Student-Centered Archives - ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University

��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb to Celebrate Grand Opening of Bulldog Cares Food Pantry Oct. 2

Office of University Communications — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:43:33 +0000

Campus Community Invited to Bring Donations and Help Stock Shelves for Students in Need

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— A jar of peanut butter. A box of pasta. A bottle of laundry detergent. Each may seem like a small contribution, but together they can make a meaningful difference for a ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb student facing hardship.

Beginning Oct. 2, those items and others like them will help stock the shelves of the new Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, a resource designed to ensure students have access to basic necessities while pursuing their degrees.

The University will celebrate the grand opening of the pantry on Friday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. in Tucker Student Center Room 302. As part of the event, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters are encouraged to “Bring a Little Bulldog Care” by donating items to the pantry.

“Consider bringing a nonperishable food item, personal-care product, laundry detergent, or other essential item for our students,” suggested Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection. “Together, we can fill the shelves and show our students just how much their ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb family cares.”

Raduly said the pantry concept began a few years ago with several staff members who responded to students struggling to meet basic needs, including having enough food. “What started as a small collection of items in an office grew into a larger effort as more people on campus wanted to help,” she explained. “The goal was simple: make sure no student had to choose between buying food and continuing their education.”

Bulldog Cares was formally established in the fall of 2022 as a joint initiative led by Student Development, Student Success, and Christian Life and Service. The program supports ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb students by providing emergency financial assistance intended to help prevent students from leaving the University due to unexpected financial hardships. It expanded the University’s ability to help students not only with food insecurity but also with other emergency needs that could interfere with completing their education such as emergency dental procedures or the need for prescription medications.

“Bulldog Cares is a reflection of who we are as a ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb community: a family that cares for one another, supports our students when they need us most, and believes that no Bulldog should have to face a difficult season alone,” Raduly shared.

Like colleges and universities across the country, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb has seen demand for assistance increase as the costs of groceries, housing, transportation, and other necessities continue to rise.

“Many students experience financial hardships caused by rising grocery prices, unexpected medical bills, loss of employment, family emergencies, and transportation expenses,” Raduly stated. “Some students simply need extra help to lessen the burden of having to choose hardship over their education.”

Raduly hopes students who may be struggling will not hesitate to seek assistance. “Everyone needs help sometimes, and asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said. “There may be times in all of our lives when circumstances change unexpectedly and we need someone to come alongside us. There is absolutely no shame in that.”

She emphasized that the pantry was created to support students through difficult seasons without judgment. “If you are a student who is hesitant to visit the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, I would want you to know that you do not have to struggle alone,” Raduly said. “You do not have to explain or apologize for needing help. The pantry was created because we understand that food insecurity and financial challenges can affect anyone, including hardworking students who are doing everything they can to stay in school and reach their goals.”

The Bulldog Cares Fund and Food Pantry are supported by donations from faculty, staff, students, alumni, churches, local businesses, and community partners. Contributions from organizations such as Food Lion Feeds, the Physician Assistant Program, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Baseball, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and numerous campus groups help ensure students have access to essential resources throughout the year.

“This collective support from our ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb family and community partners has made it possible for the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry to continue serving students throughout the year,” Raduly said. “We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped make this resource possible and for their continued commitment to caring for our students.”

Looking ahead, Raduly hopes the pantry will continue to grow through partnerships, donations, and increased awareness.

“The goal is to continue expanding resources so that every ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb student who is experiencing food insecurity knows that help is available and feels comfortable reaching out for support,” she said. “We want Bulldog Cares to be more than a pantry—we want it to be a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and reminded that they are part of a community that cares about their well-being and success.”

How Can Students Access the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry?

Currently enrolled ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb students can visit the pantry in the Tucker Student Center Room 302 during operating hours:

Monday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Students unable to visit during those hours can email to request an after-hours appointment or special accommodation. The process is designed to be welcoming, confidential, and respectful so students can receive assistance without unnecessary barriers.

How Can I Support Bulldog Cares?

Community members can support Bulldog Cares by donating nonperishable food items, personal-care products, laundry supplies, school supplies, and other essential items. Find the complete list here. Financial contributions are also welcome. For more information, visit the Bulldog Cares website.

��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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., ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University Offers Multiple Opportunities for Prospective Students to Experience Campus

Office of University Communications — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:37:29 +0000

Fall Visit Opportunities Give Future Runnin’ Bulldogs Multiple Ways to Experience Academics, ��ɫ��Ƶ and The ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Community

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Choosing the right college begins with experiencing campus firsthand. ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University offers several opportunities for prospective students and their families to explore the University throughout the 2026 Fall Semester.

