Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—���سԹ� has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering place on campus.

The Dover Foundation, established by members of the Dover family, reflects a longstanding legacy of generosity that has helped shape ���سԹ� for decades. Dover Chapel, named in memory of John R. Dover Jr. and built in 1972, stands as a lasting symbol of that legacy, serving as the spiritual heart of campus where worship services, student gatherings, convocations, concerts, and special events take place.

Over the years, however, the sanctuary’s aging lighting system has become increasingly inadequate for the needs of modern worship and programming. The Dover Foundation grant will fund a comprehensive lighting upgrade designed to enhance both the functionality and atmosphere of the chapel sanctuary while preserving its beauty and character.

University leaders say the project will expand both the artistic and experiential possibilities of the chapel. “This sacred space is home to a number of campus events across the academic year, including serving as the home base for ���سԹ�’s choral ensembles, departmental recitals, guest artist series concerts, and small ensemble performances,” noted Dr. Aaron M. Rice, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music. “We are so excited about the new enhancements that will make this space a destination venue for the performing arts at ���سԹ�. Our partnership with the Dover Foundation not only enhances one of our most iconic venues, it also provides an exceptional opportunity for our students’ development and growth. We’re truly grateful for the Dover Foundation’s continued investment in ���سԹ� and the Department of Music.”

While the renovation will enhance performance and event capabilities, it also holds deep significance for the chapel’s spiritual role on campus. Dr. James R. McConnell Jr., interim dean of the School of Divinity, emphasized the importance of the chapel to the University’s spiritual and academic life. “The lighting upgrade in the Dover Chapel is a welcome improvement,” McConnell shared. “Dover Chapel is a sacred space for School of Divinity chapel services, and the new lighting will further enhance the chapel as a place of worship for students and faculty.”

Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain, echoed McConnell’s sentiments, and highlighted the chapel’s broader impact on students and the campus community. “The chapel is consistently recognized as one of the University’s greatest structural assets, and it is home to several University worship services throughout the year,” Parrott emphasized. “Our students and other members of the community use the chapel for prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. Chapel improvements aid in expanding God’s kingdom, spreading the Gospel, and help as we care for the souls of our community—thank you to all who are involved in the process.”

The project includes the removal of outdated lighting fixtures and the installation of six new cross-design chandeliers equipped with energy-efficient lighting. These chandeliers will provide improved 360-degree illumination throughout the sanctuary, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for worship services and campus events. To ensure long-term maintenance and safety, the renovation will also include motorized winch systems and cables that allow the chandeliers to be safely lowered to floor level for cleaning and servicing.

Additional improvements will include replacing ten wall-mounted light fixtures with new ones designed to complement the chapel’s architectural style while enhancing ambient lighting throughout the sanctuary. The project will also enhance the lighting around the pulpit with a new system that can be easily adjusted to match the tone and purpose of each service or event, offering clearer visibility for speakers while creating a more inviting, focused, and meaningful atmosphere for worship, ceremonies, and gatherings.

The significance of the project extends beyond infrastructure, reflecting a continued investment in the University’s mission and student experience. “The generosity of The Dover Foundation will help ensure that Dover Chapel continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place for worship, reflection, and community for generations of students,” said Candice Thomas, director of Foundation Relations and Corporate Partnerships. “This project will significantly improve the worship experience and expand the chapel’s ability to host meaningful campus events.”

���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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Fundraiser Strengthens Support for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, Serving 67 Children Each Week

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—One of the signature fundraisers for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program will be held at ���سԹ� this spring. The annual Parade of Tables is April 18 in the Tucker Student Center, beginning with table viewing at 6 p.m. and followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers decorate themed tables for eight guests, and tickets to the event support the organization’s mission to provide weekend meals for local children.

The fundraiser supports the year-round work of the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, which provides weekly food bags for students at Springmore and Boiling Springs elementary schools. Each bag contains 15 to 18 items, including breakfast foods, lunch and dinner options, non-perishable fruit, and salty and sweet snacks. ���سԹ� students, faculty and staff regularly lend support through packing food bags and contributing donations. Boiling Springs Baptist Church donates space for storage and for volunteers to pack the food each week.

