York鈥檚 success on the diamond, though, was only one of several ways that she profited from becoming a Falcon.

She graduated in 2021 with a degree in Business Management and Leadership, and she finished her Pfeiffer MBA in 2023. These two credentials have helped pave the way for the job success she now enjoys, as Director of Sales Strategy at in Statesville, N.C. She leads a team that works to 鈥渃reate relationships and drive connections鈥� among such sources of clients as physician offices and senior living facilities.

鈥淲e want to ensure that patients have more access to care. Anytime a transition to palliative care or hospice services comes into play, we work to make sure that it鈥檚 happening in a smooth, seamless way for the patient and for the family.鈥�

York has held her current position for about 15 months. Before that, she worked in the beverage industry, where she envisioned building her career after securing her dream job. A massive restructuring at her employer made her rethink that objective.

鈥淚鈥檓 a believer in God and His plan for my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I took some time to look at what had unfolded. I got what I thought was my dream job and not even a few months later, this is where we had landed.鈥�

York began searching out other career possibilities, even some she鈥檇 never considered before. When working at Hospice & Palliative Care emerged as a possibility, she felt drawn to it for several reasons. Up to that point, she鈥檇 never had anyone work under her. Her position at Hospice & Palliative Care would enable her to 鈥渢ie in all these different things that I learned in my time at Pfeiffer and really build myself as a leader now that I have this opportunity to actually lead people.鈥�

York praised several of her Pfeiffer professors, including Dr. Raushan Gross and Dr. Susan Luck, for 鈥渟etting鈥� her leadership style, which emphasizes attributes such as collaboration and leading by example.

Remarkably, York was able to tap her former Pfeiffer professors periodically for advice as she began her current job. One of them was Dr. Christopher 鈥淒oc鈥� Howard, who will become the Program Director of the Adult and Graduate Studies Business Programs at Montreat College in August.

鈥淚 just had him talk me through a couple things,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 asked him some questions about some different situations and to figure out when it was best to do what in terms of how I should start out and set the standard for my team being the newest person there.鈥�

A general philosophy took hold, namely to 鈥渁dapt to the situation; adopt new ideas, new strategies; and abandon them if they don鈥檛 work.鈥� Then, start the process all over again.

Another reason working at Hospice & Palliative Care appealed to her was personal. Her two grandmothers each received hospice care from the organization several years before she would work at it. 

鈥淭hey passed away under hospice, and I saw how much it helped our family just by having that resource,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 something that you see with everyone who works at our organization. Every single person who works there has been touched directly by hospice in a way. And it鈥檚 just really special.鈥�

York, having recognized that she can look forward to a bright future largely because of the great start she got at Pfeiffer, has found many ways to give back to the University.

A few months ago, she sat on a panel aimed at freshmen who learned about her experiences during and after her time at Pfeiffer. She鈥檚 delivered two guest lectures for Gross. And she鈥檚 interested in sitting on the Alumni Board in the future.

She and other members of her family underwrote the restoration of the Pfeiffer Prayer Labyrinth, which is located near Henry Pfeiffer Chapel on Pfeiffer鈥檚 campus in Misenheimer, N.C. in memory of Pfeiffer alumna Rev. Rebecca Lynn Watts Cash 鈥�96, York鈥檚 great-aunt. The labyrinth had been originally placed by the United Methodist Women in 2005.York described the labyrinth as 鈥渁 reflective area where students or staff or faculty can go and just take time and be present, be where their feet are, pray, just be spiritual, however that looks for them.鈥�

These days, York鈥檚 reflections include a lot of gratitude for her Pfeiffer experiences. 鈥淧feiffer’s given me so much,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 given me my degrees. It鈥檚 given me the opportunity to go and work at the jobs that I’ve been able to work at. It’s given me my soon-to-be husband (Zach Cates 鈥�22). It鈥檚 given me all these friendships. I am forever thankful that God put me at 黑料专区.鈥�

This past May, Swanson and several other members of Pfeiffer鈥檚 Class of 1976 joined the processional at Pfeiffer鈥檚 2026 commencement, underscoring a tradition of featuring 50th reunion classes at graduation exercises.

