Evans to Lead 厙ぴ勛圖 Into its Next Chapter of Growth and Mission Impact

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���The 厙ぴ勛圖 Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Nate Evans as the 14th president of 厙ぴ勛圖, following the completion of the presidential search process. Evans has served as interim president since February 2025 and previously as vice president for Advancement.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to serve as the next president of 厙ぴ勛圖,” Evans affirmed. “I want to thank the Board of Trustees and the presidential search committee for their confidence, and our entire campus community for their hard work and dedication during this time of transition. Over the past eight months, I have witnessed the strength, faith, and resilience that define 厙ぴ勛圖. This is a place where students discover their purpose, where faculty and staff live out their calling, and where our shared mission continues to change lives. As we look ahead, let���s build on our momentum, strengthen our foundation, expand our reach, and ensure that 厙ぴ勛圖 continues to thrive as a Christ-centered university of impact.”

Evans has provided steady, mission-centered leadership during a pivotal period of transition���strengthening 厙ぴ勛圖���s financial health, uniting its community, and reaffirming its Christ-centered mission. Working closely with University Cabinet members, he has led efforts that resulted in positive enrollment momentum, improved campus morale, and the elimination of the University���s structural deficit.

Under Evans��� leadership, 厙ぴ勛圖 has enhanced operational discipline, increased donor confidence, and expanded strategic partnerships across the region. The University has secured major philanthropic commitments, including the largest single gift to 厙ぴ勛圖 in more than 25 years, while advancing initiatives that elevate the student experience, reinforce fiscal responsibility, and strengthen institutional excellence.

���President Evans has demonstrated faith-filled leadership, integrity, and a clear vision for 厙ぴ勛圖���s future,��� said Board Chair the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. ���He has brought stability, unity, and momentum during a time of transition, and the Board has full confidence that he will continue leading this University forward with wisdom and purpose.���

Before being named interim president, Evans served as vice president for Advancement, where he led alumni relations, major gifts, the Bulldog Club, and the annual fund. Under his direction, 厙ぴ勛圖 raised more than $30 million in gifts and commitments, fueling capital improvements, scholarship funding, and academic initiatives. Prior to joining 厙ぴ勛圖, he held senior advancement roles at East Carolina University, where he began his higher education career in admissions before transitioning into university advancement.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and former small-business professional, Evans brings both discipline and entrepreneurial insight to his leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in exercise and sports science with a minor in biology from East Carolina University and a Master of Science in human resource management from Western Carolina University.

As he assumes the permanent presidency, Evans has outlined a bold five-year vision focused on growth, innovation, and mission integrity. His plan includes expanding academic programs, deepening partnerships with churches and regional organizations, strengthening recruitment and retention through personalized student pathways, and investing in faculty and staff development.

Evans has also been a visible and active presence on campus and in the community���hosting faculty and staff gatherings, supporting student events, and building relationships with civic and church leaders across Cleveland County and beyond. His emphasis on collaboration and shared accountability has fostered a renewed sense of community and belonging among employees, alumni, and students alike.

Evans and his wife, Dr. Brittany Evans, a 厙ぴ勛圖 alumna and visiting assistant professor in the College of Education, are deeply engaged in the University���s life and ministry. The couple enjoys attending campus events, spending time outdoors, riding motorcycles, and mentoring students and young professionals in faith and leadership.

厙ぴ勛圖 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., 厙ぴ勛圖 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 .

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Candidates to Visit Campus Nov. 4���7 for Interviews and Public Forums in Tucker Student Center

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���The 厙ぴ勛圖 Presidential Search Committee has announced that three finalists for the University���s 14th President will visit campus during the first week of November. Each candidate will participate in interviews with faculty, staff and students, as well as take part in a forum that is open to the public.

Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn thanked committee members for their diligent work and emphasized, ���As we approach this important moment in the life of 厙ぴ勛圖, I invite you to join us in prayer���asking for wisdom, clarity, and unity as we seek the leader God has prepared to shepherd this University into its next season of growth and service.���

The public gatherings will provide an opportunity for the community and friends to hear directly from each candidate. They will share their vision and calling to serve 厙ぴ勛圖 and discuss what the University���s next five years could look like under their leadership.

The public forums will be held in Tucker Student Center���s Faith Hall.

