Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Simone McIntyre Featured Speaker for Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20

University’s MLK Observance Continues with Week of Service Opportunities, Jan. 21-23

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday serves to remember his immense significance in the nation’s history and to reflect on his tireless efforts to promote justice and equality. A celebration hosted by the Cleveland County, N.C., 5379B Branch of the NAACP, will pay tribute to King with two events on Jan. 20 in Shelby, N.C.

Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Simone McIntyre is the featured speaker for the program held at 11:30 a.m. in Shelby High School’s Malcolm Brown Auditorium, 230 E. Dixon Blvd, Shelby.

“I’m honored to be the featured speaker for this program,” McIntyre affirmed. “The title of my speech is ‘Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?’, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final book, which explored the critical crossroads we face in building a just and peaceful society.”

Before the program, a Peace Walk will begin at 10:30 a.m., starting at the Justice Center, 100 Justice Place, Shelby, and going to the auditorium. Walk participants can park at the auditorium, and at 9:30 a.m., a shuttle will take them to the Justice Center for the walk, a symbol of solidarity with King’s ideals.

“As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, it’s essential to remember his unwavering commitment to justice, nonviolence, and collective action,” McIntyre reflected. “Dr. King reminded us that true progress is made through compassion, understanding, and a shared responsibility to uplift one another.”

She continued, “The best way to honor his memory is by living out his principles—standing against injustice, building bridges between communities, and using our talents and voices to create positive change in the world.”

McIntyre is a dually-licensed mental health and addictions therapist in North and South Carolina. She teaches in the Department of Counselor Education at Gardner-Webb. 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.”

Week of Service

Gardner-Webb will continue the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration with a week of service. For more information or to register for a service opportunity listed below, contact: Lauren Washington, assistant director of Diversity & Inclusion at [email protected] or Isaiah Crawford, associate minister to the University for Community Engagement and Athletic Ministry at [email protected].

Jan. 21

• 9 to 11 a.m., Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 S. Main St., Shelby, N.C., two volunteers needed.
• Noon, Green Bethel, 120 Bethel Ave., Shelby, N.C., 10 volunteers needed.
• 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity, 323 W. Grover St., Shelby, N.C., three to four volunteers needed.
• 6 to 8 p.m., True Racial Healing Virtual Event, available here.

Jan. 22

• 9 to 11 a.m., Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 S. Main St., Shelby, N.C., two volunteers needed.
• TBD, Broad River Greenway on campus.

Jan. 23

• 9:15 a.m., Lou Ann Scates food backpack drive for elementary school children, Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 S. Main St., Shelby, N.C., six to eight volunteers needed.
• 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Habitat for Humanity, 323 W. Grover St., Shelby, N.C., three to four volunteers needed.

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.