Gardner-Webb Names Dr. Lauren W. Gullett Vice President of Enrollment

Experienced Leader Brings Data-Driven, Student-Centered Approach to Advance GWU’s Mission and Growth

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has named Dr. Lauren W. Gullett as the University’s new vice president of enrollment. Gullett is a proven leader with more than a decade of experience at Milligan University, a faith-based liberal arts institution in northeastern Tennessee. She begins her new position at GWU on Sept. 17. Reporting directly to the president, Gullett will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the University’s enrollment efforts, including undergraduate, graduate, online, and transfer recruitment, along with financial aid.

Gullett brings a strong record of innovation, collaboration, and growth to this key role. She will play a critical role in shaping Gardner-Webb’s future by developing and executing data-informed strategies that align with the University’s Christian mission, academic priorities, and long-term institutional goals.

Evans stated, “Dr. Gullett brings an impressive record of enrollment success, strategic vision, and faith-informed leadership that aligns perfectly with Gardner-Webb’s mission. Her ability to build data-driven strategies while fostering collaboration across campus will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen enrollment and serve students with excellence. I am confident that she will help position Gardner-Webb for sustained growth and impact in the years ahead.”  

Since 2022, Gullett has served as vice president for enrollment at Milligan. She designed and implemented a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan that adopted a proactive, data-driven, and service-oriented approach. Under her leadership, Milligan exceeded enrollment benchmarks despite national challenges in higher education. She implemented data-driven recruitment strategies, expanded student outreach and communication tools, strengthened campus partnerships, and fostered a service-oriented culture that improved student and family engagement.

Gullett asserted, “I am honored to join Gardner-Webb University as the next Vice President for Enrollment. This is an exciting time for the University, and I am eager to build on the rich legacy of academic excellence, faith, and community. Together with an outstanding team, I look forward to welcoming the next generation of students who will shape the future of the Running Bulldog community.”

Before assuming the vice president role at Milligan, Gullett served as the director of seminary admissions from 2015-2022. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for cultivating collaboration across campus, building sustainable enrollment pipelines, and aligning recruitment efforts with institutional mission and values. Her leadership at Milligan resulted in year-over-year gains in both traditional undergraduate and graduate enrollment.

Before joining Milligan, she was a business owner, marketing account project manager, and a sports and recreation pastor.

Gullett earned her PhD in Organizational Leadership in 2024 from Columbia International University. Her dissertation was titled: “Factors Related to Admissions Recruiter Retention for Online Higher Education Programs.” She holds a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University. She received her bachelor’s degree in science, technology and culture from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., where she was a NCAA Division I scholarship athlete. She and her family are excited to join the Gardner-Webb community.

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. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.