Searight PACE Archives - �鶹�ƽ��

�鶹�ƽ��’s Searight PACE Program Expands Professional Development Opportunities for 2026-27

Office of University Communications — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:54:26 +0000

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�鶹�ƽ��’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program is expanding its portfolio of workforce development, professional education and lifelong learning opportunities with several new programs launching during the 2026-27 academic year.

The new offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals, educators, businesses and community members seeking flexible opportunities for personal and career growth.

Among the new programs is Freelance Social Media Management taught by GWU alumna and entrepreneur, Stetson Patton. This program will equip participants with practical skills in content creation, client management, analytics and business development, preparing them to launch or grow a freelance social media career.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

New to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) series is certification in Mental Health First Aid for adults and youth as well as continuing education in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Spectrum. Searight PACE has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7431, with experienced professionals leading practical, skills-based sessions for counselors and others interested in the field.

Classical Education Certificate Series

The new Classical Education Certificate Series is designed for aspiring and current educators, school staff, homeschool educators and others interested in classical education. The program offers a series of courses that explore the principles and practices of classical learning while supporting participants’ personal and professional development.

Faith in Society

The Faith in Society series includes a new program led by GWU alumna Dr. Linda Lockhart on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, meeting for two hours weekly from January through March 2027. The program focuses on how to study the Bible and apply it to our daily lives through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Creative Writing

Professor and department chair Dr. Chris Davis will offer a What’s Your Story? creative writing workshop in February which will segue into a sustained creative writing certificate program.

Continued Growth Across PACE Offerings

PACE continues its successful Paralegal, Agribusiness Entrepreneurship, Medical Terminology, Grant Writing, and Genetic Counseling offerings. New to this year’s calendar are Principles of Lean Six Sigma and Financial Literacy Day, the latter bringing area high school students to campus to personal finance, budgeting, and investment principles from university and bank professionals.

Corporate Training

PACE offers Corporate Training and partners with businesses to develop customized learning experiences tailored to specific organizational goals, workforce needs and business challenges. Programs can be delivered on-site or online and are designed to provide practical, results-driven professional development.

Growing Portfolio

PACE’s growing portfolio of programs reflects �鶹�ƽ��’s commitment to serving learners at every stage of their educational and professional journeys. By combining established offerings with innovative new programs, PACE provides relevant, accessible learning opportunities that foster career advancement, professional development and personal enrichment.

Learn more about PACE programs, upcoming courses, registration opportunities and future offerings.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event. Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

�鶹�ƽ�� 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., �鶹�ƽ�� 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 .

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From �鶹�ƽ�� Student to Social Media Strategist: Stetson Patton Returns to Teach Next Generation

Office of University Communications — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:53:44 +0000

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—With over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing sphere, �鶹�ƽ�� 2006 alumna Stetson Patton specializes in helping small businesses and personal brands elevate their online presence. In September, she’s returning to her alma mater to share her strategies in a new Searight PACE Freelance Social Media Marketing Program.

Patton said this class is for everyone from beginners to those who already know how to post on social media. It’s for the person who wants a career change or someone who has a full-time job but needs extra income. One client could bring $2,500 a month or more.

“This is going to be a 101 class,” she noted. “If you are just like interested in learning about social media, how to make some extra income, we’re going to the basics here. I’m going to teach you the different platforms. Even if you’re already posting, this class is for you

because we’re going to teach you what makes a video go viral, how to script that, how to use AI to find that, how to find clients.”

An unexpected turn of events led Patton to �鶹�ƽ��, where she found opportunities that would influence both her personal and professional life. Just months before her freshman year, she suffered a vocal cord injury and lost a music scholarship to another university. Encouraged by her father, then �鶹�ƽ�� Head Football Coach Steve Patton, she enrolled at GWU with plans to stay for only a year. Instead, she immersed herself in campus life, became a cheerleader, forged lasting connections and discovered a passion for marketing that would launch a decades-long career.

“My freshman year, I met my best friend on campus, Dr. Charles Tichenor, marketing professor,” she shared. “It was a fluke that I got put in a marketing (upper level) class as a freshman, and he was such a good mentor. I fell in love with marketing through that.”

Tichenor offered practical advice and taught the class from his years of experience as the former CEO of Kraft and later as chairman, president and CEO of Champale Inc. Sparkling Beverages.

After graduating in 2006, Patton put her newfound passion to work as marketing coordinator for The Tapestry Group, a nonprofit ministry for women founded by �鶹�ƽ�� alumna Sharon Decker. Facebook was still new, and Patton quickly recognized its potential. Because Decker also worked in economic development in Rutherfordton, N.C., Patton visited churches, car dealerships and restaurants throughout the area, offering to create Facebook pages for local businesses for a fee.

