news-category: Bulldog Profiles L’Mia Littlejohn, ’23, Transferred to Gardner-Webb for Academics and Campus Environment By Office of University Communications On May 18, 2022 Student-Athlete Appreciates Hands-on Learning and Availability of Professors L’Mia Littlejohn, of Shelby, N.C., transferred to Gardner-Webb in 2021, because after attending a larger university, GWU’s friendly campus felt like home. She said the smaller environment has provided more opportunities to form meaningful relationships with others. Because she transferred from a four-year institution, Littlejohn received a GWU Transfer Housing Grant, which offers free room and board. “The aid has given me the opportunity to get an education without putting a financial burden on me and my family,” explained Littlejohn, a senior who expects to graduate in 2023. Plus, she was offered a spot on the women’s basketball team that ended the 2021-2022 season in fourth place and played in the semifinals of the 2022 Hercules Tires Big South Conference Championships. Besides the opportunity to play basketball, Littlejohn wanted an academic program that would prepare her for graduate school. “I had heard how good the exercise science program was here, so I decided to check it out,” Littlejohn affirmed. “In my intro class for exercise science, we got to do labs every week.” Working in the lab gave Littlejohn hands-on experience, such as using a finger stick to take blood and conducting a VO2 max test on the treadmill. The VO2 max test determines the body’s consumption of oxygen and the efficiency of muscles. Littlejohn’s goal is to become a physical therapist. “I chose my field of study, because I enjoy working with and helping others,” she asserted. “In just one semester, I learned so much in the exercise science program especially with hands-on learning, which I had not experienced in the past.” Moreover, she appreciates that professors are available to answer questions and offer help. “I wouldn’t get that experience at a larger school,” she assessed. “Gardner-Webb is a small community that helps students thrive inside and outside the classroom. At this university, you will always be surrounded by people who will support you and help you grow.” Learn more about transferring to Gardner-Webb. 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.
News Article A Seat at the Table: Gardner-Webb Alumnus Keon Williams Jr. Opens Restaurant with a Mission ‘The Sole Purpose of Tacos4life is to End Starvation Around the World’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After a decade of helping his bank customers invest their money, Keon Williams Jr. decided it was time to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. The 2014 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University recently hosted the grand opening of his new restaurant, Tacos4Life, in Charlotte, […] Office of University Communications | February 4, 2025
News Article Securing His Future: Ignite Scholar Issa Cogdell Pursues Dream of Entrepreneurship Gardner-Webb’s Cybersecurity Program and PACE Leadership Certificate Paves the Way By Makella Knowles, Intern for University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Issa Cogdell, a student at Gardner-Webb University, is majoring in computer science and minoring in cybersecurity to fulfill his dreams of financial freedom and entrepreneurship. Originally an accounting major, Cogdell switched to the tech field after […] Office of University Communications | February 3, 2025
News Article ‘Mission in Action’: Gardner-Webb Human Services Students use Skills to Propose Nonprofit Ideas Organizations Created by Students Show Their Commitment to Meeting Needs in The Community Ready to Start Your Bachelor’s in Human Services? Apply before March 7 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The final project in Dr. Erin Cook’s upper-level human services course, “Understanding Nonprofit Organizations,” requires her students to apply everything they learned during the semester. “They present to […] Office of University Communications | January 28, 2025