Bulldog Profiles Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

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

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

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

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On those rare occasions when �۶�ֱ�� University 2020 alumna Shelby Putnam catches a show at the historic Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C., she takes in the beautifully-preserved auditorium and knows she is in the right place. She is reminded why she left her own business to become the theatre’s director of marketing and public relations.

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

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

Putnam’s journey to the Carolina Theatre began years earlier with a providential discovery. A native of Rock Hill, S.C., she was looking through family records and discovered a report card showing her grandfather had attended �۶�ֱ�� Junior College in 1942 and 1943.

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

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

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

Looking for solutions, she turned to �۶�ֱ��’s marketing team. “The social media manager and I sat down and had coffee probably five plus times at least, just me asking her a thousand questions and picking her brain,” Putnam shared.

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

Shelby Putnam speaks during a �۶�ֱ�� new student
orientation in 2019.

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

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

She credits her adaptability and problem-solving skills to her �۶�ֱ�� liberal arts education. Exposed to disciplines ranging from history and acting to business, psychology and rhetoric, she developed the ability to think broadly and communicate across fields. “If you’re looking at what type of degree will get you the most amount of skills, I would argue, it’s a liberal arts education,” she offered.

Putnam’s experience was also shaped by �۶�ֱ��’s small-campus environment. She appreciated being part of a community where people knew one another beyond the classroom. She built meaningful relationships with faculty, including former Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Amato, whom she credits with broadening her perspective on learning and career possibilities.

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

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

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

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

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

�۶�ֱ�� University 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., �۶�ֱ�� 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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Katelyn Williams: A Story of Faith, Purpose and God’s Intentionality

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

2015 �۶�ֱ�� 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 �۶�ֱ�� University, 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 �۶�ֱ��, 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 �۶�ֱ��. The relationship began during their first week on campus. “We were both from Winston-Salem and came two hours away to meet at �۶�ֱ��,” she observed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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�۶�ֱ�� Alumna Erica McCray Recognized for Innovation and Data-Driven Instruction

Office of University Communications — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:16:50 +0000

Milken Honors School Principal for Advancing Project-Based Learning and Shaping Future-Ready Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When �۶�ֱ�� University alumna Erica McCray received the Milken Educator Award, she was totally caught off guard. Principals and teachers don’t apply for the award; they don’t even know who recommended them or that they are being considered.

“From my understanding the nomination is placed before a panel of individuals and the decision is made that way,” she explained. “So, there’s a mystery behind it. Everything was a surprise.”

She received the award during a school assembly that she thought was to celebrate the student’s test scores. When the presenter started to describe an award recipient, McCray was trying to remember who she had nominated for an award. She was shocked to hear her name called and even more astonished to learn of a $25,000 cash prize for her personal use.

McCray is in her seventh year as principal of Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, S.C., which serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. She joined the charter school as a teacher when it opened in 2014 and later moved into the literacy coach role. She holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Phoenix. As she began considering a transition into school administration, she decided to enroll in Gardner‑Webb’s online Master of Educational Leadership program.

“The experience itself was very helpful,” McCray shared. “It worked well with my schedule. It was well thought out and meaningful. I was able to take what I was doing and apply it back to my work. �۶�ֱ�� really gave me an opportunity to see a lot of the behind-the-scenes part—the importance of the data collection piece and then being able to take that data and make the decisions to best support the school.”

Riverwalk prioritizes Project-Based Learning (PBL), and McCray’s leadership in this area is one of the reasons she received the Milken award. Students take ownership of their learning and participate in practical community-centered projects. She explained that the fourth-grade team is working on the question, “How do the daily tasks of humans impact animals and their habitats?”

Based on their research, students will design and implement solutions to address the issue. During the inquiry, investigation, and development process, they learn essential competencies embedded in South Carolina’s academic standards. Each year, students add to what they have accomplished previously. “So, it’s really, ‘What can we do to have a lasting impact in our community?’” McCray emphasized.

Ellen Weaver, S.C. Superintendent of Education, left, congratulates
Erica McCray on winning the Milken Award.

McCray was also honored for empowering teachers to utilize real-time student data to drive instruction, monitor progress, and work with students in targeted small groups. She mentors colleagues, provides professional development, visits classrooms daily, and provides constructive feedback. Leading by example, McCray took a graduate class alongside several teachers for PBL training.

“We are very student-centered,” McCray noted. “We don’t just see students as a group. My teachers and I, we are talking about each individual student.”

Her leadership efforts contributed to increasing and maintaining a high teacher retention rate. She has presented on school culture improvement strategies at the South Carolina Department of Education’s Collective Leadership Institute. Riverwalk also received the Palmetto Silver Award in 2023-24 after McCray and a team of teachers reimagined grade-level writing expectations and benchmarks.