The experience not only sharpened her business instincts but also offered an early glimpse of social media’s growing power to connect organizations with their audiences. Next, she took her skills to work as membership connection director at Dover YMCA in Shelby, N.C. She was also the dance team coach at �鶹�ƽ�� and later took the same position at Lenoir-Rhyne University. During that time, she opened a clothing boutique, which would teach her an important lesson about the growing influence of social media.

“I saw the girls at a basketball game. I was like, ‘What’s this?’ And they’re like, ‘Instagram,’” Patton recalled. “And I was like, ‘What is Instagram?’ So, I think being around the college kids you learn a lot more, faster. Fast fashion really did become a thing because of social media. We lost the business due to social media because we could not keep up with the Joneses. And I remember vowing to learn as much about it as possible because we were already behind.”

Even after graduation, Patton remained connected to the professors who had helped shape her career path. Tichenor and Dr. Tom Meaders, professor of management information systems and operations, were among the first to support her entrepreneurial venture. While Patton never sat in one of Meaders’ classes, his encouragement and willingness to invest in her success reflected the close-knit relationships she found at �鶹�ƽ��.

“I thought it was so cool to have two professors come visit me at the store,” Patton reflected. “Dr. Meaders even found a supplier for our store. To have those friendships with the professors, you just wouldn’t find that anywhere else.”

After the loss of her boutique, she took another marketing job. As she attempted to learn about social media, she realized the drawbacks of watching online tutorials. “I would realize if that video was posted six months ago, it’s outdated now,” Patton said. “So, some of these buttons and features aren’t the same or there’s a different social media platform. Plus, I would ask a question in the comments and never get a response.”

Through her own experience, Patton started making social media tutorials and teaching people about social media while also working full time in a marketing role. Eventually, she realized that she could open her own social media agency—Socially Stetson—and manage social media accounts for other businesses. She will bring all these insights to the PACE Freelance Social Media Marketing Program, and her goal is for every person who takes the class to have one paid retainer client by the end and making $500 or more.

The 12-week certificate program begins on Sept. 19 and will meet on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Microsoft Teams. The course is designed to help learners build practical skills in content creation, client management, AI tools, business development, and digital marketing. Students will be paired with a non-profit organization to manage its social media, gaining real-world experience and creating a portfolio.

For Patton, the program is about showing people that a new career path may be closer than they think. By combining practical training, real-world experience and mentorship, she hopes participants gain the confidence to take that first step. “I think that’s what I really want people to know is this is a business you can start with zero dollars. It’s just getting started,” she said.

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�鶹�ƽ�� and Pinnacle Classical Academy Partnership Equips Students with College and Career Skills

Office of University Communications — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:01:34 +0000

From Artificial Intelligence to Sustainability, Students Gain Hands-on Experience and Practical Skills Through Searight PACE Academic Skills Accelerated Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Over the course of three weeks this summer, 21 students at Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C., stepped beyond the traditional high school classroom and into a college-level learning experience provided by �鶹�ƽ��. They explored topics ranging from artificial intelligence and personal finance to healthcare and agriculture. Through the Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP), students gained practical skills, discovered potential career paths and earned 18 continuing education credits.

Offered by �鶹�ƽ��’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Program, ASAP was designed to strengthen analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The college-readiness experience introduced students to academic disciplines and career pathways and emphasized hands-on learning, professional development and Christian business ethics. Held on Pinnacle’s campus, students were mentored by �鶹�ƽ�� faculty and staff, along with a regional industry expert.

Students participated in courses covering artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, personal finance and budgeting, project management, medical terminology, global food systems and transitioning to college. The curriculum was designed to help students understand emerging technologies, financial literacy, healthcare careers, leadership principles and the interconnected challenges facing modern society.

Ryleigh Dellinger, second from left, appreciated
the opportunity to explore topics she might study
in college.

Pinnacle student Taylor Scott said her favorite classes were finance and agriculture, because she deepened her understanding of some concepts while discovering new ideas. She appreciated learning life skills that can help her in the future.

The program also exposed students to subjects not typically available at the high school level, helping them explore future educational opportunities. “I think that especially having these classes that aren’t offered at our school … gives us kind of a pathway that we can learn about to go to college,” noted Ryleigh Dellinger.

Students, who are interested in healthcare careers, like Iymani Coleman, gained specialized knowledge through the medical terminology course. They focused on building vocabulary through root words, prefixes, suffixes and commonly used medical abbreviations.

A highlight of the program was the Trash to Treasure Challenge, a hands-on initiative that encouraged students to repurpose everyday recyclable materials into functional and artistic creations. Working independently or in teams, students transformed discarded items into innovative products, challenging them to apply creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities.

The winners of the Trash to Treasure Challenge, from left, Iymani Coleman, Taylor Scott, and Alevia Miller, show their project to the judges. They made a school kit for underprivileged kids.

