Faith & Service Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

Dr. W. Randall Lolley, Former �۶�ֱ�� Trustee, Dies at 90

Office of University Communications — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:12:03 +0000

The Lolley Chair for Pastoral Studies, Established in 2000 at GWU, Recognizes His Contributions to Ministry

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. W. Randall Lolley, former trustee of �۶�ֱ�� University from 1998 to 2001, passed away on March 21, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C., surrounded by his family. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees, Lolley was honored at GWU in 2000 with the establishment of the W. Randall Lolley Chair for Pastoral Studies.

“Dr. Lolley’s legacy continues in many places, including �۶�ֱ�� University’s School of Divinity,” observed Dr. Robert W. Canoy, dean of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity. “Friends and supporters of Dr. Lolley provided contributions to fund the first faculty chair of the School of Divinity—The W. Randall Lolley Chair of Pastoral Studies. We extend condolences to the Lolley family.”

The late Ed Vick was instrumental in helping raise funds for the Lolley chair. Dr. Doug Dickens was the first to occupy the chair in August 2002, which he did until 2019. In 2020, Dr. Danny West was named to the chair, which he still occupies.

Lolley, age 90, once wrote that he wanted to be remembered as a “believer in Jesus Christ, who loved life, and served people as best he could; who now will enjoy life everlasting in the presence of my Saviour—Jesus.”

He was born in Troy, Ala., on June 2, 1931, to Roscoe Lee and Mary Nunnelee Lolley. While in college, he was pastor of churches at Good Hope, his home church in Troy, and Reece and Piney Grove near Samson, Ala. While in seminary, he was pastor at Pine Ridge and Poplar Springs Baptist churches in Zebulon, N.C. He was also associate pastor at Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas. Following seminary, Lolley was pastor of First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C., First Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C., and First Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C.

He was president of his alma mater, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C., from 1974-1988. In the late 1980s, he was awarded the Alexander Meiklejohn Award by the American Association of University Professors for his defense of academic freedom.

Lolley was also a trustee at Campbell University, Meredith College, NC Baptist Retirement Homes, and the Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. He preached, taught and lectured in churches and schools in 41 states. He traveled with his family and camped in every state of the United States, traveled to all seven continents, and visited over 118 countries around the world.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Clara Lou Jacobs Lolley; daughters Charlotte Murphy and her husband, Pat, Goldsboro, N.C., and Pam Frey and her husband, Mike, Raleigh, N.C.

A Celebration of Life service for Lolley will be held on May 14 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Read the full obituary .

Memorial gifts can be made to: CBF Lolley Fund: cbfnc.org/LolleyFundGifts or WFU Lolley Fund: go.wfu.edu/lolleyfund/

�۶�ֱ�� University 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., �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. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ�� Honors Experience Provides Preview of College Life

Office of University Communications — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 18:51:32 +0000

High Schoolers Who Attend Qualify to Compete for Full-Tuition, Room and Board Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— A group of 44 high school students from all over the East coast spent five days recently on the campus of �۶�ֱ�� University experiencing life on a Christian college campus—eating in the cafeteria, living in the residence hall, and attending classes and chapel. They also participated in service projects at local ministries and were introduced to some of the fun things to do in the area. This year’s group was the largest to attend since the Honors Experience began four years ago.

This one-week college immersion program is offered each summer to academically gifted and talented students who are currently in the ninth- through 11th-grade. Participants in the program are automatically qualified to compete in the �۶�ֱ�� Ignite Excellence Scholarship program—the highest honor includes full tuition as well as room and board, totaling over $30,000 per year.

“Most of the students who come haven’t yet decided where they want to go to college,” noted Mindy Robinson, assistant director for The Honors Experience and coordinator for Community Engagement and Student Ministries. “Hopefully, this experience makes them want to come here! They can earn two hours of college credit, meet new friends, participate in local service projects, and hopefully grow in their relationship with Christ while they are here. They will leave here with a taste of college life, and hopefully, excited for what’s to come.”

