news-category: Alumni Celebrating Alumni – Shamanda Burston Chosen to Lead Program for Behavioral Health Charlotte By Office of University Communications On September 18, 2023 GWU Alumna and Adjunct Coordinates Enhanced Outpatient Treatment  BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æâ€™s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps as GWU alumni. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, they are equipped with knowledge and skills to lead, and inspired to serve and impact their communities. Shamanda Burston (Photo credit: Nastassja Epps) Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ celebrates alumni who are making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Shamanda Burston, a 2014 alumna of Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æâ€™s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program, is a psychotherapist at Atrium Health. She was promoted to new program coordinator in the enhanced outpatient treatment program at Atrium’s Behavioral Health Charlotte. Burston also earned her bachelor’s degree in human services from GWU in 2012. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ School of Psychological Science and Counselor Education. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, licensed clinical addictions specialist, author, and the CEO of LuLu B. Productions LLC., a production company specializing in cinema-therapy-focused content. Burston is a third-year doctoral student in the counselor education and supervision program at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn. Her research interests are cinema therapy, trauma, and decreasing counseling stigma for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) populations. Stay connected Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æâ€™s faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us: Contact a faculty member. Touch base with Alumni Relations. Submit a class note here. Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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., Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ 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 Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ.edu.
News Article Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […] Office of University Communications | September 9, 2026
News Article Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Alumnus Logan Simpson Named Director of the Bulldog Club Experienced Coach and Fundraiser to Lead Athletic Fundraising Efforts BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Vice President for Advancement Jeff Cogburn has named Logan Simpson director of the Bulldog Club. A GWU alumnus and accomplished coach, Simpson returns to his alma mater with fundraising experience and a passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience. Simpson joins the Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Advancement […] Office of University Communications | August 30, 2026
News Article Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ Celebrates Faith, Learning and Achievement During Fall Convocation Teaching Excellence Award Recipient Dr. Paula Qualls Challenges Community to ‘Cultivate Good Soil’ While University Honors Top Students and Scholars BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ community celebrated the formal opening of the academic year with Fall Convocation on Aug. 19. Led by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters, the program celebrated […] Office of University Communications | August 20, 2026