This year’s event features tables designed by the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the Hunt School of Nursing. Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will serve as emcee, and entertainment will be provided by ���سԹ� alumna Lindy Bryson. Dinner will be catered by Aramark. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from Lou Ann Scates at 704-477-2455 or on campus from Debbie Hill, administrative assistant for the Department of English and World Languages, at dthill@gardner-webb.edu, 704-406-3035 or 704-406-4411.

The Parade of Tables was first held in 2017, when Lou Ann Scates, retired ���سԹ� registrar, organized the event on the University’s campus. Paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraiser was revived in 2025 with Scates’ church, Boiling Springs Baptist, serving as host.

The feeding program began in 2011, inspired by Scates’ visits to her son’s school for lunch. She often noticed children who wanted to buy extra food but lacked the money. “It’s hard to imagine a kindergartener or a fifth-grader going to bed hungry,” Scates reflected.

Scates shared her concern with biology faculty emerita Susan Manahan, and the two began pooling their resources. Working with the school’s social worker, they started buying food for 20 children every other week. Because Springmore’s mascot is the Little Bulldogs, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program quickly took shape as its own community organization.

Support grew as word spread across the ���سԹ� campus and throughout the community. Today, the program is an established 501(c)(3) non-profit backed by local partners. “We have eight churches who help, and have received financial donations or food items from individuals, businesses, and Town of Boiling Springs officials,” Scates shared.

Now serving 67 children every week, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program continues to grow through volunteer support and community generosity. Together, local churches, volunteers, and members of the ���سԹ� community continue to ensure that children in Boiling Springs and Springmore schools have the food they need each weekend.

To learn more or to support the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, contact littlebulldogbackpackprogramk5@gmail.com.

���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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Stephen, ’23, and his father, Kevin, ’93, Uncover the One‑of‑One Livvy Dunne Card That Has Captured National Attention and Sparked a Frenzy Among Collectors

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Stephen Qualls not only followed in his father’s footsteps by graduating from ���سԹ�; the 2023 and 1993 alumni share a love for sports-card collecting. “My dad and I saw it as a way to connect and do something we love together,” Qualls reflected. “We love baseball, and my dad grew up collecting cards. We still call each other all the time to talk about it.”

Their longtime hobby has seen a global resurgence, with rare cards bringing in millions. Always in search of that collector’s dream, father and son increased the stakes in 2007 by purchasing their first Topps Hobby Box, which promises two premium cards. Every Christmas morning since then, they eagerly open the set and marvel over the surprises inside. One year, they pulled a one‑of‑a‑kind card containing a lock of Napoleon Bonaparte’s hair; another year, the surprise was a dinosaur fossil.

This year, they opened the box to find a one-of-one autographed card that could bring joy to others as much as sharing their hobby has blessed them. “We pulled the only autograph in the entire world of Livvy Dunne,” Qualls revealed. Dunne is a Sports Illustrated model, American influencer with a social media following of over 10 million, a former top-ranked gymnast, and she’s dating MLB star, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Paul Skenes.

Not sure what to do next, Qualls posted photos and video of his discovery on Reddit, where it received 700,000 views and 500 comments. Earlier, he had seen a Topps repost where Skenes called his girlfriend’s card the “hottest card of the year.” Everyone on Reddit offered suggestions about what Skenes might offer for the card. Ideas ranged from free game tickets for life to going on a double date with Skenes and Livvy.

Qualls’ post received attention from the official Instagram and , which also featured the card on a . Then, “” followed with a story. As attention grew, Goldin, a respected international auction house, notified Qualls of its interest, authenticated the card, and awarded it a top grade.

The card will appear in , which goes live on March 18 at 8 p.m. and closes on April 11 at 10 p.m. “My goal is for Skenes to get this card; however, he needs to buy it before the auction goes live,” Qualls said. “If he is late, then he will have to fight in the real-world market with other people who want the card. A lot of people want this card.”