The courses introduced students to biology, religion, Holocaust history, pottery, nursing and African American literature. Mornings were spent in class with chapel held before lunch. In the afternoons, they completed projects at Shelby Mission Camp, Mount Calvary Community Center, Washington Outreach Ministry, Rutherford Housing Partnership, Cleveland County Boys and Girls Club, One More One Less, Miracle Hill, and Ruby Hunt YMCA. They chose to attend two of the following classes:

“Molecules to Muscles” with Dr. Jay Zimmer (Biology).
“Dealing with Crises in the Psalms and Job” with Dr. Paula Qualls (Religion).
“Why Did the Heavens Not Darken? Understanding the Holocaust in Historical Context” with Dr. David Yelton (History).
“Turning and Burning: An Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel” with Doug Knotts (Art).
“Healthcare Heroes—Surviving a Pandemic” with Tara Hayes (Nursing).
“Their Eyes Were Watching God: African American Literature” with Dr. Kemeshia Swanson (Literature).

One activity in the Healthcare Heroes class was learning how to give a vaccine. Hayes, an instructor of Nursing and program coordinator for the RN to BSN program, demonstrated the proper way to administer an injection while giving step-by-step instructions.

Nicole Mercer, a rising 11th-grader at R-S Central High School in Rutherfordton, N.C., was excited to practice giving a vaccine. Additionally, she enjoyed meeting new people and making friends. “The college experience is a lot different than I thought it was going to be, but it has also given me a little bit of insight into my future. I’ve loved visiting this university, because I’ve loved it ever since my mom (Michelle Mercer, Physician Assistant studies) started working here,” she said. “It’s really interesting to see everything that we would be able to do on the campus.”

Caleb Dorroh, a rising 12th-grader from Langtree Charter Academy in Mooresville, N.C., also liked getting to know new people, exploring the different subjects and participating in the activities. He was familiar with �۶�ֱ��, because he came here with CentriKid camps. Although he was in a nursing class, Dorroh said he is interested in majoring in business. “I really like the nursing program here, because I loved how in detail everything was,” he commented. “They actually taught us how to give a shot and how to do surgery on a patient. I really like how engaged and excited everyone was when I got here.”

Olivia Tate, a rising 11th-grader at Maiden (N.C.) High School, is interested in becoming an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. She liked the nursing class and hands-on activities, but she said the best part of camp was meeting new people and building friendships. “The people make it so much better,” she affirmed.

Learn more about the Honors Experience.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, �۶�ֱ�� University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. �۶�ֱ�� emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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Gardner-Webb Offers Scholarship Programs to Christian Churches and Organizations

Office of University Communications — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 06:08:33 +0000

Over $250,000 Awarded Through Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent Grants

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In 2019, �۶�ֱ�� University officials announced a substantial expansion of Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent scholarship programs. That year, only three students had received funds through these avenues. Since announcing the commitment, more than 50 students have been awarded over $250,000 in aid.

“The Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent Scholarships demonstrate our strong commitment to support students through partnerships with Christian churches and organizations,” noted Aaron Hinton, associate vice president for Advancement. “Through these scholarships, young men and women are empowered to ignite their future at �۶�ֱ��, a place where Christian compassion meets academic excellence.”

Caitie Mayo is a student in the Master of Strength and Conditioning Dual-Enrollment Program. Photo by Ely Thompson, GWU Student Photo Team

For Caitie Mayo of Fitchburg, Mass., the Minister’s Dependent Scholarship—a $5,500 award—allowed her to continue her education at �۶�ֱ��. As a student in the Master of Strength and Conditioning Dual-Enrollment Program, she will graduate in August 2021 with a degree in exercise science, health fitness concentration, and then receive her master’s in August 2022. After that, Mayo plans to pursue a career at a high-level strength and conditioning facility.

“The scholarships became available to me for my junior and senior year and are the reason that I am able to pursue my education at this school,” affirmed Mayo, who is a defensive specialist on the volleyball team. “I wasn’t sure how I would finish paying for the last two years at this school, but I had faith that God would provide. He chose to provide through these scholarships, and I am very grateful for them. These scholarships truly mean the world to me. I have been provided so many opportunities and have made so many lifelong connections which I may not have made otherwise.”

The Minister’s Dependent Scholarship of $5,500 is offered to any dependent student of a full-time minister of a Christian church or an ordained, full time employee of a Christian church or church-related agency. The application deadline is May 1, and the Minister’s Dependent Scholarship will also stack on top of other institutional aid up to the cost of tuition.

In addition, �۶�ֱ�� offers matching scholarships to traditional undergraduate students who receive an existing endowed or budgeted scholarship from any Christian church or organization with a clearly stated Christian mission and identity. To those traditional undergraduate students submitting the application on or before May 1, �۶�ֱ�� will match a scholarship from a Christian church or organization—dollar for dollar—up to the cost of tuition. This matching scholarship will stack on top of other institutional aid.