Through Milken’s program, McCray will have the opportunity to work with other Milken award winners from South Carolina. She met with them briefly, and they told her about working with North Carolina honorees to offer professional development opportunities to teachers. She will learn more about the program in June when she attends the award ceremony in Washington, D.C. She will also receive her $25,000 cash prize then. “I haven’t decided yet how I’m going to spend it,” McCray stated. “This recognition means so much, and I am grateful for my students, colleagues, and community who inspire me every day.”

About Milken Educator Awards

The Milken Educator Awards represent the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program, often hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching.” This season will reach more than $76 million in individual cash prizes since the Awards’ first presentation in 1987 and over $146 million invested in the Milken Educator Award national network overall, empowering recipients to broaden their impact and encouraging young, capable people to consider a career in education. Learn more .

About �۶�ֱ��

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�۶�ֱ�� Alumna Dr. Barbara Blackburn Inspires Teachers Through Practical Tools and Meaningful Strategies

Office of University Communications — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:36:56 +0000

Author and Education Consultant Guided by Lessons from Her Parents and GWU Professors

�۶�ֱ�� University alumna Dr. Barbara Blackburn is an award-winning education consultant, international speaker, and author of 38 books, with two more coming out in April. The inspiration for her books comes from her parents and the foundational lessons she learned in bachelor’s and master’s education programs at �۶�ֱ��.

The daughter of GWU Professor Emeritus of Health Education Dr. Bob Blackburn, she was introduced to teaching at a young age and wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. Her mom, Rose, was a school secretary, who instilled an appreciation for the vital role of school support staff.

“Dad was my first and best teacher,” Blackburn reflected. “I always remember him teaching me, whether it was teaching me how to swim, teaching me how to be a manager when I worked for him, or teaching me how to be successful in a class I took from him. He taught me so many lessons, not just about life, but about being a teacher.”

Dr. Barbara Blackburn dedicated this book
to her parents, Dr. Bob and Rose Blackburn.

She included one of those lessons in her newest book, “Productive Struggle in the Classroom.” She has two versions, one written for K-5 and the other for 6-12. “I had just started teaching, and I said, ‘Dad, what do you think is the purpose of education?’ ‘Why am I here?” Blackburn related. “He said the best definition he’d ever heard came from a third-grade teacher, and it was that the purpose of education is to figure out what to do when you don’t know what to do. Anytime I am stuck, that’s what I think about. My purpose is to help my kids figure out what to do when they don’t know what to do. And that is, if you think about it, the heart of what we do with instruction.”

The education faculty at �۶�ֱ�� enhanced her father’s influence. “I wouldn’t be where I am without �۶�ֱ��,” Blackburn affirmed. “It totally shaped who I was as a teacher.”

She earned certifications in early childhood, elementary, and middle school during her GWU undergraduate studies. “Even though I had grown up around schools, having professors who had a broader perspective, like Mrs. (Barbara) Cribb, opened my eyes to what you could do with children’s literature. It could be magic, but you had to make it magic.”

Those lessons from Cribb inform her writing. “When I write a motivation book, I’ll talk about using children’s lit to teach resilience, and that comes from her,” Blackburn shared.

�۶�ֱ�� professors who taught methods courses in science and math also inspire ideas found in her books. After earning her master’s in school administration and middle school language arts from �۶�ֱ��, Blackburn spent five years in the classroom, teaching elementary and junior high students. In 2000, she received her doctorate in curriculum and teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

While teaching at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., she made a presentation on classroom motivation that began her career as an author and consultant. “My publisher at that time, Bob Sickles, saw me present and how practical the information was,” Blackburn explained. “He approached me about writing a book, and he offered me a contract. So that was the first book: ‘Classroom Motivation from A-Z.’”

Sickles asked for the next book, and she continued to write on a variety of topics, including leadership, special education, and rigor in the classroom. In 2017, she was excited to finally have an opportunity to write a book with her father, who passed away in 2019.

In this family photo, a young Barbara Blackburn prepares to teach the alphabet to the kittens.

They wrote “Advocacy from A to Z,” based on the work he did to support educators. The book provides school-based examples and specific strategies to be a successful advocate for education. They were joined by Ronald Williamson, a leadership expert and frequent co‑author of Blackburn’s books for educational administrators.

Many of her titles relate to rigor in the classroom. Her books offer a practical, teacher-friendly concept of instructional rigor that includes high expectations, scaffolding for instruction, and demonstration of learning. She has been voted a Top 30 Global Guru in Education for 10 consecutive years by educators who appreciate her work as an author, consultant and speaker. In 2025, Blackburn’s educational development program was named among the top 10 in the world.

Drawing on lessons from her �۶�ֱ�� professors and her own experience in the classroom, Blackburn emphasizes easy-to-make, useful solutions. “I do a lot of listening to teachers and principals,” she said. “What they all say is we need things that are practical. Really, the best ideas are the ones they adapt versus just taking what I say. I don’t do a lot of things that require them to go out and buy a lot of stuff.”

