Campus News Archives - è��ͷ�� University

è��ͷ�� Students Compete in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Conference

Office of University Communications — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:00:25 +0000

Finance Team Qualifies for Nationals and Business Student Places in Accounting

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students from Gardner‑Webb University’s Godbold College of Business recently earned top honors at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference in Charlotte, N.C. A four-member finance team secured first place in the highly competitive Finance Case competition, earning a spot at the national conference this summer. In addition to the team victory, a freshman business student also placed in the accounting competition.

The students worked under the guidance of faculty advisors, Dr. RJ Quillinan, assistant professor of business law, and Dr. Angelina Smith, assistant professor of business.

Dr. RJ Quillinan

The Gardner‑Webb finance team included Will Brooks of Earl, N.C., Demarqus Little of High Point, N.C., Kadeyn Marshall of Shelby, N.C., and William Stevenson of Durham, N.C. They outperformed 12 other teams to claim the title and advance to the FBLA National Leadership Conference scheduled for June in Las Vegas, Nev.

“The students spent hours pouring into the competition,” Quillinan praised. “They prepared with a strong focus on providing analytical feedback to the judges, coupled with a presentation style that was smooth, personable, and consistent with the standards set forth within the Godbold College of Business.”

In individual competition, Alaena Locklear of Lawndale, N.C., placed sixth in Foundations of Accounting. The conference was a first for Locklear, and she’s already planning to attend next year.

“The comprehensive test I took contained questions about the basics and mechanics of financial statements, from what accounts belong on the Balance sheet to how the Statement of Cash Flows works,” she recalled. “Preparation for the competition was a lot of coordination between myself and Dr. Smith, who guided me through the process. I took some time to study over what I’ve learned in my accounting classes so far, and I found a lot of that material relevant to what was on the test.”

Locklear added, “I am very proud of everyone who participated. The Godbold College of Business has been instrumental in all of our successes, and I’d like to especially thank Drs. (Amber) Daniels, Smith, and Quillinan.”

Quillinan emphasized that FBLA plays a central role in bridging classroom learning with professional preparation. “On campus, FBLA may be referred to as a ‘club,’ but it is more than that. It is an educational, co‑curricular, academic program that allows for project‑based learning set in a competitive environment,” he noted. “In the case of the Finance Case competition, it helped students hone soft skills that we strive to provide in the Godbold College of Business, alongside the analytical and complex financial requirements to answer the question(s) posed.”

Marshall, a sophomore economics and finance major, explained the team’s preparation strategy. “It was teamwork—everyone on our team had their roles,” he shared. Outlining each member’s contribution, Marshall explained that he compiled the data, Brooks was the manager, Stevenson created the presentation and speech, and Little handled investment and money management.

He said the experience proved their abilities to succeed in a real-world scenario. He concluded, “It feels amazing; it makes our long nights and late work hours worth it.”

The FBLA Finance Team: from left, Will Stevenson, Demarqus Little, Will Brooks, and Kadeyn Marshall

Stevenson, a junior economics and finance major, said the case required students to act as financial advisors for a marketing analyst. “We managed his investments, set up bank accounts, made decisions for his day-to-day life, and saved for a down payment on a house,” he described.

Echoing Marshall’s assessment, Stevenson said, “The greatest skill was teamwork and encouragement. We all played different roles and when we needed help, we all pitched in.”

Quillinan added that the students did most of the preparation on their own. He and Smith helped them refine their presentation skills. He stated, “We pointed out what may serve as differentiators against their competition: strength with the facts, providing more depth of analysis, and treating the presentation as a performance worthy of choreography and a personal touch.”

Stevenson summed up the experience as strengthening his financial knowledge and professional outlook. “This competition will look great on my resume and gives me a chance to network and meet young professionals,” he said. “This group helped me grow my financial literacy.”

Quillinan commended the students’ dedication and teamwork. “It was a lot of fun seeing these four come together, learn from one another, and use each team members’ strengths to ultimately win the competition,” he reflected. “I am proud to have been a coach to these four and look forward to doing so again, and again—if they let me.”