Qualls, who earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing, wanted to share the news with his former ���سԹ� professors, hoping the story would also bring some recognition to the University that shaped him spiritually and academically. “I know what marketing does and I wanted to give ���سԹ� some publicity,” he explained. “I won the marketing award, top of my class, on graduation day. I’m a Runnin’ Bulldog for life.”

The GWU connection runs deep. “My dad collected cards with his buddies from ���سԹ�, and they are all getting back into it now,” Qualls shared. “They collected all the Ken Griffey Jr. cards back in the ’90s. The running joke among all his friends was that Qualls always pulled the best cards. And so, ‘It’s that Qualls’ luck,’ is what they would say.”

Qualls prefers to call it “God’s favor.” Although he majored in marketing, he sensed a call into pastoral ministry, like his dad, grandfather and two uncles. A pivotal influence was Dr. Don Caudill in the Godbold College of Business. “He pulled me aside after class and said distinctly, ‘Stephen you are very gifted, I have only said this to one other student my whole career. But God has big things in store for you,’” Qualls remembered. “He then offered me to join his Honors invite-only seminar on ‘The Science of Success.’ I can proudly say that I have accomplished, with the help of God, of course, most of my previous goals. For example, I planned to get married, have a baby, and finish my Masters of Divinity. I graduate in fall. God has been truly great. Caudill helped me cast vision and bring it into reality. However, I must note that none of this would be possible without faith in God and his sovereign hand over my life. All glory to Jesus Christ and Him alone.”

Qualls shared that his faith was strengthened by Gardner‑Webb professors like Dr. Paula Qualls (no relation), whose teaching on Scripture and spiritual warfare helped spark his dissertation topic, “A Biblical Framework for Spiritual Warfare.” He added that the encouragement he found among fellow believers on campus and at Hope Community Church in Shelby, N.C., laid a strong foundation for his call to ministry. Qualls will graduate in the fall from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, N.C., and plans to begin his doctorate in pastoral theology while also hoping to serve as a pastor.

Even as excitement builds around what might come from the Livvy Dunne card, Qualls’ focus is on how to use this blessing from God to benefit others. “God works in very mysterious ways and for some reason this lot has landed on me and I know that’s not a coincidence,” he asserted. “I don’t believe in luck. I believe in Providence, and I know God is going to use this for his glory. It’s not about me. It’s ultimately about getting His name known. I want to be generous with this money because it’s not my money, it’s Jesus’ money. I’m just a steward. My wife and I, when we pray through it, we’re going to bless people. We’ve never been in a position to bless people.”

Qualls also wants to use this moment to share the Gospel. “I want people to know that Jesus is Lord and He can save your soul,” Qualls stated. “At Southeastern, we have a place called the Center for Faith and Culture, and I just met with the director over there.” He expressed interest in interviewing Skenes, also noting that this month the Center is highlighting connections between sports and faith.

In addition to the podcast invitation, Qualls had a final word for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher: “Paul Skenes, I hope you get this card.”

���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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Duke Divinity Professor to Present on Creation Justice and Congregational Leadership Amid Climate Change

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The School of Divinity at ���سԹ� will host noted homiletics professor Jerusha Matsen Neal for The Rev. and Mrs. C.O. and Eliza Greene Lectureship in Ministry on Tuesday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dover Chapel. The lectures will develop the theme “Grounded Hope: Creation Justice and the Place of the Local Congregation.” There is no cost to attend, and lunch is included.

“We are pleased to host Dr. Neal for the Greene lectures this year,” said interim dean Jim McConnell. “I am confident she will challenge us to consider how scripture compels local congregations to act in the face of climate change.”

The climate crisis raises theological questions about human purpose, the nature of hope, and the character of God. Drawing on biblical texts compiled through experiences of exile and loss, Neal’s lecture series reflects on where local congregations stand in this crisis—and where God is standing.

