Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at Gardner-Webb

By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about Gardner-Webb University, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, prompting her to schedule a campus visit and experience the University firsthand.

“The small campus and Christian environment were super enticing to me, and I fell in love with it as soon as I got to campus,” Buff shared. “The community at Gardner-Webb is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the University. For me personally, it was really important to go to a smaller Christian school where I could find a community that is Christ-loving and Christ-centered.”

She added that the campus is a perfect size. “It’s really hard to even walk to your class without saying, ‘Hi,’ to a friend or someone that you know,” Buff observed. “It just makes the whole place feel like a home.”

That sense of belonging has encouraged Buff to embrace new opportunities, develop new skills and discover new passions. “To me, the phrase ‘Become More’ means to explore yourself and find new interests, new hobbies, new skills and new talents from who you already are,” Buff said.

Having been involved in theater since she was a child, Buff is pursuing a double major in theater arts and communications with a concentration in public relations. She arrived at Gardner-Webb looking for ways to combine her longtime passion for the stage with professional opportunities behind the scenes. “By doing both of those majors, I’m getting to figure out the entire world of theater, which is something that I’ve always had a passion for,” she reflected.

Through her involvement across campus and service as a leader, Buff said she has developed confidence in ways she never expected. One of the first ways she challenged herself to step outside her comfort zone was by joining the Office of Admissions as a Student Recruitment Ambassador. The role gave her an opportunity to meet prospective students, share her Gardner-Webb experience and build confidence as a communicator.

“I wanted to put myself out there socially, and I thought this was a great way to do that,” she stated. “I saw what a special school Gardner-Webb is, and I wanted to be able to talk to high school juniors and seniors and encourage them to make the decision to become a Bulldog. I feel like I have grown in my confidence to talk to random strangers and to put myself out there in front of large crowds.”

The communication and leadership skills Buff developed while working in admissions complement what she is learning in class from dedicated faculty members who want to see their students succeed. “I truly believe one of the best parts about Gardner-Webb University is the faculty,” she asserted. “My professors have been exceptional in teaching me both the course material as well as life skills and lessons.”

She especially appreciates the mentorship of Professor of Theater Arts Dr. Christopher Nelson, who also directs campus productions. “He has always supported me in everything, including coming to a show I was a part of in my hometown, an hour away from him,” Buff said. “I really appreciate his care for us as his students and his passion to teach us more about this art we are all so passionate about.”

Recently, Buff gained hands-on experience in both fields through an internship with Hickory Community Theatre, the place where her love of theater first began as a child. She returned to assist with public relations efforts, prepare website content and patron mailings, work events, support box office operations and help with production-related responsibilities.

“Gardner-Webb is good at getting you that real-world experience and doing more than just pen and paper on a test,” Buff said. “They’re trying to get you immersed in what it’s actually going to be like to work in your field. We’ve had choreographers come in and show us what it would be like for an audition. We’ve had people coming in to help us with songs or with our monologues. And the professors were interested and involved in my internship process. They were all super helpful and there for me as I started the process.”

In addition to working as an SRA, Buff sought other ways to become involved and serve others. One of her first stops as a new student was the Connect Fair, an event that showcases GWU clubs and organizations, as well as community groups. Buff was drawn to the information table for Delight, a national ministry for college women. “I saw that there was an opening on the leadership team, and I had never even been to it,” Buff recalled. “When I visited their table, I just felt like that was something I wanted to be a part of. The girls were all so amazing. They were all so welcoming, and that’s been such a great experience.”

She also helped to start the Backstage Bulldogs theater club. “It’s only been around for a semester, and we’ve won many awards,” Buff said. “We won Club of the Year, which was so awesome for us. But that’s been really great to be in leadership within my major and a community that means a lot to me personally.”

She serves on the Inter-Club Council and as a Peer Leader for the Honors University Life Class. “I feel confident in all of these roles, because I know that my leaders have trained me and prepared me for them, and I know I can always lean on them when I need it,” she noted. “My leadership roles have taught me how important it is to have a team. Having other leaders that can help and support you and those you are leading is so critical, and I’ve definitely learned that over the past year.”

As she looks toward the future, Buff sees both of her academic disciplines playing a role in her career. “I love the combination of theatre arts and communications,” Buff shared. “I genuinely have a love and passion for both subjects so getting to be fully immersed in them has just been so much fun.”

Considering all she has gained personally, academically and professionally, Buff believes the relationships she has built have been the most meaningful part of her journey. “I’ve met some people that I know will be lifelong friends of mine—people I will see at my wedding or see in the future or who will hold my future kids,” Buff affirmed. “And it’s really special that I was able to do that just by going to college.”

Gardner-Webb University 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., 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. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.