From International Students to Creating Campus Unity at GWU

Finding God's Intentionality in Every Season | Katelyn Williams | Parrott's Perch

In this episode of Parrott's Perch, host Dr. Josh Parrott welcomes Gardner-Webb alumna, counselor, educator, and children's author Katelyn Williams for a powerful conversation about faith, purpose, grief, and God's intentionality. Katelyn reflects on her journey from Gardner-Webb University to becoming a school counselor, psychology instructor, and author of the children's book What Can Brown Girls Do? Along the way, she shares how God has guided her through different seasons of life, shaped her calling, and revealed His faithfulness even in moments of profound loss. The conversation explores the importance of identity, storytelling, spiritual formation, and the ways God uses every experience—both joyful and painful—for His purposes. Katelyn also discusses the inspiration behind her writing, her passion for helping young people discover their worth, and why every person has a story worth telling. To explore more Gardner-Webb podcasts, visit gardner-webb.edu/podcast. Music on this episode by Doug Kaufman - "Impossible Things" and Rynn - "Good Times." #ParrottsPerch #GardnerWebbUniversity #GardnerWebbPodcasts #ChristianLifeAndService #FaithJourney #GodsIntentionality #ChristianLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithAndCalling #Storytelling #SpiritualGrowth #KatelynWilliams #WhatCanBrownGirlsDo #ChildrensAuthor #ChristianAuthor #Counseling #MentalHealth #IdentityMatters #Podcast #NewEpisode #ListenNow #FaithPodcast #ChristianPodcast

From International Students to Creating Campus Unity at GWU

What helps students feel at home during their college journey? In this episode of Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked, hosts Lesley Villarose, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, and Brian Arnold, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement, welcome Jessika Raduly, Director of Campus Unity and Connection at Gardner-Webb University. Jessika shares how her office supports students through international student services, Bulldog Cares, emergency assistance programs, and campus-wide initiatives designed to foster belonging and connection. From helping students navigate life far from home to providing resources such as food assistance, textbooks, interview attire, and community-building events, this conversation highlights the many ways Gardner-Webb invests in student success beyond the classroom. Whether you're a prospective student, current student, or family member, discover how Gardner-Webb creates opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships, find support, and become part of a caring campus community. Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked is sponsored by Gardner-Webb University's Division of Student Development. 🎵 Theme Music: "Running Under the Sun" by Alex MakeMusic. #InsideTheWebb #StudentLifeUnpacked #GardnerWebb #GardnerWebbUniversity #OneWebb #GWU #StudentSupport #CampusConnection #CollegeLife #StudentSuccess #BelongingMatters #CampusCommunity #StudentExperience #CollegeJourney #StudentDevelopment #InternationalStudents #StudyInTheUSA #GlobalEducation #InternationalEducation #CampusCulture #StudentBelonging #BulldogCares #FoodPantry #CampusResources #CollegeSupport #StudentWellness #FoodSecurity #HigherEducation #FutureBulldogs #CollegeBound #CollegeParents #CampusLife #ChooseGWU #WhyGardnerWebb

Beyond the Major: How Liberal Arts and STEM Prepare Students for Life and Work

What is the the Real ROI of College? In Part 2 of this two-part conversation on The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar continues his dialogue with Dr. Robert Prickett, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Gardner-Webb University. Together, they explore why the liberal arts and STEM disciplines are stronger when they work together, how interdisciplinary learning prepares students for an unpredictable future, and why the return on investment of a college education goes far beyond a first job offer. Prickett discusses the critical role of curiosity, communication, resilience, and lifelong learning in helping students navigate complex challenges in their careers and communities. He also reflects on the hidden curriculum of college—the experiences outside the classroom that shape students in profound and lasting ways. If you’ve ever wondered whether a college degree is “worth it,” this thoughtful conversation offers a compelling perspective on what students truly gain from higher education. Tune in now to discover how Gardner-Webb University helps students become adaptable thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders prepared for what comes next. Music on this episode includes: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks and “Your Way” by Mina. Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast. #BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #HigherEducation #LiberalArts #STEMEducation #CollegeValue #CriticalThinking #LifelongLearning #InterdisciplinaryLearning #CareerReadiness #ProblemSolving #StudentSuccess #AcademicLeadership #EducationPodcast #BecomeMore

You're Not Alone: Mental Health Resources for Gardner-Webb Students

Mental health is an essential part of student success and knowing where to find support can make all the difference. In this episode of Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked, hosts Lesley Villarose, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, and Brian Arnold, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement, welcome Kim Retherford, Director of Counseling Services at Gardner-Webb University. Kim discusses the wide range of resources available through the Counseling Center, including individual counseling, single-session appointments, support groups, substance-use counseling resources, book clubs, wellness initiatives, and crisis support services. She also addresses common misconceptions about counseling, explains why mental health is closely connected to overall well-being, and shares how students can access help whenever they need it. Whether you're a prospective student, current student, or parent exploring campus resources, this conversation offers an inside look at how Gardner-Webb supports students through every stage of their college journey. Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked is sponsored by Gardner-Webb University's Division of Student Development. Theme Music: "Running Under the Sun" by Alex MakeMusic. #GardnerWebb #StudentLifeUnpacked #MentalHealth #CollegeWellness #StudentSuccess

Inside Campus Safety at Gardner-Webb | Police Chief Ron Newcomb on LiveSafe, Security & Community

What makes a college campus feel safe, welcoming, and connected? In this episode of Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked, hosts Lesley Villarose, vice president for Student Development and Dean of Students, and Brian Arnold, assistant dean of Students and director of Student Engagement, sit down with Chief Ron Newcomb, chief of Police for Gardner-Webb University. Chief Newcomb discusses how Gardner-Webb Police goes beyond traditional law enforcement by building relationships with students, assisting with everyday needs, and creating a culture of safety across campus. The conversation explores the University's LiveSafe safety app, emergency communication systems, mobile credentials, campus access, weather notifications, active shooter preparedness, and the partnerships that have helped Gardner-Webb earn recognition as one of North Carolina's safest campuses. Whether you're a prospective student, parent, or current member of the Gardner-Webb community, this episode offers an inside look at the people, technology, and commitment that help keep campus safe and connected every day. Inside the Webb: Student Life Unpacked is sponsored by the Gardner-Webb University Division of Student Development. Theme music: "Running Under the Sun" by Alex MakeMusic. #InsideTheWebb #StudentLifeUnpacked #GardnerWebbUniversity #CampusSafety #CollegeSafety #LiveSafe #CampusPolice #RonNewcomb #StudentDevelopment #CollegeLife #CampusSecurity #HigherEducation #CollegeParents #StudentSuccess #CampusCommunity #BulldogNation #OneWebb #GardnerWebb #BoilingSpringsNC #CollegeExperience