Searight PACE Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Offers Grant Writing Certificate to Equip Professionals

Office of University Communications — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:46:35 +0000

Five-Session Program Taught by Dr. Bobbie Cox Provides Hands-on Training in Developing Competitive Proposals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� University is offering a comprehensive Grant Writing Certificate through Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE). Taught by Dr. Bobbie Cox, professor and director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, the five-session training is designed for professionals in law enforcement, nonprofits, churches, and government agencies. The series equips participants with the skills needed to identify funding opportunities, research potential sources, develop proposals, and present full grant packages.

In-person classes will be held on the GWU campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1, 15, 22 and 29. An online session is scheduled for May 8.

Cox, whose career spans public administration, criminal justice, higher education leadership, and extensive grant acquisition, has taught hundreds of students and helped local non-profit leaders to secure funding for community initiatives. She emphasized that grant writing is a practical, learnable skill with significant impact.

Dr. Bobbie Cox

“I teach all the different steps of grant writing, and participants can apply for grants and get free money they don’t have to pay back in most instances—around 90 percent,” Cox explained. “The first step is to identify the need. You have to prove why your idea matters, using research, data, and statistics. That foundation determines everything else.”

Building on those fundamentals, Chad Woods, senior pastor of Great Hope Baptist Church in Conover, N.C., who took the course last spring, appreciated gaining knowledge about additional avenues to finance the ministry. These new insights, he said, help lessen the burden on the steadfast generosity of their longtime supporters.

This practical perspective is reinforced throughout the program. Participants in the certificate series learn how to align their organization’s mission with the priorities of foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Cox noted that understanding this alignment is the heart of successful grant writing.

“The key to a grant is looking at all those sources and determining if your need meets their initiative,” she asserted. “The single most important lesson is that the need and the funder’s initiative have to be the same thing—and it takes a lot of reading and research to do that well.”

Through real-world examples, Cox will teach participants how to communicate with funding organizations, assess eligibility, and strengthen proposals before writing begins. The series will also feature guest speakers, who share practical insights about successful and unsuccessful proposals.

Members of the first grant-writing class pose with faculty and staff after completing their certificate.

Past speakers have included the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn, GWU Board of Trustees chair and pastor of Mt. Calvary Church in Shelby, N.C.; GWU President Nate Evans; Ray Hardee, pastor and GWU adjunct professor of human services; Dr. Nicole Waters, GWU provost and vice president of academic affairs and professor of nursing; Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, GWU professor of economics and international business and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships; and Dr. Robert Canoy, former dean of the GWU School of Divinity

“Before you do any writing at all, go to the website, look up the phone number, and make a call,” she advised. “Ask them, ‘Would this be something your organization would consider?’ That conversation can save weeks of work.”

Cox’s instruction draws from decades of experience, including securing funding for law enforcement agencies and multi-county task forces. Past grants she has written have provided equipment, vehicles, officer training, and large-scale public safety initiatives.

Program Overview

The �۶�ֱ�� Grant Writing Certificate (PACE 660) provides:

A practical, hands-on curriculum covering the full grant development process.
Skills in identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, and planning implementation.
Guidance from experienced professionals across multiple fields.
A completed, presentation-ready grant proposal.
50 continuing education hours, which may be applied as four academic credits toward the Master of Public Administration degree.

Program Value and Audience

Grant writing is considered a high-demand skill across many sectors, particularly nonprofits, education, government, and community-based organizations. Individuals who complete this program gain a competitive credential for career advancement and organizational impact.

Tuition

$900 (originally $2,200)

Note: Tuition reflects the Searight PACE fee schedule at the time of publication. Visit the official Searight PACE Admissions page for updated pricing.

�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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From �۶�ֱ�� to Bloomberg: Student Lands Competitive Tech Internship

Office of University Communications — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:40:50 +0000

Guidance from Searight PACE Leadership Program Helped Issa Cogdell Access National Networks and Career Pathways

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Issa Cogdell arrived at �۶�ֱ�� University in 2023, he discovered a community ready to champion his goals. Friends, professors, staff members, and mentors encouraged him to grow personally and professionally. Drawing on the technical, communication, and problem‑solving skills he developed at Gardner‑Webb, the rising senior has earned a prestigious internship in New York with Bloomberg, a global leader in financial technology, data, analytics, and media.