鈥淚t was very meaningful to me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 hope it was also at least in some way meaningful to the current graduates to realize that people who graduated from Pfeiffer 50 years ago still feel a connection to the place.鈥�

Swanson, a native of West Virginia, spent much of his childhood in Salisbury, N.C. He began feeling his connection to Pfeiffer — and sensing the difference it could make in his life — several years before he would enroll there. The connection took hold when his late father, Don (who had once worked in the West Virginia mines), joined the ranks of Pfeiffer鈥檚 non-traditional students, graduating in 1968. Sandra Swanson, Charles鈥� sister, graduated from Pfeiffer in 1973.

With a degree in hand from Pfeiffer and, eventually, a couple more from Wake Forest University, Don would enjoy a distinguished career in school administration. For many years before his retirement, for example, he was the Principal at Hurley Elementary School in Rowan (N.C.) County. His wife, Ann Swanson, would become a school librarian, having earned a master鈥檚 degree in library science from UNC Greensboro after completing her undergraduate studies at Catawba College.

Sandra also pursued a career in education which culminated in her serving as the school librarian at Granite Quarry Elementary in Granite Quarry, N.C. She鈥檚 now a full-time substitute teacher at Cleveland Elementary School in Cleveland, N.C.

Charles Swanson has followed in the footsteps of immediate family members in the sense that, like them, he is upholding their value of 鈥渉elping people,鈥� albeit through the law. Now 72, he plans to retire at the end of the second term of Indya Kincannon, Knoxville鈥檚 current mayor, in December 2027. He鈥檒l have a lot to do during his final months on the job, which entails supervising eight attorneys who provide legal advice or litigate for Kincannon and Knoxville鈥檚 nine city departments.

Swanson said that Knoxville is dealing with around 鈥�75 active lawsuits鈥� (on top of scores of workers鈥� compensation and tax collection cases). The lawsuits have been brought for any number of reasons. Somebody slips on an icy sidewalk. Or somebody feels they were abused by police during an arrest.

鈥淲e鈥檒l probably get 50 or so of those suits resolved,鈥� Swanson said. 鈥淎nd there will be about 50 other new cases filed during the subsequent year.鈥�

And then there are the contracts. Each year, over 1,000 of these go through Knoxville鈥檚 Law Department, where they are negotiated and drafted or amended in some way. The contracts are typically with consultants who鈥檝e been hired to come up with zoning plans, for example, or to design such buildings as the new Public Safety Complex, which houses both the Fire and Police departments.

Contracts make for 鈥渁 ton of work,鈥� Swanson said. One reason: 鈥淎 lot of times when you鈥檙e doing a consulting contract, you鈥檙e doing it based upon the talent of the people who are currently at a firm. What if the person who has this specialized knowledge leaves that company?鈥� There are multiple ways to go, from getting out of the contract to reducing its value, and a well-designed contract will take these into account.

Swanson is part of a remarkable legal legacy: He was married to the late Honorable Pam Reeves, the first female Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the first woman to serve as President of the Tennessee Bar Association.

Swanson and Reeves were the first married couple to both serve as President of the Tennessee Bar Association. Each of the couple鈥檚 two children, Reedy and Amanda, is an attorney.

Swanson’s recent visit to Pfeiffer鈥檚 Misenheimer, N.C. campus has prompted him to reflect on the highly productive time he enjoyed there as a student. He majored in Psychology, played baseball as a reserve first baseman for legendary coach Joe Ferebee and served as the President of the Student Government Association, during his senior year.

He learned an invaluable lesson from Ferebee, namely 鈥渢hat nothing replaces hard work and discipline.鈥� And he soaked up the benefits of high-quality instruction by professors who prioritized the well-being and betterment of students over everything else. The result: 鈥淚 was more than adequately prepared to be successful at the University of Tennessee and, frankly, anywhere else,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful to Pfeiffer for the great start that it gave me.鈥�

Remarkably, Argrett played only one year of high school basketball before joining Pfeiffer鈥檚 program. This was during his senior year at South Rowan High School in China Grove, N.C., where he had settled when he was a middle schooler after living in the South Bronx of New York City.

