WebbChat: Sound Stories is a companion series within the WebbChat podcast, bringing written stories from Gardner-Webb University’s NewsCenter to life through sound.

In this episode, we spotlight Dr. Aaron Rice, Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at Gardner-Webb University. Honored with the University’s Rising Star Award, Rice reflects on music as a form of connection, creativity, and leadership — both in the classroom and beyond.

Reported by Jeff Powell and Jackie Bridges, this immersive audio story offers a deeper look at the people, like Rice, who are shaping life at Gardner-Webb.

Discover more stories from across campus at Gardner-Webb.edu/News, and you can find connections to all GWU podcasts at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

Music on this episode:

Yehezkel Raz - Flight of the Inner Bird

Yotam Agam - Spectral Type O

#WebbChat #SoundStories #GardnerWebb #GWU #CampusStories #UniversityPodcast

#MusicEducation #ArtsOnCampus #CreativeLeadership #FacultySpotlight #MusicMatters

#NewsCenter #CampusLife #HigherEdStories #AudioStorytelling #NPRStyle

#GardnerWebbMusic

One year can change everything.

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Greg Pillar sits down with Gardner-Webb University President Nate Evans at a pivotal moment in the life of the institution. In Feb. 2025, Evans stepped into the presidency during a season of transition at interim. Today, with a longer horizon ahead, and as the 14th President of Gardner-Webb, Evans reflects on what it means to lead with steadiness when clarity is still forming.

This dialogue goes beneath the surface of titles and timelines, exploring trust, communication, faith, and the work required to hold a university steady in changing times. Evans shares how his background in the military and advancement shaped his leadership approach, how he thinks about the academic experience Gardner-Webb must deliver for today’s students, and why unity, mission, and people remain at the center of every decision.

It’s an honest, thoughtful dialogue about leadership rooted in care, conviction, and long-term purpose.

Theme music: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks

Tune in now to explore how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience are shaping student success at Gardner-Webb. Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #Leadership #HigherEd #AcademicLeadership #OneWebb #PurposeDriven #UniversityLife #GWUPodcast

In the pilot episode of Parrott’s Perch, Noel T. Manning II sits down with Dr. Josh Parrott for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about faith, calling, and leadership at Gardner-Webb University.

Parrott shares his personal Christian walk, his journey back to Gardner-Webb as vice president and university chaplain, and his vision for nurturing spiritual life, service, and church relations across campus. From meaningful moments in ministry to reflections on community, calling, and care, this dialogue sets the tone for what Parrott’s Perch hopes to be — a place for honest dialogue, encouragement, and connection.

Recorded at the historic Elliott House on the Gardner-Webb University campus, this pilot episode invites listeners into a relaxed yet purposeful space where stories matter and faith meets daily life.

Theme Music: “You Can Tell” by Max Hixon

Explore More Gardner-Webb Podcasts:

Find the full list of Gardner-Webb University podcasts at gardner-webb.edu/podcast, featuring conversations on faith, leadership, athletics, academics, and campus life.

#ParrottsPerch

#GardnerWebbPodcasts

#GWU

#CampusVoices

#PurposeDriven

#FaithAndCalling

#ChristianLife

#FaithInAction

#SpiritualFormation

#ChristianLeadership

#CalledToServe

#CampusMinistry

#GardnerWebbUniversity

#HigherEdVoices

#UniversityLeadership

#StudentLife

#FaithBasedEducation

#ElliottHouse

#GWUCampus

#HistoricSpaces

#RecordedAtGWU

#NewPodcast

#PodcastPilot

#NowStreaming

#ListenNow

#SpotifyPodcasts

What does it really take to support students when the stakes are high?

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with Dr. Sharon Webb, professor of counselor education, chair of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and faculty athletics representative at Gardner-Webb University.

Webb works at the intersection of mental health, education, and athletics—preparing future counselors to respond to trauma and crisis, while also advocating for student-athletes navigating the pressures of Division I college sports. Drawing on her experience in disaster response, military healthcare, and higher education, she reframes resilience as something lived and practiced, not just talked about.

This conversation explores:

• What real resilience looks like beyond clichés

• How counselors are prepared for emotionally demanding work

• The “hidden curriculum” students often don’t see—but need

• Advocacy, wellness, and leadership behind the scenes in college athletics

It’s a powerful look at the work that helps students thrive—in classrooms, on the field, and in life.

Tune in and discover why the most meaningful work often happens beneath the surface.