Through special visit events, Saturday tours and daily campus visits, students can learn more about academic programs, student life and the distinctive community that defines the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb experience. Visitors also have opportunities to connect with current students, faculty and admissions staff while touring the University’s 225-acre campus.

“The second you step foot on this campus, you can feel the sense of connection, belonging and genuine care that makes ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb so special. That’s why visiting is so important.” – Molly Allison, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions

Molly Allison, assistant vice president for Undergraduate Admissions and a ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb alumna, said there is no substitute for experiencing that atmosphere in person. “One of the most unique and powerful things about ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb is our community,” Allison shared. “It’s something you don’t just hear about, you feel it. The second you step foot on this campus, you can feel the sense of connection, belonging and genuine care that makes ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb so special. That’s why visiting is so important.”

She continued, “We want students and their families to come experience it for themselves. Meet our people. Walk our campus. See what life is really like here. You can tell someone about the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb experience, but there is nothing quite like being here and feeling it for yourself.”

Dawg Days Provide an In-Depth Introduction to ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb

Designed primarily for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, Dawg Days offer a comprehensive look at life as a Runnin’ Bulldog. Participants will tour campus, attend admissions presentations, meet faculty members during an academic department fair and learn about student life opportunities. The event also includes a complimentary campus lunch and tickets to a ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb football game.

Upcoming Dawg Days are scheduled for:

Sept. 19 during Family Weekend, with ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb hosting North Carolina Central University.
Nov. 7 during Homecoming, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs face Lindenwood University.

Saturday Visits Offer Flexible Campus Exploration

For students unable to visit during the week, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb offers several Saturday visit opportunities throughout the year. These visits include campus tours and opportunities to learn more about academics, student engagement and campus resources.

Fall Saturday Visit dates include:

Sept. 12
Oct. 17
Nov. 14
Dec. 5

Daily Visits Available on Most Weekdays

Prospective students may also schedule daily visits during most weekdays. In-person visits are available in morning and afternoon sessions and provide opportunities to tour campus and meet members of the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb community.

Virtual Visits

Virtual visits are also offered on weekday afternoons, allowing students and families to connect live with an admissions counselor via Teams.

Find out more here.

Virtual Tours

Virtual tours are also available here.

Students and families interested in learning more or registering for a visit can contact the Admissions Office at 704-406-2550 or admissions@gardner-webb.edu.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading

Office of University Communications — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 14:47:48 +0000

Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, “,” spotlights GWU’s College of Education for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for the most effective methods of reading instruction.

Scientifically based reading instruction emphasizes five core components identified through decades of research: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. To earn an A+, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s programs had to exceed those standards and avoid teaching any instructional practices not supported by research.

Dr. Prince Bull

“Excellence is the minimum standard in the College of Education,” stated Professor and Dean of the College of Education Dr. Prince Hycy Bull. “Because literacy is the foundation of every content area, we are committed to preparing educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to teach, inspire, and empower the next generation of citizens.”

A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), four in 10 fourth graders in North Carolina cannot read at a basic level. Teacher preparation is one of the most powerful drivers of change, but only when it is aligned with research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.

��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future educators are trained to teach reading. The skills that Allie Rains, a 2024 GWU alumna, learned in the program continue to serve her as both a private reading tutor and a first-grade teacher at Evergreen Christian Academy in Greenville, N.C.

Allie Rains

“The literacy instruction at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University was excellent,” Rains reflected. “The detailed courses were extremely practical for the classroom. They included realistic student patterns and behaviors for me to learn from. The information obtained during my time at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb was crucial for my licensing as well as growing my passion for literacy. I gained an urgency for children and their reading journeys.”

Working alongside her school’s curriculum team, Rains used her knowledge of the Science of Reading to help identify a curriculum that aligns with the school’s educational model. Among the students she has tutored, Rains has seen significant progress using evidence-based reading instruction.

“The Science of Reading research is too important and accurate to keep to myself,” she noted. “I begin every tutoring session with an assessment tool I learned about while taking these courses at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb. I then use targeted resources that are Science of Reading-based to grow the students’ literacy skills. I have loved seeing firsthand the growth from child to child.”

NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University.

About NCTQ

The National Council on Teacher Quality is a nonpartisan research and policy organization on a mission to ensure every child has access to an effective teacher, and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective. For more information about NCTQ, visit .

About ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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., ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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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Guided by Faith, Driven by Purpose: ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Senior Pursues Her Calling to Teach

Office of University Communications — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:40:56 +0000

After Overcoming Personal Loss, Balancing Work and School, Jessica Greene Prepares to Student-Teach and Graduate Debt-Free

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“You have to start to get to where you want to go,” remarked ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University senior Jessica Greene. Simple yet profound, this statement has guided Greene while she navigated some of life’s most difficult challenges. In the face of loss, uncertainty, and growing responsibilities, she responded by taking the next step forward.

Though she endured the passing of both parents before graduating from high school, Greene will complete her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree debt-free in December. She is excited to begin student teaching in a kindergarten classroom in August.

“Losing my parents was the hardest thing I have been through, especially my dad, who helped me through all of life’s challenges,” Greene reflected. “They both had hard childhoods and struggled, so they wanted better for me. When I graduated high school two months after my dad passed away, I realized I could do anything I set my mind to. I knew I wanted to go to college, and when I started my daycare job, I realized helping children was my calling, and I was going to reach my goal. My dad taught me to never give up no matter how hard life gets.”

Greene’s parents divorced when she was 2 years old, and she lived with her father. Then, while she was in ninth grade, her mother died unexpectedly. She continues to draw strength from the lessons both parents shared with her.

“My mother always told me to chase my dreams because life is short,” she recalled. “My dad taught me who Jesus was from a young age and the importance of having a relationship with him. My dad had a kidney transplant in his 20s, and it drastically affected his health. One thing he always told me was, ‘You just need faith in the Lord, and everything will be OK.’ His unwavering faith, strength and love are values that I will always carry with me.”

Her experiences growing up also helped shape her calling to become a teacher. Greene remembered her home as a place where friends often gathered because they felt safe and welcomed. “I want to teach children and let them know they have someone who believes in them and wants what is best for them,” she said. “I believe all children should have someone they can trust and feel loved by.”

Throughout her educational journey, her fiancé, Clayton Linnens, has been one of her greatest supporters. The couple will be married this month. While Greene participated in virtual classes after a full day at work, Linnens offered emotional encouragement and supported her in tangible ways. “He would help by making dinner and cleaning the house,” she noted. “He did this so when I got off (the computer) we could spend time together. He has sat with me on countless weekends and mentally supported me as I spent hours working on assignments.”

Balancing full-time employment, clinical experiences, and online classes required discipline and careful planning. As her clinical requirements increased from one day to three days each week, Greene became even more intentional about managing her time. The hard work paid off, because she will graduate without taking on student loans. Greene wants to buy items to use in her classroom, and the couple plan to start saving money to build a home.

Clayton Linnens and Jessica Greene will be married this month.

Greene found support not only at home but also in the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb College of Education. Her professors played an important role in her success, especially Visiting Assistant Professor Dr. Brittany Evans and Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Cherie Aldrich. “As the classes became more intense, I was constantly asking these professors how to improve my work, and they were always there to help,” Greene said. “They encouraged me and discussed the positive things students had accomplished.”

Through every challenge, Greene remembered her father’s testimony and leaned on her faith. “I know that the way I got through it is Jesus and getting closer to him,” she shared. “When life feels heavy, I encourage you to just open up the Bible and sit with the Lord. You may not always know what to say, and there were many times when I would tell the Lord that I did not know what to say, but I needed help. The Lord is the answer, and he will help if you just give him a chance.”

As she prepares to begin student teaching this fall, Greene is eager to see firsthand how students learn and to experience the everyday realities of the classroom. Most of all, she hopes to create the same sense of encouragement and belonging that shaped her own life.

“The impact I hope to have on my students is that they leave my classroom believing in themselves as learners and feeling excited about coming to school each day,” she affirmed. “I hope my students remember that they had a teacher who cared about them, believed in their potential and encouraged them to become lifelong learners.”

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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Costa Rica Study Abroad Opens Doors to Culture, Language, and Lasting Impact

Office of University Communications — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:09:42 +0000

Alumna Yulia Putnam Shares How Four‑week Program Shaped Her Personal and Professional Journey

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University students are invited to participate in an immersive Spanish-language study abroad program in Costa Rica, taking place May 17-June 13. The four‑week experience had an immediate and lasting impact on GWU alumna Yulia Putnam, a high school logic and sports marketing teacher at Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C.

Yulia Putnam

“Traveling to Costa Rica during my junior year of college was easily one of the most transformative chapters of my college life,” Putnam shared. “It wasn’t just a trip; it was a total immersion that felt like a gift from start to finish.”

Students earn six credit hours of Spanish, which may be applied to General Education requirements or toward a Spanish major or minor. The academic opportunity also fulfills the University’s Professional Readiness Experience (PRE) requirement for graduation.

