Dr. Richard Wilson

GW alumnus Gerald Thomas (’87) wants to acknowledge a former faculty member who had an impact on his life. Dr. Richard “Rick” Wilson was a celebrated and engaging presence on the Gardner-Webb campus in the Department of Religious Studies during the 1980s. He left Gardner-Webb for Mercer University where he had a long and distinguished career, serving as long time department chair. He recently retired and was named Professor Emeritus of Religion at Mercer.

Thomas shared the following about this Gardner-Webb mentor. “Wilson’s gifts were felt in his teaching posts that included Argentina, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Liberia. He served for three years as President of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary and brought leadership and humanitarian aid to Liberians during their 2014-2016 Ebola crisis.”

Wilson was also involved with Baptist World Alliance (since 1995) and the Christian Commission on Ethics for over 20 years (five of which he served as chair).

Thomas continued “As his former GWU students, we use our gifts in the continued warmth of knowing Dr. Wilson and his wife, Lucy. In this season of Dr. Wilson’s retirement, you are invited to share in appreciation.” 

** Do you have a mentor from your time at Gardner-Webb you would like to acknowledge? If so, we invite you to submit information for consideration by filling out THIS FORM.

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