The activity culminated in formal presentations before a panel of judges, where students showcased their projects and explained how their creations could benefit society. The experience reinforced lessons in sustainability, teamwork and innovation while allowing students to demonstrate the skills they had developed.

The winning team included Scott, Coleman, and Alevia Miller. They made a school kit for underprivileged kids. Some of the other items students crafted were a water purification system and a checkerboard table.

As the program concluded, students left with continuing education credits, new academic experiences and a broader understanding of potential career paths. The partnership between �鶹�ƽ�� and Pinnacle Classical Academy provided a foundation for future success while encouraging students to explore their interests beyond the traditional high school curriculum.

Learn more about �鶹�ƽ��’s Dual Enrollment Options.

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�鶹�ƽ��, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program

Office of University Communications — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:24:34 +0000

High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in �鶹�ƽ��’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access to fresh and nutritious food remains a challenge.

Foothills Workforce Development Director Annette Staley,
left, helped judge the students’ proposals

Developed in partnership with the Foothills Workforce Development Board, the three-day program brought high school students from across the region to the �鶹�ƽ�� campus. Through immersive academic experiences, real-world problem-solving and meaningful mentorship, the students were introduced to topics including global food systems, business and marketing, artificial intelligence, and public health.

A highlight of the program was a team-based challenge in which students designed companies to address food insecurity by delivering nutritious products to food deserts in the United States. Students applied concepts learned throughout the program, such as supply chain logistics, marketing strategy and community health, in creative and impactful ways.

Gavin Phillips, left, and Lizandro Mora-Moreno
present their team’s proposal.

Foothills Workforce Development Director Annette Staley helped judge the students’ proposals and appreciated the opportunity to see what they had learned during the program. “The Foothills Workforce Development Board was proud to partner with �鶹�ƽ�� on the PACE 132 Searight Scholars Program to support students across the Foothills Region,” she acknowledged. “Through this program, students strengthened their project design and planning skills, improved their public speaking, enhanced their critical thinking, and learned techniques to manage presentation anxiety. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative and look forward to helping it grow so even more students in our region can benefit from these training opportunities.”

For participants, the program offered more than academic enrichment; it created opportunities for personal growth and connection. “I’ve enjoyed collaborating with other students and getting to know people with different perspectives,” shared Lizandro Mora-Moreno, a recent graduate of Cleveland Innovation Virtual Academy.

Jazmine Wilson, left, and Christiana Williams
presented the strawberry team’s project.

Students also reported gaining valuable insight into both social issues and career pathways. “I learned a lot about food deserts and business. It helped me understand real challenges that people face,” observed Corbin Phillips, a ninth grader at Cleveland Early College High School.

For others, the experience sparked new academic and professional interests. “It was very engaging,” noted Christiana Williams, a senior at Kings Mountain High School, whose team won the competition with a strawberry distribution concept. “I’m now thinking about a future in marketing, and I’m even considering �鶹�ƽ�� for college.”

Participants emphasized the program’s role in expanding their knowledge and confidence. “I feel like I got an advantage,” added Jazmine Wilson, a sophomore at Kings Mountain High School. “I learned about things I may not have known until much later.”

Another judge for the team challenge was the Rev. Ray Lockhart, pastor of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church. A substitute teacher in the school system, he promoted the program to students and young people in his church and the Ebenezer Baptist Association. “I encouraged them to come, because I thought it was something positive for them that could help them with their future,” he affirmed.

Shirley Searight and the Rev. Johnny Searight judged the
students’ presentations.

The program reflects the vision of the Rev. Johnny L. Searight and his wife, Shirley P. Searight, �鶹�ƽ�� alumni who are committed to creating educational opportunities for students facing challenges similar to those they experienced. In addition to supporting this summer program, the Searights established Searight PACE, Professional and Continuing Education, focused on lifelong learning and workforce development. They also sponsor a scholarship and leadership initiative for �鶹�ƽ�� students.

The Searights also helped judged the students’ proposals. “I was just so impressed with their presentations and the hard work that they put into it,” said Shirley Searight. “They were so sharp as they stood up there. It means a lot to see this come alive and impact these students; it just starts to bubble over.”

Rev. Johnny Searight, who is pastor of Jones Tabernacle CME Church in Lawndale, N.C., reflected on how the program fulfills a lifelong goal to help others. “It’s been my dream, ever since I was a kid, that I wanted to do something for somebody because we came from a poor family,” he shared. “To see these kids, it just brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.” He also expressed hope that the experience will inspire students to pursue their goals with confidence and build bright futures.

After the presentations, the students were treated to a cookout, met Bo, and participated in a campus scavenger hunt sponsored by the Admissions team.