è��ͷ�� 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., è��ͷ�� 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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Gardner‑Webb University Orchestra Welcomes Legendary Artists Mark and Maggie O’Connor for a 250 Celebration of America

Office of University Communications — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:51:21 +0000

Grammy winning Artists Headline a Patriotic Program Celebrating American Composers, Veterans, and GWU’s New President Nate Evans

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Influenced early by American fiddle traditions and later shaped by classical training, Mark O’Connor’s music reflects the full scope of America’s musical heritage. On April 27 at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, his unique musical talent comes to Gardner‑Webb University as the GWU Orchestra presents “America at 250! A Celebration!” The concert features O’Connor and his wife, violinist Maggie O’Connor, whose performances blend classical training with American roots traditions.

“We will honor 250 years of America by performing music by American composers with an American soloist, Mark O’Connor,” said Dr. Patricia Sparti, conductor of the Gardner Webb University Orchestra. “He is the greatest jazz violinist, bluegrass fiddler and American musician of this generation. We will also honor veterans during the program.”

Tickets for “America at 250! A Celebration!” are $15 and free for all students and Gardner‑Webb faculty and staff.

Few living musicians embody the breadth, innovation and spirit of American music quite like Mark O’Connor. Grammy‑winning folk icon James Taylor once said of him, “There’s something about that guy’s touch. I think he is to music what Muhammad Ali is to boxing.” Yo‑Yo Ma echoed that sentiment, praising both O’Connor’s mastery and restless creativity: “Between thought and execution there are no impediments, zero. But what really interests me is that this is a person in constant development, hungry to develop.”

Mark and Maggie O’Connor playing at the Grand Ole Opry.

That hunger has shaped one of the most singular careers in American music history. A four‑time Grand Masters Champion, O’Connor was only 13 years old when he became the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships, an all‑ages competition. His record still stands atop more than four decades later. Additionally, he remains the only musician to have won national championships on fiddle, bluegrass guitar, and mandolin.

Also a three-time Grammy winner and eight-time CMA Artist of the Year, O’Connor is one of the most in‑demand session musicians in the country. He has recorded on more than 500 albums and collaborated with artists ranging from Dolly Parton and Paul Simon to Randy Travis and The Judds.

Yet O’Connor’s influence reaches far beyond the recording studio. Drawing equally from folk traditions and classical training, he has forged what many critics call a new American classical music. His works—including the bestselling “Appalachia Waltz,” co‑recorded with Yo‑Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer, and “The American Seasons”—are now staples of orchestral repertoires worldwide. His “Fiddle Concerto” remains the most‑performed modern violin concerto of the last 50 years.

Maggie and Mark O’Connor came to è��ͷ�� in 2024 for a Cleveland County Schools Orchestra day.

Maggie will share the stage with her husband. A violinist and vocalist, she is also a Grammy Award‑winning artist whose career bridges classical virtuosity and American roots music with rare ease. Trained at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and the Aspen Music Festival and School, Maggie brings both technical command and expressive depth to every performance. Critics have praised her as “formidable” and “soulful,” noting her uncanny musical connection with her husband on stage.

Maggie has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, and collaborated with artists including Paul Simon, Béla Fleck, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. In addition to performing, she is an educator and co‑director of the O’Connor Method String Camps, helping shape the next generation of American string players. A visual artist as well, Maggie draws inspiration from the intersection of music, nature and imagination—an influence that resonates through her artistry.

The April 27 program reflects the sweeping story of American music, past and present. Highlights include the finale of Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” Gershwin selections from “Porgy and Bess” (arranged by Robert Russell Bennett), Copland’s iconic “Hoedown from Rodeo,” and Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance No. 4,” performed in honor of Gardner‑Webb University’s new president, Nate Evans.

The program also features “Faith” from O’Connor’s groundbreaking “Improvised Violin Concerto,” with Mark O’Connor as soloist, as well as “Strings and Threads,” a piece he composed. Both Mark and Maggie will perform violin, guitar, and vocals on Mark’s arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today.”

Together, the evening serves as both a tribute and a celebration—honoring America’s musical heritage while showcasing artists who continue to expand its possibilities.

Following the concert, Mark and Maggie O’Connor will sell CDs, DVDs, shirts and jewelry and will sign autographs and take photos with audience members.

