Welcome to Gardner-Webb!
• Madelyn Hamrick is an admissions counselor in Undergraduate Admissions. She was previously employed as a client coordinator at Frye Hospital in Hickory, N.C., and as a server at Toscano’s Bistro. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare management. She enjoys dancing, hiking, going to the lake, working out, spending time with friends/family, reading a good book, and watching a good show/movie.
• Kyra Adrianse is HR coordinator for the Office of Human Resources. She previously worked at a wedding venue and was employed as a nanny while completing her undergraduate degree. She has a bachelor’s in fashion merchandising. She enjoys singing, painting and being outdoors.
• Logan Richardson is an admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions. Previously, she was employed as an EC teacher at Shelby (N.C.) Middle School. She has also worked as a behavior therapist with A Bridge to Achievement in Charlotte, N.C. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology with a minor in child and family development in 2023 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She enjoys the outdoors, crafting and trips to the beach.
• Amy Lawson is an enrollment counselor for the College of Education in Digital Learning. She began her journey in education in 2010 as a preschool teacher for a private institution. During this time, she moved into the position of director over the entire preschool program. In 2015, she became a teaching assistant for Cleveland County Schools – third grade at Marion Elementary School and fifth/sixth grade at Kings Mountain Intermediate School. She was awarded Teaching Assistant of the Year in 2017. In 2018, she started teaching sixth grade English Language Arts at Kings Mountain Intermediate School.Lawson loves sharing her passion for reading with students and building a classroom environment where students feel safe, loved, nurtured, and their voices were heard. She continues her journey in higher education with dreams of eventually educating future teachers to build that same loving and safe classroom environment for future generations of students. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College.Her interests include traveling with her family, 20-year-old son, 17-year-old daughter, and 16-year-old son, along with her husband. The family enjoys exploring new cultures and experiences together. At home, they’re kept busy by their furry friends: two dogs and six guinea pigs. When she’s not embarking on adventures or caring for her pets, Lawson immerses herself in the world of literature.
• Madison Brittain is a financial planning counselor in Business and Financial Affairs. She has two years of higher education experience in various positions. She worked at N.C. State University as a student account representative before being promoted to student services coordinator. She also worked at High Point University as the administrative assistant to two departments—Career and Professional Development and Undergraduate Research and Creative Works. Brittain received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from N.C. State University. Her interests include reading, camping and playing with her pets.
• Jason Hunt is a HR specialist in Human Resources. He served in the Air Force and the Oregon Air National Guard for 20 years in various roles of law enforcement, emergency management, and personal and property protection. After retirement, he worked within a few Washington State agencies in the the Human Resource and Finance departments. He has a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. He enjoys skiing, classic cars and being outside.
• Dr. Mic Fenech is assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. Previously, he was employed as a postdoctoral associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From 2019 to 2023, he was a teaching assistant, graduate research assistant and an assistant instructor at the University of Texas at Austin. His experience also includes teaching mathematics on the secondary level from 2014 to 2019, one year at Harding High School and then at Akins Early College High School. He earned his PhD in STEM education from the University of Texas at Austin in 2023. He received his Master of Teaching in education in 2014 and his bachelor’s in mathematics in 2013 from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. Fenech enjoys playing Nintendo, watching and discussing movies and TV shows, and spending time with his corgi.
• William “Chip” Carter III is an officer in Advancement. This is his second stint with GWU. He previously served as annual funds officer for two years in the Development Office and then two more years as an undergraduate admissions counselor. More recently, he worked with BB&T/Truist for 15 years. Ten of those years were spent in various branch roles, then the last five he worked in Branch Operations/Support & Internal Controls. He has a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in social sciences (emphasis in political science) from Gardner-Webb University (Class of 2004). He was student body vice president his junior year and student body president his senior year. He ran cross country and track all four years. His honors include All-Atlantic Sun Conference in cross country (2003 – the first male Division I all-conference for cross country in program history) and track (2004). He graduated with the off-track school records in the 5K, 6K, 8K, and 10K. He is married to Lindsay and they have three daughters and a son, Palmer, LaneyRose, Jack and Savannah. He serves as the Public Address (PA) announcer for Gardner-Webb’s athletic events. He also does PA each August for the American Legion World Series and is a sports personality for a local radio station. His favorite week of the year is the first week in April when he volunteers as a Gallery Guard for The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club (check out his feature spotlight on YouTube). He is a die-hard obnoxious New York Yankees fan and a movie buff. He enjoys being active in his parish and taking trips with Lindsay.