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�鶹�ƽ�� Grant Writing Certificate Equips Professionals to Meet Community Needs

Office of University Communications — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:00:51 +0000

Participants Gain the Tools to Bring Ideas to Life

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Professionals from across the region recently completed �鶹�ƽ��’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn their ideas into action.

Offered through Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), the five-session course provides hands-on training in identifying funding opportunities and building competitive grant proposals. Led by Dr. Bobbie Cox, professor and director of the Master of Public Administration program, the course culminates with participants presenting a grant proposal tailored to their organization’s needs.

For many participants, the course provided a framework to turn long-recognized needs into clear, fundable initiatives. Octavia Dorsey, a �鶹�ƽ�� learning management systems administrator, focused her project on literacy, an issue she has observed firsthand through her experience as a school librarian. “There is a gap,” Dorsey said. “The community wants to blame COVID, but COVID wasn’t the problem—it just shed light on the problem.”

Through the course, Dorsey developed a proposal for “Always Learning Tutoring,” a community-based initiative designed to strengthen literacy skills and expand access to educational support.

Octavia Dorsey, a �鶹�ƽ�� learning management systems administrator, focused her project on literacy.

Similarly, Kimberly Logan of Haven Center in Forest City, N.C., wrote a grant to support the organization’s “Decision Camp” program that helps young people identify their strengths, explore career pathways, and build life skills through immersive, real-world experiences. Her organization’s programming includes year-round mentorship, cultural exposure, and scenario-based learning that enables students to see the long-term impact of their choices.

Several participants used the program to respond to pressing needs in their own communities.

Marie Hicks of Hendersonville, N.C.,
developed a proposal for an ADA-compliant
playground at Upward Elementary School.

Marie Hicks of Hendersonville, N.C., developed a proposal for an ADA-compliant playground at Upward Elementary School, where many students come from low-income families and lack access to safe recreational space. The only equipment they have now is a dilapidated swing set with one swing.

“There’s money out there for children and adults…so many programs could use [funding] but don’t have anybody to do grant writing,” Hicks said, noting that the course opened her eyes to the full process behind securing those resources.

Her proposal emphasizes not only accessibility for children with disabilities but also the importance of inclusive spaces where students from diverse backgrounds can connect and play together.

Nicole Ross of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C., focused on financial literacy, designing a community-based empowerment program that will offer coaching, workshops, and access to professional guidance. “We’re seeking to provide financial literacy in our community,” Ross said, describing plans for programming that includes money management, savings strategies, and entrepreneurship training.

She added that the hands-on nature of the course helped build both skill belief in her abilities. “I’m confident now that I can write a proposal,” she said. “It taught me how to communicate the need—to help people see what you’re seeing and envision what you’re trying to do.”

Other participants focused on large-scale service initiatives with regional impact. Carlie Metts of the N.C. Lions Foundation developed a proposal to expand access to vision care through a mobile screening program for underserved and rural communities. The initiative aims to remove barriers such as cost and transportation while improving early detection and treatment.

In public safety, Seth Treadway, investigations captain with the Shelby Police Department, explored funding opportunities to enhance digital forensics capabilities. “Having never done this, I can definitely see it being a benefit in the future,” Treadway said. “Especially with technological advancements that are very expensive…the city doesn’t necessarily have the funds to cover those needs.”

In public safety, Seth Treadway, investigations captain
with the Shelby Police Department, explored funding
opportunities to enhance digital forensics capabilities.

On campus, �鶹�ƽ�� staff also used the course to explore institutional improvements, including student technology access and long-range capital planning initiatives.

Throughout the program, participants emphasized that grant writing is more than completing an application—it is a strategic process requiring research, clarity, and attention to detail.

“I learned the small details,” Metts shared, noting the importance of staffing plans and operational considerations that go beyond the “big picture” of an idea.

Cox reinforces that perspective in her teaching, emphasizing that successful proposals begin with clearly defined needs and alignment with a funder’s mission. “The single most important lesson is that the need and the funder’s initiative have to be the same thing,” she said.

While each participant’s project is distinct, the collective impact of the program is clear. From literacy and education to healthcare, financial empowerment, and public safety, these proposals represent tangible solutions to real challenges.

Learn Grant Writing Skills to Expand Your Impact

The Grant Writing Certificate program is offered face-to-face and online, for five Fridays in May, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and awards 50 CE credits. Successful completion of the five-workshop series can be applied toward �鶹�ƽ��’s Master of Public Administration program (10-month MPA) in �鶹�ƽ��’s Master of Public Administration program.

Grow Your Career with Searight Pace

�鶹�ƽ��’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) programs offer relevant professional development across the disciplines. Designed for and taught by practitioners, Searight PACE programs allow you to grow your knowledge and skills within professional networks.