Issa Cogdell attended the Management and
Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Tech Trek in
San Francisco last summer, an experience
that set the stage for his Bloomberg
Internship.

The path to this competitive role started with his participation in the Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Leadership Certificate Program, led by Dr. Anthony Negbenebor and program founder the Rev. Johnny Searight. They introduced him to the Management and Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Career Prep Class of 2027, opening the door for him to apply and be selected for the MLT Tech Trek in San Francisco last summer—an experience that set the stage for the Bloomberg opportunity.

Cogdell described the MLT Tech Trek as an amazing experience. “I was able to explore the Bloomberg San Francisco office and connect with recruiters and professionals from Deloitte, BlackRock, Autodesk, TikTok and Dell,” he reflected. “It was a pleasure to meet and engage with all these companies to see the ways I could prepare, engage and improve myself professionally.”

As a member of the MLT Career Prep Class, Cogdell has access to an internship portal, which he used to apply for a position at Bloomberg. Soon after, Bloomberg recruiters reached out to him directly, encouraging him to apply for a technical support role they felt better matched his strengths. Following a virtual meeting, the company flew him to New York for a face-to-face interview and tour of the Bloomberg Lexington Avenue office. After another follow-up conversation, he received the offer.

“I felt extremely grateful to be chosen, knowing all my hard work paid off,” Codgell shared. “I was happy that I’d be going to a company with great culture like Bloomberg where philanthropy is a big part.”

Issa Cogdell, third from the left on the back row, is a member of the �۶�ֱ�� Ethics Bowl Team. Other members are, from left, seated, Maeve McGinley, Sophie Boss, Alaena Locklear; and standing, Advisor Dr. Shea Stuart, Hodges McCathern, Cogdell, Brock Nikkari and Advisor Dr. Anna Sieges-Beal.

Negbenebor noted that Cogdell is the first student from �۶�ֱ�� to receive an internship offer from Bloomberg. “I have known Issa for some time, and he is a man of impeccable character, a great Christian, and a person committed to the goals of higher education and Christian ethics,” Negbenebor stated. “He is one of our most active Searight PACE leadership students. His leadership skills, initiative, commitment and creativity are truly exceptional. He is focused on his discipline and searching for ways to impact the world around him. He loves assisting others and is an asset to GWU.”

As an intern, Cogdell will learn to use the Bloomberg Terminal, gaining experience with industry‑leading financial data, analytics, news, and trading tools. He will also provide internal technical support and help diagnose issues related to the Terminal.

Issa Cogdell, right, poses with other participants in the
Searight PACE Leadership Certificate Program at a
community event.

A winner of the Ignite Scholarship, Cogdell credits his �۶�ֱ�� journey for shaping his readiness and confidence. “The experience at �۶�ֱ�� has contributed to my success in many ways,” he reflected. “The first being around like-minded people, my friends, who have the same goals to succeed as me. Along with that, having professors and alumni who have helped me get into positions to succeed like Dr. Negbenebor and Reverend Searight, who introduced me to MLT, which has brought me amazing connections and lifelong friends.”

Through his coursework, Cogdell said the faculty and hands‑on learning strengthened his technical foundation. Assistant Professor Oscar Gonzalez and Professor Dr. Mirek Mystkowski helped him understand core concepts in mathematics, computer science and cybersecurity.

His campus work experience also played a key role. Cogdell shared that working in the �۶�ֱ�� IT department gave him practical, real‑world skills. He expressed appreciation for the staff who supervised and trained him, noting that the helpdesk coordinator, Diancil Chavez, network technician, Chanae Pickett, and Associate Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer Ray Curtis offered mentorship and opportunities to build confidence in diagnosing and solving technology issues.

Looking ahead, Cogdell is eager to represent �۶�ֱ�� on a national stage and bring his experiences back to campus.

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Gardner‑Webb Launches Searight PACE Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Series

Office of University Communications — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:15:06 +0000

New Three‑Course Series Blends Soil Science, Global Food Systems, and Business Fundamentals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—United by a commitment to the future of farming and food, two Gardner‑Webb administrators and faculty members have developed a new Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program that connects science with practice for today’s agriculture. Drawing on complementary strengths in soil science, global food systems, and agricultural economics, Dr. Greg Pillar and Dr. Anthony Negbenebor created the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series to equip working producers, aspiring agribusiness owners, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving food landscape.

