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”

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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.

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