The schedule follows:

• Candidate #1: Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 2:30���3:15 p.m.
• Candidate #2: Thursday, Nov. 6 | 2:30���3:15 p.m.
• Candidate #3: Friday, Nov. 7 | 2:30���3:15 p.m.

The CVs for each candidate will be available online one day prior to their respective visits. In addition, all of the information and communications about the presidential search are also available online. Following the interviews and forums, an online feedback form will be provided to help guide the committee���s discernment.

Members of the Presidential Search Committee

Chair:

• The Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., GWU alumnus, Board of Trustees Chair and Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby

Trustee members:

• David Brinkley
• Ed Cook, GWU Alumnus
• Verhonda Crawford-Diehl, GWU Alumna
• The Rev. Dr. Christopher Gash, GWU Alumnus
• Dr. Ashley Lowery, GWU Alumna

Faculty members:

• Dr. Cal Robertson, Professor of Biblical Studies, School of Divinity
• Dr. Mischia Taylor, GWU Alumna, Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing, Godbold College of Business

Staff members:

• Candice Thomas, Administrative and Special Events Coordinator; Staff Council Co-Chair
• Stacy Simmons, GWU Alumna, Associate Minister to the University for Pastoral Care
• Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service; GWU alumnus

Community:

• Rev. Aaron Hinton, GWU alumnus, Pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C.

厙ぴ勛圖 Student Government Association:

• Paul McElearney, Student Body President

Search Firm:

• Myers McRae

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.

厙ぴ勛圖 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., 厙ぴ勛圖 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 .

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University Appoints Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Trustees to Help Select Next GWU President

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.���Officials at 厙ぴ勛圖 have announced the formation of the committee that will guide the search for the institution���s 14th President.

Dr. William M. Downs, who served 厙ぴ勛圖 from 2019 to 2025, left in February to prepare for his new role as president of Campbell University.

According to the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., GWU Board of Trustees Chair and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, the group will work in conjunction with Myers McRae to help secure qualified leaders as candidates for the position. A nationally-recognized executive search firm, Myers McRae has a proven track record for identifying highly qualified and trustworthy leadership for higher education institutions. With locations in Hartsville, S.C., and Atlanta, Ga., the firm���s proprietary database, which represents all 50 states and beyond, has more than 150,000 prospects.

���The Board of Trustees and I are excited to announce the formation of the Presidential Search Committee, tasked with identifying and recommending the 14th president of 厙ぴ勛圖,��� Littlejohn shared. ���This committee, comprised of members representing the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, Student Government, alumni, and community stakeholders, reflects the University���s commitment to Christian faith, transparency, and accountable leadership in this critical selection process.���

Littlejohn emphasized, ���There is no doubt that each committee member will take the time and effort to do what���s necessary to identify the best candidates for the president of 厙ぴ勛圖. I ask that you pray for us, as we listen to and depend upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout this process.���

The team from Myers McRae will visit 厙ぴ勛圖���s campus in May to host listening sessions. More information will be provided about these sessions when it becomes available.

Members of the GWU Presidential Search Committee include:

Chair:

• The Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., GWU alumnus, Board of Trustees Chair and Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby

Trustee members:

• David Brinkley
• Ed Cook, GWU Alumnus
• Verhonda Crawford-Diehl, GWU Alumna
• The Rev. Dr. Christopher Gash, GWU Alumnus
• Dr. Ashley Lowery, GWU Alumna

Faculty members:

• Dr. Cal Robertson, Professor of Biblical Studies, School of Divinity
• Dr. Mischia Taylor, GWU Alumna, Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing, Godbold College of Business

Staff members:

• Candice Thomas, Administrative and Special Events Coordinator, Staff Council Co-Chair
• Benjamin Flournoy, GWU Alumnus, Coordinator for the Learning Resource Center
• Dr. Josh Parrott, GWU Alumnus, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service

Community:

• Rev. Aaron Hinton, GWU alumnus, Pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C.

厙ぴ勛圖 Student Government Association:

• Paul McElearney, Student Body President

Search Firm:

• Myers McRae

Updates on the search process will be offered here as information becomes available.

厙ぴ勛圖 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., 厙ぴ勛圖 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 厙ぴ勛圖.edu.

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