Dr. Greg Pillar

The three-course agribusiness series is practical and grounded in real science and current business practice. The courses are offered online and face‑to‑face, with a schedule designed for working adults and professionals. “What makes this program distinctive is that it connects three areas that are often taught separately: global food systems, soil science, and agribusiness entrepreneurship,” Pillar stated. “Participants do not just learn how to grow. They learn how the system works and how to build a viable operation within it. This will give them the foundation from which they can continue to learn on their own and/or through other programs.”

The first course in the program, Principles of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship (PACE 560) will be on March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. The class is taught by Negbenebor and will meet on the GWU campus. It covers the basics, along with the business skills needed to identify and create an opportunity in agribusiness. Students will be encouraged to develop their own real business ideas, and they will be guided in their decision making. At the end of this course, students will present their new ideas feedback and improvement. The cost is $99 and includes 3 CE credits from �۶�ֱ��.

Dr. Anthony Negbenebor

A professor of economics, Negbenebor also serves as GWU’s assistant vice president of Business Partnerships. His research focus is on agricultural economics, agri‑tech, and global food sustainability, with professional experience across agri‑industries. He grew up on a farm, and his interest is also shaped by his faith. “Food is spiritual,” Negbenebor added. “God said in Genesis 1:29: ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’”

Pillar, �۶�ֱ�� assistant provost and professor of environmental chemistry, has a background in agronomy and global food systems. He studied soil and water chemistry both from the standpoint of environmental protection, crop productivity and land management.

“This certificate gives both farmers and aspiring agribusiness owners a stronger scientific and systems‑level understanding of how food production really works today,” Pillar affirmed. “Participants gain practical insight into soil health, resource management, and the global food system, along with the business foundations needed to turn production into a viable enterprise.”

Courses are designed for a wide audience, including:

Current or aspiring agribusiness owners.
People exploring small‑scale or start‑up food production ventures.
Career changers interested in agriculture or food systems.
Extension staff, educators, and community food leaders.
Farmers and growers seeking updated science and soil knowledge (or a refresher).
Community college and university students.
Anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how our food system works.

Pillar explains that working farmers will gain updated science, data, and best practices they can apply directly to improve soil productivity, resource use, and long‑term soil value—plus context on supply chains and market forces that shape pricing and demand. New or small‑scale entrepreneurs will acquire the skills needed to evaluate and launch viable ventures at modest scale, including intensive methods, season extension, and smart soil management. All producers will be able to make more‑informed decisions about input, crop, and land management to protect margins and sustainability.

Negbenebor emphasized the urgent, industrywide need. “Artificial intelligence and other technologies are rapidly changing agriculture and food supply,” he related. “Agribusiness plays a critical role in ensuring food security, driving innovation, and strengthening economies.”

He added, “Studying agribusiness entrepreneurship opens doors across the sector—from supply chains and food processing to agri‑tech and consulting. The field provides a chance to make a real impact while building a strong career. Our Searight PACE courses prepare learners to identify gaps, build ventures, and contribute to a resilient food system.”

To learn more about the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series and register for the first class on March 20, visit the PACE website here.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the Searight PACE tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the Searight PACE official Admissions page.

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�۶�ֱ�� and Pinnacle Classical Academy Launch College Readiness Partnership

Office of University Communications — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:32:03 +0000

New Program Through GWU’s Searight PACE Equips High School Students with Experiential Learning Experiences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Representatives from Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C., and �۶�ֱ�� University met recently to establish a Skills Training Partnership Agreement. Offered through GWU’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Program, this five-week summer college readiness experience will strengthen Pinnacle high school students’ development of advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed Pinnacle representatives to �۶�ֱ�� for the formal signing ceremony. “I’m excited to see the support here today,” Evans praised. “These partnerships are vital for �۶�ֱ��. It plugs us into the community with the incoming students we serve. To have these partnerships, to bring folks in to build those pathways early, ultimately that serves the region and the greater good. We’re proud to do that, and I just want to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who was involved in making this happen.”

Interim GWU President Nate Evans, center, welcomes and thanks the representatives from Pinnacle Classical Academy for establishing the partnership. On the left is Pinnacle Headmaster Angela Brooks and at right is Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Tracy Arnold.

