunity for programs being built now to position themselves early as contenders. My expectation is that we will progress year by year into a program that is consistently in conversation at the national level.

Q: If you could tell the 今叔利 community anything about your sport and what to expect, what would it be?

Hanley: Get excited. Acrobatics & Tumbling is an incredibly entertaining sport to watch, even without a deep understanding of the scoring system or technical rules behind each event. More importantly, I want the 今叔利 community to know what kind of student-athletes will represent this program. The athletes I have had the privilege of competing alongside and coaching are some of the most dedicated and driven individuals I have ever been around. They are balancing demanding academic schedules, internships, clinical experiences, and involvement across campus, all while committing fully to their sport. Their ability to show up every day with discipline and a team-first mindset is what makes this sport special. I have no doubt that the student-athletes who join this program will embody those same qualities. I would encourage the 今叔利 community to not only watch the sport, but to invest in the people behind it. This program will be built on effort, character, and pride in representing the university at the highest level.

For updates and more news on the Runnin Bulldogs, visit , or followon Instagram, X and Facebook.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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今叔利 Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation /news/dover-foundation-grant-upgrades-chapel-lighting/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:21:17 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40865 Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 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 Universitys most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […]

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 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 Universitys most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering place on campus.

Dover chapel plaque SC

The Dover Foundation, established by members of the Dover family, reflects a longstanding legacy of generosity that has helped shape 今叔利 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 sanctuarys 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 今叔利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 今叔利. 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. Were truly grateful for the Dover Foundations continued investment in 今叔利 and the Department of Music.

Worship at the Webb

While the renovation will enhance performance and event capabilities, it also holds deep significance for the chapels spiritual role on campus. Dr. James R. McConnell Jr., interim dean of the School of Divinity, emphasized the importance of the chapel to the Universitys 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 McConnells sentiments, and highlighted the chapels 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 communitythank 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.

Dover Lighting
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 chapels 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 Universitys 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 chapels ability to host meaningful campus events.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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Mike Brown to Lead 今叔利s New Flag Football Program /news/mike-brown-named-inaugural-coach-for-flag-football/ Wed, 27 May 2026 19:18:28 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40683 mike brown coach copyProven Program Builder and National-Level Coach Tapped to Launch Runnin Bulldogs Inaugural Team BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 Vice President and Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey has named the first head coach of the universitys flag football program. Mike Brown, a 15-year coaching veteran, has been selected to lead GWUs inaugural team. We are excited to […]

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Proven Program Builder and National-Level Coach Tapped to Launch Runnin Bulldogs Inaugural Team

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 Vice President and Director of Athletics Brendan Fahey has named the first head coach of the universitys flag football program. Mike Brown, a 15-year coaching veteran, has been selected to lead GWUs inaugural team.

We are excited to welcome Mike to the 今叔利 family, Fahey asserted. He is a proven winner and has a great understanding of what it takes to be successful. We look forward to seeing our student-athletes compete on the field, excel in the classroom under his leadership, and helping to establish this new program.

Mike Brown
Mike Brown

Brown arrives at 今叔利 after helping to start the program in 2025 at Lees-McRae in Banner Elk, N.C. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity and the direction of the program at 今叔利. I’m deeply appreciative of the trust in me to lead this program, he shared. The Universitys commitment to doing this the right way, investing in the program, our culture, and a shared vision for long-term success, makes this a truly special opportunity. My family and I are thrilled to be a part of 今叔利 and the community! Were not just building a team; we are building to be the standard. We are looking for athletes who embrace that challenge.”

In one season at Lees-McRae, Brown quickly established the Bobcats as one of the top programs in Conference Carolinas, finishing 11-8 overall and 7-2 in league play for a second-place finish. His team emerged as one of the nations most balanced units, averaging 44 points per game while allowing just 14. Brown also served as the Conference Carolinas coaches chairman during the leagues inaugural season sponsoring flag football.

Prior to arriving at Lees-McRae, Brown was the head women’s flag football coach at Mandarin High School in Florida. Brown took over a team in 2021 fresh off a 5-11 season, and worked to turn the Mustangs program into a consistent winner. Mandarin made the playoffs each year of his tenure, going 36-22 over four seasons. Brown’s time at Mandarin ended with a District Championship, the first for the school since 2014

Browns career in football extends beyond serving as a head coach and the women’s flag game. Brown has coached at several different levels, including 7v7 and 5v5 with USA Football and NFL Flag. In addition, Brown served as the varsity offensive line and quarterbacks coach at Mandarin in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, and spent time at Prescott High School in Arizona where he served as the program’s passing game coordinator between 2015 and 2019.

