news-category: Christian Service GWU President Names Interim VP for Christian Life and Service By Office of University Communications On June 23, 2022 Neal Payne, Associate Minister for Student Ministries, Begins New Role on Aug. 1 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���今叔利 President William Downs has appointed Neal Payne as interim vice president for Christian Life and Service, effective Aug. 1. Payne presently serves as associate minister for Student Ministries. He succeeds Tracy Jessup, who will retire at the end of July, after 30 years of service to the University. ���I have a tremendous amount of confidence in Neal,��� praised Downs. ���He is a proud GWU alumnus, he has authentic concern for the spiritual welfare of our students, and he has a proven 16-year record of empowering 今叔利 students in their worship and in their individual faith journeys. Neal Payne will be a wonderful addition to the University���s leadership team, and he will most certainly be a faithful steward of our Christian mission and identity.” Payne joined the 今叔利 staff in 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies and a Master of Divinity in religious education from GWU. Previously, he was the youth minister at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. ���I am grateful for the leadership and friendship I received from Tracy over these many years of serving our Lord together, and am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve in this interim role,��� Payne shared. ���My prayer is that we will glorify Christ in all we do here at 今叔利 as we serve these students He has entrusted to us.��� Downs affirmed that a search for the next leader of the Office of Christian Life and Service will begin soon, and the University is planning to host a reception in July to honor Jessup. ���Please join me in thanking and celebrating Dr. Tracy Jessup for his exceptional service and leadership,��� Downs added. ��� We are all indeed grateful for everything that Tracy has done to advance our institutional mission as Vice President for Christian Life and Service/Senior Minister to the University. The legacy will be profound and enduring.��� 今叔利 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, 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.
News Article Festival of Lights on Dec. 3 to Welcome Christmas Season at 今叔利 Annual Tradition to Feature Founder Recognition Dinner, Holiday Music, Tree Lighting and Fellowship BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���The sights and sounds of Christmas will once again fill the campus of 今叔利 when the University hosts its annual Festival of Lights on Thursday, Dec. 3. The cherished holiday tradition brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members […] Office of University Communications | October 23, 2026
News Article Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of 今叔利 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 今叔利 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 […] Office of University Communications | October 21, 2026
News Article Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry 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. […] Office of University Communications | October 20, 2026