Esther Porter Named Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Porter Has Been Employed by the University Since 2016

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Tim Shuey, Gardner-Webb University vice president of Finance and Administration, has named Esther Porter as interim associate vice president of Human Resources, effective immediately. Most recently, Porter served the University as a human resources generalist.   

As interim associate vice president, Porter will lead and guide Human Resources activities across all divisions of the University including policies, benefits, compensation, employee relations, staff development, and compliance within each of these respective areas. She is also responsible for preparing, enforcing, and evaluating legally compliant policies, procedures, and best practices. Reporting to Shuey, Porter will supervise the daily operations of the Human Resources team.

“I am enthusiastic and grateful for Esther stepping up and into this extremely important leadership role for Gardner-Webb,” Shuey praised. “The University is amid modernization of our Human Resources processes, workflows, and systems, and Esther’s insight will be valuable for the institution as we begin the journey.”

Porter joined the Gardner-Webb team in 2016 as the clinical administrative assistant for the GWU Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program. In 2017, she became the clinical administrative coordinator for the PA program. She joined the Office of Human Resources in 2021.

“I am humbled and grateful for the confidence that has been placed in me to serve in this capacity,” Porter shared. “During my time with the University, I have seen how our employees truly go above and beyond to serve the students, and I am grateful to provide support to such a dedicated faculty and staff. I am excited to see how the Lord continues to lead the University in the future.”

Porter obtained her Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification in August 2019 and graduated from GWU in December 2020 with a Master of Business Administration degree. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Management from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys kayaking, going flying with her husband, and working on their vintage Airstream camper.

Gardner-Webb University 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., Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb.edu.