Speaking on behalf of Pinnacle was former N.C. state Sen. Wes Westmoreland, a GWU alumnus, who is vice chair and a founding member of Pinnacle’s Board of Directors. He thanked the University for collaborating to provide the academic opportunity to Pinnacle students and recognized the efforts of Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, �۶�ֱ�� professor and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. “Dr. Negbenebor has been a friend, a teacher and advisor for many, many years,” Westmoreland shared. “Thank you for being the catalyst to bring this together. I graduated in ’88 and have served as a trustee here. I’m so very happy to have this relationship with �۶�ֱ��. We really appreciate the partnership, and we look forward to where this is going.”

N.C. state Sen. Wes Westmoreland, vice chair and a founding member
of Pinnacle’s Board of Directors, left, and Interim �۶�ֱ�� President
Nate Evans participate in signing the agreement.

Joining Westmoreland from Pinnacle were Dr. Pauline Cahill, a local dentist and also a founding board member; Chief Education Officer Dr. Shelly L. Shope, a GWU alumna; Headmaster Angela Brooks; and Dean of �۶�ֱ�� Jeff Ziegler. Pinnacle’s Board is chaired by former N.C. state Sen. Debbie Clary, who also helped found the public charter school in 2013.

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters noted that career exploration begins with K–12 education, and the opportunities provided during the critical high school years greatly influence students’ educational journeys and future professional paths. “The Skills Training Partnership Agreement between �۶�ֱ�� University’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education Program and Pinnacle Classical Academy offers students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, enhancing critical thinking and refining the academic skills necessary for college readiness,” she explained.

The partnership agreement initiates the Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) for Pinnacle students in 10th- through 12th-grade. Beginning in June 2026, �۶�ֱ�� will provide courses in AI, cybersecurity, project management, economics and personal finance, medical terminology, introduction to agriculture, and American history of inventors.

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic
Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters shares her thoughts
on the partnership.

Coupled with an emphasis on Christian business ethics and disciplinary concepts, the classes will offer students opportunities for reality-based and hands-on learning. They will be mentored by the �۶�ֱ�� faculty and participate in networking with corporate CEOs from regional, national and international companies. Business etiquette and professional skills will be emphasized. The program concludes with a field-study tour of the BMW automotive plant in Greer, S.C.

Waters concluded, “We are honored to have the opportunity to support the high school students participating in this initiative. This partnership builds on the current foundation of PCA’s academics, strengthening the primary commitment of meeting the needs of our community.”

The ASAP program is scheduled for June 9 through July 9, 2026. For more information, visit the Searight Pace or email pace@gardner-webb.edu.

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Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Leaders Gather at �۶�ֱ�� for Faith and Leadership Conference

Office of University Communications — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:13:58 +0000

Nearly 300 Members and CME Youth from North and South Carolina Engage in Dialogue, Training, and Campus Tours During Sept. 13 Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Nearly 300 members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) leadership group from the Winston-Salem to Greenville, S.C., District and Presiding Elder Faye Houston met for a conference at �۶�ֱ�� University on Sept. 13. The Rev. Johnny Searight, a member of the GWU Board of Trustees and a University benefactor, is a member of this group, which is made up of bishops, elders and pastors from churches located in North and South Carolina.

From left, The Rev. Johnny Searight, CME Presiding
Elder Faye Houston, and Shirley Searight pose at the
meeting. Photos by Claire Ledford / GWU Photo Team

Searight and his wife, Shirley, donated funds to establish the Searight Leadership Certificate (SLC) and the Searight Multicultural Leadership Award (SMLA) to benefit �۶�ֱ�� students. Their financial gift also included funds for the Searight Professional And Continuing Education (PACE) program at GWU.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed the guests. They also heard presentations from Professor of Theology Dr. Robert Canoy on “The Faith Community and Emerging Issues,” and Professor of Public Service Dr. Bobbie Cox on “Grant Writing Essentials.” The CME leaders received Searight PACE Certificates for these presentations.

Houston, who also serves as pastor of Sidney Park CME Church in Columbia, S.C., commended everyone at the University for their hospitality. “There are no adequate words to express the graciousness of �۶�ֱ�� University in hosting the Winston-Salem Greenville District Planning Meeting 2025,” she praised. “You and your staff went above and beyond in everything and set the tone for a highly successful meeting.”

Dr. Bobbie Cox, left, and Dr. Robert Canoy spoke
to the members of the group.

