Gardner-Webb Celebrates Faith, Learning and Achievement During Fall Convocation

Teaching Excellence Award Recipient Dr. Paula Qualls Challenges Community to ‘Cultivate Good Soil’ While University Honors Top Students and Scholars

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University community celebrated the formal opening of the academic year with Fall Convocation on Aug. 19. Led by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters, the program celebrated scholastic achievement, recognized scholarship recipients and featured remarks by Professor of Religious Studies Dr. Paula Qualls, the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award.

After the invocation by Vice President for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain Dr. Josh Parrott, Waters opened the ceremony by introducing the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Robert Prickett; Godbold College of Business, Dr. Mischia Taylor; College of Education, Dr. Prince Bull; and College of Health Sciences, Dr. Tracy Arnold. After the introductions, Waters noted. “Together, these colleges represent the breadth and depth of our university’s academic life. Their faculty will teach you, mentor you, and model what it means to live out your calling. May your time within these colleges spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and guide you in using your God-given talents to serve a greater purpose.”

Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans introduced Qualls, who also won the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2008. The recognition represents the highest honor bestowed upon a Gardner-Webb faculty member and is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of both colleagues and students.

Qualls has served Gardner-Webb for 26 years. “Her students describe her with words such as compassionate, encouraging, positive and inspiring,” Evans shared. “They speak of a professor who makes difficult material meaningful, creates a welcoming environment for learning, and takes the time to know and care for each student as an individual. Perhaps the greatest testament to her work, however, is found in the students who describe themselves as changed by her influence—not only as learners, but as people.”

Qualls began her speech by reflecting on memorable teachers portrayed in films such as “Dead Poets Society,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” and “School of Rock,” noting that great teachers recognize potential, inspire growth, and help students become their best selves. She said these stories resonate because impactful teachers communicate a powerful message to their students: “You have value. You have potential. I believe in you. You matter.” Qualls then connected those examples to what she described as the greatest teacher of all, Jesus Christ, whose teachings have transformed countless lives throughout history and continue to challenge people to change how they think, live, and serve others.

Using Jesus’ Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, Qualls urged members of the Gardner-Webb community to nurture their spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social well-being through prayer, learning, healthy habits, and meaningful relationships. She reminded students that a new academic year offers an opportunity for a fresh start and challenged them to make the most of their time and potential. “We can all cultivate good soil and be transformed,” she noted. “We can make choices to have a good year, to make every day count. Carpe Diem… Seize the day, friends. Make your lives extraordinary. Cultivate good soil. Run the risk, and gain everything!”

After Qualls’ address, members of the University Concert Choir, directed by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Joshua Cheney, led the audience in singing the Gardner-Webb alma mater. The convocation also highlighted Gardner-Webb’s commitment to academic excellence, Christian faith, and student integrity. The ceremony opened with an invocation by Dr. Josh Parrott, vice president for Christian Life and Service and University chaplain, and included the presentation of the University’s Honor Code by Student Body President Bethany Durham. Academic achievement was recognized by Waters through the presentation of Scholastic Academic Awards, which honor students with the highest GPAs after one, two and three years of study, while Evans recognized recipients of Gardner-Webb’s premier scholarships.

Scholarships and Academic Awards

Belk-Ellis: Maxie Claire Canipe

Maxie Claire Canipe of Shelby, N.C., is the winner of the Belk-Ellis Scholarship, which is awarded to a student from Cleveland or Rutherford County who has demonstrated high academic achievement and plans to pursue a major in business.

Searight Leadership: Jairus Battle and Addie Yates

Jairus Battle of Rock Hill, S.C., and Addie Yates of Kings Mountain, N.C., are recipients of the Searight Leadership Award, which supports first-generation college students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential.

R.W. Andrews: Jaylon Smith

Jaylon Smith of Shelby, N.C., is the winner of the R. W. Andrews Scholarship, which is awarded to a male student from Cleveland County. Recipients of this scholarship demonstrate integrity, leadership, and academic success while exemplifying the mission and values of Gardner-Webb.

Godbold: Josie Blanton

Josie Blanton of Shelby, is the recipient of the Godbold Scholarship, which is a full-tuition scholarship established by John and Linda Godbold.  It is awarded to a student of high academic standing who plans to pursue a major in business.

Ignite Excellence Scholarship

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship program awards full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential.

2026 Ignite Excellence Scholars:

• Mackenzie Call of Simpsonville, S.C.
• Madelyn Russell of Shelby
• Norah Summerville of Sharon, S.C.
• Felicity Sinclair of Lincolnton, N.C.
• Jade Langley of Lexington, N.C.
• Emilee Jones of Lenoir, N.C.
• Renata Chandler of Kingsport, Tenn.

Tucker Scholarship: Sharlotte Lyda

Sharlotte Lyda, of Huntersville, N.C., is the recipient of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship, which is awarded each year to one student who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the Gardner-Webb community. This distinguished scholarship provides full tuition, room and board for eight semesters. The award is made possible through the generous support of Carolyn and Robert Tucker, who have exemplified these same principles and values throughout their personal and professional lives.

Scholastic Awards

The following winners tied for their awards with perfect 4.0 averages.

One-Year 

• Hannah Altman        
• Sarah Birchall
• William Brooks         
• Laura Covarrubias Magana 
• Hannah Altman        
• Haedyn Crumbley    
• Madison DeMink      
• Victoria Edwards     
• Savannah Finucan    
• Elle Fisher     
• Kaylee Foushee        
• Isaiah Guerrero        
• Ella-Grace Hayes      
• Dayton Holt
• Marnina Krist
• Kynley Lawter          
• Ariel Lyanda-Geller  
• Elle Overly    
• Michael Ragonesi     
• Madison Richardson
• Myleigh Snider         
• Jessica Stogner         
• Carlee Stratton         
• Elienne Yates
• Noah Yonkoske         
• Peyton Youngblood  

Two-Year

• Mattie Berrier
• Violet Boyd
• Kaitlyn Estes
• Anna Hornbaker
• Sophia Hutchens
• Joshua Johnson
• Braden Knavel
• Lucy Merritt
• Madison Pepka
• Lydia Robinson
• Hilda Smith

Three-Year

• Daniel Bennett
• Timothy Campbell
• Bryson Church
• Abigail Hennie
• Bailey Hope
• Zoie Miller
• Cole Poplin
• Taylor Sollie
• Isabella Turner
• Alyssa Weaver

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.

More photos from the ceremony available here.