• Darius Pinnix is assistant running backs coach for Gardner-Webb football. Previously, he was the assistant running backs coach at Tiffin University in Ohio. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a Master of Business Administration in sports management. His interests are sports, family and faith.
• McKenzie “Bree” Silvers is the assistant director of The Center for Personal & Professional Development. Previously, she was director of operations and marketing at Babbo Italian Kitchen. In this role, she directed marketing operations, conducted meetings, managed staff hiring, and ran front-of-house operations. Her contributions included designing the restaurant’s website, establishing a strong social media presence, and creating engaging marketing materials. She graduated summa cum laude from Western Carolina University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and law. She also has experience in photography.
• William Corn Jr. is facilities coordinator for Athletics. He was previously employed with Greenback and is certified in synthetic turf installation. He enjoys sporting events and concerts and spending time with family.
• Stephen Simmerman is assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Art, and Design. He was previously employed at Trevecca Nazarene University, University of Mount Olive, Mercer University, Chattanooga State Community College, and Art Institute of Charlotte. He has a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design and a Master of Arts in English. His interests include Barbershop Quartet Singing, Film Noir, Gospel and Bluegrass Music, and ancient Egypt.
• Cassie Humphries is a financial accountant in Business and Financial Affairs. She previously worked as an account representation in student accounts at Gardner-Webb. She has also worked as a tutor in the school system. She has an Associate in Arts degree from Cleveland Community College and is planning to continue her education in an office-related field. In her free time, she enjoys furthering her relationship with Christ and traveling with her husband.
• Kellan Godfrey is assistant director of Strategic Communications and Marketing in Athletics. He was previously employed with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., as director of Web and Digital Communications. He has also worked as an instructional associate at Syracuse University Newhouse School in New York and as a media relations assistant at Indiana University Athletics in Bloomington, Ind. He also has experience in marketing for and guest relations for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club and the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. He has a Master of Science degree in new media management from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse and a Bachelor of Science in education: sport management with a minor in marketing from Bowling Green State University. He is a foodie and his other hobbies include sports, video games, and spending time with friends and family. He enjoys studying history on various topics including sports and comics. He has an interest in learning about places, people and cultures.
• Avrey Queen is an accounts payable specialist in Business and Financial Affairs. She was previously employed as a part-time sales associate at Farmers Furniture. She enjoys playing volleyball, the guitar and being outdoors.
• Oscar Gonzalez is assistant professor of computer science. Oscar received his Master of Science in Management information systems from Nova Southeastern University, and his Bachelor of Science from Florida Atlantic University. He brings 21 years of IT teaching experience, eight of which are in the cybersecurity field. He joins us from South Piedmont Community College in Monroe, N.C. as the Cyber Crime Program Lead. Gonzalez’s interests include everything related to cybersecurity and technology. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, puppy and going to church. His hobbies are traveling, snowboarding, and playing ping pong.
• Matthew “Blake” Lineberger is assistant professor and department chair of Health, Sport and Physical Education. He has taught physical education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels including coaching High School soccer. His experience includes faculty appointments at The University of South Carolina, Charleston Southern University and the College of Charleston. He holds his PhD in Physical Education from The University of South Carolina, and his MA in Health Education from East Carolina University. When not teaching he enjoys playing beach volleyball, attending church and doing anything on the water. He spent this past summer learning to fly planes.
• Robert “RJ” Quillinan is a faculty member in the Godbold College of Business. Quillinan earned his Juris Doctor from Charleston School of Law, his MBA from the Citadel, and a BS in finance from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He spent seven years serving in a variety of capacities at the Charleston School of Law in South Carolina. He also served as an adjunct professor for the College of Charleston—teaching business law and business ethics. His career began in venture capital/private equity—focusing on corporate mergers and strategic buyouts. He also has experience in general construction management and legal representation and operating a boutique law firm focused on higher education compliance, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and contract negotiation. When not on campus, Quillinan enjoys working in his wood shop, cooking for his family, reading novels, golfing, and spending time with his wife (Emily) and three-year old daughter (Magnolia Rand.)