The schedule for these lectures is as follows:

• 10 a.m. – Lecture 1: “Exilic Hope: Preaching Scripture in the Climate Crisis.”
• 11 a.m. – Q&A.
• 11:45 a.m. – Lunch.
• 1 p.m. – Lecture 2: “New Creation Hope: Resistance and Restoration in the Face of Apocalypse.”

Neal, an associate professor of homiletics at Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C., is an ordained American Baptist pastor who has spent her ministry preaching in cross-cultural spaces and bridging denominational communities. Her most recent book, “Holy Ground: Climate Change, Preaching, and the Apocalypse of Place” (Baylor University Press, 2024), engages the climate crisis through the sermons of South Pacific communities displaced by rising tides. In her earlier book, “The Overshadowed Preacher: Mary, the Spirit, and the Labor of Proclamation” (Eerdmans, 2020), Neal challenges faith leaders to leave behind false shadows of approval and embrace the overshadowing Spirit of God. 

A former actress and playwright, she has also authored a collection of dramatic monologues, “Blessed: Monologues for Mary” (Cascade Books, 2012). She speaks regularly to faith communities across the country on the intersection of courage and hope in the face of the climate crisis.

For more information, please contact Lisa Hollifield at lhollifield@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.

About the Greene Lectureship

The Rev. and Mrs. C.O. and Eliza Greene Lectureship was established in 1993 to preserve the legacy of excellence in pastoral ministry characterized by Greene, who served for approximately 14 years as director of Missions for the Kings Mountain Baptist Association (now Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association). Prior to that ministry, Greene served as pastor of four churches in Cleveland County and of two other churches in North Carolina. The Lectureship is administered by the Pittman Center for Congregational Enrichment and funded by family members, friends, and members of churches where the Greene served as pastor. Held annually on the GWU campus, the Lectureship’s purpose is to address various dimensions of pastoral ministry.

About ���سԹ�

���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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Senior Emma Kate Harrison Leads a New Devotional Initiative, Inviting the GWU Community to Write Reflections on Identity, Faith, and Encouragement

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Writing Ministry of ���سԹ� Campus Ministries United offers events throughout the semester to encourage students to write notes of encouragement to special people in their lives or leave an inspirational note for a stranger to pick up. Led by her passion for writing, senior Emma Kate Harrison, became the Writing Ministry coordinator last year.

A human services major from Robbinsville, N.C., Harrison started writing as a private way to process her grief and other emotions after her stepfather died in 2020. Four years later, she decided to share her thoughts publicly and created an Instagram page called “Embracing the Endeavor.”

She explained, “I made it very clear that I wanted to use my story to help others, and that’s the only reason I’m willing to share my story. I will tell you anything so that you can be encouraged and feel validated in your emotions. It’s been cool to see how the Lord’s working in other people’s lives because of my story.”

As she thought about how writing impacts both the author and the reader, Harrison had an idea for a different Writing Ministry project: a printed devotional written by the GWU community. “Through this devotional, it is my prayer that our campus will be reminded of who they are because of what Jesus has done,” she shared. “The theme is Identity in Christ, and what that looks like as a college student. We are quick to put our identity in school work or in the sports we play or the friendships or the relationships, but when our identity is in Christ, those things are an exciting overflow not a pressure to perform.”

Her goal is to have the devotional ready by April so that students will have them to read over the summer. “You have all these resources when you’re at college,” she related, “Your friends who love Jesus, so many church things and ministry events on campus. But when you transition home, you are on your own. Having a devotional with students from ���سԹ� and a few faculty and staff can jump start you into summer.”

Harrison wants 30 submissions and needs 10 more. One participant, Troy Berchoff, a sophomore English major with a minor in biblical studies, has written five devotions for the project. “When Emma Kate informed me of the devotional she was planning, I was greatly enthused,” he stated. “What better way to be encouraged with small thoughts from the community surrounding you? I love writing, and it helps me explore and expound upon my relationship with God, so I want to point others to a similar attitude of reflection and understanding. Also, I believe that if any scriptural wisdom or insight is imparted on us, we are blessed if we give that to others. God gives every good and perfect gift because it contains Himself in it and is useful for edification and worship.”