She explained that one of her favorite activities is a simple game that leads to higher-order questioning. “All they have to do is run off some little cards, cut them up and put them in a plastic bag,” she offered. “They love it because, once they make the game, they have it for the year. And it doesn’t require them to go buy anything fancy. They love that because of how simple it is and how powerful it is and it makes a difference for their students.”

From quick, low‑cost activities to adaptable classroom techniques, Blackburn focuses on solutions that reduce stress and increase engagement. In addition to her books, Blackburn offers many free resources to teachers and administrators on her website, .

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Beyond the Runway: �۶�ֱ�� Alumna Dr. Keira Moore Studies the Power of Fashion Choices

Office of University Communications — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:50:00 +0000

From a PhD in Consumer Behavior to a Consulting Agency for Small Businesses, Moore Explores the Psychology Behind Purchasing Decisions

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� alumna Dr. Keira Moore is passionate about clothes and fashion, but not in the way most people might think. Instead of pursuing a career in design, she has dedicated her career to studying the reasons why consumers choose their clothes and accessories. Her research is focused on the social psychology of dress and how brands capitalize on marketing strategies to connect with consumers.

A market research course in grad school sparked her interest in the topic. “I studied cultural appropriation and brand collaborations,” Moore explained. “The rabbit holes I would go down would truly be fascinating, and I knew I had to pursue a PhD after that course.”

She is employed as community lead with Vuori, an athletic company. Her responsibilities include managing all community-based events to build brand awareness. Moore spearheaded the launch of new retail location, managing 30+ staff and developing data-informed strategies to drive employee engagement to boost overall team cohesion/morale.

Moore is also the founder of a consulting agency, “The Third Piece,” that focuses on cultural and consumer insights for small and minority-owned businesses. Visit her website . “My clients are in the Raleigh/Durham area and are within retail (apparel, beauty, accessories), hospitality, and fitness,” she elaborated. “My future plans include building my consulting brand that will allow me to continue being in community by providing services to these smaller brands and making my way into academia as a professor.”

Moore majored in marketing at �۶�ֱ�� and played on the volleyball team. After earning her bachelor’s degree in 2017, she was accepted into graduate school at N.C. State University (NCSU) in the Wilson College of Textiles. She also played volleyball at NCSU and received her master’s in brand management and marketing in 2019. She completed her PhD in consumer behavior and sociology from NCSU in 2025.

During her PhD journey, she became obsessed with knowing the driving forces that shape cultural and purchasing trends. After posing numerous topics and thinking about her own buying choices, she chose the topic of her dissertation: “‘I’m in my Bag’: An Exploration of Black-Owned Handbag Brands in the Context of Black Women’s Negotiation of Identity and Cultural Stereotypes.”

Moore noted, “My advisor, Dr. Delisia Matthews and I share a love for Black-owned handbags. Also, my mother was a bag lady and it rubbed off on me. From many conversations about our Black-owned handbags, it finally clicked.”

Dr. Keira Moore studied in London after receiving her PhD from N.C. State.

She interviewed 21 Black millennial women and explored how stereotypes, identity, and culture influenced their purchasing decisions. Her findings provide valuable insights that can drive marketing and branding strategies.

After finishing her doctorate, Moore received a Summer Study Abroad Award through the International Textile and Apparel Association in partnership with the University of Art-London. A prestigious opportunity, she studied at the London College of Fashion under renowned luxury fashion consultant and international best-selling author, Toby Meadows. She also conducted a case study on London-based, Black-owned handbag brand, Florian, with an objective to increase brand visibility.

Her interest in studying consumer emotions/behaviors and purchasing motivations is fueled by her own journey. Influenced by family from New York, her mother emphasized the value of looking your best. Beyond those early lessons in style, Moore was over 6-foot tall by the time she was a teenager. She made a decision then to embrace her height, stand tall, and express her individuality through fashion. “I thought that if I’m going to be the first person people see when walking into a room, I might as well look good while doing it,” she shared.

Moore’s family lived in Spartanburg, S.C., when she accepted the offer to play volleyball at �۶�ֱ��. She found GWU after an internet search for Division I universities in the area. “It felt perfect—close to home, smaller, and had a good business program,” she related. “I reached out to the coaches, and they asked to come to one of my games. From there, the coaches had a really great game plan for me, which my high school coach talked me through. I committed on my first visit. It was close to home and the perfect size for a small-town girl who loves community and close-knit relationships.”

Dr. Keira Moore, 2017 alumna, played volleyball at GWU, left, and as a graduate student at N.C. State.

Two key mentors at GWU were Dr. Mischia Taylor, Godbold College of Business dean and assistant professor, and Beth Martin, former assistant volleyball coach. “They were really amazing women in my life, and I keep in touch with them both,” Moore acknowledged. “I hope they know how much of an impact they had on my career, athletically and academically, especially how to show up as myself in these spaces.”

