Ignite Scholar Lucy Merritt Found a Home at Gardner-Webb—And the Path to Pursue Nursing

Junior Experiences the heart of GWU: Personal Connection, Academic Excellence, and the Passion to Serve

To our readers: In celebration of 60 years of nursing education at GWU, which began in August 1965, HSON highlights some of its students and alumni serving around the world. Learn more here.

BOILING SPRINGS—Growing up in Shelby, N.C., Lucy Merritt knew Gardner-Webb University as the place her parents attended and her grandfather worked. When she started her college search, Merritt discovered for herself the unique qualities of the GWU community.

“The family-like atmosphere just feels like home to me,” Merritt described. “Coming to events, they knew my name and remembered things about me that I shared. I felt like a name rather than a number, and that was so special and helpful in my decision-making process. Also, the Gardner-Webb nursing program can’t be beaten. The small class sizes, hands-on learning, and professors who are personal and truly want me to succeed were all parts of my decision to attend Gardner-Webb, as well.”

Merritt, an Ignite Scholar, is a junior nursing major with a minor in health management. “The opportunity to receive the Ignite Scholarship was true evidence of God’s plan for my life,” Merritt acknowledged. “He provided the Ignite Scholarship right when I needed it. I will forever be grateful for the blessing that this scholarship is. I feel so honored to have been a recipient of this amazing gift. It was a relief financially, but also a huge indicator that GW was right where I was supposed to be for these years of college.”

Because of her own experiences with Gardner-Webb, Merritt has served two years as a Student Recruitment Ambassador (SRA) for the Office of Admissions. “My favorite part is getting to meet so many new people and making the incoming students feel welcome and at home,” she observed. “The Admissions team and their kindness is what drew me to Gardner-Webb, and it is so special to be part of that team now.”

Her dedication as a SRA is also the force that also drives her to become a nurse. “I find joy in serving others, and nursing allows me to do just that,” Merritt affirmed. “I love the many fields that nursing can lead to and the endless opportunities it provides. Nursing allows me to meet people at their lowest, scariest moments and brighten those moments with things like a smile, sitting to talk, or just caring for the needs that they have medically.”

She appreciates how the professors in the Hunt School of Nursing help students understand and master the rigorous curriculum and requirements. “The nursing department has done a wonderful job of giving me opportunities to be prepared for stepping into my career,” she noted. “They do this through lab work, simulation, skill checkoffs, interactive lectures, and so much more. They truly are the best group of professors, and I don’t think I could get through nursing school without their support.”

In particular, her nursing advisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Angel Queen, is a mentor and a role model. “She was (also) my ‘Fundamentals of Nursing’ professor in lecture and lab,” Merritt related. “She is so helpful and patient. She answers every single question I have, and that is a lot. In the Spring 2025 semester, she sat down with me and talked through a topic which I had struggled with on a quiz. It meant the world to me that she would take the time for that. I know she has prepared me well to continue on in nursing. I am so thankful for Dr. Queen.”

Beyond the personalized academic support Merritt has received are the meaningful friendships she’s developed since starting her Gardner-Webb journey. “Rachel Gaura, Emma Jean Hampton, and Kateley Canipe have had such a positive impact on my time at GW,” she shared. “Getting to do all of the events with them and having fun together has made my Gardner-Webb experience even more special. They support me in all that I do and are constantly encouraging me when I get overwhelmed or stressed out.”

Merritt cherishes the people and experiences that weave together the Gardner-Webb community. “I love the events that we have, and the many opportunities that we get to engage with the people we know—and to meet new people,” she shared. “I really try to spend a lot of time strengthening those relationships that I have built here at Gardner-Webb and am excited to continue meeting new people and building new relationships!”

Listen to more of Merritt’s story in this episode of the Bulldog Mindset podcast.

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. They must maintain a cumulative institutional grade point average of 3.5, reside on campus, and continue to demonstrate a strong leadership ability and commitment to service. 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. Learn more at Gardner-Webb.edu.