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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è��ͷ�� College of Health Sciences to Host Annual Scholars Day Highlighting Research of Nearly 70 Students

Office of University Communications — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:19:11 +0000

Event Showcases Research by Graduates of Physician Assistant Studies and Exercise Science

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The College of Health Sciences will host its annual Scholars Day on Wednesday, April 23, showcasing the research and academic achievements of graduates from the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and exercise science programs.

Scholars Day will take place in Room 255, featuring poster and oral presentations from nearly 70 students. The drop-in event will begin at 11 a.m. with 36 students in the Department of Exercise Science presenting their research until 1 p.m. From 1:30 to 4 p.m., the program will continue with presentations from the Department of PA Studies, highlighting the work of 33 students.

The College of Health Sciences Scholars Day is designed to promote scholarly excellence and professional development. It provides a platform for students to share their research findings, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and engage in meaningful discussions that foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The event reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, healthcare education, and evidence-based practice.

Student research presented during Scholars Day addresses health issues that affect patients across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on improving care, prevention strategies, and overall quality of life.

Projects from the PA studies program explore current approaches to diagnosing, treating, and managing both common and complex medical conditions. Areas of focus include heart disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health disorders, neurological conditions, and dermatologic diseases.

PA students examine and compare medications, therapies, and procedures to better understand safety, effectiveness, and patient outcomes. Many projects also explore emerging treatments and evolving best practices, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern healthcare and the profession’s role in improving patient-centered care. The PA students’ theses may be accessed .

Research by exercise science students focuses on the role of movement, training, and physical activity in promoting health and enhancing performance. Their work investigates how exercise interventions can support individuals with chronic conditions, improve recovery outcomes, prevent injuries, and optimize athletic performance.

Topics include strength, balance, and endurance training; safe return-to-play strategies following injury; and the effects of training methods, recovery techniques, and nutrition-related supplements on active individuals and athletes. Together, these projects highlight the critical role of physical activity and evidence-based training in health promotion and rehabilitation.

Faculty, students, and healthcare professionals are invited to attend Scholars Day to support student scholarship, engage with current research, and celebrate the academic accomplishments of graduating students. The event underscores the College of Health Sciences’ mission to prepare future healthcare professionals through rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong foundation in research-informed practice.

Learn more about the College of Health Sciences and its academic programs.

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Mike Griffith Reaches 200 Big South Wins, Cementing a Legacy at è��ͷ��

Office of University Communications — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:00:45 +0000

Longtime Head Coach Reflects on Championships, Growth, and the Student-Athletes who Shaped the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ Success

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—è��ͷ�� men’s tennis coach Mike Griffith reached a significant milestone in his tenure with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, recording his 200th career victory while being a member of the Big South Conference. The historic win came over Converse College on Feb. 28.

Griffith, who is retiring after 23 seasons at è��ͷ��, is recognized as the third winningest coach in the history of the Big South Conference. Having built one of the league’s most consistent and respected programs, he is a four-time Coach of the Year. As the program approaches its final season of competition, his impact will remain a lasting part of è��ͷ�� athletics history.

Griffith became the head men’s tennis coach in 2003 during è��ͷ��’s first Division I season. The program competed in the A-Sun Conference until 2008, recording some wins before joining the Big South Conference in 2009.

“I will always remember the day I interviewed for the position with former AD Chuck Burch,” Griffith reflected. “So much activity was happening that day with so many athletic teams practicing. I knew right then I wanted to be at GWU and this was the perfect job for me. I was meant to be a coach.”

In 2019, è��ͷ�� claimed its first regular-season conference championship, finishing 7-1 in league play. “The conference had the finest No. 1 players ever, with UNCA having an eventual Grand Slam winner at Wimbledon and the Australian Open,” Griffith observed. “Our No. 1 player, Maximilian Scholl, then went 20-1, and his only defeat was to the defending national champion from Wake Forest.”

Griffith also led the Runnin’ Bulldogs to back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history, compiling a 29-6 conference record over the past six seasons. The program captured its first-ever Big South Tournament Championship in 2025, earning an NCAA Tournament berth and capping a historic campaign.

“I remember some of the wins, but what motivated me was the losses,” Griffith shared. “It drove me to get better and work harder. One of the hardest defeats we’ve ever had was losing in the finals in 2024. The team and I worked hard to make sure that never would happen again, and thankfully we won it all in 2025.”

