Dr. Pillar most recently served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Gardner-Webb University, where he provides strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of academic units, including academic innovation, digital learning, faculty development, undergraduate research, and continuing education. With more than 15 years of academic leadership experience and over 20 years in higher education overall, he has demonstrated a strong ability to advance institutional effectiveness, enhance academic quality, and support student success.

At Gardner-Webb, Dr. Pillar has played a central role in advancing academic strategy, strengthening accreditation processes, and expanding workforce-aligned academic offerings. He serves as the institution鈥檚 liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), guiding accreditation efforts and institutional readiness for reaffirmation. His leadership has emphasized data-informed decision-making, cross-campus collaboration, and the development of innovative academic programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving student population.

Before joining Gardner-Webb University, Dr. Pillar held senior leadership roles at Queens University of Charlotte, including Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. In that role, he led major institutional initiatives focused on student engagement, retention, and academic outcomes, and successfully directed the university鈥檚 accreditation reaffirmation process with no recommendations for follow-up actions.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Pillar is an accomplished faculty member and scholar. He has taught extensively in environmental science and chemistry, mentored student research, and led international experiential learning programs in locations such as Italy, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Micronesia, emphasizing global engagement and sustainability. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Agronomy (Environmental Chemistry) from the University of Georgia, along with degrees from Kansas State University and the University of Minnesota.

鈥淒r. Greg Pillar has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success.聽During his tenure at Gardner-Webb University, he has provided effective leadership across Academic Affairs, guiding faculty, staff, and administrators through opportunities and challenges with professionalism, integrity, and collaboration. I am confident that Dr. Pillar will bring the same level of excellence and innovation to Pfeiffer.聽Although his presence and expertise will be missed at Gardner-Webb University, we are extremely proud of this promotion in his professional journey!聽鈥� 鈥� Nicole Waters, DNP, RN, CNE, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gardner-Webb University.

黑料专区 recognizes Gardner-Webb University as an outstanding institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and leadership development. Dr. Pillar鈥檚 work within that dynamic environment reflects both the strength of the institution and his ability to contribute meaningfully to its mission.

鈥淒r. Pillar comes to us after dozens of applicants were narrowed to a small pool of outstanding finalists who visited our campus. By the end of the process, we knew that had discovered in him a person who could not only nurture our traditional, liberal arts-based programming in Misenheimer and nurture the wonderful faculty and staff helping us deliver that programming, he is also capable of innovating within and around that space. We knew that we had discovered an academic leader who understands and appreciates the outstanding work that has been accomplished in our online graduate programming and in the Center for Health Sciences in Albemarle, but also someone who will help add to that growth by asking 鈥� alongside area CEOs and other thought leaders 鈥� 鈥榳hat鈥檚 next?鈥欌�� I know that I speak for the members of the search committee and others who interacted with Dr. Pillar in the search process when I say that we are excited to collaborate with him.鈥� 鈥� Dr. Scott Bullard, President of 黑料专区

Dr. Pillar鈥檚 appointment reflects 黑料专区鈥檚 continued commitment to advancing academic excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning. His extensive experience in accreditation, faculty development, and program innovation will further strengthen the university鈥檚 mission and position it for continued growth and impact. Dr. Pillar will begin his role at 黑料专区 on August 1, 2026

A graduate of the Pfeiffer College Class of 1963, Grady built a respected career in the practice of law, conducting his work in a manner that enhanced the reputation of his alma mater and reflected deep integrity. Over the course of many decades, he remained a steadfast advocate for 黑料专区, devoting more than fifty years as a member of the Board of Trustees. After becoming one of the youngest board members in Pfeiffer鈥檚 history in 1972 鈥� less than a decade after his graduation 鈥� Grady鈥檚 leadership was especially notable during his tenure as Chair of the 黑料专区 Board of Trustees from 1996 to 1999, a period marked by significant growth and prosperity for the institution.

鈥淭om Grady was an exceptionally intelligent man who never lost his desire to learn and grow. For those fortunate enough to know him, he exemplified the values of faithful living, deep love for family, and a deep love for 黑料专区. His gift of humor and joy lifted those around him, even during life’s most difficult moments, and his influence will continue to be felt by all who knew and loved him. I am among those who felt Tom鈥檚 influence nearly every day. Over more than 60 years of friendship, he taught me the true meaning of loyalty, kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.  Tom was a gift to me that can never be replaced.鈥� said Bob Brietz, Grady鈥檚 Pfeiffer College roommate and former chair of the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees.