Support from students like Berchoff has brought Harrison close to her goal, yet she continues to welcome new submissions to complete the collection. She will be taking submissions until March 20. To participate, fill out this . For more information, visit the GWU Writing Ministry on or email Harrison at eharrison3@gardner-webb.edu.

���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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Glow Run 5K Generates Contribution to Assist Students with Emergency Financial Needs

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In a show of campus generosity and community spirit, the 2027 cohort of the Gardner‑Webb University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program organized a fundraising event that helped support fellow students in financial need. They raised $2,648.85 and presented the donation to the Bulldog Cares Fund during a recent basketball game. This fund—a joint venture led by Student Development, Student Success, and Financial Planning—seeks to assist ���سԹ� students by providing financial support intended to prevent them from leaving the University for emergency financial reasons.

The PA students generated the donation by sponsoring a Glow Run 5K on Nov. 15, 2025. Participants included students, friends and supporters who lit up the night for an evening of fitness, fun, and community spirit. The group—decked out in neon colors, glow sticks, and LED accessories— transformed the course into a moving celebration, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts athletic and festive. The running course traversed through the campus of Gardner Webb University and had many “glow” items along the way.

“The Glow Run 5K wasn’t just about crossing the finish line—it was about connection and momentum,” observed Allison Shamblin, director of Didactic Education in the Department of PA Studies. “From the pulsing music at the start line to the cheers echoing along the route, runners and walkers of all paces were encouraged at every step of the way. The event showcased the 2027 cohort’s dedication to teamwork, wellness, and creativity, turning a traditional 5K into a memorable nighttime experience.”

Shamblin added, “By the end of the night, glowing smiles matched the glowing gear as participants celebrated a successful event filled with energy and enthusiasm. The Glow Run 5K stood out as a highlight of the season, reflecting the passion and leadership of the PA Class of 2027 and leaving the community excited for what they’ll organize next.”

���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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Speaker Ronnie Parrott and Worship Leader, Alumnus Cialen Gadsen, Invite Campus Community to Grow in Faith and Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Selah, se·lah (SAY‑lah), a Hebrew musical or liturgical term appearing in the Psalms, generally understood to mean ‘pause,’ ‘rest,’ or ‘break,’ and is used to signal a moment of reflection or emphasis within a sacred text.”

Drawing from this definition, Selah Week at Gardner‑Webb University invites students to set aside time to strengthen their faith. “We want students to pause from their semester and consider who Jesus is more intimately,” explained Neal Payne, GWU associate minister for Student Ministries. “This year’s theme is ‘Belonging,’ and we will talk about how belief leads to belonging and how that moves us to being part of the larger Body of Christ, especially being part of a local church and using our spiritual gifts to serve one another and to glorify Christ.”

Payne, a GWU alumnus, said Selah Week, has been an annual Spring Semester event at ���سԹ� for many years. Services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Thursday, Feb. 19, at 9:25 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Tucker Student Center. The morning programs are part of the regular Dimensions series and include testimony from a student. The evening programs feature testimony from a faculty or staff member. 

The speaker is Ronnie Parrott, lead pastor of Christ Community Church in Huntersville, N.C. He completed his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and previously pastored churches in Kentucky and Arkansas. (He is no relation to Dr. Josh Parrott, GWU vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service.)

Leading worship for the evening services is Cialen Gadsen, a 2025 alumnus who is a graduate student in the GWU Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program. A resident of Gaffney, S.C., Gadsen plays drums, piano and guitar. He serves in the worship ministry of a local church and leads a men’s faith group in Charlotte, N.C. 

“To me, Selah Week shows my intentional pause,” he acknowledged. “It’s me stepping away from the noise of everyday life to reflect, worship, and realign my heart with God. It’s another reminder for everyone that true rest, reflection, and worship are a necessity, especially in our walk with Christ.”  

