Known for His Faith, Storytelling, and Dedication to Students, Professor Emeritus of Accounting Served the University for Over Three Decades

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ���سԹ� community is remembering Dr. Earl H. Godfrey Jr., an educator, colleague and friend, who passed away on May 7, 2026. For more than three decades, Godfrey faithfully served the University as a professor of accounting. In March, faculty in the Godbold College of Business recommended him for Professor Emeritus Status, and he was awarded the honor for his excellence in teaching, leadership, and service.

“He was a friend and colleague who truly loved everything about ���سԹ� and the Godbold College of Business,” reflected Dr. Mischia Taylor, Godbold College of Business dean and assistant professor of marketing. “His many ‘short’ stories will remain with us always. He was kind to all and truly wore his GWU hat proudly!”

Taylor, who worked with Godfrey for 16 years, said he was known for his storytelling. In the letter she wrote recommending him for Emeritus status, she noted, “He possessed a remarkable ability to communicate with clarity and purpose. Even when his stories were lengthy, they were always thoughtful, intentional, and ultimately meaningful to all who had the privilege of listening.”

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Winthrop University, and Nova Southeastern University, Godfrey brought both scholarly rigor and professional expertise into the classroom as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). During his 34 years at ���سԹ�, he taught virtually every course within the accounting program. He also played a pivotal role in the development of the Master of Accounting program, which continues to prepare and graduate successful students.

Taylor also stated that Godfrey’s passion for education was unmistakable. He approached his calling with a deep sense of purpose—believing that teaching was not only about imparting knowledge but also about shaping lives.

Godfrey’s strong commitment to students and his colleagues was also deeply appreciated by Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, professor of economics and international business and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. Having worked with Godfrey for more than 20 years, he admired his steadfast dedication. “Dr. Godfrey’s commitment went far beyond the call of duty,” Negbenebor affirmed. “Whether in the classroom, the office, or informal moments of mentorship, he inspired those around him with a passion for learning and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. Countless individuals have benefitted from his guidance, encouragement, and the genuine care he brought to every interaction.”

Godfrey was instrumental in expanding opportunities for students, including helping lead the University’s transition into online education, where he taught its first online course and helped establish programs that would reach students far beyond campus. His contributions helped position ���سԹ� as a forward-thinking institution committed to innovation and accessibility in higher education.

His influence extended beyond the classroom. He served in numerous leadership roles, including director of Undergraduate Business Programs, director of Online Learning, and director of business programs for adult learners, helping to expand academic offerings across North Carolina and beyond. He also played a key role in accreditation efforts and served in leadership positions within the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), including international service as treasurer and committee chair. These efforts reflected his unwavering commitment to academic quality, institutional growth, and student success.

Negbenebor also valued Godfrey’s experience and insight. “To colleagues, Dr. Godfrey was more than a collaborator—he was a pillar of support, always ready to share insight, lend a hand, or simply offer a listening ear,” he observed. “His warmth, humor, and wisdom created a professional family that will feel the loss deeply.”

In the classroom, he was an educator who exemplified a rare blend of rigor, humility, and compassion. “He held high expectations for his students but paired those expectations with patience, encouragement, and genuine care,” Taylor stated. “He was deeply invested in their success, often mentoring students long after they left his classroom. His mentorship extended far beyond graduation, shaping careers and lives.”

A respected scholar and professional, Godfrey remained actively engaged in his field through teaching, research, and professional service. His work in areas such as accounting ethics, educational innovation, and student learning outcomes reflected a lifelong commitment to growth and improvement. His excellence was recognized through numerous awards, including ���سԹ�’s Graduate Faculty Member of the Year and multiple honors for teaching, research, and service.

Beyond his many achievements, the faculty in the Godbold College of Business remember him most for his character. Taylor said he was a man of deep faith, integrity, and compassion, who gave generously of his time and energy to serve others. His colleagues recalled his wisdom, his willingness to help, and his ability to bring people together with a spirit of unity and purpose.

Godfrey’s enduring impact is evident in the generations of students he guided through his teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Negbenebor added that his legacy lives not only in achievements recorded or milestones celebrated, but in the countless lives he touched and the spirit he instilled. “He reminded us that true dedication is measured not just by what we do, but by the love, patience, and integrity we bring to every endeavor,” Negbenebor asserted. “I honor Dr. Godfrey not only for his extraordinary contributions but for the kindness, generosity, and humanity that defined his life and work. He will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts and in the halls of the Godbold College of Business.”