Under Griffith’s leadership, è��ͷ�� has consistently competed among the conference’s top teams, earning multiple postseason appearances and producing numerous All-Conference selections. His teams have been known for their depth, discipline, strong doubles play, and ability to close out matches on the singles courts.

This year’s team currently sits atop the Big South standings. “We are 12-3 and need one more conference win to clinch the regular-season championship,” Griffith said. “This is a team and a group who will go their separate ways after this season. Their character and willpower motivate me, and my goal is to send them out as champions.”

A former standout at Winthrop, Griffith played in 1987 for Cid Carvalho, the second winningest coach in Big South Conference history.

Beyond wins and accolades, Griffith’s influence has extended far beyond the court. His players have consistently excelled academically while representing è��ͷ�� with pride throughout their collegiate careers.

Sources: gwusports.com and Big South Conference

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è��ͷ�� University Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

Office of University Communications — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:19:52 +0000

Campus Events Focus on Education, Advocacy, and Solidarity with Survivors

è��ͷ�� University’s Office of Student Development will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April with a series of educational programs and awareness events. For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has united survivors, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to ending sexual assault, abuse, and harassment through education, prevention, and support.

Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose, who also serves as the University’s interim Title IX coordinator, emphasized the importance of intentionally observing the month and engaging the campus community in meaningful ways.

“Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month means choosing to see, to listen, and to act—because every voice matters, every story deserves dignity, and every community has a responsibility to create a culture of respect, consent, and accountability,” Villarose emphasized.

Building on this commitment, è��ͷ�� will host a variety of programs and initiatives this mont aimed at fostering awareness, education, and open dialogue around sexual violence, prevention efforts, and available campus resources.

Monthlong Book Display at Dover Library

è��ͷ��’s Dover Library will host a book display featuring books and educational resources focused on sexual violence awareness, prevention, consent, and survivor support. This collection is intended to encourage learning, reflection, and informed dialogue across the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the display throughout the month to explore these important topics and access available resources.

April 1

Start By Believing Day – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of the Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Held the first Wednesday in April, Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity for communities to unify with a single voice for survivors. “We hear you, we support you, and we will start by believing.”

April 8

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 7 p.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 9

Consent with Fries – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Tucker Student Center.

April 13

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 8:15 a.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 15

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 2 p.m., Football Training Room

April 16

Wear Teal Day: Free Slushies – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to represent prevention, healing, and solidarity with survivors. “T.E.A.L.” represents Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Learning.

April 29

Wear Denim Day

Denim Day originated in response to a widely criticized Italian court decision in the 1990s that raised serious concerns about the treatment and rights of victims. Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity the following day, helping to spark a movement that is now recognized globally and supported by organizations such as Peace Over Violence.

Learn more about Title IX.

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Women’s History Month Series Spotlights Gardner‑Webb Campus Leaders

Office of University Communications — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:14:44 +0000

Vice President of Marketing & Communications Thea Thompson on the Importance of Pushing Doors Open for the Next Generation of Women Leaders

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.

Thea Thompson

Today, Vice President for Marketing & Communications Theandra “Thea” Thompson offers her reflection.

Career highlights

Previously worked as a digital analyst at Masco Retail Support Services and Food Lion Corporate as a digital engagement specialist for web and mobile app and digital marketing coordinator.
In 2017, she received a certificate in Digital Marketing from Rutgers University Executive Education Program.
She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management and marketing from Seton Hall University.

Thompson shares her thoughts on Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month is meaningful to me because it gives us a chance to recognize the women who helped create opportunities many of us benefit from today. I recently heard President Barack Obama say during the funeral for Jesse Jackson Sr. that doors don’t just open. Someone has to push them first. That line really stayed with me.

When I reflect on my own journey, I think about the people who helped open doors along the way. I grew up in the Bahamas in a household where education was always emphasized. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to attend college themselves, but they believed deeply in its importance for their children. My father was a constant learner. He was always reading and finding ways to grow, and that mindset shaped how I approached my own education and career.

Women’s History Month is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people are willing to push doors open for others, and it challenges all of us to keep creating opportunities for the next generation.