Known for his unwavering commitment, Grady championed educational advancement and community development, representing Pfeiffer at professional gatherings and public forums across North Carolina for many years. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the Grady Board Room at 黑料专区 was named in his honor, ensuring that his legacy of service and dedication continues to inspire future generations. The naming of the board room as well as improvements to the space was a project initiated by The Cannon Foundation, another deeply impactful non-profit organization that Grady served as a board member.

鈥淭om Grady will be remembered for his enduring impact, his generosity of spirit, his great and sometimes self-effacing sense of humor, and his lifelong commitment to the institutions and communities he served. He made an incredible difference for 黑料专区, and in the lives of everyone who knew him. He served as an advisor and mentor to me, and Pfeiffer presidents from decades past have said the same thing. Simply put, there was no topic that was off limits, and there was no hour of the night that he would not answer my call.聽 I will miss him, he will be deeply missed by so many others associated with Pfeiffer, and he will be deeply missed by so many in our region who are not associated with Pfeiffer,鈥� said President Scott Bullard.

A will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Concord, NC, on June 13, 2026, at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cannon Foundation, 黑料专区, or St. James Lutheran Church in Grady鈥檚 memory.

鈥淛erry Shelby models the values of servant leadership in so many ways,鈥� said JoEllen Newsome, vice president for institutional advancement at 黑料专区. 鈥淲e are proud to honor him in this way, and we hope that those who use this space will be inspired by his example.鈥�

Shelby, a 1990 master of business administration graduate of 黑料专区, resides in Salisbury, North Carolina. He has also established the Jerry L. Shelby Business Endowed Scholarship, which supports 黑料专区 business majors.

Shelby says his hope is that his contributions will encourage others to invest in the future of the University. 鈥淚 believe in the value of education,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd in using one鈥檚 gifts to make the world a better place. I hope that the work I have done in my community and the investments I have made in my own education and in the education of others will inspire future generations to follow in my footsteps.鈥�

Shelby embraces education as a lifelong process. He continues to take classes and complete certifications through his volunteer work and has earned three professional certifications in the field of supply chain management.

Early in his career, Shelby was deeply influenced by the Jaycee Creed, which states, 鈥淪ervice to Humanity is the Best Work of Life.鈥� That influence led him to develop three personal philosophies that have guided his life and work:

• If you see a problem, you own it until it is fixed鈥攅ven if you are not responsible for it;
• If you are going to do something, commit to doing it better than it has ever been done before; and
• Continue to improve yourself and the organizations with which you are involved.

These principles have led Shelby to serve as president or chairman of nearly every organization with which he has been involved. His leadership has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally through numerous awards and honors.

A volunteer for more than 60 years, Shelby has been a passionate advocate for victims鈥� rights, judicial reform, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and underserved populations. He has dedicated countless hours to giving a voice to thousands of people in need.

Shelby is the author of Victims Have No Rights: A Victim鈥檚 (Pro Se) Experience with Insurance Companies and the Unjust Judicial System, and maintains a website at www.victimshavenorights.com.

鈥淚 hope my legacy will be that people see me volunteering and helping others and feel inspired to get involved themselves,鈥� Shelby said. 鈥淚 hope people will say, 鈥業f Jerry can do this, so can I.鈥欌�� Pictured are 黑料专区 President Dr. Scott Bullard and JoEllen Newsome, vice president for institutional advancement, as they present the conference room naming to Shelby. The space is intended to inspire continued learning, service, and support for 黑料专区.

Benco, which is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., focuses on building residential apartment complexes. It鈥檚 a good fit for Jackson, who notes that 鈥渃onstruction, especially in the Charlotte area, has just really exploded over the last couple years.鈥�

Jackson鈥檚 principal charge at Benco is keeping projects, some worth as much as $50 million, on schedule and within budget constraints. It can be quite a challenge.