Music in this episode: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks, “Your Way” by Mina, “Crazy Happy by ensound.

Discover more podcasts from Gardner-Webb University at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

In this second volume of The Record Store Chronicles, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II return to explore the magic and memories of record stores past and present. Special guest Cheri Nipper, who spent more than two decades in music retail and leadership at The Sound Shop, joins the conversation to share stories from her years behind the counter — from managing staff and helping customers find their next favorite album, to witnessing firsthand how record stores became hubs of community, creativity, and connection.

This is a companion podcast for Gardner-Webb University’s Dover Library exhibit Cover to Cover: Vintage Vinyl Stories. You’re invited to come check out the exhibit, travel down memory lane, or make some new personal discoveries.

Music for The Vinyl Experience provided by:

Custom Melody – “Through the Dark” | Ge Filter Fish – “Baby I’m Stuck in a Cone”

#TheVinylExperience #VintageVinylStories #CoverToCoverExhibit #GWULibrary #GardnerWebbUniversity #RecordStoreChronicles #VinylCulture #MusicMemories #VinylCommunity #DropTheNeedle #StayInTheGroove #KeepItSpinning

Some of the most important work on a university campus doesn’t happen on a stage or in a spotlight—it happens quietly, consistently, and with deep care for students and faculty alike.

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar is joined by Dr. Jennifer Buckner, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English at Gardner-Webb University. With more than 18 years of service to the institution, Buckner reflects on her journey through teaching, writing studies, and academic leadership—and the often unseen work that holds colleges together.

Their conversation explores the intersection of teaching and leadership, the relational nature of academic work, and how listening, revision, and care shape both classrooms and institutions. Dr. Buckner also shares insights on navigating today’s evolving higher-education landscape while staying grounded in purpose, students, and meaningful impact.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on quiet leadership, curiosity, and the steady work that makes a lasting difference.

Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset

#GardnerWebb

#GWU

#OneWebb

#BulldogBeyond

#HigherEd

#AcademicLeadership

#FacultyLife

#TeachingAndLearning

#StudentCentered

#QuietLeadership

#BehindTheScenes

#PurposeDriven

#ListeningLeads

#WorkThatMatters

The Bulldog Mindset – Season 2, Episode 9

What does the first semester of college really feel like — beyond the brochures, the move-in photos, and the big expectations?

In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar, Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, sits down with two first-year students, Kennedy Cole and Audrey James, for an honest, thoughtful, and often surprising look at the early college experience.

From discovering unexpected challenges to moments of belonging, from navigating being on their own to finding favorite spots on campus, Kennedy and Audrey offer a genuine window into what it’s like to begin a new chapter at Gardner-Webb. They share what has shaped them, who has supported them, what they’re learning about themselves — and what they hope the next generation of Bulldogs will carry with them.

This conversation is full of heart, reflection, and student-driven insight — a must-listen for future Bulldogs, families, faculty, and anyone curious about the real journey behind the first-year transition.

Music on this episode: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks

Tune in now to explore how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience are shaping student success at Gardner-Webb. Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

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#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #GWU #CollegeLife #FirstYearExperience #StudentVoices #BulldogNation #GWUCommunity

#CollegeJourney #FirstYearStories #NewBeginnings #CampusLife #FutureBulldogs #StudentPerspective

#HigherEd #EducationPodcast #StudentSuccess #Belonging #AcademicLife #CampusCommunity

In this first volume of The Record Store Chronicles, hosts Natalie Bishop, Kevin Bridges, and Noel T. Manning II drop the needle on the sights, sounds, and stories of record stores past and present. Special guest Tommy Howell, longtime Camelot Music employee, joins Noel to reminisce about the golden era of retail music—spinning tracks, helping customers discover new favorites, and witnessing firsthand how these shops became cornerstones of music culture and community.

This is a companion podcast for Gardner-Webb University’s Dover Library exhibit Cover to Cover: Vintage Vinyl Stories. You’re invited to come check out the exhibit, travel down memory lane, or make some new personal discoveries.

Music for The Vinyl Experience provided by:

Custom Melody – “Through the Dark” | Ge Filter Fish – “Baby I’m Stuck in a Cone”/ Ikoliks – “Break It Down”

#TheVinylExperience #VintageVinylStories #CoverToCoverExhibit #GWULibrary #GardnerWebbUniversity #RecordStoreChronicles #VinylCulture #DropTheNeedle #MusicMemories #VinylCommunity #StayInTheGroove #KeepItSpinning