The first woman who influenced how I think about leadership was my mother. She was my earliest example of a strong woman leader. People respected her, trusted her, and genuinely enjoyed working with her. She also had other women in leadership around her who she could lean on for advice and support. Watching that network of encouragement and wisdom made a lasting impression on me.

Interestingly, my mother had opportunities to advance into higher leadership roles but chose not to pursue them because she didn’t want the additional responsibility. That taught me something important early on. Leadership isn’t just about titles. It is about influence, relationships, and how you show up for the people around you.

As I moved into my career, I had the opportunity to work with many talented women who modeled confidence, collaboration, and resilience. At the same time, it was always noticeable how few women, and especially Black women, were in executive leadership roles. That reality became part of my motivation to pursue leadership and help expand what those spaces can look like.

Higher education is going through a lot of change, and I believe women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping what leadership looks like moving forward. We are seeing more women step into senior roles and bring perspectives that emphasize collaboration, innovation, and student-centered thinking.

I was reminded of the importance of that recently at a conference when a young woman approached me. She asked how she could prove her knowledge and value despite her age. She felt she had strong ideas but was being dismissed because she was younger in her role. We talked about ways she could demonstrate her value through insights and results. That included using data to support her ideas or proposing small pilot opportunities where she could test a concept and show measurable outcomes.

I am not entirely sure why she chose to approach me out of everyone at the conference, but I was glad she did. Moments like that remind me that leadership is not just about having a seat at the table. It is also about helping others find the confidence to bring their voice into the room.

One of the simplest ways I try to support others is by being accessible and willing to share what I have learned along the way. Mentorship does not always have to be formal. Sometimes it is simply taking the time to have a conversation, answer questions, or encourage someone who is thinking about their next step.

In my role at è��ͷ�� University, I also try to create opportunities for people to grow. That might mean encouraging someone to take on a new challenge, helping them think through their career goals, or connecting them with resources that support their development. At the end of the day, mentorship is often about helping people see possibilities for themselves that they may not fully see yet.

I encourage young women to be intentional about your goals and believe they are achievable.

Early in my career, during a performance review, we were asked to outline our future goals. I wrote that my 10-year goal was to become a vice president of marketing. My manager laughed and jokingly said we might have to talk to the current VP about that. Instead of discouraging me, that moment fueled my determination. Ten years later, I reached that goal, just in a place I had not originally expected, in higher education.

My advice to young women is to set ambitious goals, work toward them with confidence, and not let anyone else define the limits of what you can accomplish.

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è��ͷ�� 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.—è��ͷ�� 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 è��ͷ�� 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.

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From Chemistry Lab to Clinical Care: Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake’s è��ͷ�� Journey

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:57:11 +0000

2012 Alumna Built a Career That Blends Pharmacy Expertise with a Passion for Helping Patients and Students Thrive

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake, ’12, of Fletcher, N.C., was nearing the end of her freshman year at Gardner‑Webb University when a conversation with her volleyball teammate nudged her toward an unexpected future. Her teammate shared that her goal was to become a pharmacist, and she planned to major in chemistry to get started. Drake had always liked math and science, but she knew little about the pharmacy field.

“I looked into pharmacy and then chemistry, and I talked to the è��ͷ�� faculty,” Drake told a group of GWU students during a recent visit to campus. Her presentation was part of the Applications of Chemistry Seminar Series, hosted by the Department of Natural Sciences.

After those conversations with professors, she chose chemistry as her major. Drake also took a job at a pharmacy to see the profession up close and discovered she genuinely enjoyed the work. “I liked the science,” she recalled, “but I also realized how much I enjoyed interacting with patients.” That early exposure set her on the path that would eventually lead to pharmacy school, clinical practice, teaching, and research.

“è��ͷ�� was the jumping board for me,” Drake noted. “Here’s where I learned what I wanted to do. Here’s where I started the pursuit. I went into pharmacy school with the knowledge I needed. I felt prepared walking in, a lot more than some of my classmates did.”

Her academic preparation went beyond learning chemistry. The GWU faculty had already taught her how to work at a graduate‑school pace. “They challenged me; they taught me at a high level, but they expected me to perform at a high level,” Drake said. “Sometimes that felt really daunting, and it was really hard. I hadn’t been challenged like that before. Some of my classmates had an easy undergrad, so to speak. They got a big wake-up call in pharmacy school when they had to study at night, study on weekends, do study groups, extra projects.”