鈥淐onstruction can be very volatile in terms of all the things that can go wrong and all the things that have to be tracked before a project begins,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen projects where one change alone can cost a couple hundred thousand dollars in extra work that wasn鈥檛 originally accounted for. It鈥檚 very important to try to capture as much risk and as many variables as possible before a project starts.鈥�

Jackson, 26, aspires to become a Chief Financial Officer. If he achieves that goal, he鈥檒l have likely followed a work ethic that took hold during his time at Pfeiffer: 鈥渢he more you put in, the more you engage and the more willing you are to learn, the better your results will be in anything.鈥�

Jackson鈥檚 also bullish on building relationships and communicating his ideas effectively. He notes that the business programs at Pfeiffer, which often required him to make presentations, helped him develop these skills.

Dr. Susan Luck is Professor of Business at Pfeiffer and Program Director of its Graduate Schools of Business. She served as Jackson鈥檚 advisor, and Jackson took several courses she taught, including Organizational Communication, Business Agility, and Strategic Management.

Luck isn鈥檛 surprised that Jackson has found success in the workforce.

鈥淭anner was always a solid student,鈥� Luck said. 鈥淗e paid close attention to details鈥攁 trait that is certainly a key in his success鈥攁nd was almost always a step ahead of me. He could see where I was going with the coursework and why I wanted what I wanted from students as clearly as I could. That made him a joy to teach, but it also showed me how well honed his critical thinking skills were.鈥�

Luck also praised Jackson鈥檚 work ethic: 鈥淚 knew that he knew what he wanted, and that he knew that his success would depend totally on himself and his drive and work ethic. It showed a maturity beyond his years and a promise of a really terrific student.鈥�

Jackson grew up near Pfeiffer鈥檚 Misenheimer, N.C. campus in Rockwell, N.C., where he still lives. His wife Lauren also followed the same path earning bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in business from Pfeiffer.

Jackson said he 鈥渋nstantly鈥� fell in love with Pfeiffer during a visit to the University: 鈥淚 liked the smaller school environment. I liked the fact that students enjoyed personal relationships with caring professors.鈥�

One of those professors was Dr. Christopher 鈥淒oc鈥� Howard. Howard, now Guest Lecturer at Hochschule Weserbergland in Hameln, Germany, was on the Business Management and Leadership faculty when the Jacksons were students at Pfeiffer. He also officiated at their wedding.

Jackson enthusiastically recommends Pfeiffer to prospective business students. The University 鈥済ives you practical knowledge,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 left there with an understanding of concepts that I could actually apply in the real world, and that has served me well.鈥�

Three generations of the Cook family have studied at Pfeiffer. Cook graduated in 1977. Her late father, A. Wayne Cook, graduated in 1958, and her daughter Jessica Cook, earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Music from Pfeiffer and an MBA in 2007.

鈥淎ll were so grateful for what Pfeiffer offered them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 wanted to afford other students with a similar opportunity for the University to make a positive impact on their lives. The scholarships will help ensure that.鈥�

The scholarships each memorialize one of Cook鈥檚 parents. One, for Strategic Communication and Social Media students, is named for her mother, Frances Ann Garver Cook, who died in 2023 following a courageous battle with cancer.

In her obituary, Cook described her mother as 鈥渁 beloved mother and grandmother, a pioneer for professional women, and a person of deep faith.鈥� Cook鈥檚 mother excelled at the now-defunct Cannon Mills Company, in Kannapolis, N.C., where in 1984, she became the company鈥檚 first female vice president. Among other things, she served as Director of Public Relations at Cannon Mills, edited The Cannon News,and worked as the Corporate Secretary for Cannon Mills and its subsidiaries.

The other scholarship, for Environment and Sustainability Studies majors who want to make the world a better place by caring for the environment and the land, is named for Cook鈥檚 father, A. Wayne Cook (d. 2020). He excelled in business but lived for stewarding his New Moon Farm and raising Black Angus cattle on farmland that was tended by his ancestors for 200 years.

In the obituary Cook penned, she says her father 鈥減ossessed the soul of a poet, the spirit of a cowboy, and the heart of a hero. He loved his children immeasurably, teaching them the 鈥楪ood Morning Song,鈥� and to listen to the words of his favorite country songs 鈥� the sadder, the better.鈥�

The words she used to memorialize each of her parents reveals Cook鈥檚 giftedness as a storyteller. And each of the major stops in her life can somehow be tied to her writing, be it for newspaper articles, devotionals or sermons. She has served as Senior Pastor of several United Methodist Churches. Her first job was as a writer of obituaries. Since 2010, Cook has authored three books: Once Upon A Speech (Kendall-Hunt Publishers), along with two Amethyst Fire Publishing titles: The Beagle and his Boy and The 11-Fingered Jesus.