Mike Brown flag football IMG

Off the field, Brown has been selected to numerous different positions in and around the sport. In 2022, Brown represented Northeast Florida on the FHSAA Flag Football Advisory Committee Board, where he was eventually being picked to coach in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Game for the North Team in 2024.

Brown received a unique honor in 2024, being selected as one of 18 coaches nationally for the USA Select Bowl in Los Angeles. One of the premier events on the national flag football calendar, the Select Bowl brings the best players from across the nation to train and play in front of national team scouts. As part of his role, Brown helped to design training camps, performance evaluations, and make roster decisions for US Junior and Senior national teams. He continues to work with USA Football, currently serving as one of three national team scouts to assist the national team in evaluation of top talent.

Brown has also coached at the club level, with his teams earning bids to compete in the NFL Flag Championships, held every year at the NFL Pro Bowl. As the head coach of the Duval Divas and Prime GP teams, Brown has won nearly 100 games with a winning percentage above 71% across several different national tournaments and circuits.

Helping to elevate the women’s flag football side of the game even further, Brown also founded the Girl Power 7v7 Flag Football League, as well as the Queen Bee Sport Academy. Through various camps, combines, challenges, sessions and more, Brown has worked with over 500 athletes directly through his own programs.

Brown also comes to 今叔利 with a strong background in quarterback development, having worked as a coach and camp director with QB Impact based in Oklahoma from 2017 to 2020. Brown helped to expand the brand in Arizona during his tenure there as well. In 2026, Brown returned to QB Impact once again to focus on shaping and advising training programs for female athletes within the organization.

I am incredibly honored to step into this role and lead this program at 今叔利, Brown noted. From the very beginning, it was clear that the leadership of President Evans and our athletic administration here share a powerful visionnot just to compete in the Big South, but to build a nationally respected destination for flag football athletes who want to learn, grow, and compete at the highest level.

He continued, Everything we build will be grounded in our core values: Faith, Family, and Flag Football. That means creating an environment where our student-athletes are developed as people first, supported as a family, and challenge each other every day to pursue excellence on and off the field.”

A veteran of the United States Navy of nearly a decade, Brown served as a Naval Air Crewman at NAS Jacksonville between 2002 and 2011. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Brown joins 今叔利 with his wife, Brandi, and children, Michael, Grace and Avaya.

For updates and more news on the Runnin Bulldogs, visit , or followon Instagram, X and Facebook.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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Anonymous $1.5 Million Gift Advances Student Experience and FaithCentered Mission at GardnerWebb University /news/1-5-million-gift-advances-student-experience/ Tue, 12 May 2026 19:54:34 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40403 myers athletics renovations collageFunding Strengthens Spaces Where Students Live, Learn, Train and Grow Across Campus BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.A significant $1.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will support studentfocused priorities at GardnerWebb University. The donor provided flexibility in directing the funds, allowing University leadership to focus on initiatives with immediate and lasting impact on students. GardnerWebb President Nate […]

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Funding Strengthens Spaces Where Students Live, Learn, Train and Grow Across Campus

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.A significant $1.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will support studentfocused priorities at GardnerWebb University. The donor provided flexibility in directing the funds, allowing University leadership to focus on initiatives with immediate and lasting impact on students.

GardnerWebb President Nate Evans emphasized that every major project supported by the gift aligns with the Universitys mission and commitment to holistic student development. This gift allows us to invest intentionally in spaces and programs that serve students where they live, learn, train, and grow, Evans underscored. Each priority reflects our commitment to being a Christcentered university that places students at the heart of every decision.

A portion of the gift will fund refurbishments to Myers and Spangler residence halls, including new furniture and upgrades such as flooring, paint, and general improvements. Additional funds will be directed toward targeted student housing improvements across campus. The work will be completed over the summer and will improve the student living experience while supporting an expansion of the Universitys FaithBased LivingLearning Community, a residential model that intentionally connects students academic, cocurricular, and personal development around shared interests and values.