While academics was a priority, Moore was thankful for the experience of competing at the collegiate level. “Not everyone gets that opportunity, and I am so grateful that I did,” she asserted. “Not only that, but people cared about my future. My coaching staff set me up for success, even with me going to N.C. State for my master’s. That was really my head coach’s doing because he saw great things for me and my future. I will never forget my experience at �۶�ֱ��, because if it was not for that, who knows what my story would be!”

She concluded, “�۶�ֱ�� University will always hold a special place in my heart. The University that was nestled so close to my hometown; and the University that introduced me to higher education and where I met lifelong friends.”

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At �۶�ֱ�� University, Naliah Codjovi, ‘28, Found Community to Pursue her Calling

Office of University Communications — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:46:16 +0000

Ignite Scholar Aims to Support Fellow Sickle Cell Patients Through a Career in Medicine

BOILING-SPRINGS, N.C.— “�۶�ֱ�� has a close-knit and welcoming community that gave me the fresh start I didn’t know I needed. It has become a place where I feel supported, seen, and able to grow,” described Naliah Codjovi, who is originally from Buffalo, New York.

She was a high school senior when her family moved to Charlotte, N.C., and her mom suggested she visit �۶�ֱ�� University. “My mom wanted me to find a community that she thought I would resonate with because I expressed that I needed something new and refreshing,” explained Codjovi, who will graduate from GWU in 2028. “I was reluctant but agreed to visit, and the town and college appealed to me, so once I did the Ignite Scholarship interview, I felt like �۶�ֱ�� could actually be my college.”

She added that winning the Ignite Scholarship was a blessing for her and her family. A biology major with a biomedical concentration and a minor in health administration, Codjovi’s goal is to become a Physician Assistant and enter the field of hematology. “When I found out I won, I remember thinking it was unbelievable,” she reflected. “It reminded me that if you put in the hard work, and God sees your effort, He will reward you in the ways you least expect. I know that I have a long educational journey ahead of me as someone who wants to enter the medical field, so winning the Ignite Excellence award was a huge financial weight lifted off my shoulders.”

As vice president of the Black Student Association, Naliah Codjovi, left, helped with Sickle Cell Awareness Week activities.

Her choice to pursue a career in hematology is personal. As someone who lives with Sickle Cell Anemia, she wants to be there for others who have this inherited blood disorder. “Living with this challenge has shown me how essential empathy is in medicine—not just treating symptoms but truly seeing and supporting patients and the Sickle Cell community,” she shared. “I want to become the kind of medical professional I always needed growing up: Someone who listens, understands, and fights for patients. My goal is to uplift the Sickle Cell community with clinics and create more equitable care around the world.”

The vice president of the Black Student Association (BSA), Codjovi is not waiting until she is out of college to encourage patients with Sickle Cell. Recently, the BSA hosted Sickle Cell Awareness Week by sponsoring activities to educate �۶�ֱ�� students about the disorder. The events also supported patients by asking students to write encouraging notes to them as well as collecting donations for Levine Cancer Center.

Naliah Codjovi writes a note to encourage
a patient with Sickle Cell Anemia.

The professors in the Department of Natural Sciences are equipping her with the skills she needs for graduate school. She appreciates the mentorship of Professor of Chemistry Dr. Stefka Eddins. “She was my chemistry professor for the first and second semester, but she has also been a guiding voice in my life,” Codjovi acknowledged. “She always knows what to say, but most importantly how to say it. She is very wise, kind, and genuine … I appreciate her reminders not to doubt myself and to focus on what’s important in my education.”

In addition to academic support, Codjovi has surrounded herself with new friends and serves as a Student Orientation Leader. Last semester, she served in the Student Government Association as a representative from Stroup Residence Hall and went with the SGA on a mission trip to Rock Hill, S.C., to help people recover after Hurricane Helene. “I feel like it is important to have a place like GWU in your life,” she related. “I did not have much of a community where I came from, so I am more than grateful to be in a place that fosters my spirituality and appreciates kindness and support as much as GWU does.”

Her family is a constant source of encouragement and she knows that she can call them any time. During her first semester at GWU, her family still lived in New York. However, her new friends on campus offered to give her a ride when she needed to go somewhere and also cheered her up when she was feeling sad and alone. They even surprised her one day by bringing karaoke and a dance party into her room. “Moments like those remind me how important it is to make connections in college, especially ones that show up for you when it really counts,” she observed.

She cherishes those special times with her friends, but also knows that life—and especially college—is a journey shaped by personal choices. “I believe an experience is what you make it, and it’s important to focus on what you can control,” Codjovi asserted. “This is definitely not an easy thing to do consistently, but every day I try to be better than who I was yesterday, and that is what matters.”

She shared the same message as an Orientation leader. “I told my group to make the most of college: Go to classes, have fun, but don’t get caught up and forget why they are here,” she remarked. “I told them not to be afraid to meet new people and to try new things. They might meet a friend right away or meet many new friends every semester.”