Gadsen’s statement resonated with Millie Raymer, a ���سԹ� junior psychology major who helped Payne plan the event. She serves in a work-study role with Campus Ministries United (CMU) and appreciates the mission of the student-led group and its passion for service. “The heart behind this special week is to allow students the safe space to draw nearer to the Father or even get to know Him for the first time,” she emphasized. “This year, Selah Week is loosely focused on each person’s unique spiritual gifts and how they fit into the body of Christ. We will explore what the spiritual gifts are and what that means in one’s own personal walk with the Lord.”

Remembering his own experience, Gadsen noted that he is honored to participate in the services. “Events like Selah Week were times where God truly met us in a real and personal way,” he said. “I want to help create space for students to pause, reflect, and encounter God.”

He added that CMU and the Office of Christian Life and Service significantly shaped his faith journey. “They created spaces where faith was lived out authentically, not just talked about,” he affirmed. “Through worship, community, and leadership opportunities, I was able to serve others, alongside friends, with humility and purpose. True connections and friendships were made because of it.”

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.

���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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Honored as Faculty Emerita, Assistant Professor of Biology Leaves a Legacy of Service and Student Success

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When ���سԹ� begins its 2026 Spring Semester on Jan. 12, Assistant Professor of Biology Susan Manahan won’t drive 70 miles to teach her classes that day. After 31 years at the University, Manahan is retiring on Dec. 31. At the November faculty meeting, Manahan was granted the rank of Faculty Emeritus status upon her retirement.

Manahan will deeply miss her colleagues and students, but she will not miss her two-and-a-half-hour commute each weekday. The drive hasn’t always been wearisome. Over the years, Manahan used the time in the morning to gather her thoughts and plan for the day ahead. The radio was tuned to NPR, oldies rock, or classical music. On the way home, she treated the trip as a mental reset, intentionally leaving the activities of the day behind.

During her tenure at ���سԹ�, Manahan has championed scientific exploration and community service. She developed both of these traits early in life growing up in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. As a little girl, she often rode her bike miles from home, stopping to examine the plants and animals in the forest. Her parents modeled service for her and taught her the blessing of helping others through their faith. As a Girl Scout, she also learned the values of community service and environmental stewardship.   

After graduating with degrees in microbiology and nutrition from Penn State University, Manahan’s first job was working as a quality control technician for Bachman Pretzel Company in Reading, Pa. She was responsible for chemical analysis of snack foods, package inspections, and environmental hygiene control. After moving to North Carolina with her husband, Wayne, she became a microbiologist for Stouffer Foods in Gaffney, S.C. Her job involved microbial testing of ingredients and final products.

After about six years, Manahan needed a change from working in an industrial environment. She lived near UNC-Charlotte, so she decided to obtain her master’s degree in biology. While there, she worked as a research assistant, and she met Dr. Barbara Burkett, a GWU professor. “She was collaborating with a faculty member and suggested I interview for the microbiology job at ���سԹ�,” Manahan related.

While interviewing for the position, Manahan sensed that GWU was a good fit for her, because of its Christian foundation and emphasis on missions and service. She remembered the interview committee’s surprise when she told them she was a volunteer firefighter. “They asked, ‘So, do you bring drinks to the firemen?’” Manahan reflected. “I said, ‘No, I have my own fire gear. I fight fires.’ And I think, that was one of the things they saw about me. I think outside the box a little bit, and I am service-minded and one to help other people.”

She was impressed with the kindness of the ���سԹ� faculty and staff and the care they had for students. Manahan accepted the position, which was her first full-time teaching job. Burkett became a mentor, and she received support, advice and teaching tips from former professors and faculty emeriti, Dr. Tom Jones and Dr. Les Brown.

The late Dr. Jack Partain, ���سԹ� professor emeritus of religion, helped her navigate her first accreditation process. She is thankful for everyone she’s had the privilege to serve alongside through the years. “I work with a lot of nice people,” she acknowledged. “I have a lot of nice students. So, it’s the people I work with and see every day—that is why I stayed here that long—and what I’m going to miss the most.”