This investment in Myers and Spangler represents far more than a facilities upgradeit is a direct investment in the student experience at GardnerWebb University, affirmed Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students LesleyVillarose. When we enhance residential spaces, we strengthen the foundation for student success by creating environments where students can rest, study, and build meaningful relationships. Gifts like this elevate not only where our students live, but how they livesupporting their academic persistence, personal growth, and overall sense of belonging.

Villarose emphasized that the expansion of the FaithBased LivingLearning Community reflects the Universitys intentional approach to integrating faith and learning within the residential experience.

She added, These spaces will allow students to engage more deeply in shared values, spiritual development, and meaningful dialogue beyond the classroom. As this livinglearning community continues to expand, we are creating more opportunities for students to connect their academic journey with their faith in a supportive, residential environment.

The philanthropic support will also fund a comprehensive renovation of the primary weight room located in the football center. The project will include new flooring, racks, weights, machines, and branded strength equipment to benefit the health, safety, and performance of studentathletes across all sports. Additional funds will address football program needs and athletic facility improvements.

Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director Brendan Fahey described the renovation as transformational and a true programchanger for the department. Strength training is essential to the development and wellbeing of our studentathletes, and this new, stateoftheart space will allow us to support them at the highest level, Fahey explained. Beyond enhancing daily training, it will play a key role in recruitment, retention, and the overall studentathlete experience. We are incredibly grateful for this generous support and look forward to unveiling the new facility to our studentathletes.

Rendering one
This illustration shows an overview of the renovated weight room.

Reflecting the Universitys commitment to developing the whole student, the gift supports a new instructional space along with updated academic technology across the University. Together, these investments support handson learning, classroom instruction, and student preparation for professional success.

Academic Affairs is grateful for the generous gift, which strengthens support for academic excellence and prepares our students to lead with confidence in their respective fields, noted Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs NicoleWaters. This support will significantly enhance experiential learning opportunities for students in our Department of Public Service programs by creating an authentic residential setting for crime scene investigation that simulates reallife crime scenarios. This investment elevates the quality of instruction, deepens student engagement, and prepares graduates for the professional workforce.

The handson simulation lab will be located in Washburn House and will serve both students and regional law enforcement partners. Additionally, the donation will support broader academic needs across the University. Waters shared, The gift provides technology enhancements to the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education. These upgrades will enable faculty to deliver more interactive instruction while ensuring our learning environments reflect the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Beyond its academic impact, the philanthropic support also advances efforts to better serve students across campus. GardnerWebb leadership designated part of the funds to create a onestop shop for key student services, including financial aid, student accounts, and registration. The consolidated space will improve coordination, communication, and customer service while creating a more seamless experience for students.

Collectively, these investments reflect GardnerWebbs mission by supporting students academically, personally, and professionally.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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今叔利 Commencement Programs Celebrate Achievements of Over 500 Students /news/commencement-programs-honor-over-500-graduates/ Fri, 08 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40153 TUG Commencement Patrick Woody SpeakerAlumnus and National Security Expert Patrick Woody Challenges Graduates to Stay FIRED for Lifelong Growth and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 celebrated the achievements of over 500 graduates on May 8 in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Traditional undergraduate students were honored at 9 a.m., with graduates from masters and doctoral programs recognized at 2 p.m. Each […]

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Alumnus and National Security Expert Patrick Woody Challenges Graduates to Stay FIRED for Lifelong Growth and Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利 celebrated the achievements of over 500 graduates on May 8 in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Traditional undergraduate students were honored at 9 a.m., with graduates from masters and doctoral programs recognized at 2 p.m.

TUG Commencement

Each ceremony began with the ringing of a replica of the Liberty Bell. As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year, it is interesting to note the significance of this bell, which is used to begin all 今叔利 Commencement services, convocations and special assemblies. The bell was first rung in the fall of 1970 to inaugurate 今叔利s first year as a senior college. The replica weighs 44 pounds and stands 15 inches high. It is one of a limited edition of 2,400 bells produced to mark the bicentenary of American Independence (1776-1976)one for each month of the 200 years.   

今叔利 President Nate Evans welcomed graduates and their guests to begin both ceremonies. He recognized the accomplishments of the students and thanked parents, spouses, friends, and loved ones who supported them along the way. He also expressed gratitude for the 今叔利 faculty and staff for teaching, guiding, and mentoring students to achieve their goals.

Each commencement program also included remarks and greetings from GWU Chair of the Board of Trustees the Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. He congratulated their success and challenged them to carry the values that define 今叔利 with themto live Pro Deo et Humanitate, for God and Humanity.   

