Gardner-Webb Campus Leaders Share Reflections on Women’s History Month

Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Lauren W. Gullett Reflects on Faithful Leadership Shaped by Family, Resilience, and Stewardship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month honors the mothers, mentors, and history‑makers who shaped lives and opened doors for generations. At Gardner‑Webb University, that legacy continues through the women who lead across campus, including five members of the GWU president’s cabinet. Throughout the month, they will share their stories, reflecting on the opportunities women have today and those who guided them along the way.

The following reflection is from Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Lauren W. Gullett.

Career highlights:

• More than a decade in higher education leadership.
• Previously served as vice president for enrollment at Milligan University, a faith-based liberal arts institution in northeastern Tennessee.
• After stepping out of vocational ministry, she spent several years working in public relations and marketing before returning to Emmanuel Christian Seminary in 2014 as director of admissions and interim head coach of the women’s flag football team in its second year.
• Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology, and Culture, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Master of Divinity, Christian Doctrine, Emmanuel Christian Seminary
• Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, Columbia International University

Gullett shares her thoughts on Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month gives me an opportunity to reflect with gratitude. I was raised in a home where hard work, independence, and integrity were expected of both daughters. My parents modeled what it looks like to build something together, whether that was restoring cars in the garage or taking on major projects side-by-side. My mom, in particular, showed me what steady, faithful work looks like over a lifetime as she juggled working full time outside of the home with making home-cooked meals and never missing one of my many high school soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball, or club softball games.

At the same time, I grew up simply pursuing the things I loved. One of the most formative experiences in my life was trying out for and making my high school varsity boys baseball team. I didn’t see it as making a statement, I just loved the game and wanted to challenge myself. That experience taught me resilience at a young age. I am deeply grateful for Coach Fritts who made space for me to contribute as a player on the team and affirmed that I had earned my place. Years later, he shared with me the grief he’d endured but staunchly defended his choice of extending me a roster spot in a time when it was taboo for a girl to play on a team with boys.

As I’ve grown older, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the women who came before me, including my Nana, who stepped into the workforce out of necessity and faithfully provided for her family through incredibly difficult circumstances. My Mom’s and my Nana’s lives remind me that strength often looks quiet, steady, and enduring.

Today, as a mother, I carry that forward. I want my children to know they can fully step into who they are created to be, using their gifts with confidence and humility.

My greatest examples of leadership began at home. My Nana demonstrated resilience and faith in the face of hardship, raising six children after the unexpected loss of her husband. Even into her later years, her work ethic and perseverance have never wavered. My mom modeled excellence and integrity in every area of her life. She worked her way from an entry-level role to leading medical practices, all while serving her family and community with remarkable consistency. Watching her showed me that leadership is not about titles, it is about how you show up every day.

Along my professional journey, I did not work for many women in leadership roles. But I am grateful to have been deeply shaped by male mentors who saw potential in me and chose to invest in it.

Dr. Tom Jones, one of my seminary professors, encouraged me to step into leadership at a time when I struggled to see a clear path forward. He created opportunities for me to lead, speak, and grow, often before I felt ready. His belief in me was formative.

Dr. Wetzel, president of the seminary, once called me at home about an opportunity at a church in Arizona. He acknowledged that they were likely expecting to hire a man but told me he believed I was the right person for the role, a role I applied and was hired for. That moment stayed with me. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to advocate for others based on calling and capability.

Bill Greer, my former president at Milligan University, modeled a leadership style I strive to carry forward, one where he cared deeply to listen to and serve the people he led. He promoted me to vice president for enrollment, always balancing high expectations with extending trust and encouragement. He consistently gave credit to others and led with integrity, even in challenging moments.

Each of these individuals helped shape how I lead today, with a focus on developing others, stewarding responsibility well, and creating space for people to step into their potential.

I have had the privilege of working in environments where leadership opportunities were extended based on readiness, capability, and trust. For that, I am deeply grateful. Over time, I have seen more women serving as faculty, deans, vice presidents, and university presidents. That visible presence matters, not for recognition alone, but because it broadens what others can envision for themselves.

At the same time, I have come to view leadership less through the lens of gender and more through the lens of stewardship. The responsibility we carry in higher education is significant. We are shaping institutions that impact students, families, and communities for generations.

For me, the goal is not simply representation, but faithful leadership, leading with integrity, humility, and a commitment to developing others well. When that happens, opportunities continue to expand naturally for those who are prepared to step into them.

I see mentoring as both a responsibility and a privilege. My experiences, especially as a working parent, have shaped how I lead. I understand the complexity people carry into their work, and I try to lead with both clarity and compassion. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, and I strive to meet people where they are while helping them grow.

I am intentional about encouraging others, particularly young professionals, to recognize their strengths and continue developing them. I want people to feel seen, supported, and challenged in the right ways.

As a leader, I also try to create an environment where individuals can do their best work without feeling they have to choose between their professional responsibilities and their personal lives. That perspective has been shaped by my own journey, and it is something I care deeply about carrying forward.

I would encourage young women to focus on becoming who they are uniquely created to be. Work hard. Continue learning. Be willing to step into opportunities that stretch you. At the same time, stay grounded in your values and your sense of purpose.

If you hope to build both a career and a family, choose relationships that support that vision. One of the greatest gifts in my life has been my husband, Jared, who has consistently encouraged me to pursue opportunities and grow, even when it required sacrifice.

Life and leadership both involve seasons. There will be times when one area requires more of you than another. That is not failure, it is part of the journey.

Above all, lead with integrity, stay humble, and remain open to where you are being called next.

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.