Drake honed her study habits with the help of è��ͷ�� professors. “I learned to be more studious; I learned to be diligent,” she reflected. “I was able to grow in my discipline and organizational traits. So, you are getting prepared here. I can promise you that. You put your part in; they do their part.”

Another strength of the Gardner‑Webb environment is the faculty’s approachability. “I learned it’s OK to ask questions here, because they made it a safe place for me to ask questions,” she said. “I was able to ask things that I didn’t understand, and I felt comfortable doing that.”

That same spirit now informs Drake’s teaching as an assistant professor in the Wingate School of Pharmacy, where she earned her PharmD in 2016. Her position also includes serving as a clinical pharmacist at St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, N.C. “It’s common in pharmacy education to be employed by the university, but placed in a clinic or hospital,” she explained. “You serve patients a few days a week and then teach a few days a week. Pharmacists are needed everywhere as part of a whole team and team-based approach to patient care. When I first went to pharmacy school, I thought I’d be working at a CVS or in the basement of a hospital. But it is so much more than that. There is a plethora of opportunities with a pharmacy degree.”

At St. Luke’s, Drake serves as an ambulatory care pharmacist, caring for patients who walk into the office for help managing chronic conditions. “When they are diagnosed with a chronic disease and they need help managing that or a lot of education, they’re referred to me,” she explained. “So, things to think about would be like diabetes, high blood pressure, bone loss or osteoporosis, depression, or heart failure.”

Working with patients one-on-one deepened her sense of calling. “I love having time with my patients,” she said. “A lot of them are older adults or veterans. Hearing their stories, building trust—those relationships matter. Helping someone improve their health over months or years is incredibly meaningful work.”

In North Carolina, pharmacists can obtain a prescribing license. Working in collaboration with a supervising physician, Drake can adjust medications, order labs, and help manage treatment plans. In rural areas, where physicians are few, an ambulatory care pharmacist can dramatically support patient access and lighten the physician’s load. For Drake, it’s a way of ensuring patients get the attention, education, and follow‑up they need. “Sometimes it’s just explaining what a number means or how a medication works,” she said. “Those five minutes of education can change the trajectory of someone’s health.”

Another part of Drake’s teaching position is conducting research, something she once thought would be too overwhelming. But through collaboration with her colleagues, she has found that she enjoys the challenge and is energized by exploring questions that directly affect patients and student pharmacists. She’s co‑authored studies including “Building and Testing a Team-Based Care Model in Primary Care: The Heart‑2‑Heart Blood Pressure Control Partners Study” and “Geographic Disparities in Glucagon Prescriptions Across North Carolina.” Her work focuses on improving patient care, strengthening rural health outcomes, and understanding how students grow in clinical settings.

From her days as a student‑athlete discovering a new career path to her current work as a teacher, researcher, and clinician, Drake’s journey reflects a commitment to service shaped by her time at Gardner‑Webb. Whether she’s helping a patient understand a chronic condition, mentoring a pharmacy student, or researching ways to improve health outcomes across North Carolina, her work is rooted in compassion and connection. “You don’t have to be just one thing,” she told students. “You can help people in so many ways.”

The post From Chemistry Lab to Clinical Care: Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake’s è��ͷ�� Journey appeared first on è��ͷ�� University.

Celebrating Women Who Lead: A Gardner Webb Women’s History Month Series

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:55:09 +0000

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters Highlights the Influence of Mentors and the Importance of Women’s Leadership

Today’s column is by Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters.

Career highlights:

15 years in higher education: joined the faculty of the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) at è��ͷ�� University in 2011 and has served as a program chair, associate dean, and later served as its dean. She has also served as dean of the College of Health Sciences.
Doctor of Nursing Practice, è��ͷ��-University.
Master of Science in Nursing, Western Carolina University.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, è��ͷ�� University.
Associate Degree of Nursing, Gaston College.
Diploma in Practical Nursing, Cleveland Community College.

Waters reflects on celebrating women’s history.

Women’s History Month is a meaningful time to celebrate the accomplishments and significant contributions of women. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the impact of women today, and inspire the generations who will lead the future.

