Gardner-Webb University Recognizes Administrator and New Faculty for 2025 Fall Semester

New Professor, Instructors and Assistant Professors Join Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Health Sciences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—At the 2025 Fall Gardner-Webb Faculty Assembly, new faculty were introduced in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and College of Health Sciences. Dr. Greg Pillar, assistant provost for Academic Affairs and professor, who came to the University in January, was also recognized.

Dr. Greg Pillar

Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor

Pillar leads efforts to advance academic excellence, student success, and faculty development. With more than 20 years in higher education, he has held a variety of academic and administrative roles and is known for fostering innovation, collaboration, and transformative learning experiences.

Before joining Gardner-Webb, he served as associate provost at Queens University of Charlotte, N.C., guiding their SACSCOC accreditation reaffirmation with no follow-up recommendations and advancing major academic initiatives.

As an environmental scientist, Dr. Pillar’s teaching and research focuses on sustainability, soil and water quality, and interdisciplinary science education. He holds degrees from the University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, and the University of Georgia.

He also hosts The Bulldog Mindset, Gardner-Webb’s campus podcast featuring authentic stories from our community. Outside of work, you might find him exploring the outdoors, where his passion for sustainability comes to life.

Scott Vayakone

Visiting Instructor of Graphic Design and Visual Arts

Vayakone holds both a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design from Liberty University. With over a decade of teaching experience at both the university and secondary levels, he has taught courses in graphic design, typography, and web design.

His industry background spans multimedia design, web development, and curriculum development, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and emerging technologies.

Scott is passionate about helping students develop creative confidence and professional readiness through project-based learning and real-world applications.

In true designer fashion, he’s always seeking inspiration—sometimes in the studio, sometimes in the everyday world around him.

Dr. Amber N. Daniels

Instructor of Accounting

Daniels is a three-time graduate of Gardner-Webb, holding a Bachelor of Science in accounting, a Master of Accountancy, and a Doctor of Business Administration.

Her professional experience includes senior accountant and finance director roles in county government, as well as serving Wingate University Dining Services.

Her research interests include local government behaviors, forensic accounting, and audit processes.

She enjoys visiting zoos across the United States, exploring new museums, and cherishing her roles as a Girl Scout leader and soccer mom.

She’s excited to give back to the GWU community that has blessed her and her family.

Vincent White

Instructor of Management Science

Vincent White is from Lenoir, N.C., and holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and engineering management from UNC-Asheville and an International Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a certified practitioner in Visual Management.

With more than 30 years of experience in supply chain management, he has worked in quality, production, logistics, and safety.

White and his wife—also a Gardner-Webb graduate—are proud parents to one son, who recently graduated from Appalachian State University. He looks forward to sharing his real-world expertise with the next generation of business leaders.

Dr. Yolondra Cochran

Instructor of Nursing

A native of Western New York, Cochran holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Gardner-Webb University, a Master and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Queens University of Charlotte, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Her career spans over 30 years, beginning as an operating room technician in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving during the Gulf War in Seeb, Oman. She has experience in community and public health nursing, pediatrics, long-term care, and rehabilitation.

She is deeply involved in community service, holding memberships in numerous organizations and serving on multiple boards. Dr. Cochran is a proud mother to her son TyShaun and his wife Hannah, and adores their two “fur babies.”

Elizabeth Dahl

Experiential Lab Coordinator, Hunt School of Nursing

Dahl is a Gardner-Webb alumna, holding her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and brings 10 years of nursing experience in medical-surgical care, progressive care units, dialysis, and nursing leadership.

Her diverse background also includes serving as a director at a drug treatment center and working as a clinical instructor.

Dahl is married with two children, and she looks forward to this new adventure and the opportunity to continue learning and growing alongside our students.

Dr. Emily Gaffney

Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science

Gaffney earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wingate University and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Carroll University in Wisconsin, where she was also a collegiate volleyball player.

She is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and has developed clinical expertise in skilled nursing and home health, focusing on geriatric care.

Emily and her husband, Hunter, live in Kings Mountain with their three children, leading a life grounded in faith, family, health, and service to their community.

Dr. Anthony Bruno

Assistant Professor/Principal Faculty, Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Bruno earned his Bachelor of Science from Adelphi University before graduating from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship and residency in orthopedic surgery, practicing for nearly 21 years.

He later served as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for hospital systems in North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. After transitioning to full-time teaching, Bruno joined Gardner-Webb in May 2025 as Principal Faculty in the PA Studies Department.

Outside of medicine and education, he enjoys engaging with his community and mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers.

Nicole Ray

Assistant Professor/Principal Faculty, Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Ray earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from UNC-Asheville and her Master of Health Sciences from the Duke University PA Program.

She began her career in rural healthcare through the National Health Service Corps, later working for Blue Ridge Community Health Services for a decade, where she served as associate medical director of School-Based Health.

She enjoys hiking, board games, local live music, and group dance classes—and she’s excited to be part of the Gardner-Webb family.

Patrick Williford

Assistant Professor/Principal Faculty, Physician Assistant Program

Williford is from High Point, N.C., and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a minor in music from UNC-Chapel Hill before completing his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at East Carolina University.

His clinical work includes emergency medicine and cardiology, and he is passionate about preparing compassionate, well-rounded providers.

When he’s not teaching, you might find him playing instruments, hiking, golfing, or enjoying game nights with family and friends.

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.