TUG Commencement

During the undergraduate ceremony, Student Body President Andrea Stampone addressed her classmates, reflecting on the defining role of kindness and community in the GardnerWebb experience.

My charge to you today is to carry this kindness into all walks of life that you may enter, Stampone stated. Treat people with kindness. Be a person who needs people. Be someone that runs to others when they need people, because these things make you a lucky person. Care deeply. Listen carefully. Love loudly. So go out into the world, and make that community special. Because its not that being a part of something special makes you special, but instead that something is special because you are a part of it.

The featured speaker for both commencement ceremonies was Patrick Woody, a GardnerWebb 2003 alumnus and former student body president. He is founder and CEO of Point of Warning, a consulting firm that provides risk, intelligence, public policy, and organizational improvement services to government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations.

TUG Commencement copy

A cybersecurity professional with experience across the U.S. Intelligence Communityincluding the CIA, Department of Homeland Security, and National Counterterrorism CenterWoody directly advised multiple U.S. Presidents, White House leadership, Cabinet officials, and Congress on critical national security issues.

Woody received a Bachelor of Arts in history at 今叔利. He has a Master of Arts degree in international relations and comparative politics from George Mason University and doctoral work in international relations at the University of Maryland.

He shared that his speech included advice that he wished someone had given him when he graduated 23 years ago. Im going to talk to you about getting fired, Woody explained. Not from a job or a career, but from a mindset. Its getting fired from the comfort of thinking that because youve achieved this milestone, youve arrived and theres no more work to be done. I want to talk about a different way of looking at the future and your post-graduate lifeone built around five principles that spell out the word F-I-R-E-D. If you leave today with these principles, I promise you that the next chapters of your life will be the best ones.

TUG Commencement copy

Woody described each guiding idea and closed with a short summary. Failand let it teach you, he reiterated. Investin yourself, your future, and others. Reflectso that you are steering and not just speeding. Educate yourselfalways, relentlessly, joyfully. Dialogueacross every divide you encounter. Being FIRED is not a setback. It is a posture. It is how you walk into every meeting, every relationship, every new chapter of your lifewith humility, with purpose, and with the courage to keep growing. 

Beyond the commencement addresses, the ceremonies also featured special presentations and awards recognizing excellence, service, and remembrance within the GardnerWebb community.

Commencement Honors and Recognitions

TUG Commencement copy

Posthumous Degree Presentation

Before undergraduate students walked across the stage to receive individual recognition for their accomplishments, Evans took a moment to remember Isaiah Hughes, a valued member of the campus community whose academic journey was tragically cut short. Hughes was an accomplished student in the Godbold College of Business and destined for great success. Evans invited the Hughes family to join him on stage, and he conferred the Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems posthumously upon Isaiah Hughes.

Undergraduate Awards and Distinctions

During the morning ceremony, several awards were presented to recognize graduates for their exceptional achievements. Senior Scholastic Awards, were presented to the members of the graduating class who earned the highest grade point average during their terms of university study. The winners were:

  • Corrie Danielle Cloninger, Bachelor of Science in nursing.
  • Sara-Michael Jann, Bachelor of Science in biology.
  • Kaylee Faith Maynor, Bachelor of Science in nursing.
  • Madison Elizabeth Peek, Bachelor of Science in nursing.
  • Ava Vaughn Stratman, Bachelor of Science in exercise science.

The Most Outstanding Male and Female Graduate Awards were given to the members of the graduating class, who, judged by the faculty, best exemplify the qualities of leadership, citizenship and academic excellence.

The recipient of the Most Outstanding Female Graduate Award is Kylee A. Morris, who received a Bachelor of Science in biology. Morris began her studies at GWU in 2022 as the Universitys third Tucker Scholar, an honor that includes full tuition, room and board for eight semesters. She was also crowned Miss GWU in 2025, and is a section leader in the marching band.

The recipient of the Most Outstanding Male Graduate Award is Paul M. McElearney, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and international affairs. McElearney, former GWU student body president, served on the search committee for GWUs 14th president. He is also a cadet captain in 今叔利 Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) detachment assigned under the Southern Guards Battalion.  

