news-category: Alumni Celebrating Alumni – Dr. Tia Jones Honored as National Outstanding Assistant Principal By Office of University Communications On September 22, 2022 GWU Alumna is One of 19 Recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擲tudents are the focus of 猫咪头条 University鈥檚 mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU鈥檚 supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. 猫咪头条 alumna is a 2022 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, an award presented by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Jones is an assistant principal at (Elgin, S.C.) in Richland School District Two. Annually, NAESP recognizes a cohort of assistant principals from across the country. This year, 19 assistant principals received the recognition for demonstrating exceptional leadership and setting high standards for their schools and community. Jones received the award while attending the NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Reflecting on her educational journey, Jones said her love for education allows her to lean in and lead others. Dr. Tia Jones 鈥淚n this life, we may all face some type of adversity, at some time or another. I am reminded of not only my 鈥榳hy鈥, but the 鈥榳hy nots鈥 of the world,鈥 Jones affirmed. 鈥淲hy not be the change agent for the next generation. I am humbled and honored for this recognition and the opportunity to continue to grow the profession that I love so dear.鈥 She began her educational career 24 years ago working as an instructional assistant at Forest Lake Elementary School. She has taught at Rice Creek Elementary and Sandlapper Elementary schools and spent the last nine years as an assistant principal at Catawba Trail. Jennifer Gillespie, principal of Catawba Trail Elementary School, was not surprised at Jones receiving the honor. 鈥淗er commitment and passion for education is apparent in all she does each day at Catawba Trail,鈥 Gillespie praised. 鈥淒r. Jones is a servant leader and prides herself in developing positive relationships with students, their families, faculty, and staff. Dr. Jones is extremely creative and I am proud to have her on our team.鈥 Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from S.C. State University in Orangeburg, a Master of Education degree in divergent learning from Columbia College, an Educational Specialist degree in educational administration from Cambridge College in Cambridge, Mass., and Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from 猫咪头条. She is also national board certified. She and her husband Woodrow have five children, all graduates of Richland District Two, one of whom is an elementary school teacher in the district. They recently lost one daughter, First Lt. Justice R. Stewart who was struck and killed by an impaired driver last year while jogging near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Stay connected 猫咪头条鈥檚 faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us: 鈥 Contact a faculty member. 鈥 Touch base with Alumni Relations. 鈥⒙犅犅犅犅犅犅犅犅 Share your story here. 猫咪头条 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., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.
News Article 猫咪头条 Communication, Art and Design Seniors to Showcase Work in Annual Portfolio Show Reception and Walk鈥慣hrough Exhibit set for April 17 in Tucker Student Center鈥檚 Ali Pouryousefi Gallery BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he 猫咪头条 University Department of Communication, Art and Design will be celebrating its annual Senior Portfolio Show with a reception on April 17 in the Tucker Student Center. The event will be a walk-through style with works shown […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026
News Article 猫咪头条 Students Compete in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Conference Finance Team Qualifies for Nationals and Business Student Places in Accounting BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擲tudents from Gardner鈥慦ebb University鈥檚 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 […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026
News Article Gardner鈥慦ebb University Orchestra Welcomes Legendary Artists Mark and Maggie O鈥機onnor for a 250 Celebration of America Grammy winning Artists Headline a Patriotic Program Celebrating American Composers, Veterans, and GWU鈥檚 New President Nate Evans BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擨nfluenced early by American fiddle traditions and later shaped by classical training, Mark O鈥機onnor鈥檚 music reflects the full scope of America鈥檚 musical heritage. On April 27 at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, his unique musical talent […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026