• Josh Vadeboncoeur is assistant professor of sport management. He holds his PhD in health and human performance, his Master of Science in sport management, and Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Florida. Most recently he was employed by the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Vadeboncoeur enjoys fishing, collecting antique sports memorabilia, and frequenting local stock car racing venues—both as a fan and academic observer. He lives in Canton, N.C. (just outside of Asheville) with his lovely wife, Jessica, and their rambunctious coonhound, Duke. Vadeboncoeur and his wife look forward to a lively in-house rivalry, as she is a faculty member at Western Carolina. Go Bulldogs!
• Dr. Trey Boyd is the associate director of Clinical Education for the Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies. He was previously employed as director of Postgraduate Medicine for the College of Health Sciences at the University of Lynchburg, Va. He has also served as director of Clinical Education at Presbyterian College—Department of PA Studies. He was the PA Faculty Attending/Provider at the Free Clinic of Central Virginia and the Shepherd Free Clinic. He also has experience in orthopedic surgery. He has a Doctor of Medical Science, Medical Education & Leadership; a Master of Science in Medicine, PA Medicine; and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with honors. He enjoys cooking, watching sports, playing with his children, and hiking.
• Emily Coggins is an instructor in the Hunt School of Nursing and clinical coordinator for Nursing. Coggins moves to academics from a 10-year career in nursing. She received her BSN from Queens University of Charlotte. She states “Moving to academics from the healthcare field has been an adventure, but one that I welcome openly and with lots of prayer.” In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and husband. She also enjoys photography, singing in the choir at church, and kayaking.
• Brett Curtis is assistant professor and principal faculty for the PA Studies Program. He is a GWU alumnus both in his undergrad and MPAS. He has 10 years of professional experience in the healthcare field, specializing in emergency medicine. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and spending time with friends and family.
• Dr. Simone McIntyre is a dually-licensed mental health and addictions therapist in North and South Carolina. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education. She has worked in the field in various capacities since 2002 and strives to improve lives and strengthen communities through education and empowerment. She earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn. McIntyre is a wife and mother of four. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and her favorite quote is by Audrey Hepburn, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible”.
• Elizabeth Piro is an instructor in the Hunt School of Nursing. She holds her master’s of nursing education from Pensacola Christian College in Florida. She started her career in the nursing faculty at Pensacola, and has professional experience with Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby, N.C., as a progressive care unit registered nurse and charge nurse. She has been enjoying exploring the local area with her husband, Marco, and her golden doodle, Cannoli.
• Dr. Charlotte Stephens is an associate professor in the Hunt School of Nursing. She is a native of South Carolina and has over 30 years of nursing experience. Stephens began her health care career as a social worker. Her nursing journey began as an EKG Tech and culminated with a doctorate in nursing practice from Union University in Jackson, Tenn. She was a founding faculty member at the Anderson University School of Nursing and has been an adjunct professor and preceptor for several universities. Stephens is dual certified by the ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. In 2016, she joined the staff at Spartanburg Regional in the Behavioral Health Units, where she remains active on health care staff. She is married to Dr. Don Berry, a tenured professor at Gardner-Webb. Together, they have four daughters, 10 grandchildren and a very spoiled Goldendoodle named Pippa.
• Nicole Taylor is a student success coach coordinator with GWU Online. She retired after teaching 28 years with Cleveland County Schools. She taught English at Crest High School before transitioning to Township Three Elementary as an Academically Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teacher. The last five years, she also taught at North Elementary. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English with teaching licensure (9-12), AIG Licensure and K-6 licensure. She likes to read, hike solve puzzles and listen to music.
• Alex Wober is associate director of Strategic Communications in the Department of Athletics. Previously, he was employed at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C., as the assistant Sports Information director/Internal Operations manager. At FMU, he assisted with the promotion and publicity of all 13 NCAA sports. He also supervised FMU’s social media accounts and created content for facility video boards. He handled play-by-play and color analysis for women’s volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball, for broadcasts on the Patriots Sports Network. As Internal Operations manager, he coordinated and organized travel arrangements, as well as other department accounting responsibilities. He has a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and electronic media. His hobbies include watching major sporting events, television, movies, video games, playing pick-up basketball and soccer, and interacting on social media. He is a fan of Seattle sports.