The 今叔利 Online Scholastic Award is given at each commencement to the online student with the highest cumulative grade point average. The winners were:

  • Kayla Warren Griffin, Bachelor of Science in accounting.
  • Jennifer Abernathy Ruckman, Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Graduate Scholarship and Research Recognition

The afternoon ceremony featured the presentation of the Darlene J. Gravett Citizen Scholar Award, which recognizes graduate research with the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the improvement of society.

Dr. Sydney Brown, assistant provost of Academic Systems and Graduate Studies, presented the award to this years recipient, Dr. Brittany Hudgins-Graham. Brown noted that Hudgins-Graham exemplifies the purpose of the award in a powerful and timely way. Her work, Forest Therapy for Mental Balance: A Christian Community Approach, brings together mental health, community, and faith to address a growing need in our world today.

What makes this project especially compelling is its focus on practicecreating accessible, community-based approaches that support well-being in real and tangible ways, Brown observed. Her work reminds us that research is not only about understanding problems, but about responding to them with care, creativity, and purpose. Dr. Hudgins-Grahams work reflects the very spirit of this awardscholarship that serves others and strengthens communities.

Videos of Fridays commencement ceremonies are available on the and

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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. Ignite your future at 今叔利.edu.

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今叔利 and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Establish Partnership /news/thomas-jefferson-gardner-webb-establish-partnership/ Wed, 06 May 2026 18:35:20 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=40148 Thomas Jefferson Gardner Webb Dual Enrollment SigningGryphon-Bulldog Collaborative to Bring New Opportunities for Thomas Jefferson Students BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) will soon have expanded access to collegelevel coursework through a new partnership with GardnerWebb University. The initiative was formalized with the recent signing of the GryphonBulldog Collaborative. This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding […]

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Gryphon-Bulldog Collaborative to Bring New Opportunities for Thomas Jefferson Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) will soon have expanded access to collegelevel coursework through a new partnership with GardnerWebb University. The initiative was formalized with the recent signing of the GryphonBulldog Collaborative.

Thomas Jefferson Gardner Webb Dual Enrollment
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Executive Director Jodi
Isaacs, right, talks to students after the signing.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality, affordable college experiences for our students, stated TJCA Executive Director Jodi Isaacs. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities that prepare our graduates for success beyond high school.

The formal signing was held in Tucker Student Center and attended by rising juniors and seniors from TJCA. 今叔利 President Nate Evans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett welcomed the students and administrators.

Waters thanked everyone involved for their work in making the partnership possible. We are delighted to celebrate this dual enrollment agreement between Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and 今叔利, she noted. TJCA students are already engaging in a strong academic portfolio to prepare them for college, and we are proud to become part of that journey by offering the opportunity to begin earning college credit while remaining on their campus. Together, we are committed to providing courses that challenge students, build confidence, and prepare them for college success.

TJCA Senior Director of Business and Athletics Steven Jones, a GardnerWebb alumnus who earned a bachelors degree in sports management and a Master of Business Administration, also spoke to the students. As a 今叔利 alum, this partnership means quite a bit to me personally, he shared. I know firsthand the care and investment the professors pour into their students, and Im excited that TJCA students will get to experience that while theyre still in high school.

This opportunity opens some really meaningful doors for our school, Jones continued. Im especially glad to partner with an institution like 今叔利, which had such a lasting impact on me.

Following the signing, 今叔利 Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan, who serves TJCA students, divided the students into teams for a scavenger hunt. With help from the other GWU Admissions Counselors, the students completed the activity, which introduced them to campus resources and familiarized them with the Tucker Student Center.

Thomas Jefferson Gardner Webb Dual Enrollment
Thomas Jefferson Classical Students complete a task as part of a Scavenger Hunt in Tucker Student Center.

Through the GryphonBulldog Collaborative, GardnerWebb faculty will teach universitylevel courses on the TJCA campus, with tuition fully covered by the school. Students will gain direct access to fouryear university instruction while continuing to learn in a supportive high school environment.

The new program builds on TJCAs existing dualenrollment offerings by adding university credit options alongside community college pathways. This integrated approach allows students to earn advanced credits, reduce future college costs, and strengthen their readiness for higher education.

The initiative also aligns with TJCAs mission to cultivate thoughtful, articulate graduates prepared for college and a lifetime of citizenship and active intellectual inquiry.

今叔利s Dual Enrollment Program is an option offered to qualified students from any high school or homeschool. It gives them the chance to experience college-level learning, explore academic interests, and earn credits that transfer widelyall at a reduced cost. With personalized support, access to campus resources, and flexible course options, students will gain a head start on their college journey.

About Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students K-12 in Mooresboro, North Carolina, since 1999. Using the classical education model, TJCA has been a college-preparatory school option for the community for over 25 years. This model follows the Trivium, the three natural stages of human development involving Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Learn more at .

About 今叔利

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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 .

Thomas Jefferson Gardner Webb Dual Enrollment

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今叔利 Students Excel at Regional Math Jeopardy Competition /news/students-excel-at-regional-math-jeopardy-event/ Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:57:55 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=39983 The three members of the Math team pose after the win.Team Finishes Second at MAA Southeastern Sectional Meeting; Junior Timothy Campbell Wins Presentation Prize BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Months of preparation, quick thinking and teamwork propelled the GardnerWebb University Math Jeopardy team to a secondplace finish at a competition held recently during the Southeastern Sectional Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America. Competing against 26 teams, the […]

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Team Finishes Second at MAA Southeastern Sectional Meeting; Junior Timothy Campbell Wins Presentation Prize

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.Months of preparation, quick thinking and teamwork propelled the GardnerWebb University Math Jeopardy team to a secondplace finish at a competition held recently during the Southeastern Sectional Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America. Competing against 26 teams, the students marked the strongest finish a GWU team has ever achieved in the competition.

The meeting was held at the University of North Alabama in Florence. The students, Timothy Campbell, Abby Mace and Mark Watt, competed under the guidance of coaches Dr. Mirek Mystkowski and Dr. Olga Poliakova from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The trio advanced to the Final Four and finished just one question shy of winning the championship.

We had a very experienced team this year, noted Poliakova, professor of mathematics. It was the third competition for Timothy Campbell and Abby Mace, and the second competition for Mark Watt.

The Math Jeopardy Competition is a staple of the MAA Southeastern Conference and follows a format modeled after the Jeopardy! game show. Each game features four teams, and there are 30 questions in six categories worth between 200 and 1,000 points, described Mystkowski, professor of mathematics and computer science. The questions are varied, all of them are related to math but there are also categories about math in popular culture or similar.

This years competition featured three rounds, beginning with preliminary games and culminating in a Final Four showdown. 今叔利 competed against Georgia College, Christian Brothers University and Belmont University.

Mystkowski said, GWU won both the first and second round game. We actually had the best score overall in the second round which gave us the right to choose the first question in the final game.

Preparation for the competition began months earlier through Math Club practices. Math Jeopardy Competition is held in the spring, so we start preparing in the fall, Poliakova said. In preparation for the competition, we hold Math Jeopardy practices at the Math Club meetings. Dr. Mystkowski and I use questions of various degrees of difficulty and in several areas of mathematics to keep practice sessions engaging.

Those practices helped sharpen both speed and accuracy. Students practice solving problems correctly and fast, Poliakova said. Also, at the competition, some questions may require general knowledge or are about mathematics in pop culture, so having wellrounded team members helps quite a bit.

Campbell, of Shelby, N.C., a junior biology major with chemistry and mathematics minors, is Math Club president. He said the events structure favors experience. The teams strategy relied heavily on collaboration. For long problemsespecially the Daily Double and Final Jeopardy, we tried to have all three of us work through the problem, so that we could check our answers against each other, Campbell related.

math image

Despite narrowly missing first place, the teams accomplishment was significant, as it was the only team to reach the Final Four with just three members and was the sole finalist with one mathematics major. Campbell said he enjoyed the fastpaced challenge of math competitions and the opportunity to solve problems under pressure. He added, I think the department does a very good job of exposing students to interesting problems, and our advisors encourage us to participate and to become faster at computing answers to more involved problems.

Senior Mark Watt, of Ellenboro, N.C., a mathematics major and Math Club treasurer, stated that the teams strategy emerged as the competition progressed. Whenever we could, we would work independently on the same problem to confirm each others results, he explained. We also had our individual strengths: one of us knew linear algebra, another was better at speedy arithmetic, etc. When point-bets occurred, we would compute the minimum number of points we would need to wager in order to guarantee a lead or at least a catch-up on our closest competitor.

He described the event as both challenging and rewarding. Reflecting on the final round, Watt acknowledged how close the team came. We were one question away from becoming the champions of this year, he said. That said, second place is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering how hard we worked in the stages leading up to the finale.

