Celebrating Women Who Lead: A Gardner Webb Women’s History Month Series

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters Highlights the Influence of Mentors and the Importance of Women’s Leadership

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month honors the mothers, mentors, and history‑makers who shaped lives and opened doors for generations. At Gardner‑Webb University, that legacy continues through the women who lead across campus, including five members of the GWU president’s cabinet. Throughout the month, they will share their stories, reflecting on the opportunities women have today and those who guided them along the way.

Today’s column is by Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters.

Career highlights:

• 15 years in higher education: joined the faculty of the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) at Gardner-Webb University in 2011 and has served as a program chair, associate dean, and later served as its dean. She has also served as dean of the College of Health Sciences.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Gardner-Webb-University.
• Master of Science in Nursing, Western Carolina University.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Gardner-Webb University.
• Associate Degree of Nursing, Gaston College.
• Diploma in Practical Nursing, Cleveland Community College.

Waters reflects on celebrating women’s history.

Women’s History Month is a meaningful time to celebrate the accomplishments and significant contributions of women. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the impact of women today, and inspire the generations who will lead the future.

Throughout my professional journey, I have been inspired and influenced by both women and men whose leadership, mentorship, and example have made a lasting impact on me. Dr. Sharon Starr (former dean, Hunt School of Nursing and associate provost for College of Health Sciences) provided a strong example of women’s leadership in action. Her guidance and example were both meaningful and influential during my time working with her.

Likewise, during the time I worked with Dr. Ben Leslie (former provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs) he consistently supported and advocated for women leadership. He allowed an opportunity for women leaders on campus to be involved in a structured Women In Leadership (WIL) community. Because of his support in allowing this community of women leaders to meet regularly, the experiences had a lasting positive impact on me and provided an important network of encouragement, support, and shared learning.

I intentionally support other women by being present and accessible, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in individual conversations are important aspects of supporting and mentoring others. Being intentional about sharing knowledge and experiences creates opportunities for growth. We all learn from one another, and when we take the time to share and genuinely care, everyone benefits.

The one piece of advice I hope young women carry with them beyond Gardner-Webb is to be your authentic self, represent well, and be prepared to lead, influence, and co-create change. Never stop learning.

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. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.