Above all, Godfrey was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Joan; his son, Ryan Kyles; his daughter, Jennifer Spencer and husband Chad; his grandchildren, Sydnee, Kellan, Harper, and Julian; and his sister, Ann G. Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to ���سԹ�’s Godbold College of Business in memory of Dr. Earl Godfrey.

���سԹ� 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., ���سԹ� 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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New Professor Emerita, Brazilian Native was Introduced to ���سԹ�’s Campus 50 Years Ago

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As the procession of ���سԹ� students and faculty march into Spangler Stadium on Thursday, May 2, the moment will be savored by everyone. For one professor, Dr. Sophia Steibel, the 2024 Commencement Ceremony will mark three significant milestones.

Steibel is retiring after serving the University for 30 years, and she’s been named Professor Emerita in the M. Christopher White School of Divinity. Most importantly, the Brazilian native will reflect on the impactful day 50 years ago when she arrived on ���سԹ�’s campus for the first time.    

“I was a student here from 1974-1977, sponsored by the Baptist Men of North Carolina,” Steibel related. “I came back to teach in 1994 (20 years later) — never would I have thought that. I am very grateful for all that I received from ���سԹ� as a student and as a professor.”

When she earned her bachelor’s degree from ���سԹ� in 1977, she also received the citizenship award as the female student of the year. Steibel went on to earn her Master of Arts in religious education and her Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. After receiving her master’s degree, she taught at the Baptist Religious Education Institute in Rio de Janeiro. Then, she taught at the South Brazil Baptist Theological Seminary in Rio de Janeiro after earning her Ph.D. Steibel also served three years as president of Campinas Baptist Theological College, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Her first position at ���سԹ� was associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. In 2001, Steibel joined the School of Divinity faculty. She has taught The Christian Journey, Designing Curriculum, Leadership with Volunteers in the Church, Mission and Ministry, and Administration and Leadership. Steibel coordinated the spiritual formation curriculum for the School of Divinity, and she led annual spirituality retreats for students. Christian education and spiritual formation are Steibel’s primary areas of research interest.

In 2020, Steibel was named the Bonnie Price Chair for Christian Formation and Leadership. The Chair was established to honor Bonnie Price, long-time School of Divinity friend and supporter, in recognition of her commitment to Christian formation and ministry. Steibel is also active in the life of First Baptist Church of Shelby, N.C.

Steibel is thankful for her years at ���سԹ�. “As I said before, this is an institution that forms people to be contributors in society, honoring God and serving humanity,” she shared. “The interactions are meaningful, challenging at times, but they all contribute to the formation of a person wholistically. As a learner, I received individualized attention that helped me thrive. Professors like Dr. Tony Eastman and Dr. Alice Cullinan saw that I would be able to perform the learning task to the best of my ability. As a Professor, I tried to follow their lead.  Also, I was embraced by peers who valued my personhood and offered encouragement along the way.”

She concluded, “I feel privileged for having worked alongside professionals who live out their calling as teachers. Education at ���سԹ� is a serious business that highlights growth and development in a context of Christian love.”

���سԹ� 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., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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Clarence “Sherman” Parrish served ���سԹ� for over three decades in the Department of Natural Sciences. He was known for his personal investment in students’ success, professional connections, willingness to serve his community, and a calm demeanor. Parrish passed away at age 85 on Aug. 6, 2023.

Parrish was a North Carolina native, born in Roanoke Rapids to Frank and Helen Parrish. Growing up on a family farm in Halifax County, he was no stranger to hard work. Parrish spent time working the fields from an early age, and that even continued during the summers of his college years.

Parrish graduated as class valedictorian from William R. Davie High School in 1956. He attended Berry College in Rome, Ga., from 1956-1960, where he double-majored in chemistry and mathematics. At Berry College he met his wife, Joan Eubanks. After graduation, Parrish began his graduate studies in physical organic chemistry at the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Miss., earning his way as a research and laboratory assistant. He and Joan married after a year of graduate studies, and Sherman continued his studies towards a Ph.D. degree and Joan began her studies for a master’s degree in child development.

