Two Gardner-Webb Nursing Students Receive Hunt Sisters Nursing Scholarship

Senior Brianna Payne and Junior Lauren Padgett Recognized for Community Service and Commitment to Nursing

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Two Gardner-Webb University nursing students recognized for serving their communities are the recipients of the Hunt Sisters Nursing Scholarship. Juniors or seniors in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program who are actively engaged in volunteer work are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The winners are Lauren Padgett, of Vale, N.C., who will graduate in 2026, and Brianna Payne, of Denton, Texas, who graduates in May.   

The scholarship was endowed by Dr. Jack and Ruby Hunt in 2014 in honor of their five daughters and was part of the couple’s gift to establish the Hunt School of Nursing. The late Dr. Hunt was a dentist, farmer, entrepreneur and served 22 years as an elected representative in the N.C. General Assembly. His late wife was known for her kindness and volunteer work.

Sally Hunt Royster, speaking on behalf of her sisters, related their appreciation for the Hunt School of Nursing, the students, and their parents’ legacy. “We are grateful that the Hunt School of Nursing strives to recruit students of this caliber,” Royster affirmed. “Nursing is a called profession—they truly do the heavy lifting and are on the front line as patient advocates. Supporting these students to become the best nurses is the reason our parents created the Hunt Sisters Scholarship. We are delighted to be a part of empowering the caregivers of tomorrow.”

Winning the scholarship was a blessing for both Padgett and Payne. “I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the Hunt Sisters Nursing Scholarship,” Padgett affirmed. “This award has brought much hope and encouragement. As a Hunt School of Nursing student, I am dedicated to pursuing my career in healthcare and having a positive impact on the lives of others. This support allows me to focus on my studies and gain the skills I need to become an effective and compassionate nurse without added financial stress.”

Payne added, “I feel incredibly thankful, blessed, and honored. It’s such a meaningful opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful to those who made this possible.”

Padgett is involved in various community service activities throughout the year. She helps serve meals to people in need, supports the Lincolnton (N.C.) Child Advocacy Center and works with a local organization dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. “However, my favorite community service activity takes place every year the day before Thanksgiving,” she shared. “My family and friends volunteer at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C., for ‘Operation Christmas Child,’ which sends Christmas gifts and the gospel message to children around the world. The eight hours we spend packing shoeboxes has become a cherished holiday tradition for me. Not only does it bring joy to countless children, but it also shares the message of God’s love, making it an incredibly meaningful experience.”

Payne also participates in several activities near her hometown in Texas as she volunteers to help with events for senior adults and children. “I’ve also helped at Gardner-Webb football games, assisted with blood drives, and supported alumni during Homecoming,” she related. “These experiences have allowed me to develop valuable skills and deepen my commitment to community service.”

Payne’s strong desire to help others is one of the reasons she decided to pursue a nursing career. “Being in the hospital is often one of the toughest and most vulnerable times for patients and their families, and I feel God has called me to make a difference by helping to make someone’s worst days a little brighter,” she observed. “My personal experiences have also inspired me to pursue nursing. After undergoing two surgeries on my foot, the nurses at the wound clinic were some of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met. Their care and encouragement left a lasting impression on me, and I hope to provide that same level of care and inspiration to my future patients.”

She was recruited to the track team at Gardner-Webb and decided to attend without even visiting the school. When she arrived on campus, she immediately felt at home and valued the close-knit and supportive environment. “The small class sizes have allowed me to build genuine relationships with my professors, who truly care about my success,” she explained. “I’ve also formed lifelong friendships that I know I will cherish forever. A lot of these people have become my family. Another aspect I deeply appreciate is how much God is talked about and praised on campus—it’s been incredibly uplifting and has strengthened my faith throughout my time here.”

Payne also shared how the Head Track Coach Greg Thiel encouraged her because when she came to Gardner-Webb, she was recovering from foot surgery. “He completely changed my way of thinking by reminding me that God is number one, that He will guide and protect us in every situation, and that we should always turn to Him,” she acknowledged.

She also described how Instructor of Nursing Jennifer Costello and Instructor and Clinical Coordinator Emily Coggins have provided support and encouragement. “Mrs. Costello genuinely loves and cares for her students, going out of her way to get to know us beyond the classroom,” Payne informed. “Mrs. Coggins led by example, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and ask questions, which helped me become more comfortable not only as a nursing student but also as a future nurse. Mrs. Coggins quickly became like a school mom to me. Being from Texas, 14 hours away from home, I often missed my family, and she was always there for me during those tough moments. Her unwavering support, kindness, and wisdom have been such a blessing, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done to guide me through this journey.”

Like Payne, Padgett appreciates the Hunt School of Nursing faculty and their commitment to students. “What I value most about my experience at Gardner-Webb is the strong sense of Christian community,” Padgett affirmed. “It’s really special to be a part of a university and a Nursing program that not only prioritizes academic success but also deeply cares for the spiritual well-being and success of its students. The intentional focus on prayer and spiritual support that we receive as students is encouraging and uplifting. It’s something that many college students don’t get to experience, and I am very grateful for it. It’s such a comforting feeling to know that they are genuinely invested in our success, not just as students, but as individuals. I am so grateful for their dedication and compassion, and it has made a great impact on my experience here at Gardner-Webb!”

One of her most meaningful activities was participating in the 2024 Spring Break Mission Trip to Mayfield, Ky., to help residents rebuild after a Category 4 tornado tore through their town. “We assisted Samaritan’s Purse with the rebuilding of two homes for families that had lost everything,” she described. “We installed insulation, put on siding, lined crawlspaces, constructed porches, and much more. We were also intentional about praying over the homes and the family that would soon live there. This was such a fun and meaningful experience with my best friend and other GWU students. It really made me thankful for all that God provides for my family and me.” 

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.