Open to students of all proficiency levels, the program places participants with Costa Rican host families and includes weekday coursework designed to significantly improve Spanish language skills and intercultural understanding—competencies that greatly enhance future career or graduate‑school opportunities. The program coordinator accompanies the group for the first 10 days, and students remain for the full month to complete their coursework and cultural immersion.

Putnam recalled the best part of her stay was experiencing the culture to the fullest—seeing the sights, tasting the food and learning the language. She explained, “There’s just something different about practicing a language while you’re actually living in the environment where it’s spoken.”

The Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna

She also noted that her time in the Central American country impacted with her long after she returned home. “That experience didn’t just stay in Costa Rica; it came home with me and completely reshaped how I teach,” Putnam observed. “It taught me that the best learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone and truly engage with the world.”

Putnam works to instill that same spirit of adventure in her students. She stated, “I try to bring that same sense of wonder and ‘Pura Vida’ spirit to my students, showing them that education is about more than just textbooks—it’s about connection and perspective.”

“Pura Vida” means pure life or simple life, and represents Costa Ricans relaxed attitude towards life. It can mean be used to say, “Hello,” or “Goodbye,” “I’m doing well,” or “It’s great.”

Putnam also encouraged current ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb students to seize the opportunity. “To anyone even remotely thinking about going: don’t hesitate,” she advised. “You’ll come back with more than just memories; you’ll come back with a clearer sense of who you are and a much bigger heart for the world around you.”

Additional Program Details

Included Weekend Excursions

Throughout the program, students participate in organized weekend excursions that highlight Costa Rica’s cultural and environmental diversity. Planned visits include:

La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Doka Coffee Plantation
Manuel Antonio National Park
Irazú Volcano National Park

Yulia Putnam and the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb students pose for a photo before a ziplining trip.

Optional Independent Travel Opportunities

Students also receive one full free weekend and one to two additional free days to explore Costa Rica independently. Recommended destinations include:

Arenal Volcano.
Guanacaste beaches.
Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River.
Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Puerto Viejo.
Horseback riding.
Ziplining adventures.

Requirements and Contact Information

Participants must have a valid passport and plan their flights separately from program tuition. For details or to register, students should contact Dr. Teresa R. Phillips at tphillips@gardner-webb.edu.

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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Launches Dual Enrollment for Eligible High School Juniors and Seniors

Office of University Communications — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:45:48 +0000

Enroll Now for January 2026 Start; Offering Affordable College Credit and Campus Resources

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University is pleased to announce Dual Enrollment opportunity for eligible high school juniors and seniors. These students can enroll in the same courses offered to GWU students, save money and earn college credits. Enrollment for the program is open now through Jan. 8 for the 2026 Spring Semester, which begins on Jan. 12.

Learn more about eligibility and registration.

Dr. Robert Prickett

A key advantage of ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s Dual Enrollment Program is that students can choose topics that interest them from a variety of subjects. They can either check off required general education courses or explore various majors by enrolling in introductory classes. Instead of being in a class with other high school students, they will be enrolled in a course with other GWU college students and taught by GWU faculty in a collegiate setting. Online formats will also be available. Plus, a designated ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb dual enrollment mentor/advisor will communicate with students from the moment they register until they take their final exams.

“All the way through the process, there is going to be somebody reaching out besides the professor,” emphasized Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Robert Prickett. “We’re going to have a specialized orientation every semester before classes start, which means we will take them to see where their class is, make sure they know where to park, and take them to get their IDs.”

Additionally, high school students will have access to the same services offered to ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb students, such as tutoring and help with writing. Dover Library, which is open to everyone in the community, is also available to them for studying and research.

Designed to make college courses affordable for high school students and their families, the fee for ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s Dual Enrollment is $450 course, which reflects a 75 to 80 percent discount compared to what traditional undergraduate students pay. This cost doesn’t include books, course materials or lab fees (if applicable).

��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s Dual Enrollment Program gives motivated high school students the chance to experience college-level learning, explore academic interests, and earn credits that transfer widely—all at a reduced cost. With personalized support, access to campus resources, and flexible course options, students will gain a head start on their college journey.

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 Dual Enrollment page.��

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Jessika Raduly Appointed Director of Campus Unity and Connection at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb

Office of University Communications — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:18:24 +0000

GWU Alumna Brings Institutional Experience and Proven Commitment to Student Well-Being to Her New Role

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose has named Jessika Raduly, previous associate director of Student Engagement, as the new director of Campus Unity and Connection. Raduly earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from GWU.

