Senior Biology Major Creates Community Through Music

Nadia Norman, ’24, Loves Singing and Helping Those Around Her

By Isabella Brown, ’24, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Singing has been my entire life. It awakens my soul,” asserted Nadia Norman, president of the Gardner-Webb University Gospel Choir. By using her talented tenor voice, she is an inspiration to those around her.

Norman shares her story in celebration of Black History Month. During the month, Gardner-Webb will highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dream.

As a senior majoring in biology and looking forward to a career in cardiology, Norman not only loves to sing, she loves to help others. Her career path is inspired by the loving memory of her grandmother. “My grandmother passed away when I was 7 years old. “It was really hard for me,” Norman shared. Ever since, Norman’s future has been clear: Helping others is her biggest priority.

The close-knit atmosphere is something Norman truly values about Gardner-Webb. “Being at Gardner-Webb is like having a family away from home. A bunch of little families,” she explained.

The Gospel Choir quickly became a place where Norman felt a sense of belonging. As president, Norman had the responsibility of rewriting the club constitution. This task was daunting but joyful, because for Norman, this was just another way to create a sense of community, and to “bridge the divide.” She added, “Music connects everyone. Everyone loves music.”

Norman has worked hard to create a space where all are welcome, no matter who they are. “This is a place of community, fellowship and authenticity–no judgment,” she affirmed. “We are here to worship.”

She is led by a mission to create appreciation for those around her despite their differences. Her love for others reflects itself in the way she speaks about her heritage and culture. “I want to help people connect to my culture, to see what it is,” Norman related. “Most people don’t know about it because it goes untaught. Without us, America wouldn’t be America. My family and their story, I feel like it represents American history very well.”

She continued, “My great-grandma inspired me to work hard in life, after listening to the life she had and how hard she worked to own a home. My mother has inspired me to stay grounded in Jesus, and my father has inspired me to go after everything that I want in life, tenaciously. The love and generosity that was given to me by my siblings has pushed me to become successful with the hopes of repaying all that they have given me.”

As president of the Gospel Choir, Norman is hopeful that her love for music can continue to connect students and create appreciation for each other’s differences. “Appreciation is my biggest goal,” she stated. “Wanting to understand someone is the root of love.”

Writer Isabella Brown is a senior English major.

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.