Gardner-Webb Welcomes New Faculty Across Campus

Professors Will Teach Arts and Sciences, Business and Health Sciences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Several new faculty members were introduced during the 2023 Fall Faculty Assembly at Gardner-Webb University. They will be teaching in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Godbold College of Business, and the College of Health Sciences.  

College of Arts and Sciences

• 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.  

• Dr. 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.  

Godbold College of Business

• Dr. 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).  

• Dr. 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!  

College of Health Sciences

• 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.  

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.