Some of her most memorable times were the trips she took with Burkett and Partain. Manahan and her husband went with Burkett and a group of students to the Amazon. They saw many animals and went across the walkway in the sky. Partain led a faculty trip to Kenya and Tanzania, where he had served as a missionary. A rewarding moment of the trip was meeting the Maasai people.

Beyond these unforgettable travels, Manahan’s dedication to students extended beyond the classroom. A highlight of her career has been mentoring undergraduates in their independent research and helping them achieve their goals. Her students have pursued various professions in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and wildlife biology.

Manahan worked to ensure students had the tools and opportunities to investigate and analyze real-world scientific challenges. One of her first initiatives was to apply for and obtain a grant to purchase equipment for gel electrophoresis, which uses an electric field to separate molecules like DNA, RNA, or proteins by size and charge. These systems expanded research opportunities for ���سԹ� students that enhanced their applications for graduate school or career opportunities.

Manahan was chair of the Department of Natural Sciences from 2006 to 2011 and supervised the building of the 23,514 square-foot Laboratory Center annex to Withrow Hall that was completed in 2012. She and the faculty collaborated on the plans and visited other universities to gather ideas. Once finalized, Manahan met with the contractors and reviewed blueprints.  

During the same time period, she was the director for the University’s Service-Learning Program. Through her efforts and initiative to collect data on the various service projects completed by classes, teams, and other campus groups, Manahan applied for and received:

• The President’s Honor Roll for Community Engagement from 2006 to 2015.
• Honors for economic, general service, and interfaith opportunities in 2014.
• InterFaith Challenge Service Honor Roll in 2014 and 2015.
• Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement in 2010.

Manahan also promoted and assisted in organizing large service projects, such as Octoberfest, Enchanted Forest, and Dr. Seuss (reading) Day. Another major achievement was partnering with former GWU Registrar Lou Ann Scates in 2011 to create the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, which is still active today, collecting donations and providing food to elementary school children in need.

“We have a lot of people involved in service, and I just feel that is an important aspect of ���سԹ�,” Manahan stated. “As we’re trying to teach students how to think and how to learn and how to be better people, service should be a big component of what we do.”

About Faculty Emeritus Status

Emeritus Status is reserved for those who have retired from full-time teaching at ���سԹ� with at least 15 years of service. Symbolic in nature, this rank recognizes outstanding faculty contributions to the life of ���سԹ�.

About ���سԹ�

���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. Learn more at .

The post From Microbiology to Mentorship: Susan Manahan Retiring After Three Decades at ���سԹ� appeared first on ���سԹ�.

Team Painted Houses, Distributed Food, and Shared God’s Love with Children and Adults

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Throughout the year, the ���سԹ� Office of Christian Life and Service sponsors national and international service opportunities for students. Two teams recently returned from trips to Give Kids The World Village in Orlando, Fla., and Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, where students partnered with Sharing Christ Our Redeemer Everywhere (SCORE) International.

“We offer mission trips because we believe that God is at work (John 5:17) making all things new (Revelation 21:5), and we believe that each of us has a role to play in His story,” noted Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott. “God offers the restoration of the fractured relationship with humanity through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. This is the greatest news in the history of the world, and we want students to join us in this greatest cause in all the world—making disciples of King Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). I hope all of our students will prayerfully consider how they might serve God and Humanity on a mission trip with us!”

Parrott and Associate Minister for Pastoral Care Stacy Simmons led the trip to the Dominican Republic, staying in the headquarters for SCORE International. This full-service mission organization continues to grow its efforts in long-term, sustainable ministries such as church planting, discipleship, anti-human trafficking, medical outreaches, orphan care, clean water initiatives, and much more. Currently, SCORE has 47 missionary families serving as career missionaries. Short-term trip teams partner with the long-term missionaries and ministries to create relationships that point toward Jesus.

