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Christian Studies Major Uses Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Roles and Service Experiences to Prepare for Ministry

By Victoria Edwards, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜s a teenager, Ignite Scholar Jackson Hartley made one of the most important decisions of his life: following Jesus. 鈥淕od saved my life when I was in high school,鈥� noted Hartley. Since then, Hartley has devoted himself to ministry. 鈥淚 would love to be in a role where I can minister to teenagers, because I want to pay forward the work that was done in my life.鈥�

A Christian studies major, Hartley is from Winston-Salem, N.C., and first heard about 麻豆破解版 from friends and family. After touring the campus, he was drawn to the close-knit and Christ-centered community. 鈥淚 immediately enjoyed the campus atmosphere, outdoors, and the emphasis on belief in God,鈥� Hartley explained. 鈥淭he campus just fit me. It fit my life, and I knew the visions I had for my college experience had begun to be fulfilled.鈥� 

He believes his degree is equipping him to serve in a variety of settings. 鈥淣o matter if I’m a youth pastor or a professor, if I become a chaplain in the military, or even if I explore a different field, I can use ministry in every area,鈥� Hartley noted.

Knowing 麻豆破解版 was where he felt called to continue growing in his faith and preparing for ministry, Hartley was grateful when the Ignite Scholarship opened the door for him to attend. 鈥淏eing an Ignite Scholar means that I鈥檝e been chosen for a great honor,鈥� Hartley shared. 鈥淚t makes me want to represent 麻豆破解版 well, since I鈥檝e been entrusted with such a great opportunity.鈥�

The Ignite Excellence Scholarship, 麻豆破解版’s most competitive academic award, recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and service. Awarded to a select group of students each year, the scholarship provides full tuition for up to eight semesters, while encouraging recipients to continue growing as leaders and servants.

During his time on campus, Hartley has had the privilege to learn from many respected academic leaders. He credits Dr. Paula Qualls for her outstanding teaching methods, saying that she has been a profound influence both in his personal life and academic journey. 鈥淪he clearly has so much passion for her subject鈥�and explains Old Testament theology in such a simple way,鈥� he described.

Hartley noted how her teaching style is interactive, which enhances the learning process for students even more. 鈥淚 loved it when she brought items from Israel and Jerusalem to class鈥�because I got to see what I鈥檝e been learning about and researching right in front of me,鈥� he said.

Hartley actively participates in multiple organizations at 麻豆破解版 and is well known for his commitment to service. He is a men’s Bible study leader with Campus Ministries United and is involved with 麻豆破解版’s FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians United in Service) ministry, which hosts faith-filled retreats for youth throughout the region. He also serves in productions and media for several on-campus events, as well as being the vice president of the Religious Studies Association. 

Additionally, Hartley is a Peer Leader, mentoring first-year students, and a Student Recruitment Ambassador, working to represent 麻豆破解版 to prospective students and their families. This role gives him the ability to share his love for 麻豆破解版鈥檚 Christ-centered community. He emphasizes that 麻豆破解版 is a place for everyone: 鈥淚 believe a non-believer can come to this campus and leave with a new purpose in life, and a believer can come here and have their faith sharpened like iron.鈥�

Students like Hartley are able to pursue their calling through the support of 麻豆破解版 scholarships.

Victoria Edwards, of Salisbury, N.C., is a junior majoring in both English and Psychology.

麻豆破解版 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., 麻豆破解版 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 .