Gardner-Webb Welcomes New Faculty for 2026-27 Academic Year

Nine New Faculty Members Bring Expertise in Healthcare, Business, Public Service, Technology, and the Sciences to the University

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University welcomed nine new faculty members during its annual Faculty Assembly on Aug. 11. Representing a range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds, the new faculty bring expertise in healthcare, business, public service, technology, scientific research, and higher education. Their arrival marks the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year and strengthens the University’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Introduced by their respective college deans during Faculty Assembly, the new faculty members represent the College of Arts and Sciences, Godbold College of Business, and College of Health Sciences. Their professional experience includes leadership in academia, clinical practice, military service, public administration, scientific research, and industry partnerships.

“One of our ONE WEBB core values is to be student focused,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters during Faculty Assembly. “Our students are the heart of this University, and together across every college, school, and discipline, we share the collective purpose of serving them well.”

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Tyler Thomas

Dr. Tyler Thomas joins Gardner-Webb as assistant professor of computer science. He earned his Ph.D. in Computing and Information Systems, along with his master’s and bachelor’s degrees, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Before coming to Gardner-Webb, Thomas served on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2024. His teaching and research interests include software engineering, cybersecurity, secure coding, artificial intelligence, network security, and information technology infrastructure. He joins Gardner-Webb with a desire to serve at a Christ-centered university closer to his hometown of Gastonia, N.C.

Dr. Christina Johnson

Joining the Department of Biology as assistant professor, Dr. Christina Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Botany from Miami University and a bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Plant Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Her career has combined biological research, higher education, and science education, including work on NASA-funded initiatives and postdoctoral research at Kennedy Space Center. Johnson has taught biology and environmental science courses and is committed to mentoring students while developing STEM educational resources for learners of all ages.

Dr. Robert Roth

Dr. Robert Roth joins the University as associate professor of criminal justice. Roth earned a Doctor of Education and Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Bloomsburg University. He previously served at Montreat College, where he held multiple academic leadership positions, including department chair and interim associate dean. Prior to entering higher education, Roth served in law enforcement as both a police officer and deputy sheriff in Pennsylvania, experience that continues to inform his teaching and scholarship.

Dr. Jessica Casimir

Dr. Jessica Casimir joins Gardner-Webb as assistant professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Social Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida, a Master of Applied Social Science from Florida A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida A&M. Casimir comes from Western Carolina University and has also served at UNC-Asheville, East Carolina University, and the University of Cape Town’s AIDS & Society Research Unit. Her research focuses on global health, chronic illness, healthcare access, aging populations, and health inequities, particularly in South Africa.

Dr. Andrew Dunphy

An assistant professor of biology, Dr. Andrew Dunphy earned a Ph.D. in Biology with a concentration in Immunology and Microbiology from UNC-Charlotte. He also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from UNC-Greensboro. During his graduate studies, Dunphy taught courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology, and microbiology while conducting research on host-pathogen interactions, neuroinflammation, and immune signaling. His scholarly work has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations and has earned recognition at regional and university research competitions.

Dr. Michael Meissner

Dr. Michael Meissner joins the Department of Public Service as assistant professor. He completed his Doctor of Public Administration at Liberty University and also holds degrees from Gardner-Webb University, Converse College, the University of South Carolina Upstate, and the Community College of the Air Force. Meissner brings experience in military leadership, public service, and higher education. Many members of the Gardner-Webb community already know him through his previous service as director of the Military Science program, adjunct instructor, and student mentor. Most recently, he has served as a U.S. Army Reserve exercise planner and probation officer for the State of North Carolina.

Godbold College of Business

Dr. Wayne Durr

Dr. Wayne Durr joins the Godbold College of Business as assistant professor of finance. A U.S. Army veteran, Durr holds a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and an MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain and Operations. His professional experience spans Fortune 500 companies, startups, government contracting, entrepreneurship, and higher education. Throughout his career, he has supported projects involving NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, NOAA, and the U.S. Space Force. In addition to teaching, he works as a business consultant and corporate finance coach, assisting organizations and entrepreneurs with financing, business planning, and operational strategy.

College of Health Sciences

Judy Dover

Judy Dover joins the Hunt School of Nursing as instructor of nursing. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education from East Carolina University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Caldwell Community College. Dover brings nearly 40 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as program coordinator and instructor for nurse aide programs at Cleveland Community College. Her professional background includes leadership roles in hospice care, long-term care, acute care nursing, and healthcare education. Gardner-Webb holds special significance for Dover as both of her daughters are graduates of the Hunt School of Nursing.

Dr. Yvonne Smith

Dr. Yvonne Smith returns to Gardner-Webb as associate professor of nursing. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Science in Nursing from UNC-Greensboro, and completed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner preparation at Anderson University. Smith previously served eight years as a graduate faculty member in the Hunt School of Nursing and played an instrumental role in developing the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Her career includes decades of experience in psychiatric and mental health nursing, nursing education, school health, and advanced practice nursing. During her previous tenure at Gardner-Webb, she received numerous honors, including the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award, DAISY Faculty Award, Mentoring and Advising Faculty Award, and Excellence in Teaching Award.

As Gardner-Webb begins a new academic year, these faculty members bring diverse academic backgrounds, professional accomplishments, and a shared commitment to educating, mentoring, and serving students in a Christ-centered learning environment.

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. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.