About the Ignite Scholarship

Ignite Excellence is �۶�ֱ�� University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. They must maintain a cumulative institutional grade point average of 3.5, reside on campus, and continue to demonstrate a strong leadership ability and commitment to service. Learn more here.

About �۶�ֱ�� University

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�۶�ֱ�� Ignite Scholar Ja’Kayla Alexander Embodies Excellence in Nursing and Service

Office of University Communications — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:14:53 +0000

Alexander Pursues Her Calling with Faith as Her Foundation and a Heart for Helping

To our readers: In celebration of 60 years of nursing education at GWU, which began in August 1965, HSON highlights some of its students who are preparing to serve in the field. Learn more here.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Ja’Kayla Alexander, of Shelby, N.C., was awarded the Ignite Excellence Scholarship at �۶�ֱ�� University, she reflected on 2 Corinthians 15:7, a verse that perfectly captured her journey: “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” Through dedicated pursuit of academic success, her hopes of earning a college scholarship became a reality.

As a student in the Hunt School of Nursing, Alexander continues to be diligent in her studies to prepare for her career and meet the scholarship’s academic requirements. “I feel extremely blessed to be one of the recipients of the Ignite Scholarship,” reflected Alexander, who will graduate in 2028. “Getting this scholarship has really eased the financial pressure on me and my family. I’m still amazed that I was chosen out of so many qualified applicants and interviewees. Winning this scholarship has allowed me to pursue my career without the financial burden of debt, which means a lot to me.”

She is confident that her professors in nursing and other subjects will equip her with the skills and knowledge she needs to care for patients. “I’ll get a ton of hands-on experience during clinicals, learning how to take care of patients and handle meds and equipment,” she explained. “Plus, classes like anatomy have given me a solid understanding of the body and how to treat illnesses. I’ll also learn how to think on my feet and make quick decisions, which is super important in nursing. And, of course, I’ll have gotten better at talking to patients and working with other healthcare folks.”

Alexander’s introduction to �۶�ֱ�� began when her family moved to Shelby from Charlotte, N.C. “When I started attending Shelby High School, some of my teachers had gone to �۶�ֱ�� University and often shared their experiences with me,” she related. “As I was in my senior year and thinking about my future, �۶�ֱ�� kept popping up as a great option. So, I decided to check it out and see what it had to offer.”

�۶�ֱ�� was close to home and that is important to Alexander. She wanted to be close to her mom and sisters, and she also desired to keep her job as a nursing assistant. Through an opportunity at her school, she completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and works in a skilled nursing facility. Her first job was caring for patients in an assisted living and memory care community. “I believe that this experience, coupled with the inspiration I received from my health science teacher, has been instrumental in my career development,” Alexander said. “This job has taught me the most about the nature and demands of the healthcare field. It demands immense time, patience, and empathy, and it can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.”

Ja’Kayla Alexander decided to minor in American Sign Language after
learning about deaf culture. The class frequently gets together for a
“signing” dinner to practice what they are learning.
Photo by Claire Ledford / GWU Photo Team

She continued, “Working with my residents at both facilities has taught me the most valuable lesson: To live life in the present moment. Whether it’s traveling, building a family, running a marathon, or simply reading books, we should strive to achieve and find fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. For when we grow old and reflect on our journey, we will want to feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.”

The compassion and care she practiced as a CNA strengthened her desire to pursue a nursing career. “From a young age, I knew I wanted to be in a field where I could make a positive impact and help people,” Alexander affirmed. “My grandma always taught me to be selfless, reminding me that ‘when you give, God will give back to you.’ So, being in a field where I can care for the vulnerable, helpless, and those in need feels like a way that God is giving back to me.”

In an effort to expand her skills, Alexander explored her interest in American Sign Language and decided to minor in the subject. “I’ve always been fascinated by interpreters at big events, concerts, and on social media,” she shared. “I wanted to make the most of my time at GW, so I took the class. While learning about deaf culture, I realized it’s so much more than just being fascinated by interpreters. It’s an integral part of their everyday lives, and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m really grateful to learn from Mr. Russ Gribble, who is a deaf instructor, and to incorporate what I’m learning into my future career.”

She appreciates all of her professors and describes them as kind and supportive. She said her two advisors—Aubree Bell and Dr. Kerstin Queen—have provided invaluable guidance to her throughout her time on campus. She is especially grateful for the friends who share the same career path. “We often support and uplift each other since we’re all going through this together,” Alexander affirmed.

To balance the demands of school and work, she makes time for self-care. “These activities include spending time outdoors in the sun, and thrift shopping,” Alexander described. “In nursing school, knowing when to prioritize school and when to prioritize personal well-being is crucial for your success.”

She also enjoys attending events sponsored by Student Engagement. Her favorites are BINGO and any activity with free food.

Another inspiring event for Alexander was a personal story shared by Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters during a Dimensions program. Waters is the former dean of the College of Health Sciences and a nursing professor. “It really touched my life,” Alexander said. “Her story about how faith has guided her career as a nurse inspired me as a future nurse. It even made me tear up a bit. Her message really resonated with me, and I’m so grateful for that experience.”