He had tried out for the basketball team his freshman year in high school but was cut. His prospects on the court changed dramatically just before his senior year in high school when he grew by a foot and decided to give organized basketball another try. After putting in a great senior season at South Rowan, he became what Salisbury Post sports writer Mike London described as 鈥渁 devastating player at 6-foot-8 for the Pfeiffer Falcons, shooting 62 percent for his career when they were among the country鈥檚 top D-II programs.鈥�

These and other details of Argrett鈥檚 improbable rise to hoops stardom highlight an autobiography he has written called .

Argrett founded and serves as a coach at in Mooresville, N.C., which offers everything from 1-on-1 lessons on basketball fundamentals to clinics, summer camps, and leagues. He said that he wrote Against The Clock at the urging of friends.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been told that my story is very unique, especially from a basketball standpoint,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 mean, how many people play one year of high school basketball and have accomplished what I have in the game?鈥�

Or, to put it another way, Argrett is hoping that Against The Clock 鈥渨ill inspire anybody who has a dream. I think the biggest takeaway is that you can start literally anytime.鈥�

There are other reasons Argrett wrote Against The Clock. He wants the book to illuminate 鈥渨hat it means to grow up, take responsibility, and stay committed to the work even when no one is watching. It鈥檚 about understanding that success doesn鈥檛 come overnight, and that consistency, character, and preparation matter long before the spotlight ever arrives.鈥�

Argrett鈥檚 time at Pfeiffer, where he majored in Pre-Law, illustrates what this means. Initially, he wasn鈥檛 getting the playing time he thought he deserved.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 just sulking and stuff because of that,鈥� Argrett said. 鈥淚 was blaming the coach too.鈥�

In time, Argrett took a hard look in the mirror. He came to realize that he was going home every week, instead of staying on campus to work on his game and hang with his teammates. He wasn鈥檛 putting in extra work after practice or in the off season.

He adopted a training regime in which he worked on his game for another hour after each practice. After taking a break, he鈥檇 lift weights and watch film.

鈥淚 did that consistently throughout my entire basketball career,鈥� Argrett said. 鈥淭hat was the separator, the work that wasn鈥檛 seen. That鈥檚 pretty much what Pfeiffer taught me, and that鈥檚 what I hope this book teaches people.鈥�

Argrett says he would not be the man he鈥檚 become today were it not for Pfeiffer. He came to love not only his teammates, who became something of a second family, but also his coaches and and even the staffers who insisted on (and made) breakfast when they learned he hadn鈥檛 yet eaten.

鈥淚t鈥檚 such a family environment,鈥� he said. 鈥淕oing to that institution, you get everything you need. I鈥檓 just incredibly blessed to be an alumnus of Pfeiffer, and I鈥檓 definitely forever indebted to the school.鈥�

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.