“We are so pleased that through these scholarship initiatives we have now been able to revive an important church-to-campus pipeline of new students to �۶�ֱ��,” lauded GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “Our goal moving forward is to continue to strengthen the recruitment of such students so that we may further solidify GWU’s reputation as North Carolina’s leader in Christian higher education.”

Find more information on either scholarship here, or contact Aaron Hinton at (704) 406-4101 or ahinton2@gardner-webb.edu.

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The Honors Experience Introduces High-Achieving High School Students to �۶�ֱ��

�۶�ֱ�� University — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:20:00 +0000

One-Week Immersion Program Includes Staying in Dorms, Attending Classes and Community Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—High-achieving high school students who want a preview of college life are invited to attend The Honors Experience from July 18-23 on the main campus of �۶�ֱ�� University. This one-week college immersion program is for academically gifted and talented students who are currently in the ninth- through 11th-grade. Participants are automatically qualified to compete in the �۶�ֱ�� Ignite Excellence Scholarship program—the highest honor includes full tuition as well as room and board, totaling over $30,000 per year.

Participants spend a full week living in dorms, traveling to field experiences, and laying the foundation for success in college. Through various classes and projects, the high schoolers are provided hands-on opportunities to develop their skills. The credit-bearing college courses are designed to help them develop the confidence to continue in their pursuit of academic excellence, while engaging academics with Christian faith.

From left, juniors Amelia Borders and Makenzie Denning, and rising sophomore Lauren Sudduth attended The Honors Experience and decided to make �۶�ֱ�� their college home.

Many of the students who attend decide that �۶�ֱ�� will be their college home. Amelia Borders, a junior nursing major, participated in the program in 2018 and last year, served as a Resident Assistant (RA). She said the times of community service, which involved hard work, were her favorite parts of the week. “Giving back to the community really highlighted the �۶�ֱ�� mission: ‘For God and Humanity,’” Borders stated.

However, what ultimately led her to attend GWU were the RAs who served her group the first year she came to the event. “They told us their experience,” she said. “The realness helped a lot.”

Another former participant, Lauren Sudduth, is completing her first year at �۶�ֱ��. She is a double major in American Sign Language and music. She was also influenced by the RAs who provided leadership for her group. “One night, our RAs took us to the chapel, and we had a little worship night,” Sudduth described. “One guy played piano, and we had several singers. It was powerful. I realized that night that this is where God was sending me. Whether you’re 100 percent committed or just exploring, I totally recommend coming to see if this might be a school you’re interested in. I realized at the Honors Experience that the people here are genuinely kind and supportive, and that support has carried me through my first year here.”

Dr. Nicole Waters, dean of the College of Health Sciences, leads students in how to perform surgery on a banana.

Makenzie Denning, an accounting major who plans to graduate in December 2023, also enjoyed doing the service projects at Honors Experience, which allowed her to help someone in the community while making new friends. “The Honors Experience helped me decide to attend �۶�ֱ��, because I was able to get an inside look at what to expect from college,” Denning asserted. “I was able to build relationships with people that I am still friends with today.”

This summer’s courses will introduce students to biology, religion, Holocaust history, pottery, nursing and African American literature. Topics range from “Molecules to Muscles,” to “Dealing with Crises in the Psalms and Job.”

Students must meet academic requirements. The cost for The Honors Experience is $500 per person. A $100 deposit (refunded if not accepted) is due with the application, which must be submitted by July 1. Tuition covers room and board (five nights lodging and 15 meals), transportation to field experiences, course instruction, activity fees, and materials. Discounts are available.

Learn more about The Honors Experience and apply by July 1.

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In late 60s, �۶�ֱ�� Gave Professors, Like Tony Eastman, Incentive to Earn Doctorates

Office of University Communications — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:50:55 +0000

Program Helped Satisfy Requirements for Accreditation as Senior College

Written by: Kathryn Manning, ’18, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish

To our readers: �۶�ֱ�� University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50th anniversary of senior college status. Transitioning to a four-year college in 1971 was the result of 10 years of planning and meeting goals. To celebrate this anniversary, �۶�ֱ�� will publish a series of articles highlighting the stories of former faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who experienced this significant achievement. View the history timeline here.

