Guided by Faith: Annagrace Earwood’s Dedication to Serving Others

2024 Dean’s Scholar Embarks on a Dual-Degree Journey

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As an undergraduate student at Gardner-Webb University, Annagrace Earwood’s favorite memory involves an act of service. She was vice president of the Religious Studies Association and volunteered with members at the Washington Outreach Ministry, a food pantry in Cherryville, N.C.

“We went one Friday and spent the morning packing and handing out food to those in need,” Earwood stated. “This is a very important memory to me, because I was able to serve the local community with my peers. This was truly a blessing.”

Earwood sensed God’s calling on her life when she was a teenager. “I know I am called to minister to people in whatever capacity the Lord opens up doors for,” she acknowledged. “I especially have a heart for children and believe that I am supposed to minister to them in some way.”

She followed her instinct to help children by volunteering two years with the mission team from the Office of Christian Life and Service that served critically ill children at Give Kids The World Village in Orlando, Fla. In a Gardner-Webb Newscenter story about the trip, Earwood said the children taught her a very important lesson. “I learned that there are 5-year-olds out there who are emotionally stronger than I am at 18 years old, simply because they don’t let their circumstances define them, and even in the unknowns of life, they can find great joy,” she noted.

Earwood is a dual enrollment student in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb pursuing a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Religion. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies with a concentration in Discipleship in May 2024. She was recognized at the Student Volunteerism, Service and Leadership Awards Ceremony for her work with the Religious Studies Association.

Earwood is also the recipient of the 2024 Dean’s Fellowship Scholar Award, given annually by the GWU School of Divinity. Each year, the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy selects a graduate of the program to receive the full-tuition scholarship for the complete course of study in the Master of Divinity degree at Gardner-Webb. The recipients, known as “Dean’s Fellows,” are chosen for exceptional academic performance and call to ministry.

Although Earwood grew up in Shelby, N.C., and was familiar with Gardner-Webb, she didn’t experience the University for herself until she came for a visit. “I felt God’s peace as soon as I came to campus the first time I toured,” she reflected. “I have enjoyed everything about my Gardner-Webb experience. I loved my department, my professors, my peers, and my classes. I think what really makes Gardner-Webb home for me is the sense of community that is here, as well as the support by the community to follow the calling God has on my life.”

With the support of friends, family and her professors, Earwood has felt confident and prepared for her graduate studies and ministry, especially in the area of discipleship. “All of the professors in the religious studies department are especially meaningful to me,” she affirmed. “They all had a tremendous impact on how I approach theology, ministry, and biblical study. I appreciate them all deeply and do not think they will ever know the extent of their impact on my life.”

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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.