Advance your career through meaningful Searight PACE credentials, offered online and in-person. Searight PACE programs are open to everyone; GWU employees, alumni, and students receive a 20% discount. See all the offerings here.

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�鶹�ƽ�� Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Offers Grant Writing Certificate to Equip Professionals

Office of University Communications — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:46:35 +0000

Five-Session Program Taught by Dr. Bobbie Cox Provides Hands-on Training in Developing Competitive Proposals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�鶹�ƽ�� is offering a comprehensive Grant Writing Certificate through Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE). Taught by Dr. Bobbie Cox, professor and director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, the five-session training is designed for professionals in law enforcement, nonprofits, churches, and government agencies. The series equips participants with the skills needed to identify funding opportunities, research potential sources, develop proposals, and present full grant packages.

In-person classes will be held on the GWU campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 1, 15, 22 and 29. An online session is scheduled for May 8.

Cox, whose career spans public administration, criminal justice, higher education leadership, and extensive grant acquisition, has taught hundreds of students and helped local non-profit leaders to secure funding for community initiatives. She emphasized that grant writing is a practical, learnable skill with significant impact.

Dr. Bobbie Cox

“I teach all the different steps of grant writing, and participants can apply for grants and get free money they don’t have to pay back in most instances—around 90 percent,” Cox explained. “The first step is to identify the need. You have to prove why your idea matters, using research, data, and statistics. That foundation determines everything else.”

Building on those fundamentals, Chad Woods, senior pastor of Great Hope Baptist Church in Conover, N.C., who took the course last spring, appreciated gaining knowledge about additional avenues to finance the ministry. These new insights, he said, help lessen the burden on the steadfast generosity of their longtime supporters.

This practical perspective is reinforced throughout the program. Participants in the certificate series learn how to align their organization’s mission with the priorities of foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Cox noted that understanding this alignment is the heart of successful grant writing.

“The key to a grant is looking at all those sources and determining if your need meets their initiative,” she asserted. “The single most important lesson is that the need and the funder’s initiative have to be the same thing—and it takes a lot of reading and research to do that well.”

Through real-world examples, Cox will teach participants how to communicate with funding organizations, assess eligibility, and strengthen proposals before writing begins. The series will also feature guest speakers, who share practical insights about successful and unsuccessful proposals.

Members of the first grant-writing class pose with faculty and staff after completing their certificate.

Past speakers have included the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn, GWU Board of Trustees chair and pastor of Mt. Calvary Church in Shelby, N.C.; GWU President Nate Evans; Ray Hardee, pastor and GWU adjunct professor of human services; Dr. Nicole Waters, GWU provost and vice president of academic affairs and professor of nursing; Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, GWU professor of economics and international business and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships; and Dr. Robert Canoy, former dean of the GWU School of Divinity

“Before you do any writing at all, go to the website, look up the phone number, and make a call,” she advised. “Ask them, ‘Would this be something your organization would consider?’ That conversation can save weeks of work.”

Cox’s instruction draws from decades of experience, including securing funding for law enforcement agencies and multi-county task forces. Past grants she has written have provided equipment, vehicles, officer training, and large-scale public safety initiatives.

Program Overview

The �鶹�ƽ�� Grant Writing Certificate (PACE 660) provides:

A practical, hands-on curriculum covering the full grant development process.
Skills in identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, and planning implementation.
Guidance from experienced professionals across multiple fields.
A completed, presentation-ready grant proposal.
50 continuing education hours, which may be applied as four academic credits toward the Master of Public Administration degree.

Program Value and Audience

Grant writing is considered a high-demand skill across many sectors, particularly nonprofits, education, government, and community-based organizations. Individuals who complete this program gain a competitive credential for career advancement and organizational impact.

Tuition

$900 (originally $2,200)

Note: Tuition reflects the Searight PACE fee schedule at the time of publication. Visit the official Searight PACE Admissions page for updated pricing.

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From �鶹�ƽ�� to Bloomberg: Student Lands Competitive Tech Internship

Office of University Communications — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:40:50 +0000

Guidance from Searight PACE Leadership Program Helped Issa Cogdell Access National Networks and Career Pathways

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Issa Cogdell arrived at �鶹�ƽ�� in 2023, he discovered a community ready to champion his goals. Friends, professors, staff members, and mentors encouraged him to grow personally and professionally. Drawing on the technical, communication, and problem‑solving skills he developed at Gardner‑Webb, the rising senior has earned a prestigious internship in New York with Bloomberg, a global leader in financial technology, data, analytics, and media.

Issa Cogdell attended the Management and
Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Tech Trek in
San Francisco last summer, an experience
that set the stage for his Bloomberg
Internship.