Last Name	First Name	City	State
Allen	Joao	Concord	NC
Almond	Jerry	New London	NC
Altamirano	Maria	Mooresville	NC
Anderson	Madeline	Reidsville	NC
Andrews	Mason	Stokesdale	NC
Apostolou Salas	Fanny	Barquisimeto	..
Auman	Natalie	Jackson Springs	NC
Barefoot	Isaac	Garner	NC
Barker	Jacob	Gold Hill	NC
Barnes	Jon	Irmo	SC
Barnes	Hailey	Concord	NC
Bassett	Jenna	Salisbury	NC
Baucom	Onalese	Albemarle	NC
Beaver	Lucas	Thomasville	NC
Belk	Shelby	Marshville	NC
Bellantoni	Christian	Armonk	NY
Bentley	Mallory	Salisbury	NC
Bido	Lily	Coral Springs	FL
Blake	Jordan	Mount Pleasant	NC
Blankenship	Madison	Asheboro	NC
Blevins	Jake	Salisbury	NC
Boger	Lavender	Rockwell	NC
Bolz	Lily	Lexington	NC
Borst	Makayla	Salisbury	NC
Borst	Hayley	Salisbury	NC
Bowman	Abigail	Lenoir	NC
Branca	Quinlan	Mays Landing	NJ
Brandle	Jack	Charlotte	NC
Brandon	Loretta	Durham	NC
Bristol	Thomas	Rockwell	NC
Brown	Andrew	Metarie	LA
Brown	Jaylan	Asheboro	NC
Bruss	Andrew	Concord	NC
Buck	Cayman	Norwood	NC
Bulla	Mollie	Belews Creek	NC
Burgess	Mason	Edgemoor	SC
Burleigh	Sophie	Concord	NC
Burleson	Bricen	Kannapolis	NC
Butner	Ellen	Mebane	NC
Cabaniss-Ali	Lola	Mint Hill	NC
Cabrera Pena	Juan	York	SC
Campbell	Emily	Salisbury	NC
Cannon	Nevaeh	Clayton	NC
Cantini	Niccolo	Capannori (LU)	FC
Cantini	Tommaso	Capannori (LU)	FC
Caranna	Reese	Bend	OR
Carpenter	Reagan	Kannapolis	NC
Carroll	Mindy	High Point	NC
Carroll	Cian	Milford	CT
Carroll	Micah	Salisbury	NC
Caviness	Cohen	Asheboro	NC
Ciccone	Chase	Thomasville	NC
Clendenin	Calissa	Robbins	NC
Cline	Katelyn	Rockwell	NC
Coble	Mckinlee	New London	NC
Coleman	Alim	Harrisburg	NC
Collins	Kadynce	Salisbury	NC
Cooke	Taylor	Winston Salem	NC
Cooper	Charly	Bullock	NC
Cooper	Cameron	New London	NC
Costa de Freitas Balbi Kezen	Hugo	Rio de Janeiro
Cottone	Noah	Concord	NC
Couper	Ella	Harrisburg	NC
Cranford	Hailey	Denton	NC
Crespo	Pierre	Wendell	NC
Crump	Reece	Norwood	NC
顿鈥橝尘补迟辞	Lapo	Rimini	..
Dawkins	Omarion	Charlotte	NC
Deaton	Owen	Rockwell	NC
DeBerry	Mychal	Indian Trail	NC
Denoo	Landon	Fuquay Varina	NC
Dlamini	Nkosinathi	Pietermaritzburg	..
Dozier	Jahari	Charlotte	NC
Drake	Alyson	Concord	NC
Dry	Drake	Richfield	NC
Dualan	Aiden	Carver	MN
Duggan	Bridget	Kernersville	NC
Dula	Dylan	Granite Falls	NC
Duncan	Janyla	Kannapolis	NC
Dycus	Brody	Ashland	VA
Edwards	Mya	Salisbury	NC
Elkins	Caitlyn	Goldston	NC
Evans	Juanita	Aberdeen	NC
Faavesi	Anasty	Rockwell	NC
Faircloth	Savannah	Albemarle	NC
Faircloth	Kayleigh	Albemarle	NC
Faircloth	Skylar	Randleman	NC
Finley	Collin	Stedman	NC
Fisher	Chase	Salisbury	NC
Fletcher	Jeremiah	Brentwood	NY
Fletcher	Owen	Niceville	FL
Flinchum	Madeline	Franklinville	NC
Flores	Anthony	Decatur	GA
