Get to Know Dr. Craig Williford

Warner University is pleased to announce that Dr. Craig Williford has been appointed as the interim president while the Board of Trustees conducts a nationwide search for the university’s fourth president. Dr. Williford brings over 50 years of distinguished experience in both ministry and academic leadership. He has served as CEO and President of Multnomah … Read Post

A Journey of Faith and Perseverance: Bailey Lightsey’s Path to Becoming Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart

Bailey Lightsey with her runner up sash at Cattlemen's Convention.

Bailey Lightsey, a Warner University student majoring in agriculture with a minor in business, is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the desire to make one’s family proud. Her journey to earning the title Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart is nothing short of inspiring. Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone Bailey decided to … Read Post

Reverend Dr. G. Craig Williford has been selected as the Warner University Interim President

Reverend Dr. G Craig Williford and his wife Carolyn

The Board of Trustees is proud to announce Reverend Dr. G. Craig Williford has accepted the Board’s request to serve as interim president of Warner University effective August 1. Reverend Dr. Williford will ensure the university’s forward momentum in implementing Warner’s mission. He will serve in this role until a national search is concluded to … Read Post

Dr. David A. Hoag Concludes Successful Tenure as Warner University’s Third President

Dr. David A. Hoag walks with wife Joanna Hoag

The Warner University Board of Trustees announced today that Dr. David A. Hoag has been called to lead Christian higher education on a national scale effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Hoag has been selected as the new President of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) in Washington D.C., serving more than 185 schools. President … Read Post

Thank You to Publix Super Markets Charities for the Generous Scholarship Donation

Thanking Publix Charities for their donation

Warner University extends our deepest gratitude to Publix Super Markets Charities for their generous donation of $5,000 towards scholarships for the 2024 academic year. This contribution will play a key role in easing the financial burden for our students, ensuring they have the support needed to pursue their academic and professional dreams. At Warner, we … Read Post

Warner University Announces Spring Dean’s List

Dean's List Spring 2024 with students studying in a circle.

Warner University is proud to announce its Spring 2024 Dean’s List, celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of 225 students from both graduate and undergraduate programs. These students have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence throughout the spring semester. A full listing of those honored follows. Undergraduate Dean’s List: Yamner Agosto Karlie Alderman Jessica Alejandre Vlad Andersen Ashley … Read Post

Warner University Awarded $15,000 Grant from George W. Jenkins Fund

Students with signs that say "thank you"

Warner University extends its profound gratitude to the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation for its generous grant of $15,000. This significant contribution is designated to fortify the “Scholarships for Low-Income Students from Polk County” initiative, a crucial endeavor aimed at fostering accessibility and inclusivity in higher education within our community. The … Read Post

Kevin Abel Joins Warner University as Vice President for Student Life

Warner University is thrilled to introduce its newest addition to the leadership team, Kevin Abel, who joins as the Vice President for Student Life. With an impressive background spanning diverse roles within the realm of student affairs, Abel brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our university. Having served in pivotal positions … Read Post

Dr. Gentry Sutton Promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer

Dr. Sutton Promoted to EVP & CAO

Dr. Gentry Sutton’s recent promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer marks a significant milestone. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Sutton has consistently exemplified outstanding leadership and an unwavering dedication to academic excellence. With this new responsibility, we are confident that Dr. Sutton will continue to propel our academic initiatives forward, nurturing innovation, faith … Read Post

Scarlett Jackson Promoted to Assistant Vice President of Admissions

Scarlett Jackson Promoted to Assistant VP of Admissions

Scarlett Jackson assumes the role of Warner University’s new Assistant Vice President of Admissions, following her remarkable achievement of ushering in the record-breaking class of 2023 for traditional enrollment. In her elevated position, she will provide leadership for the admissions department, overseeing both traditional and online undergraduate admissions, as well as online graduate admissions. A … Read Post