The path to this competitive role started with his participation in the Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Leadership Certificate Program, led by Dr. Anthony Negbenebor and program founder the Rev. Johnny Searight. They introduced him to the Management and Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Career Prep Class of 2027, opening the door for him to apply and be selected for the MLT Tech Trek in San Francisco last summer—an experience that set the stage for the Bloomberg opportunity.

Cogdell described the MLT Tech Trek as an amazing experience. “I was able to explore the Bloomberg San Francisco office and connect with recruiters and professionals from Deloitte, BlackRock, Autodesk, TikTok and Dell,” he reflected. “It was a pleasure to meet and engage with all these companies to see the ways I could prepare, engage and improve myself professionally.”

As a member of the MLT Career Prep Class, Cogdell has access to an internship portal, which he used to apply for a position at Bloomberg. Soon after, Bloomberg recruiters reached out to him directly, encouraging him to apply for a technical support role they felt better matched his strengths. Following a virtual meeting, the company flew him to New York for a face-to-face interview and tour of the Bloomberg Lexington Avenue office. After another follow-up conversation, he received the offer.

“I felt extremely grateful to be chosen, knowing all my hard work paid off,” Codgell shared. “I was happy that I’d be going to a company with great culture like Bloomberg where philanthropy is a big part.”

Issa Cogdell, third from the left on the back row, is a member of the �鶹�ƽ�� Ethics Bowl Team. Other members are, from left, seated, Maeve McGinley, Sophie Boss, Alaena Locklear; and standing, Advisor Dr. Shea Stuart, Hodges McCathern, Cogdell, Brock Nikkari and Advisor Dr. Anna Sieges-Beal.

Negbenebor noted that Cogdell is the first student from �鶹�ƽ�� to receive an internship offer from Bloomberg. “I have known Issa for some time, and he is a man of impeccable character, a great Christian, and a person committed to the goals of higher education and Christian ethics,” Negbenebor stated. “He is one of our most active Searight PACE leadership students. His leadership skills, initiative, commitment and creativity are truly exceptional. He is focused on his discipline and searching for ways to impact the world around him. He loves assisting others and is an asset to GWU.”

As an intern, Cogdell will learn to use the Bloomberg Terminal, gaining experience with industry‑leading financial data, analytics, news, and trading tools. He will also provide internal technical support and help diagnose issues related to the Terminal.

Issa Cogdell, right, poses with other participants in the
Searight PACE Leadership Certificate Program at a
community event.

A winner of the Ignite Scholarship, Cogdell credits his �鶹�ƽ�� journey for shaping his readiness and confidence. “The experience at �鶹�ƽ�� has contributed to my success in many ways,” he reflected. “The first being around like-minded people, my friends, who have the same goals to succeed as me. Along with that, having professors and alumni who have helped me get into positions to succeed like Dr. Negbenebor and Reverend Searight, who introduced me to MLT, which has brought me amazing connections and lifelong friends.”

Through his coursework, Cogdell said the faculty and hands‑on learning strengthened his technical foundation. Assistant Professor Oscar Gonzalez and Professor Dr. Mirek Mystkowski helped him understand core concepts in mathematics, computer science and cybersecurity.

His campus work experience also played a key role. Cogdell shared that working in the �鶹�ƽ�� IT department gave him practical, real‑world skills. He expressed appreciation for the staff who supervised and trained him, noting that the helpdesk coordinator, Diancil Chavez, network technician, Chanae Pickett, and Associate Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer Ray Curtis offered mentorship and opportunities to build confidence in diagnosing and solving technology issues.

Looking ahead, Cogdell is eager to represent �鶹�ƽ�� on a national stage and bring his experiences back to campus.

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Gardner‑Webb Launches Searight PACE Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Series

Office of University Communications — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:15:06 +0000

New Three‑Course Series Blends Soil Science, Global Food Systems, and Business Fundamentals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—United by a commitment to the future of farming and food, two Gardner‑Webb administrators and faculty members have developed a new Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program that connects science with practice for today’s agriculture. Drawing on complementary strengths in soil science, global food systems, and agricultural economics, Dr. Greg Pillar and Dr. Anthony Negbenebor created the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series to equip working producers, aspiring agribusiness owners, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving food landscape.

Dr. Greg Pillar

The three-course agribusiness series is practical and grounded in real science and current business practice. The courses are offered online and face‑to‑face, with a schedule designed for working adults and professionals. “What makes this program distinctive is that it connects three areas that are often taught separately: global food systems, soil science, and agribusiness entrepreneurship,” Pillar stated. “Participants do not just learn how to grow. They learn how the system works and how to build a viable operation within it. This will give them the foundation from which they can continue to learn on their own and/or through other programs.”