Flores Cruz	Sara	Albemarle	NC
Flores Perez	Crysty	Concord	NC
Flores Perez	Yasmin	Concord	NC
Ford	Ariyan	Concord	NC
Foxwell	David	Va Beach	VA
Foxwell	Lukas	Virginia Beach	VA
Francis	Ivye	Denton	NC
Furr	Addison	Albemarle	NC
Galarza Figueroa	Joana	Lexington	NC
Gama	Gabriela	Matthews	NC
Ganesh	Kimberly	Concord	NC
Garro	Drew	Raleigh	NC
Garver	Olivia	Clover	SC
Gatz	Aubrie	Locust	NC
Genao	Evan	Wake Forest	NC
Germain	Claire	Newport	NC
Gillikin	Christopher	Newport	NC
Goldstein	Mackenzie	Bedford	NH
Gonzalez	Ethan	Miramar	FL
Gosnell	Halie	Mount Holly	NC
Gram	Madison	Albemarle	NC
Grandchester	Esther	Raleigh	NC
Griffin	Hailey	Mars Hill	NC
Gunter	Kaileigh	Raleigh	NC
Gunter	Jenna	Concord	NC
Haeg	Brooklyn	Concord	NC
Hairston	Ava	Winston Salem	NC
Hansen	Jonathan	Fort Mill	SC
Harding	Jessica	Richfield	NC
Hartman	Madison	Harrisburg	NC
Heilig	Morgan	Liberty	NC
Henkel	Jacob	Ada	MI
Herman	Kirstyn	Taylorsville	NC
Hollar	Aidan	Taylorsville	NC
Honeycutt	Rylee	Clinton	NC
Hooker	Wesley	Savannah	GA
Hopkins	Tiger	Lewiston	ME
Howard	Victoria	Little River	SC
Howard	SaraKate	Siler City	NC
Huffman	Andrew	Salisbury	NC
Huneycutt	Lannah	Albemarle	NC
Hunt	Chance	Norwood	NC
Hurley	Devin	Troy	NC
Hussey	Kelsey	Bear Creek	NC
Ingenito	Haley	Ridgeland	SC
Iordache	Stefan	Bucharest	..
Isley	Hannah	Rockwell	NC
Isley	Riley	Rockwell	NC
Jaramillo	Jaime	Oakboro	NC
Javier	Joseph	Kannapolis	NC
Johnson	Joshua	Raleigh	NC
Johnson	Kohen	Kings Mountain	NC
Johnson	Morgan	Ramseur	NC
Jones	Joshua	Blainville	QC
Jordan	Anna	Taylorsville	NC
Kidd	Cayley	Bennett	NC
Klotz	Sage	Roanoke Rapids	NC
Krupa	John	Aldie	VA
LaFave	Emma	Jacksonville	NC
Lancaster	Jackson	Concord	NC
Landaverde	Benjamin	Kannapolis	NC
Landaverde	Elisa	Kannapolis	NC
Lane	Peyton	Williamston	NC
Laney	Kennedy	Albemarle	NC
Lauritzen	Jonathan	骋枚迟别产辞谤驳
Lawson	Jeannie	Archdale	NC
Leister	Anakin	Trinity	NC
Lemon	Jaiden	Swansboro	NC
Lentz	Katelyn	Salisbury	NC
Lester	Taylor	Albemarle	NC
Limbert	Seth	Mooresville	NC
Lomax	Madison	Mount Gilead	NC
Lowder	Tierra	Rockwell	NC
Lyons	Rahnier	Ocracoke	NC
Martin	Sara	Concord	NC
Mayhew	Coyt	Statesville	NC
Maynard	Clara	Richfield	NC
McCarthy	Kaylee	Stafford	VA
McDonald	Bethany	Kannapolis	NC
McGrath	Haedyn	Buford	GA
Mecimore	Ben	Oakboro	NC
Michael	Alexander	New Orleans	LA
Michael	Lettie	Lexington	NC
Middelthon	Johan	Davidson	NC
Miller	Lauren	Sailsbury	NC
Miller	Faith	Toccoa	GA
Minus	Jennifer	Dorchester	SC
Miranda Cruz	Jason	Charlotte	NC
Mishak	Hayden	Gold Hill	NC
Moon	Carter	Albemarle	NC
Moore	Rhonda	Salisbury	NC
Moore	Zachary	Indian Trail	NC
Moore	Kendyll	Mooresville	NC
Moore	Haylee	Rockwell	NC
Moran Sanchez	Jonathan	Stanfield	NC
Moretz	Sawyer	Concord	NC