• Kathleen Mirgon Crum is the new head coach for women’s lacrosse. Crum joins Gardner-Webb after two seasons as the head coach at Pfeiffer University. During her tenure in Misenheimer, N.C., Crum coached four all-conference players, including Alexis Murriel, who led NCAA Division III in ground balls per game (6.19) and ranked second nationally in caused turnovers per game (4.31) during the 2022 season. Pfeiffer hired Crum in 2021 after a one-year stint as an assistant at Piedmont University, where she helped guide the Lady Lions to a USA South West Division Regular Season Championship with a perfect 6-0 record. Her collegiate coaching career began with two seasons as a graduate assistant coach and recruiting specialist with the nationally-ranked Division II program (2018-2020) at Bloomsbury University in Pennsylvania. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications journalism with public relations concentration and dual minors in exercise science and coaching from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. She received her master’s in Exercise Science from Bloomsburg University. Her interests include exercise, running, lacrosse, nutrition, health and wellness, golf, long walks, swimming, good dining, days at the lake and any activity near the water or outdoors.
• Joseph “Joey” Zaytoun is a maintenance technician for the operations department. He was previously employed as a machine builder. He enjoys working on cars.
• Michael Whiteman is vice president for Finance and Administration. He has 15 years of experience in higher education, mostly with Central Piedmont Community College. The last five years he served as vice president for Finance and Administration of Central Piedmont. His previous experience includes work in public accounting, insurance and non-profit industries. He has a Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. His hobbies include soccer, mountain biking, playing guitar and spending time with his family.
• Casey Stafford is a student success coach in the Department of Digital Learning Enrollment. Previously, he was a teacher for Cleveland County Schools. He taught fifth grade for seven years and fourth grade for two years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Gardner-Webb University in 2014. He enjoys traveling and watching sports.
• Dylan Winwood is special assistant to the athletic director. Previously, he was an event services intern at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Fla. He is a three-year varsity letter winner on the men’s lacrosse team at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in sport business management. His interests include weight training, watching sports, reading, and spending time with his family.
• Roman Wright is assistant track coach. Previously, he was employed as the assistant track coach at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, S.C. He also worked as an outside sales associate/southeast territory manager for PLAE Flooring. He received his Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Southern Wesleyan University. His hobbies include weightlifting and basketball.
• Emily Horton is academic admissions and offsite facilities coordinator in Admissions and Aid. From 1999 to 2022, she was employed as a teacher at various elementary schools and most recently taught third grade at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1999 from Covenant College in Georgia. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, vacationing and relaxing.
• Leanna Hamrick is a financial planning specialist. Previously, she worked for Gingerbread Meeting House. She has an Associate in Arts from Gaston College. She enjoys dancing, fishing, going to the beach, and watching movies.
• Eric Mikols is a video content creator for University Marketing and Communications. He previously worked in libraries. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. His hobbies include reading, cooking and film.
• Blake Elizalde is a career coach for the Godbold College of Business. He graduated in May 2023 from Gardner-Webb with degrees in political science and international affairs, and world languages, literatures and cultures, Spanish concentration. While earning his bachelor’s degrees, he served as Student Body President, Student Recruitment Ambassador, Resident Advisor, and marketing coordinator for dining services on campus. His hobbies include CrossFit, thrifting and going to community events.
• Emily Keener is academic advisor and student partnership coordinator in the College of Education. Previously, she was employed by Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille and Cleveland Community College. She has an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of General Education. Her hobbies include kayaking, gardening, traveling, and attending concerts.
• Jalin Montgomery is the assistant director for admissions for Digital Learning. Previously, Montgomery worked three and one-half years as an admissions counselor for Western Carolina University (WCU) in Cullowhee, N.C. In this position, she recruited prospective students and helped maintain and create meaningful relationships with student workers for the Office of Admissions. She has a Bachelor of Science in business administration and law from WCU. Montgomery is enrolled at WCU, working on a Master of Education in higher education-student affairs. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching Netflix, shopping on Amazon, and reading.
• Kara Alves is the director of Success Initiatives and First Year Experiences in the Division of Student Success. Previously, she was the job location development coordinator in University Career Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In that position, she helped connect students to off-campus work opportunities that aligned with their career goals. Before that, she worked in Career Services at Clemson (S.C.) University and gained experience working with leadership programs and counseling. She has a Master of Education in student affairs from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a marketing minor from Anderson (S.C.) University. Her interests include baking, thrifting, spending time with family and friends and finding new trails to hike.
• George “Geordy” Randlett is a student success coach for Digital Learning. He previously worked with the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation. He was a mentor to students in Rutherford County helping them develop leadership qualities so they could take back their community. He also assisted students who were transitioning from high school to college. He has a Bachelors of Arts in psychology and a minor in health and society from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, and watching football.