Parrish began his collegiate teaching career in Campbellsville, Ky., in fall 1964, while completing his dissertation and oral examination; the degree was awarded in January 1965. After six years of teaching chemistry and serving as chair of the Department of Natural Science at Campbellsville College, Parrish transitioned to ���سԹ�, where he taught chemistry for 33 years and served as department chair.

Parrish also served in the Department of Natural Sciences as a professional advisor to students entering medical school, pharmacy school, and medical technology programs. The medical technology programs were coordinated programs with Bowman Gray and Carolina Medical Center. Throughout his career he served on the pre-professional committee of the department which interviewed and recommended prospective students for graduate and professional studies. He retired at the end of the 2002-2003 academic year and was selected as professor emeritus of chemistry. After retirement, the Department of Natural Sciences began the Sherman Parrish Freshman Chemistry Award in his honor.

Upon retirement, Parrish spent much of his time doing church work and community activities. His interest and expertise in computers, photography, videography and audio production was an appreciated talent through multi-media and senior ministries, and community teaching. He also coordinated Boiling Springs Baptist Church audio ministries through WGWG.org radio and served as producer and editor for weekly pastoral video outreach for over 15 years.

Source: Personal Interview—Cindy McKinney

Updated: August 2014—Sherman Parrish

Updated: August 2023—Noel T. Manning II

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Former Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Divinity Passed Away on Dec. 14

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The ���سԹ� community is remembering the contributions and legacy of Dr. Gerald Keown, who passed away on Dec. 14. Keown was professor emeritus of Biblical Studies and the former associate dean of the ���سԹ� M. Christopher White School of Divinity. He began his tenure at GWU in 1996 as a professor of Old Testament Interpretation and served as associate dean from 2006 to 2019.

“Gerald Keown came to the School of Divinity when the school was still in its infancy,” remarked Dr. Robert Canoy, the school’s dean. “His coming, after 15 years as professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, Ky.), rounded out the biblical faculty of Greek and New Testament held by Drs. Donald Cooke and Wayne Stacy. When he and I later become associate dean and dean, we worked closely together continuing to build on the academic, spiritual formation, and accrediting history of the school.”

Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU provost and executive vice president noted that Keown was both an internationally recognized Old Testament scholar and an actively engaged churchman. He had spent time teaching in Moscow Seminary of Evangelical Christians and the Singapore Baptist Seminary. Keown co-authored a volume of Word Biblical Commentary on Jeremiah 26-52, and has been published in several books and journals. He was named the Bob D. Shepherd Chair in Biblical Studies in 2010. He gladly served as an interim pastor for churches across Kentucky and the Carolinas. Keown had embraced many opportunities during retirement. He and his wife, Sharon, were very involved in their church, Fernwood Baptist, located in their home of Spartanburg, S.C. Keown taught an adult Sunday School class, served as a deacon, and sang in the choir.

“The entire ���سԹ� community is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Gerald Keown,” Leslie observed. “It’s hard to imagine a better model than Dr. Keown of what it means to be a theological educator. Dr. Keown taught and mentored students in our School of Divinity for more than two decades, preparing them for positions of congregational leadership throughout our region. Students admired Dr. Keown not only for his keen insights as a biblical scholar, but also for the good humor and compassion that characterized all of his engagement with our students. He will be greatly missed.”

Keown earned his Master of Divinity at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a minister by St. Matthews Baptist Church, Louisville, in August 1975 and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Old Testament Studies in 1979. After graduating, Keown worked three years as “The Chair of the Bible” at the University of Missouri, Columbia. In 1982, Southern Seminary contacted Keown concerning an Old Testament faculty position. He taught at Southern Seminary for 14 years and was associate dean for the last five before accepting the position at ���سԹ�.  

Canoy further described Keown as a first rate Hebrew scholar whose infectious laughter and storytelling were welcomed by all. It was that ability to relate the scriptures that endeared Keown to the “lunch crowd,” said Dr. Tom Jones, professor of biology. “Lunch is always one of my favorite times at GWU because it brings folks from all disciplines together to share food, great conversation that often bridges multiple disciplines, and the opportunity to expand our knowledge, and just to have a good time. Gerald’s ‘Oh-Ho’ would often ring out and bring a smile to all of our faces. We often ended up with having theological conversations with Gerald serving as our chief counselor. When it came to the theological questions, he was the one to whom we turned.”  