About the Ignite Scholarship

About �۶�ֱ��

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Internship Prepares �۶�ֱ�� Senior to Pursue Physical Therapy in Graduate School

Office of University Communications — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:12:00 +0000

Olivia Granger Develops Lab Techniques While Conducting Cancer Biology Research

At the end of her internship at Wake Forest Baptist Health,
Olivia Granger presented a poster on her research findings.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—During her internship, �۶�ֱ�� University exercise science major, Olivia Granger of Winston-Salem, N.C., gained insight into cancer biology research, while realizing her own ability to adapt and grow. Working in Dr. David Soto-Pantoja’s lab at Wake Forest Baptist Health, she quickly adjusted to a new environment filled with unfamiliar terminology, tools, and techniques.

“The only experience I had with microbiology until this internship was my General Microbiology class the semester before,” shared Granger. That class gave her basic knowledge about the anatomy of cells and how they work, and she learned how to use a pipette, a common laboratory tool that measures and transfers small volumes of liquid accurately.

As she worked in the hands-on setting, Granger developed critical-thinking abilities and laboratory skills, and she was given an opportunity to present her findings at a Wake Med Symposium. “I researched how to overcome cancer-related cardiotoxicities,” she explained. “I worked with cardiac cells, specifically H9C2 from rats, and treated them with doxorubicin (DOX), a cancer treatment medicine, and blocked CD47, a cell receptor.”

When she arrived at the internship, she began by studying a few of her mentor’s published works and the presentations he gives to his doctoral students. “I enjoyed being in a new situation, being able to learn from my environment,” Granger observed. “I feel that being in this situation helped me learn that experiencing new situations can benefit your knowledge even if you go into the experience with minimal to no knowledge. I feel this will help me in my future as a way to further my education with my doctorate and in my career.”

Olivia Granger listens to instructions from �۶�ֱ�� Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Dr. Jonathan Ahearn during a functional movement screen lab at the GWU College of Health Sciences.

Granger hypothesized that metabolic changes caused by cancer could make patients more likely to suffer harmful side effects from chemotherapy. While studying the cells, Granger performed several techniques, such as Western Blots to detect and analyze specific proteins in a sample, and Immunohistochemistry, used to identify and visualize specific proteins in tissue samples. She also used Fluorescence Imaging to visualize cells and molecules by attaching fluorescent dyes or proteins, and In Vitro Cell Culturing, a technique in which cells, tissues, or organisms are grown and maintained in a controlled laboratory environment, typically in a plastic dish or flask, using nutrient-rich cell culture media.

Through her studies, she concluded that changes in how the body uses energy can make patients more likely to experience harmful side effects from cancer treatments, such as heart damage or cardiotoxicity. “Our findings suggest that blocking CD47 could be a new way to protect the heart during cancer therapy,” Granger summarized.

Also a student in the GWU Accelerated Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program, Granger is back on the GWU campus to complete her bachelor’s and finish her master’s. She enjoys serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in science labs and was asked to serve as a TA by Instructor of Biology Stacie Smith after taking Smith’s Anatomy and Physiology 2. “I would say Ms. Smith has been my most meaningful mentor while at �۶�ֱ��,” Granger noted. “There are many times that I would meet her during her office hours to ask advice about other classes or just to talk in general. There have been many times over my years here that Ms. Smith noticed I was upset and allowed me to talk to her, and she would give me advice. She is genuinely someone that I would go to for anything.”

Olivia Granger gives directions to her lab partners in the functional
movement screen lab.

Another mentor who has given Granger support and advice is �۶�ֱ�� staff member, Kara Alves, director of Success Initiatives and First Year Experiences. Granger serves as a Peer Leader for University 111, a program under Alves’ leadership that helps first-year students learn techniques for success in college. “I have enjoyed making connections with the incoming freshman each year and being there for them throughout their time at �۶�ֱ��, and not just during their first semester when they are taking University 111,” Granger observed. “I genuinely feel that I have made an impact with my students throughout my time here, and I hope I have had a positive impact on their experience.”

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Ignite Scholar Lucy Merritt Found a Home at �۶�ֱ��—And the Path to Pursue Nursing

Office of University Communications — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:37:12 +0000

Junior Experiences the heart of GWU: Personal Connection, Academic Excellence, and the Passion to Serve

To our readers: In celebration of 60 years of nursing education at GWU, which began in August 1965, HSON highlights some of its students and alumni serving around the world. Learn more here.

BOILING SPRINGS—Growing up in Shelby, N.C., Lucy Merritt knew �۶�ֱ�� University as the place her parents attended and her grandfather worked. When she started her college search, Merritt discovered for herself the unique qualities of the GWU community.