She is a recipient of the Francis Asbury Preaching Award and the Denman Evangelism Award from the United Methodist Church. As a communications college teacher and scholar, she has received Excellence in Teaching state recognition for her public speaking classes. She鈥檚 presented at regional, national, and international conferences, including the National Communication Association, the Southeastern Women鈥檚 Studies Association, and the International Clergywoman鈥檚 Consultation.

Cook鈥檚 gifts as a writer were refined at Pfeiffer, where she majored in English and minored in French. She was particularly interested in poetry, which heightened her interest in choosing just the right word or title.

鈥淚 believe an English or communication-based degree is one of the best foundations that a student can have,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n every single profession, or in every single advanced degree that one might pursue, a communication foundation is essential.鈥�

Cook says that a form of storytelling even enters into the scholarships she has established at Pfeiffer.

鈥淚 always love meeting the students who receive the scholarships. And when I do, I bring a picture of my parent, and I tell them a little bit about their story. And in that way, it connects my parent鈥檚 story to the student鈥檚. It鈥檚 a legacy of love.鈥�

The A. Wayne Cook Endowed Scholarship鈥檚 first recipient, in 2025-26, was Alim Coleman, a rising junior from Harrisburg, NC, who is a member of Pfeiffer鈥檚 cross country, track & field, and debate teams. He enjoyed meeting Rev. Cook and learning about the family鈥檚 Pfeiffer legacy at the University鈥檚 scholarship dinner in March. 鈥淚t was a great experience to meet an alumnus who is investing in my future, allowing me to follow what I am personally passionate about,鈥� said Coleman. 鈥淭he magnitude of this family鈥檚 generosity has made a real difference for me.鈥�

During his childhood in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., he auditioned for children鈥檚 roles in movies and television shows. When work in show business failed to materialize, he decided, at age 8, that baseball would become his thing.

After becoming a fixture on the travel ball circuit, he came to the attention of recruiters from Pfeiffer, on scholarship when the University competed at the Division II level. Along the way, Peters majored in Computer Information Systems at Pfeiffer — an experience that helped him land his current contractor job as a Senior Cybersecurity Software Engineer for the Department of Defense.

Speaking on the telephone from Boston, where he now lives, Peters touched on a lot of topics, from the growing importance of cybersecurity to his time as a student-athlete at Pfeiffer. He praised his parents for instilling in him the importance of academics. 鈥淎t some point you鈥檙e going to play your last game, whether you鈥檙e in the pros or not,鈥� Peters remembers them saying to him and his brothers, who also played baseball.

Peters, and , stated that his current job entails protecting the warfighter along with the nation鈥檚 assets but couldn鈥檛 elaborate further due to confidentiality and security reasons. He was, however, able to offer his stance on the future of Cybersecurity in a world driven by AI: 鈥淎s we implement AI and have these autonomous agents working on our behalf, we have to grow in terms of security.鈥�

Peters received an excellent education in CIS at Pfeiffer, but he has had to learn cybersecurity on the job. No matter: 鈥淚 was prepared to learn after I graduated from Pfeiffer and transferred into the workplace. I was prepared to ask questions. I was prepared to have tough conversations. I was prepared to figure out my spot within the industry.鈥�

Peters praised Dr. Ali Sever, a Professor of Computer Information Systems at Pfeiffer, for serving as his 鈥渧ery important advisor.鈥� Sever gave Peters books on programming to read, updated him on industry trends, and wrote recommendation letters for him.

Sever also introduced Peters to the University鈥檚 Help Desk, where Peters eventually helped students with computer-related issues. Peters also tutored students in CIS subjects.

Sever called Peters鈥� success 鈥渋ncredibly rewarding.鈥� He said his former student 鈥渃onsistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a willingness to learn beyond the classroom.鈥� He added that Peters鈥� 鈥渆arly experiences, whether working in IT support, engaging in internships, or building technical skills, laid out a solid foundation.鈥�

What truly sets Brandall apart, Sever says, is his initiative and professionalism.

