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

As we close out the Week of Giving, Service & Prayer, Isaiah Crawford delivers a motivating message of hope, purpose, and perseverance. Let his devotional challenge you to continue making a difference far beyond this one week.

Theme: Gratitude and Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 100:4–5

Focus: Looking back in thankfulness and forward with hope.

Join us each day during Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer (Nov. 17–21) for a special devotional. These brief reflections will feature a scripture, message, and prayer from members of the GWU family—encouraging us to love our neighbors with purpose, faith, and action. Presented in celebration of our continued partnership with United Way.

#GratitudeAndReflection #Psalm100 #ThankfulHeart #GiveServePray #IsaiahCrawford #FaithForward #GWUDevotional #WeekOfThanks

Theme: United in Purpose

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12

Focus: Many Members, One Body

Today’s devotional comes from Thea Thompson, Interim Vice President for Marketing at Gardner-Webb University. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 12:12, Thea reminds us that although we each bring different gifts, talents, and callings, we are all part of one body — united through faith, service, and love.

As we continue through Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer (Nov. 17–21), let this reflection encourage you to celebrate the beauty of community — where every act of kindness and every voice matters.

Presented in celebration of our partnership with United Way.

#OneBodyManyParts #1Corinthians12 #ServeTogether #GiveServePray #TheaThompson #FaithInCommunity #GWUDevotional #UnitedInPurpose

On this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar sits down with two student leaders whose stories define discipline, resilience, and purpose at Gardner-Webb University.

Caeden Stratton, a nursing major and ROTC cadet, recently completed one of the Army’s most demanding training schools—Air Assault—and is preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant. Alongside him, Paul McElearney, a political science and international affairs major and former SGA President, reflects on leading through faith, service, and the search for Gardner-Webb’s next president.

Together, they unpack what it means to balance academics, leadership, and military training—all while staying grounded in community and calling. From lessons in grit to the metaphorical “backpacks” they carry every day, this episode is a testament to the Bulldog spirit of perseverance and purpose.

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.

Music: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks.

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #Leadership #ROTC #StudentVoices #FaithInAction #Service #BulldogPride #HigherEducation #Podcast

Today’s devotional features Dr. Josh Parrott, Gardner-Webb University Chaplain and Vice President for Christian Life and Service. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:7–8, Dr. Parrott reminds us that true generosity flows not from obligation but from joy — a reflection of God’s abundant grace at work in us.

Theme: Cheerful Giving

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7–8

Focus: Living Generously with a Joyful Heart

Join us during Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer (Nov. 17–21) as we reflect on faith in action through daily devotionals from members of the GWU family. Each brief message includes scripture, reflection, and prayer — encouraging us to love boldly, serve faithfully, and give cheerfully.

Presented in celebration of our partnership with United Way.

#CheerfulGiving #2Corinthians9 #FaithInAction #GiveServePray #JoshParrott #UnitedWay #GWUDevotional #WeekOfThanks

Theme: Serving with Love

Scripture: Galatians 5:13

Focus: Freedom Expressed Through Humble Service

Today’s devotional comes from Sharon Hammonds, Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Gardner-Webb University. Drawing from Galatians 5:13, Sharon reminds us that true freedom in Christ is found not in serving ourselves, but in serving others — humbly, lovingly, and without expectation.

As we journey through Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer (Nov. 17–21), may this reflection call us to live out our faith through kindness and compassion, using our freedom as an opportunity to uplift one another.

Presented in celebration of our partnership with United Way.

#ServeInLove #Galatians513 #HumbleHearts #GiveServePray #SharonHammonds #FaithInAction #GWUDevotional #UnitedInService

Gardner-Webb University proudly welcomed Nate Evans as its 14th President during a special campus-wide meet and greet on Thursday, November 13.

This audio captures the energy, excitement, and community spirit as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends came together to greet President Evans and celebrate a new chapter in Gardner-Webb’s story.

Listen to the new leader of GWU here.

Start the week with a devotional from President Nate Evans, as he reflects on the biblical foundation of generosity and introduces our campus-wide call to give, serve, and pray. A powerful reminder that love for our neighbor begins with the heart.

Theme: Grounded in Prayer

Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7

Focus: Begin the week with trust, peace, and spiritual centering through prayer.

Join us each day during Gardner-Webb’s Week of Giving, Service & Prayer (Nov. 17–21) for a special devotional. These brief reflections will feature a scripture, message, and prayer from members of the GWU family—encouraging us to love our neighbors with purpose, faith, and action. Presented in celebration of our continued partnership with United Way.#GroundedInPrayer #Philippians4 #WeekOfGiving #GiveServePray #StartWithPeace #NateEvans #PrayerFirst #FaithCentered #GWUDevotional

This week on The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar continues the celebration of National Distance Learning Recognition with voices from the heart of Gardner-Webb’s online community. Guests Betty Newcomb and Edna Fulton, both online students, join Casey Stafford, Success Coach and student advocate, to share how flexibility, persistence, and support define the modern learning experience.

From juggling work and family to building connection and confidence, these Bulldogs reveal what it really takes to thrive in online education—and how Gardner-Webb’s commitment to guidance, access, and encouragement transforms lives well beyond the classroom.

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.

Music: “Honey for Nothing” by Ikoliks

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #OnlineLearning #DistanceLearning #ModernLearner #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #GWUPodcast #FlexibilityInEducation #LifelongLearning