Gardner-Webb Hosts Panel Discussion for Women’s History Month

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women gained the right to vote in 1920, the Equal Pay Act became law in 1963, and the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964. How did these historical moments affect local women? To celebrate Women’s History Month and explore these topics and others, the Gardner-Webb Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting, “Generational Panel: Exploring Women’s History Through Local Lives.” The program will be held on March 2 at 7 p.m. in Ritch Banquet Hall of the Dover Campus Center. The evening includes a dessert reception and is open to the public. Students who attend will be entered in a giveaway for a television.

“Panel members are local women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s,” said Jenny Humphries, GWU director of International Student Services. “The discussions will cover education, career, marriage, faith, and overall opportunities and challenges for women through time.”

Panel members include:

• Kathryn Manning, of Boiling Springs, a 2018 alumna of Gardner-Webb. She is a pharmacy technician at Professional Pharmacy in Boiling She has bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and Spanish.
• Mindy Robinson, of Shelby, N.C., coordinator for Community Engagement and Student Ministries in the GWU Office of Christian Life and Service. She graduated from Gardner-Webb in 2012 with a bachelor’s in religious studies and in 2016 with her Master of Divinity in Intercultural Studies.
• Theandra “Thea” Thompson, of Charlotte, N.C., the new GWU associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications. She previously worked as a digital analyst at Masco Retail Support Services and Food Lion Corporate as a digital engagement specialist and digital marketing coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management and marketing from Seton Hall University.
• Paula Peeler, of Shelby, principal of Boiling Springs Elementary School since 2015. She served as principal of Jefferson Elementary in Shelby from 2008-2015 and assistant principal from 2005-2008. She taught at Graham Elementary School in Shelby from 1999 to 2005. She received her master’s in administration from GWU in 2004, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6) with social studies concentration in 1999 from State University of New York, College of Oswego.
• Susan Borders, of Shelby, a member care coordinator with Community Care of N.C. in Raleigh, N.C., and a licensed professional counselor associate with Expeditionary Counseling in Shelby. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling, Education Specialist and Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb.
• Barbara Greene, of Boiling Springs, who worked at Cleveland Community College from 1989 to 2012, when she retired as vice president of continuing education. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education from Gardner-Webb and her doctorate in education with a concentration in community college leadership from Western Carolina.
• Solia Reynolds, of Shelby, a Spanish interpreter for Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby and other organizations. She graduated from medical school in Mexico and has lived in Cleveland County for more than 30 years.

Learn more about the GWU Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.