鈥淐ybersecurity is a field that often requires continuous, self-driven learning, and Brandall embraced that mindset early on,鈥� Sever said. 鈥淗is success is a great example of how combining academic preparation with real-world experience and determination can lead to outstanding career outcomes.鈥�

When Peters wasn鈥檛 working on academics, he did all he could to establish himself on the diamond. He didn鈥檛 become a starter until his junior and senior years — an experience that taught him the importance of patience and determination.

鈥淚 was a speedy center field guy,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think my defense was one of the things that separated me from the pack. My hitting was kind of on par. Sometimes I would get into a hitting slump, but what always saved me was my defense.鈥�

Peters鈥� future looks bright. He is thinking of establishing his own cybersecurity firm or of starting a fund dedicated to investing in cybersecurity and defense startups.

He credits Pfeiffer for giving him an opportunity to pursue these and other options. 鈥淭he University was a great place for me to develop into an adult,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a safe, nurturing school environment where teachers and coaches cared about you.鈥�

This public event will take place on Friday, March 20^th from 10 鈥� 11 a.m. in Merner Gymnasium on the campus of 黑料专区 at 48380 US Hwy 52 N, Misenheimer, NC 28109. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and large bags and backpacks will not be allowed.

Senator Tillis has represented North Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2015 and is currently the state鈥檚 senior senator. His Senate service spans nearly a decade in the North Carolina House of Representatives, including four years as Speaker of the House. Known for his pragmatic and solutions鈥慺ocused approach, Tillis has played key roles in areas ranging from judiciary matters and veterans鈥� affairs to banking, housing, and international trade. He has also served on several Senate committees that shape major national policies. Throughout his Senate tenure, Senator Tillis has built a reputation for working across the aisle on issues such as mental health, infrastructure, veterans鈥� services, and bipartisan legislative initiatives. His willingness to engage thoughtfully with complex policy challenges and to do so in ways that invite discussion rather than division aligns with the values of Pfeiffer.

Senator Tillis鈥檚 personal story also embodies themes that resonate with the Pfeiffer community. Raised in a working鈥慶lass family that moved frequently as his parents sought work, he began his career earning minimum wage before completing his college degree as an adult and rising to executive leadership roles in the private sector. His trajectory from modest beginnings to national leadership offers a compelling platform for reflection on perseverance, civic responsibility, and service.

黑料专区 is honored to welcome Senator Tillis as the 2026 Eugene I. Earnhardt Speaker Series guest. His experiences in public life and commitment to respectful dialogue promise to inspire meaningful engagement for the campus community and guests.

With an M.Div. degree in hand, Smith could take steps to become a United Methodist pastor, serving a denomination he鈥檇 been a part of since his childhood on a family farm in rural Alamance (N.C.) County. There was just one problem: As his time at Vanderbilt was winding down, in the early 1970s, Smith had come to doubt whether a career in Christian ministry was really for him. When the late Ruth Fussell Smith 鈥�66, a fellow Pfeiffer alumna and Smith鈥檚 wife at the time, realized her husband was frozen by indecision, she proposed a radical solution.

鈥淪he said, 鈥榃ell, we could join the , and during our time with them, you could think about your future,鈥欌�� Smith recalled during a break at , which he and Nancy Joyner, his current wife, have owned and managed since 2009. 鈥淎fter looking into it, that鈥檚 exactly what we did.鈥� This was back in 1971, when the Peace Corps was about 10 years old, having been established by of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963).

As a presidential candidate, Kennedy had challenged young people like Smith to devote 鈥渁 part of their lives to living and working in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.鈥� It was a noble call that appealed to their idealism, their adventurism, and, often, their willingness to adapt to the most challenging of circumstances as they provided sorely needed assistance.

The Peace Corps assignment for Smith and his wife certainly bore this out. It charged them with working on a multifaceted development project in the western Indian state of . Between June of 1971 and October of 1973, the couple lived and worked amid the stark poverty of a small village where there was no running water and subsistence farming was the norm.

After receiving several months of training in farming techniques and in learning Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra (he still speaks it to Indian immigrants he meets in N.C.), Smith helped introduce new varieties of rice that would produce considerably greater yields than the type locals had traditionally planted during the summer monsoon season. 

