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