Graduate Faculty Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� Divinity School Dean Dr. Robert Canoy Announces Retirement

Office of University Communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:17:08 +0000

Through the Last 16 Years Under His Leadership, School of Divinity Has Gained Funding for Students; Maintained High Academic Standards

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Robert Canoy, dean of the �۶�ֱ�� University M. Christopher White School of Divinity for 16 years, will retire at the end of the 2025 Fall Semester. Canoy will serve as a part-time faculty member until Dec. 31, and also offer guidance to Professor Dr. Jim McConnell, who has been named interim dean of the School of Divinity.

“Dr. Canoy’s leadership has shaped the School of Divinity and strengthened �۶�ֱ��’s mission for nearly three decades,” shared Interim GWU President Nate Evans. “His commitment to preparing ministers, scholars, and servants of the Church has left a lasting mark not only on this institution but also on congregations and communities across the globe. We are deeply grateful for his visionary leadership and steady presence, and we celebrate both the legacy he leaves and the foundation he has built for the future of theological education at �۶�ֱ��.”

Dr. Robert Canoy in 2010

Canoy’s affiliation with �۶�ֱ�� began in 1997, shortly after he was called as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C. Invited by Dr. Wayne Stacy, then dean of the School of Divinity, Canoy served as an adjunct faculty member and as an ecclesiastical representative for the school’s first accreditation self-study. In 2000, Canoy joined the faculty full time as associate dean. When Stacy departed, Canoy stepped into interim leadership, guiding the school through its initial 10-year accreditation, granted in 2004 by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

In 2005, with the appointment of Dr. Chuck Bugg as dean, Canoy resumed his role as associate dean. After Bugg’s departure, Canoy once again provided transitional leadership until 2009, when he was named the divinity school’s fourth dean. Since then, he has led the School of Divinity through two additional accreditation reviews, in 2014 and 2024.

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters commended Canoy for his exemplary service to the University. “I extend heartfelt gratitude to Dean Robert Canoy, whose faithful and visionary leadership has blessed the School of Divinity and �۶�ֱ�� for many years,” she praised. “Throughout his tenure as dean, Dr. Canoy has provided unwavering guidance, steadfast advocacy, and wise counsel. His dedication to faculty, staff, students, and alumni has strengthened and enriched our community.”

Dean of the School of Divinity Dr. Robert Canoy speaks during the school’s 20th anniversary.

Waters added, “I am especially grateful for his continued presence and influence during the fall semester as he transitions from the role of dean to a part-time administrator and professor, and I appreciate Dr. Jim McConnell’s willingness to serve as the interim dean. During this transition, we celebrate a legacy of faithfulness and excellence and anticipate the ways it will continue to shape the future of the School of Divinity.”

McConnell also praised Canoy’s skillful leadership of the School of Divinity. “While Dr. Canoy served as dean, the influence of the School of Divinity has spread throughout our region and beyond, including internationally,” McConnell asserted. “Dean Canoy has maintained our school’s focus on its mission, ‘the preparation of persons for Christian ministries,’ recognizing that God’s call to ministry in the local church extends to a diverse group of people. I am humbled to follow Dr. Canoy as interim dean of the school. At the same time, I am thankful for the strong foundation on which Dr. Canoy has established the school. Because of his leadership we are well positioned to continue to train men and women for Christian ministries of all types into the future.”

Under Canoy’s guidance, the divinity school has received numerous gifts. An endowment of more than $1 million given in 2006 by Joyce Earnhardt was particularly meaningful, because it allowed divinity school students to study overseas. “It allows for students to travel to the Bible lands,” Canoy related. “I have been leading those groups for 20-something years. That’s been a real highlight to watch students go to the Bible places and to connect the Bible with that part of the world for their own preaching and teaching.”

Dean Dr. Robert Canoy poses with a graduate at the
Divinity School Recognition Ceremony in 2023.

In addition to trips to Israel, Greece and Turkey, divinity students also have the opportunity to participate in mission immersion trips and have served in Cuba, the Balkans, and Africa. The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund also helps students pay for their theological education, and other grants to the divinity school support hands-on programs and academic enrichment opportunities. With these funds and assistance provided by the Christian Service Organization, as well as churches from across the nation, divinity students are able to obtain their degree without taking on additional educational debt.

Canoy is thankful for the administrative assistants who have provided stability to the School of Divinity over the years, especially the current assistant, Lisa Hollifield. He also praises the highly-qualified faculty who prepare students from their various areas of expertise in historical theology (Dr. Steven Harmon), missions (Dr. Terry Casino, originally from the Philippines), counseling (Dr. Hebert Palomino from Colombia and Dr. Doug Dickens), New Testament interpretation (McConnell), and biblical studies (Dr. Cal Robertson).