Dr. Tony Eastman, professor emeritus of history, came to �۶�ֱ�� in 1966 expecting to teach at the junior college level. Not long after his arrival, he began hearing of a possible transition to a four-year college.

He admitted not thinking much about the transition until Dr. Eugene Poston, college president, addressed it and accreditation requirements at a faculty meeting. Eastman said that one of the stipulations for senior college status was that a certain percentage of faculty needed to hold doctorates. He shared that Poston proposed sending faculty to other schools to obtain their doctorates, while they continued to earn a percentage of their teaching salary. In exchange, he said, these professors would commit to returning to �۶�ֱ�� for at least five years after earning their doctorate.

A major project vital for �۶�ֱ��’s accreditation as a four-year college was the construction of Dover Library with an expanded collection.

Eastman did not have his doctorate, so he became one of the first ones to apply for the program. He smiled as he thought about the process, and added, “They didn’t have a choice; they were stuck with me.”

Upon his return to �۶�ֱ��, the transition to a four-year college was in full gear, with an additional group of professors out earning their doctorates. Eastman said, “Dr. Poston was growing his own Ph.D.s, which I thought was a fantastic idea for him.” He continued, “I felt very much a part of the four-year college, because I realized that I had been able to receive my doctorate because of what Dr. Poston and the Board of Trustees planned.”

Eastman shared that another major project vital for accreditation was the construction of the new Dover Library. He remembered that every department on campus was required to bring up-to-date books to the librarian that corresponded to their field. Additionally, he spoke of the reorganization of faculty under committees, as this was another requirement for accreditation. He shared, “every time they asked us [the faculty] to do something, we did it, and we did it well.” He added, “there was a spirit there that we’re launching out onto something that we don’t know the first thing about, but it was exciting, and we thought we could do the job and do it right.”

He remembered working within his department to develop upper-level courses, which he said was fairly simple for most, because each department had a good idea of how they wanted to structure things. However, he remembered several disagreements between different departments regarding the core curriculum, such as coming to a conclusion on how many courses in particular disciplines should be required for students to take.

Photos from Dr. Tony Eastman’s over 40 years at �۶�ֱ��. Before he retired in 2011, Eastman delivered his last lecture (photo at top right), which was streamed over the internet. In the bottom photo at right, Eastman was honored for his service to the University in 2012 with the planting of a White Ash tree behind the social science building, Frank Nanney Hall.

Eastman also shared that creating a statement of purpose was important for ensuring that �۶�ֱ�� was set apart from other four-year schools. He shared, “We emphasized in our statement of purpose that Christian[ity] and academics are the same and that we were going to embark on Christian higher education.” Eastman said the faculty agreed that Christianity would be taught or mentioned in each class.

Eastman remembered working closely with Tom McGraw, vice president of �۶�ֱ�� and chief assistant to the president. He shared that McGraw ensured that everything was correct as it was sent to the accrediting body, describing McGraw’s efforts as “herculean.” He remembered McGraw playing devil’s advocate, assuring that each plan was solid. “He was so down to earth…pragmatic through this whole thing,” Eastman added. Furthermore, Eastman acknowledged that McGraw and Poston worked very well together, and Poston’s confidence guided the whole process. “Dr. Poston never showed any doubt that this thing was going to be done, that he had assembled the faculty he wanted; he had assembled the administration and administrators that he needed; and his optimism helped tremendously,” Eastman stated.

Eastman went on to work at �۶�ֱ�� for over 40 years, witnessing the transformation and advancements of the school from a two-year junior college to a four-year senior college to eventually a university designation. Over the course of the next few months, we will continue to feature the experiences of individual faculty members as they helped �۶�ֱ�� achieve the transition to senior college accreditation.

Other stories in this series:

�۶�ֱ�� Alumni Remember Transition to Senior College Status (50 years ago)

�۶�ֱ�� is a Place Where Lasting Friendships are Forged

First Theatre Arts Majors Appeared on TV Twice During Four Years

Former �۶�ֱ�� Faculty Members Remember Transition to Four-year College

Professor Emeritus Came to �۶�ֱ�� When First Baccalaureate Class Were Freshmen

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President’s 2021 Early Career Award Recognizes College of Education Assistant Professor

Office of University Communications — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:45:07 +0000

Dr. Mitch Porter Honored for Exceptional Productivity in Scholarship, Creative Discovery and Instruction

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Mitch Porter, assistant professor in the �۶�ֱ�� University College of Education, has been recognized for his exceptional productivity in scholarship, creative discovery, and instruction. He is the recipient of the President’s Early Career Award for 2021.

