Gardner-Webb Faculty Open New Academic Year with Celebration of Excellence and ‘One Webb’

Awards Presented for Outstanding Achievements in Teaching, Mentorship, Service, and Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb 2025 Faculty Assembly opens the academic year by introducing new faculty and celebrating the achievements of returning colleagues. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters gave a welcome to begin the program.

Interim President Nate Evans also greeted the faculty, shared news about state and federal grants and a private donation that funded improvements across campus in athletics, academics and residence halls. He also introduced the University’s theme for the year: “One Webb,” which is printed on the T-shirts given to all faculty and staff.  

Evans explained, “You’ll see it on the shirts we’re giving out today, but it’s not just something we wear. ‘One Webb’ means that no matter your title or department, we are united in purpose and mission. It means the wins I just shared are our wins … the result of working together and following the calling God has placed on this institution. Every interaction with a student, every class taught, every research project, and every way we engage the community contributes to the whole. If we approach this year as One Webb … I’m confident that great things are ahead. Again, welcome back home to the Webb; We will make it a great year to remember.”

Dr. Cal Robertson, professor of biblical studies, led the group in a worship song, and then led a musical selection by the faculty choir.

Waters recognized the winners of the various faculty awards. Nominated by their peers, the recipients are selected by the Faculty Development of Instruction and Improvement Committee (FDIIC).

Dean of the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies Dr. Sydney Brown presented the graduate faculty awards. Nominations are accepted from faculty and students throughout the academic year. Academic deans are asked to provide additional information on nominees. The Graduate Council Awards Committee selects the recipients, who also have the honor of presenting as part of Online Faculty Learning Day.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Paula Qualls, Professor of Religious Studies

Evans presented the Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the highest honors Gardner-Webb University bestows upon a faculty member. It recognizes not only academic rigor and excellence in course design, but also a profound dedication to students and a commitment to living out our university’s mission. More about this year’s winner is available here.

Rising Star Award

Dr. Aaron Rice, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music

This award is given to a full-time faculty member employed for five or fewer years at Gardner-Webb. Eligible faculty demonstrate excellence—or the promise of excellence—in scholarship, teaching, and service.

Rice has made a remarkable impact in less than three years. In the classroom, he is both passionate and precise, bringing energy to music education and inspiring students to go further in their craft. His student feedback highlights a clear theme: he makes learning accessible, encouraging, and joyful.

As a scholar, he has presented at seven conferences and offered valuable contributions to the field of church music instruction. As a leader, he has significantly advanced the Department of Music through initiatives such as guiding curriculum revisions, collaborating with the Office of Advancement to provide students with a Concert Choir learning experience in France, revitalizing cherished traditions like the Festival of Lights, implementing effective recruitment strategies, and contributing to a 30% increase in enrollment.

Faculty Service Award

Dr. Lily Xiao, Professor of Management Information Systems

This award honors excellence in service to the University, a school, or a department by a full-time faculty member.

Xiao is a model of servant leadership—both on our campus and in the community. She organizes impactful cultural events, including a Chinese New Year celebration that taught calligraphy and built cross-cultural understanding. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to inclusive and engaged education.

She plays a crucial role in student transition through Dawg Days and provides exceptional academic advising, often praised for her care, attention to detail, and genuine support.

Beyond the campus community, she exemplifies Gardner-Webb’s mission through dedicated service at Elizabeth Baptist Church, where she assists in providing meals for youth in need and participates in mission trips that further extend her compassionate outreach.

Colleagues describe her as humble, consistent, and deeply committed to lifting up others. Whether she’s mentoring students or building bridges across communities, she brings a spirit of kindness and purpose to everything she does.

Mentoring and Academic Advising Award

Chief Tim Ledford, Instructor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

This award recognizes excellence in mentoring, advising, out-of-class support, and student research collaboration by a full-time faculty member.

Ledford leads with experience, heart, and high standards. He serves as a guide for students in criminal justice and homeland security by coordinating internships, planning career fairs, and connecting students with job opportunities with law enforcement agencies across the state.

He is known for his unmatched accessibility, attention to detail, and sincere investment in student success. His mentorship goes beyond scheduling classes—it’s about preparing students for real-world service. His work with the Criminal Justice Society and initiatives like “Shop with a Cop” show his dedication to community impact.

Students describe him as approachable, motivating, and well-organized. One wrote: “He helped me land my dream job.”

Nancy Francis-Gregg Day Adjunct Award

Amy Brewer, Clinical Adjunct Instructor for Nursing

This award recognizes a traditional undergraduate adjunct instructor who has made outstanding contributions to Gardner-Webb’s teaching mission.

Brewer is known for her calm leadership and mentorship in clinical settings. Her students speak highly of her ability to foster critical thinking and maintain professionalism, even in high-pressure healthcare environments.

She brings a wealth of experience to her teaching, consistently offering support, thoughtful feedback, and real-world insight. She helps students not only understand nursing practices but also embrace the compassion required to deliver excellent patient care.

Her collaborative spirit and consistency have made her a trusted and valued part of the Hunt School of Nursing.

Scholarship Faculty Award

Dr. Venita Totten, Professor of Chemistry

This award celebrates excellence in research and scholarly contribution by a full-time faculty member.

Totten is a model of academic rigor and innovation. She has presented at national conferences, co-authored a chapter on pandemic pedagogy, and engaged students in research projects spanning from forensic chemistry to food science.

Her scholarly contributions include published peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as applied work in the fields of crime scene investigation and scientific analysis.

Equally impressive is her mentorship. She’s guided multiple student researchers, including those who presented at national conferences. Her work blends chemistry with community relevance, and her students thrive under her scholarly leadership.

Adjunct Graduate Faculty Award

Courtney Barbee, Hunt School of Nursing

Known for her clear communication, timely feedback, and genuine care for students, Barbee creates meaningful engagement opportunities through Teams and Zoom, ensuring students feel connected and supported. One student shared, “She made the class personal, encouraged us, and supported us through challenging material.” Her session, Maximizing Student Engagement and Achievements through Teams, will showcase the same strategies that make her such an effective and well-loved instructor.

Graduate Full-Time Faculty Award

Dr. Jonathan Ahearn, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Ahearn integrates experiential learning and real-world application into his courses, offering students practical skills alongside academic knowledge. One student noted, “The weekly coaching sessions enhanced my ability to communicate teaching strategies and built skills that will benefit me in my career.” His session, “Coaching as a Teaching Method: Empowering University Faculty Through Biblical Principles,” reflects his commitment to developing both competence and character in his students.

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.