Gardner-Webb Awards Full-Tuition Ignite Scholarship to Eight Students

Winners Chosen From 293 Qualified Applicants Invited to Campus for Interviews

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University recently presented its full-tuition eight-semester Ignite Scholarship to eight students from North Carolina, South Carolina and California. They rose to the top among the 293 qualified applicants who interviewed for the scholarship. The finalists had an average unweighted GPA of 3.79, and were from 18 states, including California, Maine, Texas and Wisconsin. Everyone who interviewed is eligible to receive $2,000 per year at GWU.

The full-tuition winners were:

• Paytyn Carissa Barker, of Cherokee, N.C., biology major.
• Eason Cole Ezell, of Waynesville, N.C., exercise science major.
• Jackson Paul Hartley, of Winston-Salem, N.C., Christian studies major.
• Andrea Brielle Hartman, of Murrieta, Calif., psychology major.
• Gage N. Helms, of Denver, N.C., business management major.
• Marnina Y. Krist, of Fuquay Varina, N.C., psychology major.
• Etera Desiree’ Pendleton, of Monroe, N.C., Christian studies major.
• Delani Faith Wright, of Chesnee, S.C., nursing major.

“We are thrilled to welcome the incoming Class of 2025 to the Gardner-Webb family!” affirmed Director of Admissions for Undergraduate Admissions Molly Allison. “These outstanding students represent the diverse and talented individuals who will make up this incredible class. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and pursuing a wide range of academic passions, each of them brings unique gifts that will enrich our community. We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish at Gardner-Webb!”

Four of the Ignite Scholars—Hartley, Hartman, Krist and Pendleton—attended the Honors Experience in July 2024. The immersive week introduces students to all aspects of life on the University’s campus—from going to class and chapel to dining and volunteering in the community. The students develop friendships while attending classes and working side-by-side at a local food ministry, the community garden and the Boys and Girls Club in Shelby, N.C.

If the students decide to attend Gardner-Webb, they will receive credit for the classes they took as part of the program. During the week, they explored a variety of topics: writing, prayer, physics, biology, psychology and American Sign Language. In addition, they are automatically invited to interview for Gardner-Webb’s full-tuition Ignite Excellence Scholarship.

Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Josh Parrott helped to coordinate the program. “This was an exceptional group of high school students, and they especially loved their time in the classroom with our world-class faculty,” he shared.

About the Ignite Scholarship

Ignite Excellence is Gardner-Webb University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. Applicants must reside on campus, be enrolled full-time, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Learn more here.

About Gardner-Webb

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.