The first course in the program, Principles of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship (PACE 560) will be on March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. The class is taught by Negbenebor and will meet on the GWU campus. It covers the basics, along with the business skills needed to identify and create an opportunity in agribusiness. Students will be encouraged to develop their own real business ideas, and they will be guided in their decision making. At the end of this course, students will present their new ideas feedback and improvement. The cost is $99 and includes 3 CE credits from �鶹�ƽ��.

Dr. Anthony Negbenebor

A professor of economics, Negbenebor also serves as GWU’s assistant vice president of Business Partnerships. His research focus is on agricultural economics, agri‑tech, and global food sustainability, with professional experience across agri‑industries. He grew up on a farm, and his interest is also shaped by his faith. “Food is spiritual,” Negbenebor added. “God said in Genesis 1:29: ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’”

Pillar, �鶹�ƽ�� assistant provost and professor of environmental chemistry, has a background in agronomy and global food systems. He studied soil and water chemistry both from the standpoint of environmental protection, crop productivity and land management.

“This certificate gives both farmers and aspiring agribusiness owners a stronger scientific and systems‑level understanding of how food production really works today,” Pillar affirmed. “Participants gain practical insight into soil health, resource management, and the global food system, along with the business foundations needed to turn production into a viable enterprise.”

Courses are designed for a wide audience, including:

Current or aspiring agribusiness owners.
People exploring small‑scale or start‑up food production ventures.
Career changers interested in agriculture or food systems.
Extension staff, educators, and community food leaders.
Farmers and growers seeking updated science and soil knowledge (or a refresher).
Community college and university students.
Anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how our food system works.

Pillar explains that working farmers will gain updated science, data, and best practices they can apply directly to improve soil productivity, resource use, and long‑term soil value—plus context on supply chains and market forces that shape pricing and demand. New or small‑scale entrepreneurs will acquire the skills needed to evaluate and launch viable ventures at modest scale, including intensive methods, season extension, and smart soil management. All producers will be able to make more‑informed decisions about input, crop, and land management to protect margins and sustainability.

Negbenebor emphasized the urgent, industrywide need. “Artificial intelligence and other technologies are rapidly changing agriculture and food supply,” he related. “Agribusiness plays a critical role in ensuring food security, driving innovation, and strengthening economies.”

He added, “Studying agribusiness entrepreneurship opens doors across the sector—from supply chains and food processing to agri‑tech and consulting. The field provides a chance to make a real impact while building a strong career. Our Searight PACE courses prepare learners to identify gaps, build ventures, and contribute to a resilient food system.”

To learn more about the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series and register for the first class on March 20, visit the PACE website here.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the Searight PACE tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the Searight PACE official Admissions page.

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�鶹�ƽ�� and Pinnacle Classical Academy Launch College Readiness Partnership

Office of University Communications — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:32:03 +0000

New Program Through GWU’s Searight PACE Equips High School Students with Experiential Learning Experiences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Representatives from Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C., and �鶹�ƽ�� met recently to establish a Skills Training Partnership Agreement. Offered through GWU’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Program, this five-week summer college readiness experience will strengthen Pinnacle high school students’ development of advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed Pinnacle representatives to �鶹�ƽ�� for the formal signing ceremony. “I’m excited to see the support here today,” Evans praised. “These partnerships are vital for �鶹�ƽ��. It plugs us into the community with the incoming students we serve. To have these partnerships, to bring folks in to build those pathways early, ultimately that serves the region and the greater good. We’re proud to do that, and I just want to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who was involved in making this happen.”

Interim GWU President Nate Evans, center, welcomes and thanks the representatives from Pinnacle Classical Academy for establishing the partnership. On the left is Pinnacle Headmaster Angela Brooks and at right is Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Tracy Arnold.

Speaking on behalf of Pinnacle was former N.C. state Sen. Wes Westmoreland, a GWU alumnus, who is vice chair and a founding member of Pinnacle’s Board of Directors. He thanked the University for collaborating to provide the academic opportunity to Pinnacle students and recognized the efforts of Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, �鶹�ƽ�� professor and assistant vice president for Business Development and Partnerships. “Dr. Negbenebor has been a friend, a teacher and advisor for many, many years,” Westmoreland shared. “Thank you for being the catalyst to bring this together. I graduated in ’88 and have served as a trustee here. I’m so very happy to have this relationship with �鶹�ƽ��. We really appreciate the partnership, and we look forward to where this is going.”

N.C. state Sen. Wes Westmoreland, vice chair and a founding member
of Pinnacle’s Board of Directors, left, and Interim �鶹�ƽ�� President
Nate Evans participate in signing the agreement.

Joining Westmoreland from Pinnacle were Dr. Pauline Cahill, a local dentist and also a founding board member; Chief Education Officer Dr. Shelly L. Shope, a GWU alumna; Headmaster Angela Brooks; and Dean of �鶹�ƽ�� Jeff Ziegler. Pinnacle’s Board is chaired by former N.C. state Sen. Debbie Clary, who also helped found the public charter school in 2013.