Because of the faculty’s dedication, 90% of students who want to go into a church-related ministry obtain a position after graduating. In addition, many churches that employ a �۶�ֱ�� student will contact the divinity school when the student is called to serve elsewhere. “They say, ‘Please send us another one like that,’” Canoy shared. “That means we’ve done something well.”

�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. Ignite your future at �۶�ֱ��.edu.

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�۶�ֱ�� Faculty Open New Academic Year with Celebration of Excellence and ‘One Webb’

Office of University Communications — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:27:43 +0000

Awards Presented for Outstanding Achievements in Teaching, Mentorship, Service, and Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The �۶�ֱ�� 2025 Faculty Assembly opens the academic year by introducing new faculty and celebrating the achievements of returning colleagues. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters gave a welcome to begin the program.

Interim President Nate Evans also greeted the faculty, shared news about state and federal grants and a private donation that funded improvements across campus in athletics, academics and residence halls. He also introduced the University’s theme for the year: “One Webb,” which is printed on the T-shirts given to all faculty and staff.

All faculty and staff received a �۶�ֱ�� T-shirt
printed with the theme for the year: ‘One Webb.’

Evans explained, “You’ll see it on the shirts we’re giving out today, but it’s not just something we wear. ‘One Webb’ means that no matter your title or department, we are united in purpose and mission. It means the wins I just shared are our wins … the result of working together and following the calling God has placed on this institution. Every interaction with a student, every class taught, every research project, and every way we engage the community contributes to the whole. If we approach this year as One Webb … I’m confident that great things are ahead. Again, welcome back home to the Webb; We will make it a great year to remember.”

Dr. Cal Robertson, professor of biblical studies, led the group in a worship song, and then led a musical selection by the faculty choir.

Waters recognized the winners of the various faculty awards. Nominated by their peers, the recipients are selected by the Faculty Development of Instruction and Improvement Committee (FDIIC).

Dean of the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies Dr. Sydney Brown presented the graduate faculty awards. Nominations are accepted from faculty and students throughout the academic year. Academic deans are asked to provide additional information on nominees. The Graduate Council Awards Committee selects the recipients, who also have the honor of presenting as part of Online Faculty Learning Day.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Paula Qualls, Professor of Religious Studies

Evans presented the Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the highest honors �۶�ֱ�� University bestows upon a faculty member. It recognizes not only academic rigor and excellence in course design, but also a profound dedication to students and a commitment to living out our university’s mission. More about this year’s winner is available here.

Rising Star Award

Dr. Aaron Rice, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music

This award is given to a full-time faculty member employed for five or fewer years at �۶�ֱ��. Eligible faculty demonstrate excellence—or the promise of excellence—in scholarship, teaching, and service.

Rice has made a remarkable impact in less than three years. In the classroom, he is both passionate and precise, bringing energy to music education and inspiring students to go further in their craft. His student feedback highlights a clear theme: he makes learning accessible, encouraging, and joyful.

As a scholar, he has presented at seven conferences and offered valuable contributions to the field of church music instruction. As a leader, he has significantly advanced the Department of Music through initiatives such as guiding curriculum revisions, collaborating with the Office of Advancement to provide students with a Concert Choir learning experience in France, revitalizing cherished traditions like the Festival of Lights, implementing effective recruitment strategies, and contributing to a 30% increase in enrollment.

Faculty Service Award

Dr. Lily Xiao, Professor of Management Information Systems

This award honors excellence in service to the University, a school, or a department by a full-time faculty member.

Xiao is a model of servant leadership—both on our campus and in the community. She organizes impactful cultural events, including a Chinese New Year celebration that taught calligraphy and built cross-cultural understanding. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to inclusive and engaged education.

She plays a crucial role in student transition through Dawg Days and provides exceptional academic advising, often praised for her care, attention to detail, and genuine support.

Beyond the campus community, she exemplifies �۶�ֱ��’s mission through dedicated service at Elizabeth Baptist Church, where she assists in providing meals for youth in need and participates in mission trips that further extend her compassionate outreach.

Colleagues describe her as humble, consistent, and deeply committed to lifting up others. Whether she’s mentoring students or building bridges across communities, she brings a spirit of kindness and purpose to everything she does.

Mentoring and Academic Advising Award

Chief Tim Ledford, Instructor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

This award recognizes excellence in mentoring, advising, out-of-class support, and student research collaboration by a full-time faculty member.

Ledford leads with experience, heart, and high standards. He serves as a guide for students in criminal justice and homeland security by coordinating internships, planning career fairs, and connecting students with job opportunities with law enforcement agencies across the state.

He is known for his unmatched accessibility, attention to detail, and sincere investment in student success. His mentorship goes beyond scheduling classes—it’s about preparing students for real-world service. His work with the Criminal Justice Society and initiatives like “Shop with a Cop” show his dedication to community impact.

Students describe him as approachable, motivating, and well-organized. One wrote: “He helped me land my dream job.”