Additionally, �۶�ֱ�� students who participate in the Searight Leadership Program talked to CME youth about their college experience and why they should choose to attend GWU. The youths were from North and South Carolina. The GWU students, AJ Leyva, Issa Cogdell, Timothy Robinson, Abigail Lauerman, Claire Ledford and Lys Ishiari, answered questions from the group and led a campus tour. Some of the students who attended expressed an interest in attending GWU.

After the joint session and lunch in the Caf, the CME leaders attended separate afternoon meetings that focused on their particular interests. Some of the topics included: Evangelism and Missions, Church Organizational Meetings, Women’s Missionary Society and Clergy, Lay Ministry, Steward Board and Youth, Christian Education and Formation, and Spouses and Widows Ministry.

The Rev. Linda Kirksey-Jones, pastor of Forest Chapel CME Church in Fair Forest, S.C., noted that every aspect of the event was superb, “from the beautiful and welcoming venue, and the provision of the college campus cafeteria food arrangements to the extremely meaningful presentations delivered.” She continued, “Notably, school personnel exhibited a genuine sense of appreciation for our presence, which further enhanced our experience. I was so impressed that I am pondering if my schedule can accommodate the grant writing course in May of 2026.”

In addition, CME collaborative grants and scholarships were awarded.

Learn more about the Searight Student Leadership Progam.

Nearly 300 CME leaders from North and South Carolina attended the meeting.

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Local and Regional Pastors and Non-Profit Leaders Complete �۶�ֱ��’s Searight PACE Grant Writing Course

Office of University Communications — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:01:41 +0000

Participants May Apply Credit Hours Earned Toward Master of Public Administration Degree

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A group of ministers and non-profit leaders from local and regional ministries recently completed the Searight PACE course, “Grant Writing for Churches and Non-Profits.” Taught by Dr. Bobbie Cox, professor and chair of the Department of Public Service, the five-part series helped participants to develop the skills and resources needed to write successful grants.

“It was my honor and pleasure to offer the Grant Writing for Churches & Nonprofits course and meet this great group of faith leaders,” Cox shared. “I was highly impressed with these participants that took the class challenges seriously, and followed-through with complete grant proposals that I believe will be successfully funded. I feel blessed that I was a part of this course!”

Mark Lattimore presents his proposal for mental health education programs.

During each class meeting, lunch was provided for the students, and they also heard from various campus and community leaders, who shared their grant-writing experiences. The guests included:

Dean of the School of Divinity Dr. Robert Canoy.
Adjunct Professor, Pastor and Board of Trustees Chair the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn.
Interim GWU president Nate Evans.
Pastor and GWU Board of Trustees Member Ray Hardee.
Professor of Economics and International Business Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, who also serves �۶�ֱ�� as the assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships.
Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Nicole Waters.

For the final class meeting, students gathered to present and discuss their grant proposals. The projects included support for substance abuse recovery, after school and youth development, prisoner reentry, resources for families in foster care, and financial literacy and education. The participants also received certificates of completion, and mementoes from the �۶�ֱ�� Department of Public Service.

Kassidy Patrick presents her grant proposal for a community resource hub for families in foster care.

Cox is also the director of the �۶�ֱ�� Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Her instruction was based on the grant writing series of courses that are offered in the MPA program. If the attendees choose to apply to the MPA Program, the grant writing series will carry four hours of graduate level credit toward completion of their MPA degree.

Class members and their grant proposals were:

Dr. Wendy Athens, �۶�ֱ�� Director of Academic Innovation & Digital Learning, substance abuse recovery for women.
Nicole Hazen, Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland County, after school youth development.
Brian King, Christ Church (Statesville & Hickory) Recovery Pastor, providing support to formerly incarcerated people as they find housing and work.
Mark Lattimore, Faith, Praise & Worship Center, Forest City, N.C., mental health education for parents, churches and community.
Charles Moses, Senior Pastor, Mountain Spring Baptist Church, Anderson, S.C., youth community development center.
Kassidy Patrick, Mosaic Hope (small, faith-based non-profit), community resource hub for families in foster care.
Chad Woods, Senior Pastor, Great Hope Baptist Church, Conover, N.C., financial literacy and education.

For more information about Searight PACE courses, email pace@gardner-webb.edu or visit the website here.

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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