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters noted that career exploration begins with K–12 education, and the opportunities provided during the critical high school years greatly influence students’ educational journeys and future professional paths. “The Skills Training Partnership Agreement between �鶹�ƽ��’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education Program and Pinnacle Classical Academy offers students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, enhancing critical thinking and refining the academic skills necessary for college readiness,” she explained.

The partnership agreement initiates the Academic Skills Accelerated Program (ASAP) for Pinnacle students in 10th- through 12th-grade. Beginning in June 2026, �鶹�ƽ�� will provide courses in AI, cybersecurity, project management, economics and personal finance, medical terminology, introduction to agriculture, and American history of inventors.

Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic
Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters shares her thoughts
on the partnership.

Coupled with an emphasis on Christian business ethics and disciplinary concepts, the classes will offer students opportunities for reality-based and hands-on learning. They will be mentored by the �鶹�ƽ�� faculty and participate in networking with corporate CEOs from regional, national and international companies. Business etiquette and professional skills will be emphasized. The program concludes with a field-study tour of the BMW automotive plant in Greer, S.C.

Waters concluded, “We are honored to have the opportunity to support the high school students participating in this initiative. This partnership builds on the current foundation of PCA’s academics, strengthening the primary commitment of meeting the needs of our community.”

The ASAP program is scheduled for June 9 through July 9, 2026. For more information, visit the Searight Pace or email pace@gardner-webb.edu.

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Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Leaders Gather at �鶹�ƽ�� for Faith and Leadership Conference

Office of University Communications — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:13:58 +0000

Nearly 300 Members and CME Youth from North and South Carolina Engage in Dialogue, Training, and Campus Tours During Sept. 13 Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Nearly 300 members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) leadership group from the Winston-Salem to Greenville, S.C., District and Presiding Elder Faye Houston met for a conference at �鶹�ƽ�� on Sept. 13. The Rev. Johnny Searight, a member of the GWU Board of Trustees and a University benefactor, is a member of this group, which is made up of bishops, elders and pastors from churches located in North and South Carolina.

From left, The Rev. Johnny Searight, CME Presiding
Elder Faye Houston, and Shirley Searight pose at the
meeting. Photos by Claire Ledford / GWU Photo Team

Searight and his wife, Shirley, donated funds to establish the Searight Leadership Certificate (SLC) and the Searight Multicultural Leadership Award (SMLA) to benefit �鶹�ƽ�� students. Their financial gift also included funds for the Searight Professional And Continuing Education (PACE) program at GWU.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed the guests. They also heard presentations from Professor of Theology Dr. Robert Canoy on “The Faith Community and Emerging Issues,” and Professor of Public Service Dr. Bobbie Cox on “Grant Writing Essentials.” The CME leaders received Searight PACE Certificates for these presentations.

Houston, who also serves as pastor of Sidney Park CME Church in Columbia, S.C., commended everyone at the University for their hospitality. “There are no adequate words to express the graciousness of �鶹�ƽ�� in hosting the Winston-Salem Greenville District Planning Meeting 2025,” she praised. “You and your staff went above and beyond in everything and set the tone for a highly successful meeting.”

Dr. Bobbie Cox, left, and Dr. Robert Canoy spoke
to the members of the group.

Additionally, �鶹�ƽ�� students who participate in the Searight Leadership Program talked to CME youth about their college experience and why they should choose to attend GWU. The youths were from North and South Carolina. The GWU students, AJ Leyva, Issa Cogdell, Timothy Robinson, Abigail Lauerman, Claire Ledford and Lys Ishiari, answered questions from the group and led a campus tour. Some of the students who attended expressed an interest in attending GWU.

After the joint session and lunch in the Caf, the CME leaders attended separate afternoon meetings that focused on their particular interests. Some of the topics included: Evangelism and Missions, Church Organizational Meetings, Women’s Missionary Society and Clergy, Lay Ministry, Steward Board and Youth, Christian Education and Formation, and Spouses and Widows Ministry.

The Rev. Linda Kirksey-Jones, pastor of Forest Chapel CME Church in Fair Forest, S.C., noted that every aspect of the event was superb, “from the beautiful and welcoming venue, and the provision of the college campus cafeteria food arrangements to the extremely meaningful presentations delivered.” She continued, “Notably, school personnel exhibited a genuine sense of appreciation for our presence, which further enhanced our experience. I was so impressed that I am pondering if my schedule can accommodate the grant writing course in May of 2026.”

In addition, CME collaborative grants and scholarships were awarded.

Learn more about the Searight Student Leadership Progam.

Nearly 300 CME leaders from North and South Carolina attended the meeting.

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