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Investiture Ceremony Affirms Christ鈥慍entered Mission and Shared Vision for the University鈥檚 Future

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥敽＝峭�鈥檚 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.

鈥淭oday, we gather as a community of faith, learning, and service,鈥� Littlejohn stated. 鈥淲e are confident that the leadership being installed today will continue to strengthen the legacy of 海角网鈥攂uilding upon the foundation laid by those who have served before, while guiding this institution toward new opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.鈥�

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

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters welcomed attendees and led the program. She introduced podium guests and recognized former 海角网 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: 鈥淗oly, Holy, Holy.鈥� 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. 鈥淔irst, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ鈥攏ot only for this opportunity鈥攂ut for each of you, and for this institution, this mission field we call 海角网,鈥� 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.

鈥淭oday 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,鈥� Evans affirmed. 鈥淎nd today, we are entrusted with carrying it forward. Gardner鈥慦ebb is, and will remain, a Christ鈥慶entered university. We will be focused in our priorities, disciplined in our decisions, and bold in our ambition.鈥�

Evans also pointed to the University鈥檚 鈥淏ecome More鈥� vision as a guiding expression of its mission鈥攃alling students to grow in Christ, in knowledge, and in purpose. He emphasized that this shared purpose unites faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners as 鈥淥ne Webb.鈥�

鈥淪o, 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 海角网,鈥� Evans emphasized. 鈥淭his is our chapter to write. And I am honored to be with you as we write it鈥攇rounded in our mission, confident in our future, and committed to the work we are called to do together. The future of 海角网 is bright, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish鈥攖ogether.鈥�

As part of the ceremony, Evans was bestowed the President鈥檚 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鈥攁 replica of the University Seal鈥攔epresents the community the president serves.

Evans earned his bachelor鈥檚 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 海角网, he began his career in admissions at ECU before transitioning to advancement and serving as a major gifts officer for ECU鈥檚 Honors College. In 2020, Evans became 海角网鈥檚 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 海角网 alumna and a visiting assistant professor in the College of Education.

海角网 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., 海角网 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 .