Presented to qualified full-time assistant professors, the Early Career Award also honors Porter’s outstanding performance in professional development and excellence in community service. The annual award includes an additional $1,000 in professional development funds for Porter to use during the 2021-22 academic year.

Dr. Mitch Porter

“�۶�ֱ��’s future rests in no small part on the quality and character of our junior faculty,” noted GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “That future is decidedly bright when we see the energy and effort exemplified by Dr. Mitch Porter. Mitch is dedicated to the success of our students. He is committed to going above and beyond the ordinary to improve the educational experience at �۶�ֱ��. Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, he is seen as a good colleague who supports our institutional mission. We’re pleased and proud to recognize him.”

Porter began teaching at �۶�ֱ�� in 2019 and also serves as the Quality Assurance and Assessment coordinator for the College of Education. He has taught Research Design and Methodology in Curriculum and Instruction, Research Module in Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, and has been a guest lecturer for Dr. James Morgan’s Positive Psychology course.

Morgan describes Porter as enthusiastic, thoughtful and interested in helping students succeed. “When Dr. Porter was a visiting instructor in my Positive Psychology course, he asked astute questions of me in an effort to develop a lecture and discussion that would complement what I was doing in the course and add to the students’ learning,” Morgan related. “I observed and participated in his class presentations and discussions and was impressed with how he effectively explained complex concepts and facilitated active participation.”

In addition to his teaching duties, Porter advises doctoral candidates and provides methodological and statistical assistance for their dissertations. He serves as a dissertation coach for the doctoral programs. In his role as Quality Assurance and Assessment Coordinator, he assists the College of Education with course assessments and evaluations. He also prepares and reviews documentation for the education program’s licensure and accreditation.

Dr. Prince Bull, Dean of the College of Education, said Porter represents the School’s vision and mission. “Dr. Porter’s teaching activities and passion for quantitative analyses have transformed the College of Education dissertation methodologies to stronger mixed-methods research and quantitative studies,” Bull informed. “In research and scholarly work, Dr. Porter’s portfolio demonstrates excellence in research. Since his employment at �۶�ֱ��, Dr. Porter has published two articles as the first author with two other articles as the second or third author.”

It’s an honor to receive the President’s Early Career Award. My accomplishments would not have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing mentoring I’ve received in the College of Education.
Dr. Mitch Porter

In addition, Porter has taken on the role of managing editor for . He organizes incoming papers by providing initial evaluations and assigning reviewers to submitted papers. To date, he has finalized three issues of JOEL on �۶�ֱ��’s Digital Commons.

“It’s an honor to receive the President’s Early Career Award,” Porter shared. “I am thankful that �۶�ֱ�� gave me the opportunity to prove myself as a junior faculty member when I was hired, especially since I was fresh out of graduate school at the time. To live in pursuit of excellence is a never-ending journey, and I will continue to improve my craft as a teacher as well as a scholar. My accomplishments would not have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing mentoring I’ve received in the College of Education.”

Porter received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Foreign Languages from the University of Idaho (Moscow) in 2008. He earned a Master of Arts in Linguistics from California State University Long Beach in 2010. After receiving his master’s degree, he taught in China at the Beijing Language and Culture University. While in China, he was also curriculum developer and coordinator for Zhongjie Education International and an assessment developer and editor for the National Education Examination Authority.

In 2012, he became a course director for the English as a Second Language Department at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla. In 2014, he was hired as an instructor in the English Language Institute at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and was a graduate research assistant there from 2017 to 2019, when he completed his Ph.D. in Educational Research and Assessment.

Learn more about the College of Education.

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Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Winners of Full-Tuition Ignite Excellence Scholarships

Office of University Communications — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:20:41 +0000

Eight Students Receive $31,220 Each in Recognition of Exemplary Academic Achievements

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Admissions officials at �۶�ֱ�� University have announced the 2021 winners of the Ignite Excellence Scholarships. Selected from a field of 200 finalists, each of the eight recipients receive a full-tuition scholarship that honors their exemplary academic achievements. The average Grade Point Average (GPA) of these students is 4.45. The award covers the cost of tuition for fall and spring semesters and is valued at $31,220 per academic year.

