Gardner-Webb University: Podcast Network

Dawg Tracks is back for Season 3!

Host Noel T. Manning II kicks off the new season with Gardner-Webb alumna Lenea Brewton Walker, Head Cheer Coach and Director of Fan Experience for Runnin’ Bulldog Athletics.

For Walker, Gardner-Webb is much more than a workplace—it’s part of her family story. Both of her parents attended GWU, her father became a three-time All-American football player and Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Famer, and Lenea continued the tradition as a Gardner-Webb student and member of the cheer squad.

Now, she’s helping shape the next generation of Bulldog spirit.

In this episode, Lenea shares her Gardner-Webb journey, takes us behind the scenes of collegiate cheer, and explains why cheerleaders play such an important role in creating energy for student-athletes and fans. We’ll also explore her role as Director of Fan Experience and what goes into creating the promotions, traditions, atmosphere, and memorable moments that make game day special.

Whether you’re an alum, student, longtime fan, or new to Bulldog Nation, this Season 3 premiere is all about the people and passion that bring Gardner-Webb Athletics to life.

Follow the Runnin’ Bulldogs at gwusports.com.

Dawg Tracks Theme Music: “How Ya Feeling Out There” by Ikoliks

#DawgTracks #LeneaBrewtonWalker #GardnerWebb #GWUAthletics #RunninBulldogs #BulldogNation #GardnerWebbCheer #CollegeCheer #FanExperience #CollegeAthletics #GameDayExperience #BulldogSpirit #GoDawgs #Season3Premiere

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Gardner-Webb University student Walter Medina reflects on the experiences that continue to shape his life, faith, and future. Through an unexpected love of swing dancing, meaningful mentorship, and a growing passion for ministry, Walter shares how communication, community, and servant leadership all begin with learning to listen.

From discovering a sense of belonging at Gardner-Webb to launching A Luminous City, an online ministry focused on sharing hope beyond Sunday mornings, Walter offers an inspiring perspective on finding purpose one step at a time.

This story is a reminder that leadership isn't always about being out front—sometimes it's about walking alongside others with faith, humility, and grace.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic conversations with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

Music on this episode provided by Swingin’ Mac Daddy & Swing String Fling by David Davidson.

Reporting on this episode is Jeff Powell.

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#WalterMedina

#LearningTheSteps

#ChristianLeadership

#FaithAndLearning

#StudentLeadership

#CampusMinistry

#ServantLeadership

#Communication

#HigherEducation

#CollegeLife

#BulldogPride

#Purpose

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Gardner-Webb University student Walter Medina reflects on the experiences that continue to shape his life, faith, and future. Through an unexpected love of swing dancing, meaningful mentorship, and a growing passion for ministry, Walter shares how communication, community, and servant leadership all begin with learning to listen.

From discovering a sense of belonging at Gardner-Webb to launching A Luminous City, an online ministry focused on sharing hope beyond Sunday mornings, Walter offers an inspiring perspective on finding purpose one step at a time.

This story is a reminder that leadership isn't always about being out front—sometimes it's about walking alongside others with faith, humility, and grace.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic conversations with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

Music in this episode by Benny Goodman - "Let's Dance" and Louis Prima - "Sing, SIng, Sing (with a Swing)."

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#WalterMedina

#LearningTheSteps

#ChristianLeadership

#FaithAndLearning

#StudentLeadership

#CampusMinistry

#ServantLeadership

#Communication

#HigherEducation

#CollegeLife

#BulldogPride

#Purpose

In the season premiere, host Noel T. Manning II welcomes Gardner-Webb alumna, entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, and founder of Socially Stetson, Stetson Patton, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Patton shares her journey from Gardner-Webb student to successful business owner, reflects on the ever-changing world of social media and digital marketing, and discusses her role as instructor for Gardner-Webb's new PACE 515 Freelance Social Media Management Program. Together, they explore how creativity, technology, and practical experience can empower individuals to launch freelance careers, grow businesses, and confidently navigate today's digital landscape.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, a student, or simply curious about the future of digital communication, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration.

Learn more about the PACE 515 Freelance Social Media Management Program at Gardner-Webb PACE 515 Freelance Social Media Management Program. The 12-week certificate program equips participants with hands-on experience in content creation, AI tools, client management, analytics, and business development to help launch successful freelance careers.

WebbChat introduces you to the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping Gardner-Webb University—one conversation at a time. Join us each episode as we sit down with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University to share the stories behind the work that's making a difference.

Find more about the course here: https://gardner-webb.edu/programs/freelance-social-media-management-program/

Theme Music: "Reap What You Sow" by Carter McDevitt

#WebbChat

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#StetsonPatton

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#ContinuingEducation

Long before she became a two-time recipient of Gardner-Webb University's Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Paula Qualls was simply a young woman trying to understand God's calling for her life.

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Qualls reflects on the quiet moments that shaped an extraordinary career—an encouraging word from a friend, a growing love for Scripture, the unexpected path into teaching, and the joy of helping students discover the gifts God has placed within them.

More than a story about teaching, this is a conversation about faith, mentorship, purpose, and the lasting impact one person can have on another.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic dialogue with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Thanks to Katie Hartley for supplying the voiceover for this story.

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#DrPaulaQualls

#TeachingExcellence

#ChristianHigherEducation

#FaithAndLearning

#Mentorship

#Purpose

#Calling

#BiblicalStudies

#SpiritualFormation

#HigherEducation

#FacultySpotlight

#BulldogPride

Every great conversation leaves an impact. Every great host helps shape the journey.

