Lauren McIntyre, ’25, Pursues Academic and Campus Opportunities at Gardner-Webb

Foothills Commitment Scholarship Helps Youth Discipleship Studies Major Prepare for Ministry  

In her first year at Gardner-Webb University, Lauren McIntyre, of Lincolnton, N.C., engaged in campus life by joining several groups and making many friends. “GWU is a small community of believers who want to help you reach your goals and beyond,” described the youth discipleship studies major, who expects to graduate in 2025.

“You meet so many amazing people in and out of the classroom,” she continued. “The best part is that there are things for everyone. Overall, GWU has been an amazing experience for me, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

She’s a member of the marching band, symphonic band, Ignite Independent (indoor drumline), Criminal Justice Club, and a GWU Women’s Ministry Bible study. She values these opportunities to pursue her interests and talents.

McIntyre is also grateful for the Foothills Commitment Scholarship, which helps to make it possible for her to attend Gardner-Webb. The Foothills Commitment provides students from Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, and Rutherford, N.C., counties a minimum of 50 percent off tuition. Similarly, the Piedmont Promise offers the same commitment to students in Mecklenburg County, N.C.

“I am from a single parent household,” McIntyre shared. “So, money can be tight and everything and anything that I can get in scholarships means that I can go to school and meet amazing people while making great memories.”

She decided to apply to Gardner-Webb after a friend from church told her all the reasons why she had decided to attend GWU. “I applied during free application week, and everything started falling into place,” McIntyre related. “I fell in love with the campus and the amazing people. I also loved how close it is to my house.”

McIntyre’s goal is to become a youth minister, because she feels God is calling her to this area of ministry. “This semester, I have been taking more of my major classes, and I have started making friends and connections with people who have the same passion as me,” she observed. “As a religious major, it has been really nice to have classes where we are talking about God and the Bible every day. I love my class in spiritual formation and have learned so much.”

Learn more about GWU admissions and financial aid.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, 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.