The ���سԹ� students stayed on SCORE’s property in Juan Dolio. On the first day, they painted four small houses and played games with the local children. The next day, they worshiped at a local church, and GWU student Madilyn Harris shared her testimony with the congregation. On the third day, in partnership with another local church, the team distributed bags of food and prayed with members of the village. Student Lucy Merritt shared her testimony at the second church. In the afternoon, they visited an orphanage, and the team led a mini-vacation Bible school for the children. Another student, Cameron Zaffuto, shared a Bible story, and the team led the children in arts/crafts and games.

Zaffuto, a freshman elementary education major from Rutherfordton, N.C., told the children about Daniel in the lion’s den and led an activity. “This was an amazing experience in which I got to see how God can work through me,” he described. “I went on this trip because I felt like that is what God called me to do. I heard Luke 10:2, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,’ repeating in my head over and over again, so I took a step of obedience and decided to go.”

He reflected, “The biggest thing I learned on this trip was how to be content in the situation I’m in. I saw how many people were living, and most of them not in good conditions, but they all seemed full of joy, even though they didn’t have very much. Seeing this showed me that all you need in life to be joyful is God. If you feel like God is calling you to do something, step into obedience. He has a plan for you.”

Parrott shared that he was blessed by the experience. “I was encouraged to watch our students love God and love others on this trip!” Parrott shared. “They enthusiastically painted houses, played with children, prayed with others, shared testimonies, and pointed others to Jesus.”

Simmons added, “It’s truly rewarding to see how students’ faith and character deepen as they learn and grow through their mission trip experience,” she said. “We pray they take what they’ve learned and live it out daily—both at home and here on campus.”

Dominican team members:

• Jalyn Safley
• Madilyn Harris
• Lucy Merritt
• Emma Jean Hampton
• Rachel Gaura
• Claire Ledford
• Sarah McLean
• Anna LaFrancis
• Daniel Martin
• Cameron Zaffuto
• Isaiah LaNave
• Ryan Cope
• Josh Parrott
• Luke Parrott
• Stacy Simmons

���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. Learn more at .

The post ���سԹ� Students Share Faith and Joy on Fall Break Mission Trips appeared first on ���سԹ�.

In Celebration of University’s 120 Years, Campus Invited to Give Back and Pray for Community

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—���سԹ� will unite the campus community for a Week of Giving, Service, and Prayer from Nov. 17-21. The initiative celebrates three core expressions of faith—generosity, service, and prayer—that have defined the University for 120 years.

Partnering with United Way, the University will honor its legacy of impact by supporting urgent needs, serving with compassion, and lifting one another in prayer. The goal is to strengthen the community and continue a tradition of leading with heart, hands, and hope.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans stated, “���سԹ� has long been an indispensable partner in the life of this region, standing alongside our communities in times of need, service, and hope. During this Week of Giving, Service, and Prayer, we are mobilizing as One Webb to make a concerted and meaningful impact. When we unite in generosity, serve with purpose, and lift one another in prayer, we honor our 120-year legacy not with words but with action.”

Giving Through United Way

During the Week of Giving, Service, and Prayer, faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to United Way, which helps feed the hungry, support education, improve health, and provide shelter in the local region. The University’s goal is 50% campus participation. Gifts can be made as one-time contributions or through payroll deduction. Learn more about giving to United Way, here.

Serving with Hands—120 Minutes of Impact

���سԹ� is partnering with United Way and community organizations across the region to complete 120 combined hours of service. Opportunities will be available on and off campus. View some suggestions from the Office of Christian Life and Service here.

Praying with Hope—120 Voices United in Faith

Prayer strengthens the hands that serve and inspires the generosity that gives—it’s the foundation that supports it all.

In addition to two moments of campus worship and prayer, the campus will receive daily 30-second reflections—simple prompts to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God as you move through your day of service and generosity.

Campus Prayer Gatherings

• Prayer Service – Nov. 17 at noon, Dover Chapel.
• Time of Prayer – Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m., The Quad flagpole.

For more details about the Week of Giving, Service, and Prayer, click here.

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.

���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. Learn more at .

The post ���سԹ� to Host Week of Giving, Service, and Prayer Nov. 17–21 appeared first on ���سԹ�.