Nancy Francis-Gregg Day Adjunct Award

Amy Brewer, Clinical Adjunct Instructor for Nursing

This award recognizes a traditional undergraduate adjunct instructor who has made outstanding contributions to �۶�ֱ��’s teaching mission.

Brewer is known for her calm leadership and mentorship in clinical settings. Her students speak highly of her ability to foster critical thinking and maintain professionalism, even in high-pressure healthcare environments.

She brings a wealth of experience to her teaching, consistently offering support, thoughtful feedback, and real-world insight. She helps students not only understand nursing practices but also embrace the compassion required to deliver excellent patient care.

Her collaborative spirit and consistency have made her a trusted and valued part of the Hunt School of Nursing.

Scholarship Faculty Award

Dr. Venita Totten, Professor of Chemistry

This award celebrates excellence in research and scholarly contribution by a full-time faculty member.

Totten is a model of academic rigor and innovation. She has presented at national conferences, co-authored a chapter on pandemic pedagogy, and engaged students in research projects spanning from forensic chemistry to food science.

Her scholarly contributions include published peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as applied work in the fields of crime scene investigation and scientific analysis.

Equally impressive is her mentorship. She’s guided multiple student researchers, including those who presented at national conferences. Her work blends chemistry with community relevance, and her students thrive under her scholarly leadership.

Adjunct Graduate Faculty Award

Courtney Barbee, Hunt School of Nursing

Known for her clear communication, timely feedback, and genuine care for students, Barbee creates meaningful engagement opportunities through Teams and Zoom, ensuring students feel connected and supported. One student shared, “She made the class personal, encouraged us, and supported us through challenging material.” Her session, Maximizing Student Engagement and Achievements through Teams, will showcase the same strategies that make her such an effective and well-loved instructor.

Graduate Full-Time Faculty Award

Dr. Jonathan Ahearn, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Ahearn integrates experiential learning and real-world application into his courses, offering students practical skills alongside academic knowledge. One student noted, “The weekly coaching sessions enhanced my ability to communicate teaching strategies and built skills that will benefit me in my career.” His session, “Coaching as a Teaching Method: Empowering University Faculty Through Biblical Principles,” reflects his commitment to developing both competence and character in his students.

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.

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Assistant Professor Still Learning After Nearly Four Decades of Experience

Office of University Communications — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:49:54 +0000

Dr. Stephen Gambill Honored for His Dedication to Student Success, Professionalism and Mentorship

By Avery Copeland, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Stephen Gambill, an assistant professor of criminal justice administration at �۶�ֱ�� University, enriches his courses by including his own experiences from nearly 40 years of practicing law. He can share from his work with law enforcement officers as well as court, city, county, state and federal officials. Despite his own practical knowledge, Gambill challenges his students to teach him, understanding that he does not have all the answers. “I am somewhat pleased when a student does ‘stump’ me, and I hope the students are as well,” he reflected. “I am also influenced very much by the life stories that the students have to tell.”

Dr. Stephen Gambill

He finds learning alongside his students to be the most rewarding part of his job. “Teaching gives me the opportunity to keep my mind active, and working with students lets me challenge both myself and them,” Gambill affirmed. He added that he has benefitted from working alongside Dr. Bobbie Cox, chair, and the other professors and staff in the Department of Public Service and the Master of Public Administration program, and he appreciates the abundance of support they have given to him.

Gambill served as the police attorney for the City of Gastonia Police Department when he was approached by Dr. Barry Hambright in 1994 to teach in �۶�ֱ��’s Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL) program. He taught in the program for 24 years before joining the faculty full-time in 2018.

He was honored with the Graduate Full-Time Faculty Award at the 2024 Faculty Award ceremony for his dedication to student success, professionalism, and mentorship. Gambill is known amongst his colleagues and students for fostering a respectful workplace and learning environment. “It was a humbling experience to receive this award … especially because this award is based on the recommendations of my students,” he commented. “In a lot of ways, this award was for me and my students, because they are the ones who really made it possible.”

Raised in Ashe County, N.C., Gambill earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Wilkes Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Appalachian State University, and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Despite discovering his love for teaching after serving as a Sunday School teacher, Gambill didn’t consider it his calling until he obtained his law degree and started teaching criminal justice classes for Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. “The experiences I had working as a police attorney helped me realize that I could apply those experiences to teaching in the field of criminal justice administration,” he shared.

As a professor, he aims to be approachable to his students and to engage them with a common-sense practical view of the field of public service. His objective is to provide his students with a quality learning experience. He strives to instill confidence in them that they can achieve their goals and dreams. “My advice to them is to explore,” Gambill emphasized. “There are numerous career choices in the field of criminal justice administration that cut across federal, state, and local lines.”

Avery Copeland, of Atlanta, Ga., is a senior English major.

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