news-category: Alumni

Degree Completion Program Student Learns Skills to Help People Through Difficult Transitions

Claire Bowen (’16) Appreciates Opportunity to Learn in a Christian Environment

Before enrolling in the Gardner-Webb University Degree Completion Program (DCP), Claire Bowen, of Stokes County, N.C., worked in a geriatric psychiatric unit and saw the important role of human services. She realized people need someone to listen and point them to valuable community resources where they can find more help.

Bowen decided to go back to school and earn her bachelor’s degree and work with youth and adults going through difficult transitions in life. She had a couple of reasons for choosing to finish her degree at Gardner-Webb. “My faith in God led me to Gardner-Webb, with its strong Christian foundation,” she reflected. “Also, my younger sister and her husband went to Gardner-Webb for their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. With the knowledge and strengths they learned and adopted, they have become brilliant professionals.”

Claire Bowen and child

Bowen was able to major in human services and criminal justice because of her previous college credits. From her internships to her advisors, professors and classmates, Bowen appreciated her entire DCP experience. “My advisors were able to give me choices that fit my schedule,” assessed Bowen, who has a young son. “My classmates were serious about their education and about helping others with their knowledge. With God allowing the opportunities for my internships, I am able to see mental health from different perspectives. My professors cared about teaching their subjects to the fullest understanding and helping their students use their knowledge and not just apply the information to testing.”

Three professors who influenced her the most were Dr. Bill Greenwood, Professor Donald Taylor III and Professor Homer Craig. “Dr. Greenwood taught me in Old Testament during my first semester,” she shared. “He helped me build a trust in God and God’s word. Professor Taylor taught my Introduction to Clinical Practice and Group Dynamics classes. His goal was to show each student how to work in the clinical setting of psychology. Using a distinctive hands-on approach, he guided the students to their highest potential. Professor Craig has taught a few of my Criminal Justice classes. He inspires us to set higher goals and listen to God’s wisdom when deciding long-term goals.”

Previous News Article

Gardner-Webb Physician Assistant (PA) Student Provides Primary Care During Coronavirus

Next News Article

Celebrating The Year of the Nurse

Related News

  • News Article

    Celebrating Alumni – Victoria Ahearn, Principal of Gaston Christian School – Shelby Campus

    Alumna Grateful to Education and Psychology Professors who Equipped Her with Skills to Succeed BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students […]

    Celebrating Alumni graphic
  • News Article

    Celebrating Alumni – Shamanda Burston Chosen to Lead Program for Behavioral Health Charlotte

    GWU Alumna and Adjunct Coordinates Enhanced Outpatient Treatment   BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities […]

    Celebrating Alumni graphic
  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb Homecoming 2023 Welcomes Alumni and Celebrates Students

    Full Weekend Includes Food, Football and First Brinkley Amphitheater Concert with Ricky Skaggs BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Homecoming 2023 at Gardner-Webb University features three days of festivities Oct. 27-29 to welcome alumni […]

    2023 Gardner-Webb homecoming header