Smith also helped increase levels of irrigation needed for planting 鈥渁ll kinds of stuff鈥� other than rice during the non-monsoon months, when temperatures never dipped below 60 degrees. This meant digging a deep well that wouldn鈥檛 go dry — something a village leader supported if local workers were strong enough to do the work involved.

鈥淢y folks can鈥檛 do that work because they don鈥檛 have enough food to keep them healthy enough,鈥� Smith recalls the leader telling him. 鈥淚f you can find enough grain that I can give these people, we can dig a well.鈥�

Smith would do just that, and 20 village workers, fortified with a sufficient number of calories from grain Smith had provided them, came up with the requisite well.

So, what happened after Smith concluded his stint in the Peace Corps? His outlook changed: 鈥淚t gave me an appreciation for all that being a citizen of the world entailed,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd I gained first-hand knowledge of the struggles that many people go through. When you work for the Peace Corps, you gain a whole new perspective. You don鈥檛 get worried if egg prices go up.鈥�

Shortly after returning to the United States, Smith began the process of becoming a United Methodist minister. The initial doubts he had about entering that line of work were replaced with a clarity of focus: Having addressed the challenges faced by rural India, he would do similar work in rural North Carolina and nearby states, first by pastoring United Methodist churches and, then, directing a United Methodist Church-affiliated mission/service organization called the in Hayesville, N.C.

Smith worked for 25 years at Hinton before taking on his current work at Redbud Organic Farm which sits on what was part of the family farm where he grew up. From the beginning, organic practices were used, and the process to become certified organic was completed in 2009. Smith and Joyner sell their produce and plants at area farmers markets and to local co-ops and a few local restaurants.

That he鈥檚 lived a full, often adventurous life of service owes much to his time at Pfeiffer.

鈥淚t was just a really great place,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so glad I was there.鈥�

During her sophomore year, as she was pursuing a B.S. degree in Health and Exercise Science, Mueller 鈥�05 learned that her mother had developed a serious neurological condition that dramatically affected her mobility. This was awful news, of course, but it would also have a profoundly positive effect on the trajectory of Mueller鈥檚 current career in Chicago as a clinical exercise physiologist, wellness coach and personal trainer.

Initially, Mueller envisioned putting her Pfeiffer major to use in ways that might enhance the strength and conditioning of fellow athletes and movement enthusiasts. She started as a midfielder over four years on the women鈥檚 soccer team, and when she wasn鈥檛 on the pitch, she liked to keep moving.  

However, as she observed her mother鈥檚 rehabilitation and the limited resources available once formal rehab ended, her perspective and aspirations in the exercise space shifted.

鈥淚 realized that there was a whole other population that I was completely overlooking,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n time, I developed a passion for working with special populations, which include individuals with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, chronic illness, and those who may require modified or highly individualized approaches to exercise.鈥�

Her clientele in Chicago, where she鈥檚 lived since 2008, has included many people drawn from special populations, in addition to , corporate executives and soccer moms. She works as a part-time exercise physiologist at and as a personal trainer at , a high-tech business she started in 2018 with the goal of offering a personal-training package to suit every taste, lifestyle and location, including some internationally-based clients.

During a recent interview, Mueller described how Pfeiffer planted the seeds for the professional she would become. She illuminated her approach with special populations and how it has influenced the way she works with all kinds of clients. And she described her life in Chicago.

Carolyn, thank you for granting us an interview. Pfeiffer was pretty much always on your radar as you grew up. Why did you decide to attend the University?

My family鈥檚 connection to the school played a role, as did the fact that I often watched Peiffer鈥檚 soccer teams play and attended soccer camps on campus. Knowing Coach Chad Miller, who was a family friend, also influenced my decision to choose Pfeiffer. In short, Pfeiffer was familiar, it offered exactly what I was looking for, and it already felt like home.

Who were your most important professors at Pfeiffer and how did they influence you?

