news-category: Juneteenth Gardner-Webb Alumna Celebrates Accomplishments of Early Black Leaders By Office of University Communications On June 12, 2023 Gardner-Webb alumna Tyra Montour, center, represented the Black Graduate Student Organization on a panel for Graduate Student Orientation at Texas A&M University in College Station. Tyra Montour, ’16, Pursues Doctorate to Tackle Health Disparities and Advocate for Vulnerable Populations “The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans—from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. It is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance—as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.” — Juneteenth.com As a young Black American, Tyra Montour honors the history and accomplishments of early African Americans—who finally received the news of their freedom on June 19, 1865—the date now celebrated annually as Juneteenth. A 2016 GWU alumna, Montour received her bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies. Gardner-Webb alumna Tyra Montour, center, represented the Black Graduate Student Organization on a panel for Graduate Student Orientation at Texas A&M University in College Station. She is thankful for her rich heritage and the example of her ancestors. “I saw a post a few years ago that said, ‘It is important to celebrate Black people, those who have made a path out of their paths and brought their own seat to the table,’ and that stuck with me,” Montour stated. “Today, we can’t let that history get lost, it’s essential that we teach about the importance, impact, and contributions of Black history and culture on a national, global and local scale.” While working for a public relations agency in Atlanta, Ga., Montour learned about issues related to public health, such as equity and disparities. She was so moved about what she discovered that she decided to go back to school. She was accepted into the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta and earned her Master of Public Health. Montour will complete her Ph.D. in health education in December 2023 at Texas A&M University in College Station. She is a graduate assistant in the Community Health Evaluation & Systems Science lab and the Transdisciplinary Center for Health Equity Research (TCHER pronounced TEACHER). The Center’s goal is to improve quality of life across the lifespan among at-risk populations globally. “I am in my third year now, done with coursework, diving into more research and writing and expected to graduate in December 2023,” Montour noted. “Following graduation, I want to work in the public health industry as a health communications specialist and advocate for improving the lives and communications with vulnerable populations.” Additional Juneteenth resources: The Smithsonian: Juneteenth – Senses of Freedom: Exploring the Tastes, Sounds and Experiences of an African American Celebration. Junteenth Foundation – A non-profit organized by a group of professionals championing the celebration of Juneteenth 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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu. Gardner-Webb alumna Tyra Montour, center, represented the Black Graduate Student Organization on a panel for Graduate Student Orientation at Texas A&M University in College Station.
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumna Chelsea Sexton Shares How Rejection Led to Acceptance Dental School Student Gives Advice on Preparing for Graduate School; Benefits of Gap Year BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As she neared graduation from Gardner-Webb University in May 2023, Chelsea Sexton received the news that nobody wants to hear: she was turned down by the dental school she aspired to attend. A chemistry major whose dream of becoming […] Office of University Communications | April 1, 2025
News Article Double Dawg Day Donations in 2024 Help Support Research by Gardner-Webb Students Scholars in the College of Health Sciences Present Posters at the University and in Regional Setting BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—On Double Dawg Day in 2024, the College of Health Sciences led the day in the number of donors who gave to its academic programs. The funds they raised are benefiting students in the Hunt School of […] Office of University Communications | March 20, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumnae Gain Respect in Strength and Conditioning Field Dominated by Men Four Graduates of Master’s Program Join a Small Percentage of Women Employed in Top-Level Positions BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In a field dominated by men, four recent Gardner-Webb University alumnae are changing perceptions and gaining respect. As graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programs at […] Office of University Communications | March 11, 2025