“The family-like atmosphere just feels like home to me,” Merritt described. “Coming to events, they knew my name and remembered things about me that I shared. I felt like a name rather than a number, and that was so special and helpful in my decision-making process. Also, the �۶�ֱ�� nursing program can’t be beaten. The small class sizes, hands-on learning, and professors who are personal and truly want me to succeed were all parts of my decision to attend �۶�ֱ��, as well.”

Merritt, an Ignite Scholar, is a junior nursing major with a minor in health management. “The opportunity to receive the Ignite Scholarship was true evidence of God’s plan for my life,” Merritt acknowledged. “He provided the Ignite Scholarship right when I needed it. I will forever be grateful for the blessing that this scholarship is. I feel so honored to have been a recipient of this amazing gift. It was a relief financially, but also a huge indicator that GW was right where I was supposed to be for these years of college.”

Because of her own experiences with �۶�ֱ��, Merritt has served two years as a Student Recruitment Ambassador (SRA) for the Office of Admissions. “My favorite part is getting to meet so many new people and making the incoming students feel welcome and at home,” she observed. “The Admissions team and their kindness is what drew me to �۶�ֱ��, and it is so special to be part of that team now.”

Her dedication as a SRA is also the force that also drives her to become a nurse. “I find joy in serving others, and nursing allows me to do just that,” Merritt affirmed. “I love the many fields that nursing can lead to and the endless opportunities it provides. Nursing allows me to meet people at their lowest, scariest moments and brighten those moments with things like a smile, sitting to talk, or just caring for the needs that they have medically.”

Katelyn Ivey, left, watches Lucy Merritt take a
blood pressure reading.

She appreciates how the professors in the Hunt School of Nursing help students understand and master the rigorous curriculum and requirements. “The nursing department has done a wonderful job of giving me opportunities to be prepared for stepping into my career,” she noted. “They do this through lab work, simulation, skill checkoffs, interactive lectures, and so much more. They truly are the best group of professors, and I don’t think I could get through nursing school without their support.”

In particular, her nursing advisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Angel Queen, is a mentor and a role model. “She was (also) my ‘Fundamentals of Nursing’ professor in lecture and lab,” Merritt related. “She is so helpful and patient. She answers every single question I have, and that is a lot. In the Spring 2025 semester, she sat down with me and talked through a topic which I had struggled with on a quiz. It meant the world to me that she would take the time for that. I know she has prepared me well to continue on in nursing. I am so thankful for Dr. Queen.”

Beyond the personalized academic support Merritt has received are the meaningful friendships she’s developed since starting her �۶�ֱ�� journey. “Rachel Gaura, Emma Jean Hampton, and Kateley Canipe have had such a positive impact on my time at GW,” she shared. “Getting to do all of the events with them and having fun together has made my �۶�ֱ�� experience even more special. They support me in all that I do and are constantly encouraging me when I get overwhelmed or stressed out.”

Lucy Merritt, center, enjoys spending time with two friends she’s made since coming to GWU: Rachel Gaura, left, and Kateley Canipe. Photos by Claire Ledford

Merritt cherishes the people and experiences that weave together the �۶�ֱ�� community. “I love the events that we have, and the many opportunities that we get to engage with the people we know—and to meet new people,” she shared. “I really try to spend a lot of time strengthening those relationships that I have built here at �۶�ֱ�� and am excited to continue meeting new people and building new relationships!”

Listen to more of Merritt’s story in this episode of the Bulldog Mindset podcast.

About the Ignite Scholarship

About �۶�ֱ��

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Casey Cooper: From �۶�ֱ�� Nursing Graduate to Tribal Healthcare Leader

Office of University Communications — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:31:24 +0000

1994 Alumnus Reflects on the Mentors and Mission That Shaped His Path to Leading the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority

To our readers: Alumni of the �۶�ֱ�� Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) are leaders in the nursing field, recognized with national honors, and serving in private practices, hospitals, missions, and education. In celebration of 60 years of nursing education at GWU, which began in August 1965, HSON highlights some of its alumni serving around the world. Learn more here.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Casey Cooper, a 1994 nursing alumnus of �۶�ֱ�� University, approaches each day with the same mindset. Whether on the job as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), serving on the board of a community organization or at home with his family, Cooper’s main objective is the same. “What drives me—the essence of it—is just being significant in the lives of others,” he stated. “We all have our own paths and our own opportunities to pour ourselves into the lives of others.”

Cooper is thankful for the people who took their time to invest in his life. An average high school student, he came from a background of economic hardship. The trajectory of his life was changed by those who supported and encouraged him. One was a counselor in his high school who took him aside, because he knew that Cooper would need financial help applying to colleges.

Casey Cooper

The counselor gave him vouchers to waive the application fees. They sent them off, and he was accepted to �۶�ֱ�� University. He chose nursing because of another person in his life who had inspired him. “When I was in high school, I ended up in health occupations class,” Cooper shared. “There was a teacher who took an interest in me and refused to let me fail to meet my potential. To this day, I’ll tell you, she genuinely loved me in a way that made it impossible for me to disappoint her.”