Throughout my professional journey, I have been inspired and influenced by both women and men whose leadership, mentorship, and example have made a lasting impact on me. Dr. Sharon Starr (former dean, Hunt School of Nursing and associate provost for College of Health Sciences) provided a strong example of women’s leadership in action. Her guidance and example were both meaningful and influential during my time working with her.

Likewise, during the time I worked with Dr. Ben Leslie (former provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs) he consistently supported and advocated for women leadership. He allowed an opportunity for women leaders on campus to be involved in a structured Women In Leadership (WIL) community. Because of his support in allowing this community of women leaders to meet regularly, the experiences had a lasting positive impact on me and provided an important network of encouragement, support, and shared learning.

I intentionally support other women by being present and accessible, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in individual conversations are important aspects of supporting and mentoring others. Being intentional about sharing knowledge and experiences creates opportunities for growth. We all learn from one another, and when we take the time to share and genuinely care, everyone benefits.

The one piece of advice I hope young women carry with them beyond è��ͷ�� is to be your authentic self, represent well, and be prepared to lead, influence, and co-create change. Never stop learning.

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Women’s History Month Series Features è��ͷ�� Campus Leaders

Office of University Communications — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:57:21 +0000

Interim Vice President of Advancement Karen Bruce Reflects on Opportunity, Calling, and Stewardship

Today’s reflection is from Interim Vice President for Advancement Karen Bruce.

Career highlights:

More than 20 years of leadership experience across Christian higher education, nonprofit organizations, and corporate environments.
Previously served in leadership roles at Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala.
Master of Science in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management from Peru State College.

Bruce shares her thoughts on Women’s History Month.

There was a time when women in America were not given the opportunities they have today. I sometimes struggle to imagine what my life might have looked like if I had been born 10, 15, or even 20 years earlier. Personally, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to use the gifts and talents the Lord has given me for His purpose—even when that purpose doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional careers that were often encouraged for women when I was a young girl.

Women’s History Month reminds me that many of the opportunities we have today exist because of the courage, perseverance, and faith of the women who came before us as well as the men and women who opened the doors for others to walk through.

My life has been filled with both men and women who have inspired, encouraged, and advocated for the future I enjoy today. One woman in particular has inspired me, though I never met her and very little is written about her.

Her name is Sheerah. Scripture tells us that she was the great-granddaughter of Joseph, the granddaughter of Ephraim, and the daughter of Beriah. In 1 Chronicles 7, tucked within a genealogy, we learn that she was the woman who built three cities.

We know almost nothing about her life, yet God chose to record her name and her accomplishment in Scripture. As I have reflected on what her life might have been like, I have found great inspiration in her story. It reminds me that faithful work—even when it seems quiet or unnoticed—can have lasting impact.

When I first arrived at è��ͷ��, there were two women serving on the university’s Cabinet. Today, there are five. That change is more than numbers—it reflects opportunity, balance, and representation.

It is especially meaningful when you consider that more than 60% of è��ͷ��’s student body is female. Having women in key leadership positions is part of the guidance and formation we provide as a university community. We want our students to see women modeling leadership, service, and stewardship in ways that help them imagine the opportunities they themselves may pursue in the future.

For female students, employees, and future leaders, it sends a clear message that è��ͷ�� is a place where women are valued, where their voices matter, and where they can grow into positions of leadership and influence. When students see women leading with integrity, faith, and excellence, it expands their vision of what God may be calling them to do in the world.

Mentoring relationships with students, faculty or staff are incredibly meaningful to me, and each one is unique. For some, I am simply a friend or a sounding board when they need someone to listen. For others, I may be an encourager—recognizing their strengths and urging them to build on the gifts they’ve been given.

Sometimes my role is to be a prayer partner, bringing their challenges, obstacles, and hopes—even their deepest goals—to a Father who already knows the path He has for them. And in other moments, it may be as simple as opening a door, making an introduction, or helping them see possibilities they may not yet see for themselves.

One piece of advice I hope young women will carry with them beyond è��ͷ�� is this: Do not be afraid to use the gifts God has given you. Your path may not always look like the one that others expect, but faithfulness to your calling will always matter more than fitting into someone else’s definition of success. Seek wise counsel, work diligently, and trust that the Lord can use your gifts in ways far greater than you can imagine.

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