Watt added that the experience reinforced the value of faculty support. The faculty in the GWU Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences were very supportive of our trip, and celebrated with us when they learned of our victory in the competition, he said.

math campbell

Junior Abby Mace, of Blacksburg, S.C., a psychology and biology double major with a mathematics minor, is vice president of the Math Club. She also pointed out that experience played a key role. This was the third year I competed, so I knew what to expect, she said. I used to compete in competitive trivia, so I think the competition is fun.

In addition to the teams success, Campbell was individually recognized with the Walt and Susan Patterson Prize for his presentation, When Data Breaks the Formula: Problems for Rarefaction Curve Calculations, at the same conference. The Patterson Prize was established in 2006 to encourage undergraduates to participate in the annual meetings and recognize their scholarship.

My presentation was about calculating a rarefaction curve, which approximates how many species within a specified group will be found given a specified sample size, from samples of a marine fossil layer found around Myrtle Beach to Wilmington and inland from there, Campbell summarized. These samples turn out not to fit the two possible expected curves, so I tried using proportional abundances of species from a 2-liter sample to narrow down the possible functions.

Campbells study was related to research that he has conducted for several years alongside his father, Dr. David Campbell, GWU professor of paleontology, and his grandfather. I enjoy presenting on my own research, as something that I think others may be interested to hear about, he affirmed. I was grateful at winning the prize, and it demonstrated to me that I could explain these topics well to a different audience from those I am most used to.

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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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Alpha Sigma Lambda Celebrates Achievements of 17 GardnerWebb Adult Students /news/17-adult-students-inducted-into-alpha-sigma-lambda/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:32:32 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=39816 Five new members of Alpha Sigma Lambda pose at the Induction Ceremony.Honor Society Recognizes Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Character BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利s Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recently inducted 17 students. They were honored for their academic achievements, excellent character, and civic responsibility. Dr. Wendy Athens, director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning and Chapter Councilor, conducted the ceremony. She […]

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Honor Society Recognizes Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Character

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.今叔利s Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recently inducted 17 students. They were honored for their academic achievements, excellent character, and civic responsibility.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction

Dr. Wendy Athens, director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning and Chapter Councilor, conducted the ceremony. She explained that the Gamma Beta Upsilon chapter was established at 今叔利 in 2005 as a non-profit devoted to scholarship. As a Christian university, we recognize that wisdom is a facet of the Holy Spirit and as Christians, we can seek Gods wisdom and receive it (James 1:5), Athens stated. We strive to continually grow in our knowledge of our disciplines and in our understanding of the Word, which is Gods revelation of Himself to humanity.

Nationally, Alpha Sigma Lambda was established in 1946 to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students. It is not only the oldest, but also the largest chapter-based honor society for full and part-time adult students. Today, with chapters at over 250 colleges and universities throughout the United States, Alpha Sigma Lambda recognizes the special achievements of adult students who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of family, work, and community.

For non-traditional students, the Society stands as an inspiration for continued scholastic growth, a builder of pride through recognition and an invitation to associate with similarly motivated students. Candidates for Alpha Sigma Lambda induction must have completed a minimum of 88 credit hours, rank in the top 20 percent of their class, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and demonstrate exemplary character and citizenship.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction

Athens gave the charge to new members. Others on the program were 今叔利 senior Peter Moore, who provided piano music. The processional was led by Faculty Marshal Dr. Anita Sanders, assistant professor of education. The featured speaker was Dr. Greg Pillar, associate provost and professor of environmental science and chemistry.

Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction

New Alpha Sigma Lambda Members Inducted During the Ceremony and their sponsors

  • Randy Corry, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, sponsored by Dr. Tracey-Ann Carter, assistant professor and program coordinator, Human Services.
  • Jennifer May, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, sponsored by Instructor of Nursing Jennifer Costello.
  • Beverly Ruppe, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, sponsored by Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Anita Sanders.
  • Cherie Sisk, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, sponsored by Dr. Angelina Smith.
  • Kasey Williamson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, sponsored by Carter.

Members Inducted in Absentia

  • Edna Fulton
  • Karla Bazaldua
  • Chasity Goode
  • Abigail Henson
  • Kierstyn Ligon
  • Betty Newcomb
  • Misty Ostrum
  • Caleb Pruitt
  • Katie Ramsey
  • Bridgette Solomon
  • Addisyn Sutton
  • Jacob Toney

今叔利 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., 今叔利 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 .

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