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

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