“Our Ignite Scholars were so impressive this year especially with so much interest in the scholarship program from our prospective students,” shared Julie C. Fleming, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions. “Our scholars are a diverse group of future Runnin’ Bulldogs, coming from four states and with interest in a variety of programs from nursing and biology to Bible studies. We look forward to the contributions they will make, and the success they will have at �۶�ֱ�� University.”

The winners are listed below with their hometowns, high schools and intended majors:

Allie Cooke, of Hildebran, N.C., a senior at East Burke High School, exercise science.
Anna-Kate Schiebel, of Asheboro, N.C., a senior at Southwestern Randolph High School, undecided.
Sorelle Werner, of Cornelius, N.C., a senior at Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, worship leadership and biology.
John Haynes, of Lincolnton, N.C., a senior at Lincoln Charter School, biology.
Aletheia McDowell, of Simpsonville, S.C., homeschool, undecided.
Nicholas Cobble, of Bristow, Va., a senior at Stonewall Jackson High School, biology.
Logan Baumstark, of Davidson, N.C., a senior at Merancas Middle College High School, Bible studies.
Shelby Watkins, of Manchester, Tenn., a senior at Coffee County Central High School, undecided.

Shelby Watkins

Watkins, who visited �۶�ֱ�� on a recommendation from her uncle, is ecstatic about receiving the scholarship. She has also stayed on campus twice as a participant in the Honors Experience in 2019 and 2020. The Honors Experience is a one-week college immersion for academically gifted and talented ninth- through 11th-grade students. Students who are accepted into the Honors Experience are automatically invited to participate in �۶�ֱ��’s Ignite Excellence Scholarship competition.

“They were both awesome experiences, and I would recommend the experience to any person interested in �۶�ֱ��,” Watkins said. “I loved being able to learn new things and make friends that I am still in contact with today! The event solidified my decision to go to GWU, because it seemed like an amazing place to be. �۶�ֱ�� had my intended major, a family-like atmosphere, and professors that I knew would support me in my dream.”

Nick Cobble also attended the Honors Experience and at the end of the week, he made the choice to attend �۶�ֱ��. “I had the opportunity to take a ‘Get to know your neighbor class,’ where we learned about different world religions and an ‘Exercise Science’ class where we learned more about human physiology and the program itself at �۶�ֱ��,” he reflected. “Through the week, I volunteered with Rutherford Housing to build a wheelchair accessible front porch and paint a home. We also helped deep clean a foster home and organize food at a local food pantry. This experience influenced my decision to apply to the school as the campus was very Christ centered, something that I hold close to my own heart. Each building has Mark 12:29-31 outside on a plaque, which serves as a reminder of serving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

Nick Cobble

Cobble said the most memorable point in the week came when �۶�ֱ�� sophomores, Tanner Hendricks and Michael Causey, the volunteer Resident Advisors for the week, displayed a genuine act of service for the group. “After working outside for five hours in the Carolina heat, they took it upon themselves to buy pizza and drinks for the other dozen boys participating,” Cobble shared. “We then gathered in a common space inside the dorm and before handing out pizza, they shared with us from the gospel of Matthew, the Parable of The Lost Sheep. It was an amazing moment. A dozen or so guys, who had just met the day before, were together discussing one great truth: The love of Christ for us. We followed the conversation with talking about each of our lives and what was going on.”

Cobble concluded, “Experiencing the kindness of people going to �۶�ֱ�� is what brought me to apply. I knew that I wanted to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, and those in the leadership role during the week demonstrated what it meant to be selfless.”

About GWU Admissions

�۶�ֱ�� offers merit and needs-based scholarships, grants and other financial aid opportunities to meet students’ unique needs. The Office of Financial Planning is dedicated to providing students and their families with friendly, efficient, and responsible financial services, while complying with all federal, state, and University policies. For more information about the admissions process, email admissions@gardner-webb.edu.

About the Honors Experience

The Honors Experience will be July 18-23, 2021, on the �۶�ֱ�� campus in Boiling Springs. Participants spend a full week living in dorms, traveling to field experiences, and attending classes. Those who attend are automatically qualified to compete for a full-tuition scholarship to �۶�ֱ��. Email questions about the Honors Experience to Mindy Robinson, coordinator for Community Engagement and Student Ministries at mrobinson5@garnder-webb.edu.