Jones will also miss Keown at their annual golf outings. “Gerald was always our anchor player,” he described. “In our foursome, he would always wait to go last to see if anyone else had a decent lie from the tee. If there was one, he would let loose.  Man—could he strike the ball. He hit his three wood farther than most of us could hit our drivers. One of my favorites was at the faculty retreat when we were playing at Black Mountain Golf Course. One of the par-4 holes has a cart path running the entire right side. At least one of us had a pretty good shot with the ball in the center of the fairway. Gerald decided he would really let loose and go for it. His ball sliced a bit right, hit the hill above the cart path and rolled ALL THE WAY back to the tee box.”   

Keown and his wife, Sharon, would have celebrated their 49th anniversary on Dec. 29. “He and Sharon were staunch supporters of ���سԹ�,” Canoy added. “Their love for the church matched their love for theological education. Gerald’s powerful tenor voice could be heard regularly in chapel, on Holy Land trips, and at his beloved Fernwood Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C.”

Canoy continued, “On a personal note, Dr. Keown was my German professor in my first year of study as a Ph.D. candidate. Little did either of us know that we would later serve together at ���سԹ� and become dialog partners often debating biblical, theological, political, and social topics. When I received news about his diagnosis, treatments, and passing, all I could do was weep and pray for Sharon, Stephanie, Allison, and his adorable grandson, Bobby.”

A Celebration of Life Service for Keown will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. at Fernwood Baptist Church, 200 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, S.C. The family will receive friends following the service.

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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Lamb’s Career in Education and the Ministry Spanned Over Seven Decades

Written By Dr. Lamb’s granddaughter, Kathryn Manning, 2018 ���سԹ� alumna, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish

In the 116-year history of ���سԹ�, numerous faculty pioneers have engineered components of campus life and curriculum. One of those influential professors, Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Lamb, dean emeritus of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity, passed away on Oct. 19, 2021.

“While we are all deeply saddened by Dr. Lamb’s passing, we draw strength from knowing that his half-century association with ���سԹ� has produced an indelible legacy,” reflected ���سԹ� President Dr. William Downs. “Indeed, he is one of those giants on whose shoulders our institution now stands. Professor, Chair, Dean, and a dedicated servant-leader…Dr. Lamb did it all. For that and more, our University family looks with gratitude to a life well lived.”

Lovingly dubbed “The Energizer Bunny” by his friends and family, Lamb was also founding dean of the divinity school. He had a prolific career serving in education and ministry. Even under hospice care, at the age of 91, he conducted Bible studies with residents in the long-term care facility and his most fervent wish had been to remain “useful” for as long as the Lord allowed.

“Dr. Lamb truly was a Renaissance man,” observed Tracy C. Jessup, vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University. “He was remarkably gifted, not only as a Christian educator in the university and the church, but also as a pastor, musician, and administrator.”

Jessup was hired by Dr. Lamb in 1994 as the first full-time director of admissions for the divinity school. “His love for and devotion to his family and his students was surpassed only by his love for and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Jessup added.

Lamb was born on Aug. 18, 1930, in Nevada, Missouri. He later moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, where his father, Rev. L.E. Lamb, was a Baptist minister. Lamb attended Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Texas) for undergraduate studies. He was active in the Baptist Student Union and led the music in many revivals. In 1949, he was a summer missionary in rural Oklahoma with the Home Mission Board when that program was very new.

He pursued postgraduate degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, Texas), earning a master’s degree in religious education and Ph.D. in church administration and missions. While there, he served First Baptist Church of Richardson, Texas, as its first minister of music and education. Over the years, the church has grown into a very large congregation.

In his mid-20s, Lamb moved to Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he worked as civilian director of Christian education at Vogelweh Army Chapel. While in Germany in 1956, Lamb led in organizing one of the first post-World War II English-speaking Baptist churches for Americans—the Kaiserslautern Baptist Church, American. The church ordained him to be a deacon. 

Lamb met his future wife, Rhealene Bryant, when he served as minister of music and education at Main Street Baptist in Grand Saline, Texas. After they were married on Aug. 5, 1961, they made plans to serve as missionaries through the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Their application was denied due to Bob’s severe allergies. They began seeking opportunities for employment within the United States, and in the summer of 1962, a number of job possibilities presented themselves, including a job offer from Dr. Eugene Poston, then ���سԹ� College president. Lamb would teach Speech and Remedial English for one year and after that, could have the opportunity to join and assist with the growth of the religion department, specifically religious education. Although neither Lamb nor his wife had ever heard of ���سԹ�, they agreed to move to Boiling Springs, N.C., and Lamb accepted the position.