Two professors stand out as especially influential during my time at Pfeiffer. One of my most memorable was Dr. Don Jackman 鈥�78 (Hon.), now a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Pfeiffer. Chemistry was not my strongest subject and apparently not a strength for my dad or older brother either. When I first met Dr. Jackman, he joked, 鈥淥h鈥� another Mueller. I hope you鈥檒l be the first in your family to pass my course!鈥� That comment motivated me to work incredibly hard, and while all of us like to say we 鈥渂arely passed,鈥� it was a meaningful lesson in perseverance and rising to a challenge.

The professor I would especially like to thank is Dr. Vins Sutlive (now at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY). He taught many of my science-based courses and served as a wonderful advisor. Beyond being an excellent professor, he was a genuinely kind and supportive person. He listened, encouraged me academically, and helped me stay motivated during challenging times. I鈥檓 particularly grateful for his support of my family, including helping connect us with resources to assist my mom with home exercise following her injury. He truly went beyond the role of a teacher, and I remain very thankful for his impact on my life.

How did Pfeiffer plant the seeds for the kind of exercise physiologist and personal trainer you have become today?

Sports and movement were always a big part of my life and helped keep me motivated and moving forward from a young age. When I arrived at Pfeiffer, that interest was given structure and depth. As an Exercise Science major, I learned the science behind movement, not just that the body moves, but how and why it does. Learning anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics made the human body endlessly fascinating to me and sparked a desire to keep learning. In short, Pfeiffer helped me connect my love of sport and movement with evidence-based practices, a philosophy that I follow to this day. I hasten to add, though, that other important experiences beyond Pfeiffer also shaped the exercise physiologist and personal trainer I am today.

How so?

Well, two important experiences come to mind, and they鈥檙e both related to my work with special populations. The first grew out of field work that Dr. Sutlive arranged for me to do at the . After teaching a women鈥檚 sports conditioning class there, Y director John Fields took me under his wing and gave me opportunities that shaped my career path. The most impactful was working with individuals who had intellectual and physical disabilities. That population pushed me to think differently about movement, to be creative, adaptable, and open to alternative ways of accomplishing goals when the 鈥渢raditional鈥� approach didn鈥檛 work. It taught me patience and empathy, but more importantly, how to truly motivate, support, and meet someone where they are.

My work at the Stanly County Y would pave the way for my doing an unpaid internship in summer 2007 at what is now the (formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Thanks to the support of my family, I spent my first summer in Chicago at what is widely considered one of the best physical rehabilitation hospitals in the country. That experience confirmed that this was the environment where I wanted to continue learning and growing.

And after I earned my master鈥檚 degree in kinesiology, nutrition and physical activity from James Madison University in 2008, I became the Manager of Adaptive Fitness Services at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a post I held until 2013. In that role, I worked closely with physical therapists and a team of exercise physiologists to help maximize each patient鈥檚 care and ensure carryover beyond formal rehabilitation. That collaborative mindset strongly influences how I work today. I鈥檓 always thinking about appropriate modifications and progressions, adjusting in real time, and making sure each program aligns with an individual鈥檚 needs and goals. Whether in a clinical setting or a personal training environment, my focus is on helping people move forward with confidence. I call it 鈥淢odify and Progress,鈥� and I鈥檝e compiled a that illustrates how I approach modifying and progressing, using a common exercise, namely the push up.

It appears, then, that Chicago has been a good place for you to further your career.

Absolutely. The city offers extensive resources, multiple healthcare systems, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Being in an environment where physicians, physical therapists, and other clinicians actively seek out qualified exercise professionals has allowed me to build meaningful connections and provide continuity of care for many patients. I鈥檝e also been fortunate to work with wonderful clients, and over time my practice has grown largely through word of mouth, which speaks to the strength of the professional community here.

What about the winters?

While my first Chicago winter was intimidating, I鈥檝e since grown to love the city, no matter how cold it gets. The professional experience I gained early in my career was transformative, and Chicago became home, helped along by meeting a wonderful Canadian who is now my husband: Dr. Levi Hargrove. He at Shirley Ryan: he leads the Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine, and serves as Director of the Neural Engineering for Prosthetics and Orthotics Lab. And he taught me how to survive the colder months.  

Dr. Steve Shelton, a 1987 graduate of Pfeiffer College, uttered these words with disarming matter-of-factness on Jan. 23 in Columbia, S.C. He did so on the telephone during a work break at , his employer, where those 鈥渇ew chaotic days鈥� would morph into several more of readiness, thanks to his able skills as an Emergency Manager for the health system. He鈥檚 been an Emergency Manager and an Academic Emergency Physician at Prisma Health for more than 30 years. 