• Katie Nelson is assistant coach/recruiting coordinator for the women’s basketball team. Previously, she was employed as a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She played basketball at UW Madison and Boston University. She has a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a Master of Science in sports leadership. Her hobbies include going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.
• Diancil Chavez is help desk and operations coordinator in Technology Services. Previously, she maintained the plants at Briarpatch Greenhouses for three years. She also worked at Cleveland Community College as a student tutor for four semesters. Chavez helped students who needed assistance with any of their networking classes, cybersecurity classes or any computer skills help they may have needed. She has two associate degrees from Cleveland Community College in information technology, network technician and cybersecurity. Her hobbies are spending time with family and friends, watching shows or movies and walking on trails, especially in the mountains.
• Ashley Sahms is the business intelligence developer/analyst in Technology Services. Her experience includes guest services lead at Broad River Retail DBA Ashley Furniture where she was promoted to accounts receivable specialist within six months. After a few years, she decided to be an advocate in the education field and began teaching via lateral entry for Gaston County Schools. She taught for three years (fifth grade, second grade and kindergarten) and in 2020, decided to leave the field of education and entered graduate school at UNC-Charlotte, while tutoring for Gaston County Schools. At the completion of her courses at the end of 2021, she became a business intelligence developer at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Her position at Gardner-Webb combines both her passion for education and data analytics. She has Bachelor of Science in organizational management and a Master of Science in data science and business analytics. Her hobbies include hiking, boating at the lake, reading, gardening, spending time with family and traveling.
• Dr. Wendy Athens is director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning for GWU Online. Her experience includes a decade in the technology industry (Hewlett-Packard Company), a decade as a secondary science teacher, and a decade in higher education (most recently Utah Valley University and prior to that Florida SouthWestern State College). She has a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction- Educational Technology, a master’s in industrial administration and a bachelor’s in chemistry. Her hobbies include hiking, reading and gardening.
• Kali Boatwright is Assistant Volleyball Coach. She was previously employed by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eckerd and a Master of Science in athletic coaching from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Her interests include playing volleyball and being outside.
• Alyssa Vernacchio-Sloniger is coordinator of Tutoring and Testing Services in the Office of Student Success. She has worked in the education field for almost five years. She has taught, trained and developed students of all ages and abilities. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 2018 from Penn State University in State College. She is a a first generation graduate within her family. As an Eastern Pennsylvania native, Vernacchio-Sloniger is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams. She enjoys reading, traveling, spending quality time with her family, and attending sporting events with her husband.
• Cassie Humphries is an account representative in Student Accounts. Previously, she was employed as a tutor at an elementary school for three years. Before that, she was a cash office associate for a local store. She has an Associate in Arts degree from Cleveland Community College. She enjoys reading the Bible, spending time with her husband, family, and dog, and going on trips to the beach.
• Jordan Jones is assistant director of Admissions. For five years, she has worked as the associate director of Admissions at Elon (N.C.) Law School. Formerly, she was the admissions coordinator for Graduate Legal Studies at Cornell Law School in Ithaca, N.Y. She has a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. Jones enjoys painting, drawing, and any other creative activity. She is also passionate about volunteering with animal rescues.
• Mikki Gaines is the office manager in Student Success. She was employed for over eight years in retail management and has over 15 years of effective communication experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Arts in management with a Human Resources focus. She also has a graduate certificate in leadership and logistics. She enjoys reading, exercising and relaxing.
• Brett Curtis is an assistant professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Previously, Curtis worked in Emergency Medicine for Carolina Emergency Physicians and for Carolina CDU Specialists. He has also been an adjunct professor for the Gardner-Webb Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in biology and a MPAS. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, woodworking and gaming.
• Richard Martin is assistant director of strategic communications in the Department of Athletics. Previously, he was employed as Assistant Sports Information Director at Lubbock Christian University. He has also worked as Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant at Carson-Newman University and Assistant Video Coordinator at Kennesaw State University. He held internships with the Florence RedWolves and Forest City Owls baseball teams of the Coastal Plain League and was student equipment manager for Gardner-Webb Football from 2014-2018. He received his Bachelor of Arts in journalism from GWU in 2018 and his Master of Business Administration in sports management from Carson-Newman in 2022. His hobbies include watching sports, videography, photography, cooking and hiking.
