Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans Names Dr. Nicole Waters as Provost

Committed to Faith, Excellence, and Student Success, Waters Steps into Gardner-Webb’s Top Academic Role with Over a Decade of Service to GWU

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University President Nate Evans has named Dr. Nicole Waters as the next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Waters has served as interim provost since April, providing skilled guidance during a period of transition while advancing key academic priorities across the University.

President Nate Evans praised Waters’ leadership and long-standing commitment to the University. “Dr. Waters has demonstrated steady, student-centered leadership during a critical season for Gardner-Webb, and I am grateful she has accepted the call to serve as our next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” Evans said. “With more than 14 years of dedicated service to GWU, she brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, a collaborative spirit with faculty and staff, and a sincere passion for helping students discover their calling. I am confident that under her leadership, our academic programs will continue to grow in quality, innovation, and impact as we live out our mission.”

A two-time Gardner-Webb alumna and longtime academic leader, Waters joined the faculty of the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) in 2011 and has served as a program chair, associate dean, and later served as its dean. She has also served as dean of the College of Health Sciences. As interim provost, she has guided academic planning, supported faculty development and strengthened initiatives that enhance student learning and success.

Reflecting on her appointment, Waters shared her commitment to the university community. “It is an honor to serve as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and I am grateful to President Evans for the opportunity to continue this work in a role that allows me to support our faculty, staff and students,” Waters said. “I step into this role grounded in three core commitments: My love for the Lord, my dedication to Gardner-Webb University, and my care for the people who make this place a true home. I look forward to continuing our work together, strengthening what we do well, imagining new possibilities and ensuring that Gardner-Webb remains a place where students are prepared to use their God-given talents for a greater purpose.”

A registered nurse with clinical experience in medical-surgical care, pediatrics, orthopedics and medical missions, Waters was named Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina for 2025. She is an alumna of the National League for Nursing (NLN) LEAD program and the UNC-Chapel Hill BRIDGES Academic Leadership Program.

Waters earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University and an associate degree in nursing from Gaston College.

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.