After one year at the college, Lamb became professor of religious education and religion. He enjoyed helping create a large Religion Department with a strong Religious Education concentration and worked with three of the Southern Baptist seminaries to better integrate the undergraduate and graduate programs. He also assisted with the college’s transition to senior college status in 1971, serving on accreditation committees and recruiting new students. He wrote letters to potential students and met with them and their families. Before the transition to senior college and right after, ���سԹ� experienced a large influx of new students. He and his wife bought a large house in Boiling Springs and began renting upstairs bedrooms to freshman students.

Upon his initial arrival, Boiling Springs Baptist Church was still located on ���سԹ�’s campus. Lamb had agreed to work at the church as Minister of Education, in addition to his duties at the college. He helped design a new educational wing for the church, with plans for the college and church to share it. Not long after, he assisted in finding separate property for a new church building, with plans for the school to take over the former church property. Although no longer physically intertwined, the school and church continued to work together, with the church hosting school events and inviting students for worship services. The church ordained him to the Christian ministry in 1966.

For 14 years, Lamb was involved in planning a Fall Revival and Spring Emphasis Week, which included the administration and faculty working together to lead events and discussions with students. Lamb shared that it was a way to ensure that the students understood their own faith and ���سԹ�’s Baptist Christian background. He also helped to create Dimensions, a new weekly approach to Chapel, during which guest speakers would come to the school and lead discussions. The program still exists today.

In addition, Lamb served as chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy from 1988-1991, and along with other faculty, led the school’s first freshman experience course, a precursor to today’s University 111 class. Also during this time, he helped to establish a master’s program in Christian education. This eventually led to the development and opening of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity in 1993, with Lamb serving as the founding dean.

Following his retirement from ���سԹ� in 1999, Lamb traveled the world, teaching and serving in the Philippines with his wife, starting a school for pastors in Belize, and enjoying excursions with family. In 2017, he retired from serving as the executive director of the Fellowship of Baptist Educators, a service organization of more than 1,000 educators across the world who use their educational skills to fulfill the Great Commission. He also served as interim pastor for dozens of churches in the area, even serving as guest pastor up until as late as January 2021.  

Sources: Personal Interview—Bob Lamb; Robert L. Lamb Dean Emeritus, School of Divinity. Faculty Emeriti Book, (pp. 106-107).

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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Exhibit, ‘A Retrospective: Roots and Wings and Ordinary Things,’ begins Homecoming Weekend

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Susan Bell, who retired from ���سԹ� and was named professor emerita of art in 2021, will present a gallery show Oct. 23-Dec. 10 in the Ali Pouryousefi Memorial Art Gallery in Tucker Student Center. The exhibit, “A Retrospective: Roots and Wings and Ordinary Things” begins Homecoming weekend. The opening reception for the show will be Oct. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.   

“I am especially hopeful that my former students will be able to come,” Bell offered. “This retrospective is in celebration of my 36 years at ���سԹ�. “‘Ordinary Things’ expresses my approach to art, helping others to see the beauty in the people, places, shapes and colors around them. It is my hope that my faith in the Creator who makes the ordinary extraordinary will be seen in my art.”

Bell taught the following classes: “Art Education for the Classroom Teacher,” “Art History,” “Christianity and Art,” “Studio: Drawing, Painting, Life Drawing, and Ceramics,” and “Media: Acrylics, Pastels, Watercolor and Collage.” She won several student choice awards for her teaching. She also led extensive museum studies in 10 countries and 60 American museums and is a frequent lecturer for church, school and community groups.

“This retrospective will include my ‘Roots’ both personally and creatively,” Bell shared. “Significant family subjects are metaphors of belonging: my father’s Virginia farm, my mother’s tree drawings from college, my grandmother’s love of flowers and the sepia watercolors based on old family photographs. My ‘Wings’ include the more literal lighthearted bird collages as well as the more experimental abstract pieces.”

Reflecting on her career, Bell acknowledged the historical and contemporary artists who have influenced her. The list includes names like Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Degas, Monet, Alex Powers, Chagall, Cadillac, Jean Gasthof and many others.