• Patricia “Tricia” Houston is a support specialist in Business Services. She was previously employed by Cleveland Memorial Park, assisting families with future burial plans and with at-need services. Her interests include her children, photography, volleyball and football.
• Dale Collins is employed as a campus police officer with the University Police. Previously, he was employed with the Bessemer City Police Department and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Wake Forest University in Cullowhee, N.C., and an associate degree in criminal justice from Cleveland Community College. He enjoys all sports, fishing and hunting.
• Greg Jones is the football co-defensive coordinator, linebackers coach in Athletics. Previously, he was employed with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, University of Rhode Island in Kingston and Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He has a Master of Liberal Studies from Wake Forest and a bachelor’s degree in history from Bucknell University in Louisburg, Pa. He likes all sports and enjoys playing golf.
• Dakota Davis is the administrative assistant for the Hunt School of Nursing. She previously worked on a local dairy in Cleveland County. She helped milk the cows, took care off the calves and worked in the garden. She has also worked as game day staff for GWU for several years. She has an Associate of Applied Science degree in business administration, Office Management and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agribusiness Technology. She enjoys attending craft shows, where she sells hand-turned ink pens and goat milk soap that she makes. She also enjoys working with animals and reading.
• Jay O’Donnell is the assistant men’s soccer coach. Previously, he was assistant men’s soccer coach at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Penn., where he served from 2021 to 2023. He was an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Hotspurs National Premier Soccer League team from 2020 to 2022, and was the graduate assistant men’s soccer coach at Bethany College in West Virginia from 2019 to 2021. He has a Bachelor of Arts in recreation, athletic administration, and coaching education and a Master of Arts in teaching. He is interested in all sports and enjoys taking long hikes with his wife and dog.
• Sharon Hammonds is associate vice president of Human Resources. Previously, she served as the HR manager on the senior leadership team at the Walmart Distribution Center in Laurens, S.C. She also has experience in the education field as the assistant HR director at Spartanburg Community College, HR Director at Limestone College, and Chief of Staff at Meeting Street Academy. She currently holds the PHR and SPHR Certifications in Human Resources. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Clemson (S.C.) University and a Master of Arts in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. She enjoys attending sporting events to watch her son, walking her dogs, and traveling. Read more about her, here.
• Dr. Josh Parrott is vice president and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service. Previously, he was employed as an associate professor of religion at Louisburg (N.C.) College, a certified chaplain in Charleston, S.C. with Corporate Chaplains of America, and the pastor of White Level Baptist Church (Louisburg) and First Baptist Church of Eutawville (Eutawville, S.C.). He has a bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University (2003), a Master of Divinity (2006) and a Master of Theology (2007) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., and his doctorate (2020) from Liberty University School of Divinity in Lynchburg, Va. His interests include hiking with his wife, Brantley, playing basketball and video games with his son, Luke, and playing golf and hunting. Read more about him, here.
• Betsy King is a student success coach in Digital Learning. Previously, she taught math at Chase High School for five years. She has a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a minor in secondary education from Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, being involved at her church, and traveling with friends.
• Kristen Flateau is athletic graduate intern for Athletic Performance. She has worked as a personal trainer in the gym setting as well as completed over 300 contact hours at Elon University working under the Sports Performance staff. She also interned in the fall semester at Gardner Webb with the athletic performance staff. She has a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Gardner Webb University and is currently enrolled in the GWU Master of Science in strength and conditioning program. Her hobbies include strength training, watching sports and reading.
• Dr. Robert Prickett is dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. From 2010 to 2022, he was associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of English education at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. He has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, English education and a Master of Arts in English from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He also earned a Master of Arts in secondary, higher, and foundations of education and a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism, newspaper editorial from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. His interests include popular culture, golf, travel, food and podcasts.
• Dr. Ryan Erck is the executive director of Student Success. Previously, he worked in various roles at Baylor University, including program director and full-time lecturer. He also worked in the areas of student success initiatives and student-athlete academic services. Prior to that, he worked at Texas A&M University within the areas of new student and family programs and the leadership and service center. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Studies and Leadership from Baylor University in 2020. He received his Master of Science in Educational Human Resource Development with emphasis in higher education and organization development from Texas A&M University. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in leadership and development with minors in human resource development and business administration from Texas A&M University. His hobbies include board games, writing/research, woodworking, movies, spending time with friends/community, and family time with his wife (Kasey) and children (Aubrey and Liam).