Shelby Watkins, back row, second from right, attended The Honors Experience twice before being accepted to �۶�ֱ��. The Honors Experience is a one-week college immersion for academically gifted and talented ninth- through 11th-grade students. Students who are accepted into The Honors Experience are automatically invited to participate in �۶�ֱ��’s Ignite Excellence Scholarship competition.

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�۶�ֱ�� Team Explores Ethical Issues Related to COVID-19 in 10th Annual Ethics Bowl

Office of University Communications — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:01:02 +0000

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Moves to Virtual Format This Year

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The 10th annual Ethics Bowl, sponsored by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, was a virtual event this year, held via Zoom. The team from �۶�ֱ�� University was one of 16 to participate in the recent event. Because of the online format, the event was not a competition. Teams were asked to present their positions on two cases, which explored ethical issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the presentations were not judged, guests who had previously served as judges provided feedback to the teams.

Representing �۶�ֱ�� were Payton Farley, a junior majoring in biblical studies and minoring in philosophy and ethics; Noah Blanton, a senior psychology major; Nathaniel Qualls, a junior psychology major; and Hudson Myers, a junior philosophy and theology major. The campus coordinators are Dr. Perry Hildreth, professor of philosophy, and Dr. Anna Sieges Beal, assistant professor, in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy.

Farley said the team began preparing in October 2020. “We were provided with five possible cases that we researched and prepared,” she advised. “We were told which two cases were chosen two days before the event so we could prepare. Normally, we wouldn’t be told until the time of the event, but since the format was not a competition and instead a presentation, they modified this. We practiced heavily with the two cases chosen.”

Both Myers and Qualls said they didn’t like the impersonal nature of the online format. Qualls said he prefers to speak in front of people. “From this experience, I learned the importance of consistency and practice,” he noted. “Our presentation improved the more that we practiced and helped one another.”

Myers also missed being face-to-face with his team members and the other teams. “The point of the event is to discuss ethics, but without being in the same room as the other participants, it seemed less like a discussion,” he observed. “I learned from the event and the preparation that many ethical decisions are based on the veracity of our information; different people will come to divergent answers. But, there are common standards that most agree on which can lead to some certainty in how we ought to act as people.”

The two topics given to the �۶�ֱ�� team were: 1. Whether or not it was ethical to enforce limitations on unvaccinated individuals, and 2. The ethical responsibility of local school boards to provide education in the midst of a state of emergency, in this case a pandemic. “Our team decided these cases based on the principles of Humanitarian Ethics (Value of life, principle of goodness, principle of justice, principle of honesty, principle of individual freedom in that order),” Farley shared. “Our team decided that it was ethical to place limitations on unvaccinated individuals because not doing so would violate the principle of life and goodness. These two principles precede individual freedom. Our team also decided that local school boards had the ethical responsibility to provide public education in a state of emergency because failure to do so would violate the principle of life, goodness, and fairness. Many children are dependent on public schools for safety, nourishment, and just the basic right to learn.”

Farley said the feedback they received was positive. “Various people commented on our inclusion of opposing arguments within the defense of our positions,” she elaborated. “I think people appreciated that we didn’t avoid opposing opinions or counter arguments, but addressed them head on.”

Participating in the Ethics Bowl gave Farley confidence that she could defend a position. “My team and I gained experience thinking ‘outside of the box’ to ensure our arguments were strong and thorough,” she stated. “I think it was also helpful to gain experience delivering a defense in front of an audience and to practice overcoming any pressures or anxieties that accompany public presentation. This will be helpful in various aspects of my life in which communication skills, logical defense, public speaking, etc. are necessary.”

Blanton said participating in the Ethics Bowl helped improve his time management skills because of the amount of preparation required to sufficiently argue the case. Hours of practice helped ease the tension of presenting the case online. “This experience advanced my ability to formulate and prepare an argument in a discussion-type setting, while fostering a love for team activities,” Blanton affirmed. “Meanwhile, I also received the opportunity and privilege of cultivating relationships with those on the team that I already knew.”

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GWU Campus Ministries Plans Day of Service During Celebration Week, March 9-11

Office of University Communications — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:06:22 +0000

Event Has Different Format This Year Because of COVID-19

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—This year, �۶�ֱ�� University’s Celebration Week, March 9-11, features a day of service. The Office of Christian Life and Service hosts Celebration Week each spring to offer additional worship opportunities for undergraduate students.

“The general theme every year is to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness, to come and worship together, and give him thanks,” noted Neal Payne, associate minister for Student Ministries.