In this special Season 2 finale of The Bulldog Mindset, Dr. Greg Pillar reflects on his time at Gardner-Webb University and the conversations that have defined the podcast's first two seasons. From faculty and staff to students, and campus leaders, the series has highlighted the people whose passion, leadership, and dedication make Gardner-Webb a truly distinctive university.

Joining Greg is Dr. Robert Prickett, who officially takes the microphone as the next host of The Bulldog Mindset. Together they reflect on the evolution of the podcast, discuss the importance of storytelling in higher education, and share a preview of what's ahead as Season 3 begins.

This episode isn't simply about changing hosts—it's about celebrating a legacy while embracing a new chapter.

Whether you've been listening since Episode One or you're discovering the series for the first time, this conversation offers a meaningful look back and an exciting glimpse into the future.

Thank you, Dr. Greg Pillar, for helping launch The Bulldog Mindset and for introducing listeners to the remarkable people who make Gardner-Webb University a place of learning, leadership, and purpose.

And welcome, Dr. Robert Prickett. The next chapter begins now.

Subscribe and explore the complete Gardner-Webb podcast network at gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #HigherEducation #Leadership #Podcast #DrGregPillar #DrRobertPrickett #SeasonFinale #PassingTheTorch #GardnerWebbUniversity #CampusLeadership #EducationPodcast #BulldogNation #AcademicLeadership #CollegePodcast #HigherEd

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

In this episode, Gardner-Webb alumnus Carson Willoughby ('25) shares how a few unforgettable all-night editing sessions, meaningful mentorship, and lifelong friendships helped him discover his calling as a filmmaker.

From balancing Division I baseball with demanding film projects to earning the Founder's Choice Award at the Real to Reel International Film Festival and continuing his journey in the Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking program at UNC Wilmington, Carson reflects on the experiences that shaped his future behind the camera.

This conversation explores creativity, collaboration, perseverance, and the moment when passion becomes purpose.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, bringing the magazine's stories to life through authentic conversations with the alumni, students, faculty and friends who have lived them.

Thanks for Jeff Powell, WGWG station manger, for supplying the voiceover for this story.

#BeyondThePages

#GardnerWebb

#GardnerWebbMagazine

#GardnerWebbAlumni

#CarsonWilloughby

#Filmmaking

#DocumentaryFilm

#Storytelling

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#BulldogPride

Some stories are too big for the page. Welcome to Beyond the Pages, the official audio companion to the Gardner-Webb Magazine. Because the best stories are best told by the people who lived them.

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Gardner-Webb alumna Kim Ballard ('92) reflects on a career spanning more than three decades in broadcast journalism, from discovering her passion for storytelling at Gardner-Webb to leading one of North Carolina's most respected local newsrooms.

A two-time Regional Emmy Award recipient and Regional Edward R. Murrow Award winner, Ballard shares why local journalism remains the backbone of informed communities, the importance of earning trust, and how mentors, curiosity, and a commitment to truth shaped her career. This conversation explores leadership, resilience, and the responsibility of telling stories that truly matter.

Beyond the Pages is the official audio companion to Gardner-Webb Magazine, taking listeners beyond the printed story through conversations with alumni, students, faculty and friends whose journeys continue to inspire.

Thanks for Noel T. Manning II for supplying the voiceover for this story.

#BeyondThePages #GardnerWebb #GardnerWebbAlumni #KimBallard #Journalism #LocalNews #BroadcastJournalism #Storytelling #Leadership #WomenInMedia #CommunityJournalism #EmmyAward #MurrowAward #MediaCareers #TruthMatters #HigherEducation #BulldogPride

In this edition of Minute Majors, we sit down with Dr. Evan Moffitt Drake, a pharmacist and 2012 Gardner-Webb University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Evan shares how her Gardner-Webb experience helped shape her career and influence her journey in the sciences. Discover the lasting impact of a Gardner-Webb education through the stories of our alumni.

Minute Majors showcases Gardner-Webb alumni and the transformative academic programs that helped prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

#GardnerWebb #MinuteMajors #AlumniSpotlight #ChemistryMajor #ChemistryDegree #Pharmacist #CollegeSuccess #BulldogPride #GardnerWebbAlumni

What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to helping others find their voice?

In this episode of WebbChat, Noel T. Manning II sits down with Gardner-Webb alumnus Peter Strickland ('97), whose three decades of teaching at Crest High School have inspired generations of young musicians, educators, and community leaders.

Throughout his career, Peter has done far more than teach students how to play music. He has challenged them to work hard, believe in themselves, embrace creativity, and discover that music is not simply an art—it is a way of life.

Their conversation explores:

• Peter's journey from Gardner-Webb student to award-winning music educator

• Discovering that teaching—not the music industry—was his true calling

• The lifelong partnership between Crest High School and Gardner-Webb University

• Mentoring students who have gone on to become performers, composers, educators, and music therapists

• Why music education builds confidence, discipline, and resilience

• The lasting lessons students carry long after graduation

• Faith, service, and the responsibility of investing in the next generation

Peter also reflects on unforgettable collaborations with renowned musicians, the evolution of Crest's orchestra program, and the joy of seeing former students return—not just as musicians, but as adults whose lives were shaped by music.

Whether you're an educator, musician, student, alumnus, or simply someone who appreciates the power of mentorship, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that the greatest legacy is often found in the lives we help shape.

Learn more about Gardner-Webb University, the News Center, and the University's podcast network at gardner-webb.edu/news and gardner-webb.edu/podcast.

Music for this episode: Analog Zoo - Spin the Wheel.

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