Shelton devised plans detailing how three hospitals in Columbia and another just outside that city would cope with the fallout from a then-imminent ice storm and from an outbreak of measles. This was quite the challenge, with Shelton taking into account everything from the 1,000 beds spread across the four hospitals to the 12,000 employees working at a 24/7 business that has to stay open, no matter what.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got to make sure that everyone鈥檚 prepared,鈥� Shelton said. 鈥淗ow do we get staff in and support them, things like that.鈥�

Shelton鈥檚 duties as Emergency Manager last month also included providing updates and counsel for the public as a spokesperson for Prisma Health. It was a role he had undertaken several times before, one of the most notable happening in early 2022, when South Carolina experienced a rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant that strained healthcare systems across the state. Shelton also shared clinical updates about the status of Prisma Health鈥檚 hospitals and made healthcare recommendations at press conferences that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster called in 2020, when COVID-19 was new. He served as leader (Incident Commander) for Prisma Health鈥檚 COVID response from beginning to end.

Shelton said that although his work as Emergency Manager has made him feel 鈥渙verwhelmed鈥� at times, 鈥淚鈥檝e been doing this for a long time and I鈥檝e been lucky enough to surround myself with some really sharp people.鈥� He said he鈥檚 a big believer in listening to his colleagues鈥� concerns and making course corrections in response. 鈥淲e adapt and overcome,鈥� he said.

Shelton鈥檚 people skills began to develop at Pfeiffer, with which he was long familiar, having been raised in Stanly County. A chemistry major who minored in biology and math, he also took advantage of the many extracurricular activities on offer, particularly those that entailed serving in student government and various organizations. As President of the Male Student Association, to cite one example, he learned how to work through a range of issues with everyone from faculty to students. 

鈥淭hat experience was invaluable,鈥� Shelton recalled. 鈥淚 was able to build on it throughout my career.鈥�

As for Shelton鈥檚 work as an Academic Emergency Physician, this, too, is rooted in his time at Pfeiffer, which he attended on scholarship. As a pre-med student, Shelton took a requisite course on Biochemistry, which was taught by Dr. Mike Riemann 鈥�70 (Hon.) 鈥�10 (Hon.), Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Pfeiffer.

鈥淪teve was serious about his academics,鈥� said Riemann, who also served as Shelton鈥檚 advisor. 鈥淗e asked the kind of questions that gave this professor confidence that he would do well no matter the endeavor.鈥�

In Riemann, Shelton saw 鈥渁 mentor and somebody I definitely respected.鈥�  He recalled that Riemann always went the extra mile for him and his fellow students: The door to the professor鈥檚 office – and even his faculty housing on campus! –  always seemed to be open to anyone who needed help with overcoming the more daunting challenges of chemistry. Also, Shelton recalled that when it came to the campus lab, Riemann 鈥渨ould be there weekends or evenings making sure you had what you needed to complete the task you were given.鈥�

After Pfeiffer, Shelton attended the East Carolina University School of Medicine, then, in 1994, completed an Emergency Medicine Residency at Richland Memorial Hospital/University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia. At East Carolina, 鈥渢he material wasn鈥檛 crazy-difficult,鈥� Shelton said. 鈥淏ut the volume of the material was a lot greater and came at me a lot faster than was the case at Pfeiffer. Still, I felt that Pfeiffer had given me the skills to succeed.鈥�

In time, Shelton would gravitate to emergency medicine as a specialty, having found 鈥渢he opportunity to make quick fixes and to make an immediate impact on people鈥檚 lives鈥� more to his liking than, say, managing a chronic condition over time.

He also came to feel energized by working with medical students (from the University of South Carolina), calling them 鈥渢he best of the medical students who come to us.鈥� And he has liked absorbing the new approaches and thinking that the residents under his supervision bring to the ER environment as he guides them not so much with orders but with questions (e.g., 鈥淒id you think about this?鈥�).

In Shelton鈥檚 eyes, all this and more can be traced back to Pfeiffer, which he says provided him with a great foundation for what followed.  鈥淚t got me where I needed to go,鈥� he said.