Wednesday, March 10, has been designated as a service event in which all students, faculty and staff are invited to gather at 6 p.m. at the Lake Hollifield Bell Tower to pray, and then head out around campus to clean and pick up trash. Supplies will be provided.

Because of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the evening services on Tuesday and Thursday are for undergraduate students only. One service will feature testimonies from students and another one will include communion served in sealed individual packets.

Payne observed that these events provide a time for the body of Christ to encourage one another. “My hope is in Christ Jesus, and no matter what is going on in the world or our lives, God is constant, and I know he loves me and that gives me peace and comfort,” Payne affirmed. “Seeing the faith of these students I work with also gives me hope. We need that encouragement every day, and seeing their genuine love for God helps my faith as well. We can worship together, hear God’s word together, spur one another on in truth to do good works, and most importantly, be the light of Christ to those here who have never experienced a relationship with Jesus.”

In addition to Celebration Week, Campus Ministries also hosts special events throughout the semester, such as Midterm Munchies, Day of Prayer, Day of Scripture, etc. Various small groups meet weekly for Bible study and prayer. For more information about women’s Bible study groups, email Arianna Guy (aguy1@gardner-webb.edu). The contact for the men’s Bible study groups is Noah Blanton (nblanton1@gardner-webb.edu). More information is also available on Instagram @gwucampusministries, @gwumensministry and @gwuwomensministry.

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�۶�ֱ�� Invites Panel of Experts to Discuss Racial Disparities in Cleveland County, N.C.

Office of University Communications — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:01:00 +0000

Second in ‘Webb Connections’ Series Features Leaders from Government, Schools, Faith and Business

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Awareness, accountability, action—these three words were used many times during �۶�ֱ�� University’s second program in the “Webb Connections” series. Hosted by President Dr. William M. Downs and Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives JeNai Davis, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the topic, “Healing the Divide: Working Together.”

Questions focused on racial divisions in Cleveland County, N.C., in terms of opportunities and access to education, quality healthcare and housing. Because of COVID-19 safety guidelines, a small audience of students was invited to attend and given the chance to ask questions. The program was recorded live and the video is available below.

The panelists included:

Brian Epley, County Manager, Cleveland County—Epley has served as the County Manager for Cleveland County since 2018. He had held the role of the Cleveland County finance director from 2014-2018, and had also held the title of deputy county manager.
Gregg Shull, director of communications, Cleveland County Schools—Shull began his journey in the field of education in 2006 with Charlotte-Mecklenburg School and has served the Cleveland County community since 2010 with Team CCS.
Chris Gash, lead pastor, New Ellis Baptist Church—Gash holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from �۶�ֱ��, where he was a member of the men’s basketball team. After graduating, Gash entered public service. He returned to �۶�ֱ�� to receive his Master of Divinity in 2009. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education from �۶�ֱ�� and expects to graduate in 2022.
Donnie Thurman, vice president, Human Resources and associate chaplain of Holy Angels Inc.—A native of Shelby, Thurman graduated from �۶�ֱ��, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in human services. A four-year letterman in football, he was part of two Big-South Conference Championship teams. He is an ordained minister and serves as the Youth and Assistant Pastor at Palmer Grove Baptist Church, where he is also the Praise and Worship leader. In 2013, he became the youngest person in Cleveland County history to be elected to the Cleveland County School Board, and he is one of the youngest elected officials to have served in N.C. history. He completed his tenure on the school board in 2017, but still actively supports the schools.

The panelists spoke candidly about the problems facing Cleveland County and the nation, and offered their suggestions for healing racial divisions. They agreed that the solution must begin with honest conversations. “We have to work together,” Thurman insisted. “In order for us to take hold of these opportunities, we have to become comfortable being uncomfortable. Dr Forest Toms, who is a local genius from this community, says, ‘You don’t have the power to define my reality.’ So many times we try to base other people’s experience off of our own, for instance, you might say, ‘There’s no way he could have experienced a racist action, because I live here and I’ve never seen it.’ Just because we have never seen it or been exposed to it, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be empathic to someone’s experience.”

The next Webb Connections event “Science and Faith: Not Mutually Exclusive” will feature Dr. Meredith Rowe, assistant professor of Biology at �۶�ֱ��, and Dr. Jim McConnell, associate dean and associate professor of New Testament Interpretation for the �۶�ֱ�� School of Divinity.

Watch the full program below.

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