The teacher was also a nurse, and Cooper excelled in the class. “There were some experiences that I had in health occupations in high school that really sparked me,” he reflected. “When I was a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) student working in the hospital, I really discovered the kind of the joy and the pleasure of pouring yourself into relieving someone else’s suffering. I knew there was something that just felt miraculous about that.”

However, Cooper remained doubtful about going to college and didn’t follow up with �۶�ֱ��. Then, during his senior year of high school, he was surprised to receive a phone call from Sandra Earl, who was the administrative assistant for the nursing school at the time. She contacted him because he needed to submit some additional information to complete his application.

“I was not living at home and somehow Sandra found me,” Cooper related. “She kind of held my hand through the application process. She did all these things for me, invested in me in a way that made an impression on me. She had a genuine care and interest in me and it made me feel safe and helped me to overcome the fears that were preventing me from really engaging.”

Casey Cooper, left, poses with N.C. Senator Kevin Corbin at the annual
Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala.

Afterward, Cooper visited the campus and could sense the community of support he would have at �۶�ֱ��. A first-generation student, he was attracted to the close-knit campus and also to �۶�ֱ��’s ADN to BSN program. “I didn’t have the confidence that I could earn an undergraduate degree, but I thought if I worked, I could white knuckle it for 24 months, and I could get a nursing license that I’d have some security to fall back on,” he said. “You know, first semester, my freshman year—I don’t know if the program is still geared this way—we literally had nursing clinical rotations. The work was so rigorous. I think we had to carry 17 hours our first semester. But it was obviously doable with the amount of wraparound support that we had.”

Cooper was encouraged by all of his professors—not just in nursing. He was mentored by several faculty members who are retired now and recognized with the Faculty Emeriti honor: Dr. Tom Jones and Dr. Les Brown in the Department of Natural Sciences, Dr. Tony Eastman in social sciences, and Dr. Sue Camp in business. In addition to teaching their regular classes, Jones, Eastman and Camp taught a special class for students who needed help establishing good study habits. “They taught you how to be successful and to learn to implement processes to strengthen your abilities,” he noted. “What the class taught me was that I had different learning styles and that it OK to use all these different techniques to learn.”

With their help and the support of nursing faculty, like Nursing School Dean Dr. Shirley Toney, and professor Wanda Stutts, and others, Cooper made the President’s List his first semester at �۶�ֱ��.

Additionally, Cooper surrounded himself with friends who helped him study. “Trey Gilliam and I, we just decided we wanted to excel and prosper, so we would get together and we would carry a little electric coffee pot to the UC and we would stay in the UC and we’d study all night,” he described. “Trent Jessup was another who was just so accepting of me and was willing to tolerate my rough edges and inspire me. So, it was just all that support, the entire sense of community that I experienced when I was at �۶�ֱ��, that built a safety net around me that made it safe for me to excel and prosper.”

Cooper, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has served the EBCI and his community since graduating from �۶�ֱ�� in 1994. He began as a primary care nurse, then worked as a community health nurse, nurse educator, and a nursing manager, before becoming the health director of the EBCI from 1999 to 2004.

As health director, he helped shape public health policy with a focus on chronic disease prevention. He was also part of a community-wide initiative to assume the management responsibilities of the Cherokee Indian Hospital from the Indian Health Services through an Indian Self-Determination Agreement. Cooper, who earned his MBA from UNC-Chapel-Hill, assumed his current role as CEO of CIHA in 2004.

He strongly affirmed that these accomplishments are the result of the EBCI working together. “Nothing that has happened here is a Casey accomplishment, and I’ve just got to be really honest about that,” he stated. “It’s the result of just being able to have all these wonderful, committed people who are getting the same vision.”

Cooper continued, “This tribe in this community made a decision to take its health system away from the federal government in 2002 to take over the health system. Remove the management from the National Indian Health Service and run it ourselves, create our own governing board, our own structure, and it’s been incredibly successful through self-determination and self-governance. This community has proven to itself in its constituents that it had the capability to manage its own health care system, and that’s been tremendous.”

According to the CIHA the Cherokee Indians have a saying: U wa shv u da nv te lv. Roughly translated into English, it means, “the one who gives from their heart,” and is one of the CIHA’s guiding principles. This healthcare system in the westernmost corner of the state serves the approximately 14,000 members of the EBCI in the Qualla Boundary.

Since the EBCI took over the hospital, its grown from approximately $25 million a year to $190 million a year in gross revenue; from about 125 employees to over 1,000; and has added services, such as behavioral health, end of life care, and recovery support services. They’ve invested close to $200 million in new facilities. Employees are satisfied in their jobs, and customers are pleased with their care.

“There’s a lot of things that I think are illustrative of success,” Cooper said, “but I would say the most successful thing is that we have become the provider of choice for our local community, and that our local community—even community members who have the ability to go somewhere else—choose to come to us and they’re satisfied. There’s no better illustration of success than to be the provider of choice.”

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