“Am I a teacher who paints or an artist who teaches, for over 40 years I have enjoyed both,” she observed. “Historical and museum studies inform my work as well as yearly painting workshops. Michelangelo chose as his epitaph: ‘I am still learning.’ I love that! The students I have taught and the different subjects and mediums have encouraged me to keep learning. My studies and my teaching have motivated me to explore a variety of styles, mediums and motifs. I hope that the love and respect I have for these subjects reflects their significance. Because of the Creator, aren’t we surrounded by Extraordinary Ordinaries?”

���سԹ� is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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Dean Emeritus, Dr. Bob Lamb, Part of Transformational Moments at GWU and Beyond

By Kathryn Manning, 2018 ���سԹ� alumna, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish

In the 116-year history of ���سԹ�, numerous faculty pioneers have engineered components of campus life and curriculum. One of those influential professors is Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Lamb, dean emeritus of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity. 

Lovingly dubbed “The Energizer Bunny” by his friends and family, Lamb, who was also founding dean of the divinity school, has had a prolific career as educator, administrator, and pastor, among other duties. Even under hospice care, at the age of 91, his most fervent wish has been to remain “useful” for as long as the Lord allows.

Lamb was born on Aug. 18, 1930, in Nevada, Missouri. He later moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, where his father, Rev. L.E. Lamb, was a Baptist minister. Lamb attended Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Texas) for undergraduate studies and pursued postgraduate degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, Texas), earning a master’s degree in religious education and Ph.D. in church administration and missions. In his mid-20s, Lamb moved to Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he worked as civilian director of Christian education at Vogelweh Army Chapel.

While in seminary, he served as minister of music and education at Main Street Baptist in Grand Saline, Texas, where he met his future wife, Rhealene Bryant. They were married on Aug. 5, 1961. After they were married, they made plans to serve as missionaries through the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Their application was denied due to Bob’s severe allergies. They began seeking opportunities for employment within the United States, and in the summer of 1962, a number of job possibilities presented themselves, including a job offer from Dr. Eugene Poston, then ���سԹ� College president. Lamb would teach Speech and Remedial English for one year and after that, could have the opportunity to join and assist with the growth of the religion department, specifically religious education. Although neither Lamb nor his wife had ever heard of ���سԹ�, they agreed to move to Boiling Springs, N.C., and Lamb accepted the position.

After one year at the college, Lamb became professor of religious education and religion. During that time, he also assisted with the college’s transition to senior college status in 1971, serving on accreditation committees and recruiting new students. He wrote letters to potential students and met with them and their families. Before the transition to senior college and right after, ���سԹ� experienced a large influx of new students. He and his wife bought a large house in Boiling Springs and began renting upstairs bedrooms to freshman students.

Upon his initial arrival, Boiling Springs Baptist Church was still located on ���سԹ�’s campus. Lamb had agreed to work at the church as Minister of Education, in addition to his duties at the college. He helped design a new educational wing for the church, with plans for the college and church to share it. Not long after, he assisted in finding separate property for a new church building, with plans for the school to take over the former church property. Although no longer physically intertwined, the school and church continued to work together, with the church hosting school events and inviting students for worship services.

Each year, Lamb was involved in planning a Fall Revival and Spring Emphasis Week, which included the administration and faculty working together to lead events and discussions with students. Lamb shared that it was a way to ensure that the students understood their own faith and ���سԹ�’s Baptist Christian background. He also helped to create Dimensions, a new weekly approach to Chapel, during which guest speakers would come to the school and lead discussions. The program still exists today.

In addition, Lamb served as chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy from 1988-1991, and along with other faculty, led the school’s first freshman experience course, a precursor to today’s University 111 class. Also during this time, he helped to establish a master’s program in Christian education. This eventually led to the development of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity, with Lamb serving as the founding dean.

Following his retirement from ���سԹ� in 1999, Lamb traveled the world, teaching and serving in the Philippines with his wife, starting a school for pastors in Belize, and enjoying excursions with family. He also served as interim pastor for dozens of churches in the area, even serving as guest pastor up until as late as February 2021. Lamb continues to enjoy spending time with family and friends, speaking about his personal faith journey, his years in education, and his many adventures.

Sources: Personal Interview—Bob Lamb; and Robert L. Lamb Dean Emeritus, School of Divinity. Faculty Emeriti Book, (pp. 106-107).

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