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Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose Shares on Mentoring Women and Expanding Leadership Opportunities

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month honors the mothers, mentors, and history‑makers who shaped lives and opened doors for generations. At Gardner‑Webb University, that legacy continues through the women who lead across campus, including five members of the GWU president’s cabinet. Throughout the month, they will share their stories, reflecting on the opportunities women have today and those who guided them along the way.

The following reflection is from Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose.

Career highlights:

• 24 years of experience in higher education.
• Previously served as dean of students at Averett University in Danville, Va.
• Master of Education in Business from Temple University in Philadelphia.
• Bachelor of Arts in communications from Lynchburg (Va.) College.

Villarose shares her leadership journey.

Women’s History Month is meaningful to me because it is a time to intentionally reflect on the many women who have paved the way for those of us working in higher education today. As vice president for Student Development, dean of students, and Title IX coordinator at ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ University, I am constantly reminded that the opportunities I have had in leadership were made possible by women who challenged barriers and advocated for equity long before I entered this field.

Personally, it is also a moment to celebrate the women who shaped my own journey. My educational path—from earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at University of Lynchburg in Virginia to completing a Master of Education at Temple University in Philadelphia—was influenced by mentors who believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue leadership roles. After serving as dean of students at Averett University and now having spent 24 years working in higher education, I see Women’s History Month as both a celebration and a responsibility—to continue opening doors for the next generation.

Throughout my career, I have been inspired by a number of women who modeled leadership grounded in integrity, compassion, and courage. Early in my career, I worked with women leaders who demonstrated that effective student affairs work is both relational and principled. They showed me the importance of advocating for students while also upholding strong institutional values.

Over the past two decades, I have seen significant growth in the number of women serving in leadership roles across higher education. However, the work is not finished. Women continue to bring perspectives that strengthen institutional decision-making, especially in areas like student development, campus climate, and community engagement.

I believe the future of higher education leadership will include even more women serving as presidents, vice presidents, and senior administrators. As institutions become more complex, collaborative leadership styles—often exemplified by women leaders—are increasingly valuable. Women are helping shape a culture in higher education that prioritizes mentorship, inclusivity, and holistic student success.

Mentorship is one of the most important ways we can invest in future leaders. I try to be intentional about creating opportunities for women—especially students and young professionals—to grow in confidence and leadership capacity.

I believe in modeling balance, resilience, and authenticity. When women see leaders who are approachable and supportive, it creates a culture where mentorship becomes part of the community.

My advice to young women is simple: believe in your voice and your ability to lead. Too often, women hesitate to step into opportunities because they feel they need to be perfectly prepared. Growth rarely happens that way. Leadership often comes from stepping forward, learning along the way, and trusting your instincts.

ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ 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., ÃÛ¶¹Ö±²¥ 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 .