Morgan	Freddie	Albemarle	NC
Morton	Makalyn	Locust	NC
Mosteller	Mason	Hildebran	NC
Mougin	Maya	Blue Ridge	VA
Mowrey	Meagan	Denver	NC
Nance	Ellasen	Cleveland	NC
Nash	McKynzy	Indian Trail	NC
Nelson	Grace	Sanford	NC
Nguyen	Quang	Chicago	IL
North	Tatum	King	NC
Olsen	Shane	Charlotte	NC
Oporto Lujan	Mateo
Osborne	Jacob	HIckory	NC
Owens	Robert	Thomasville	NC
Page	Kirstyn	King	NC
Palmer	Tryle	Unionville	NC
Pardue	Joshua	Siloam	NC
Parra-Cordero	Mia	Salisbury	NC
Perdue	Kyler	Asheboro	NC
Perry	Emma	Rockingham	NC
Petzel	Dawson	Godwin	NC
Powell	Cannon	Harrisburg	NC
Pratt	Ozzie	Wingate	NC
Profitt	Lindsey	Newton	NC
Quesenberry	Lydia	Mount Pleasant	NC
Rangolan	Ethan	Monroe	NC
Rauer	Laurin	Melle	..
Reeder	Rachel	Betsy Layne	KY
Reeder	Wyatt	New London	NC
Reese	Jackson	Bluffton	SC
Riley	Lucas	Thomasville	NC
Rinderle	Logan	Erie	PA
Rios Serrano	Diego	Durham	NC
Rocha	Jacob	St Petersburg	FL
Rodriguez	Saul	Concord	NC
Rodriguez	Genis	Les Franqueses del Valles
Safrit	Samuel	China Grove	NC
Saunders	Sara	Denton	NC
Scott	Marion	Mebane	NC
Shelton	Joseph	Reidsville	NC
Sides	Renick	China Grove	NC
Sides	Emmalyn	China Grove	NC
Siler	Isabella	Thomasville	NC
Simmons	Kamryn	Ellerbe	NC
Sloan	Zachary	Zebulon	NC
Smith	Joseph	Denton	NC
Smith	Zoe	Mount Pleasant	NC
Smith	Madison	Albemarle	NC
Soriano Torres	Dayanara	Concord	NC
Spangler	Gracie	Clinton	SC
Spencer	Khamani	Indian Trail	NC
Spencer	Kamryn	Indian Trail	NC
Steffel	Kaitlyn	N Forest Lake	MN
Stem	Larson	Advance	NC
Stennett	Kayleigh	Kannapolis	NC
Stewart	Landry	China Grove	NC
Stewart	Makenna	Madison	NC
Stewart	Drake	Simpsonville	SC
Sucarichi	Sean	Coral Springs	FL
Sullivan	Megan	Albemarle	NC
Swaim	Hailey	Thomasville	NC
Tardiff	Mason	Peterborough	ON
Tate	Madison	Lexington	NC
Tejeda Gonzalez	Kevin	Rock Hill	SC
Thomas	Jada	Charlotte	NC
Thompson	Bethany	Albemarle	NC
Tomlinson	Morgan	Gold Hill	NC
Trull	Zivah	Richfield	NC
Tucker	Katherine	Salisbury	NC
van Bergeijk	Aristide	Groningen
Vang	Skyler	Albemarle	NC
Vanhoy	Caroline	New London	NC
Varner	Madison	Trinity	NC
Vaughn	Heather	Graham	NC
Velazquez Perez	Mark	Salisbury	NC
Venable	Brayden	King	NC
Vinson	Neely	Salisbury	NC
Wagoner	Virginia	Misenheimer	NC
Washington	Zoe	New London	NC
Wellman	Jayden	Kannapolis	NC
West	Emily	Asheboro	NC
Whitehead	Carson	Ramseur	NC
Wingard	Nevaeh	Concord	NC
Wise	Meredith	Albemarle	NC
Wolfe	Austyn Grace	Winston Salem	NC
Wood	Robert	Dallas	NC
Wright	Molly	Harrisburg	NC
Wright	Jaiden	Leland	NC
Wyatt	Rachel	Stoneville	NC
Wyatt	Emma	Kannapolis	NC
Xie	You	Fayetteville	NC
Yopp	Caleb	Christiansbrg	VA
York	Matthew	Charlotte	NC
Yow	Geneva	Waxhaw	NC

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