Villarose noted Raduly’s experience and praised her skills as a communicator and leader. “Jessika Raduly is the best person to lead Campus Unity and Connection because she brings nearly two decades of deep institutional knowledge, a proven commitment to student well-being, and a unique ability to build bridges across our entire community,” she emphasized. “Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and genuine care—exactly what this role requires.”

Raduly joined the University staff in 2006 and has served in multiple areas, including the Departments of Health, Sport, and Physical Education, and Housing and Residence Education.

“Over the last 19-plus years at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University, I have remained deeply committed to helping students grow into the best version of themselves,” Raduly shared. “As I continue to develop in my new position, I will seek out opportunities to expand my specialized skills and support an increasingly diverse student population. In my work with international students and multicultural groups, I will focus on strengthening global student support, enhancing cross-cultural programming, and enriching the overall campus culture.

Raduly and her husband, Jody, and their two children are active members of Pleasant City Church in Shelby, N.C. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, exercising, and spending quality time with her family.

In alignment with ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s core Christian values, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection is designed to promote a positive and supportive educational experience for all faculty, staff and students. Further, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection fosters a welcoming campus environment to all, where students can engage, grow, and thrive.

Through meaningful programs, leadership opportunities, and community partnerships, Raduly will work to help students build relationships, develop essential interpersonal skills, and find their place at the University. Whether through student organizations, cultural programs and initiatives, or campus events, Raduly is dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive community that enhances the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb Names Dr. Kenneth Johnson Executive Director of Student Success

Office of University Communications — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:40:57 +0000

Administrator Has Over a Decade of Experience in Implementing Student-Centered Strategies

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters has named Dr. Kenneth Johnson of Lake Point, Utah, as executive director of ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University’s Division of Student Success. Johnson has over 10 years of leadership experience that includes developing and implementing comprehensive, data-informed student success strategies. He comes to GWU from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where he served as assistant director of Student Support Systems and Career Readiness. He will begin his new position at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb on Nov. 3.

Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Waters stated, “Dr. Kenneth Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a genuine heart for students to the role of leading the Division of Student Success. From our very first conversation, it was clear that he embraces ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University’s mission and is deeply committed to meeting students where they are. Dr. Johnson shared that he values every student interaction and desires to create a strong sense of belonging across our campus community. I am excited to welcome Dr. Johnson and look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to our students and the University.”

Johnson has contributed to student-centered programming and services at Weber since 2019. In his most recent role, he created a framework that combined academic support and career development across software platforms like Starfish, leading to a 30% boost in student engagement. He introduced a hands-on learning tool that offered job simulations and skill-building opportunities to prepare students for the workforce. He also launched a peer mentoring program focused on personal and professional growth to encourage peer-to-peer support.

While implementing these initiatives, Johnson collaborated with faculty to design impactful experiential learning opportunities—such as internships, co-ops, and service-learning projects—to enrich student learning, engagement, and overall development. He developed and led workshops in collaboration with Student Support Services to foster essential success skills and provide targeted support for

underrepresented student populations.

Johnson noted, “I am deeply honored to join the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University community. From my first interactions, I was struck by the strong sense of purpose and faith that guides this institution. ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb’s commitment to developing the whole student in mind, body, and spirit aligns perfectly with my own philosophy of education. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus to build upon that legacy and empower students to achieve their fullest potential.”

Previously, Johnson served as executive director of Moore Career College in Baton Rouge, La. There, he spearheaded strategic initiatives that dramatically improved student persistence, resulting in a 94% increase in retention rates and a 171% increase in admission rates.

Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science in organizational management from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. He received his Master of Education in higher education leadership from Weber, and completed his Doctor of Education in student affairs and administration and leadership at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Outside of his professional life, Johnson enjoys spending time with his wife and family. Together, they are grateful for the opportunity to join the ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb community and look forward to becoming active members of the Boiling Springs area.

Search Committee Members:

Dr. Nicole Waters, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Greg Pillar, Assistant Provost
Dr. Robert Prickett, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Brian Arnold, Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Engagement
Carrie Baker, Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes
Cheryl Potter, Associate Dean of the Noel Center for Disability Resources

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��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb for the formal signing ceremony. “I’m excited to see the support here today,” Evans praised. “These partnerships are vital for ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb. 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, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb. 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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 Academics 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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, ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb 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.

The post ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb and Pinnacle Classical Academy Launch College Readiness Partnership appeared first on ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University.

Ignite Scholar Lucy Merritt Found a Home at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb—And the Path to Pursue Nursing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Ignite Scholarship

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

About ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb

The post Ignite Scholar Lucy Merritt Found a Home at ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb—And the Path to Pursue Nursing appeared first on ��ɫ��Ƶ-Webb University.

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