Sean Hanrahan Named the New WU Athletic Director

Sean Hanrahan Athletic Director

Sean Hanrahan has been selected as Warner University’s athletic director. Hanrahan brings a distinguished career in sports and education that spans more than two decades, a wealth of experience and expertise and a track record of success. Hanrahan previously served as the head men’s basketball coach for the past eighteen years resulting in five conference … Read Post

7th Annual Apples of Gold Scholarship Benefit

Apples of Gold Banner

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] Warner University celebrated its 7th annual Apples of Gold Scholarship Benefit on November 30, 2023, nestled within the scenic Mountain Lake backdrop at George and Erica O’Neill’s home. The event not only brought joy and laughter … Read Post

Warner Student Honored with Prestigious Award at SHAPE Florida Convention

SHAPE 2023 Award Winner, Maxely Perez

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Maxely Perez, a Physical Education K-12 major at Warner University, received the Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE) Florida Outstanding Future Professional Award at its convention in Orlando on October 27th. This award honors an outstanding future … Read Post

WU Student Spotlight: Morgan Sullivan

Morgan Sullivan

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] Article by Warner student, Adrian Glasgow Morgan Sullivan, a Criminal Justice major and sophomore center back for the Royals perfects her craft on and off the soccer field, by using her musical gifts to express herself. … Read Post

Homecoming Chapel 2023

Students worshipping

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The verse for Warner’s campus this year is “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and … Read Post

Warner University Achieves Remarkable Enrollment Growth

Warner New Students 2023-2024

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Warner University is thrilled to announce a momentous achievement: record-breaking enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year, with a warm welcome extended to 408 new students across our diverse range of programs, including traditional, … Read Post

Hurricane Idalia Updates

Hurricane Idalia Update

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] August 30, 9am – Warner University personnel continue to monitor the conditions on our campus. At this time, no significant issues or damage has been reported on campus. The campus remains … Read Post

Camp ROAR 2023 Recap

Camp ROAR

We’ve all seen the memes of a sign outside of a subdivision saying “We miss cows” or the one that says “Back in my day, this was all orange groves”. In Central Florida, we are losing land each day to suburban sprawl. So, when thinking about the theme for this year’s Homer and Annette Thompson … Read Post

Warner University Included in Florida Budget for $2.25 Million

Background for Undergraduate pages

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Warner University is proud to be included in the Florida budget for the first time with an appropriation of $2.25 million. Now, we would love to announce that these funds are going towards an exciting new building or residence hall, but it is something even more needed than that—a … Read Post

Warner Students Awarded 2022 Undergraduate Student Project of the Year

Group of students in front of TV

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]On May 10, 2023, President Hoag and Dr. Verna Omanwa attended an award ceremony at the University of South Florida (USF) to receive an award for the “Florida SBDC at USF 2022 Undergraduate Student Project of the Year.” The award recognized the outstanding work of a team of undergraduate … Read Post

Warner Honors Class of 2023 at Commencement Ceremony

group of sudents at graduation with words "Congratulations Class of 2023" over the image.

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]On April 29 over 180 members of the Class of 2023, joined by their families and friends, gathered in the WU Courtyard for Warner University’s 2023 Commencement ceremony. The event featured an inspiring address by Pastor Corey Brooks, founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and … Read Post

WU Alumni Spotlight: Herbert Murphy

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] By WU Student, Delaney Elder The weight of a college degree is something often underestimated. It’s a blessing to simply have the ability to study at a higher level let alone get to experience the true benefits of a college education. Some people leave their university with lifelong … Read Post

WU’s Social Work Students Attend LEAD 2023

a group of social work students

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]On March 20th, Warner University’s Social Welfare Policy class traveled to Tallahassee, FL for the 2023 Legislative Education and Advocacy Days hosted by NASW-FL. LEAD is a two-day event in Tallahassee where students and social work professionals meet to advocate for effective, sustainable policies that are reflective of the … Read Post

WU Alumni Spotlight: Ben Davis

Smiling man with lightbulb

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] By WU Student, Delaney Elder As a university who has admitted students from far and wide, it’s translated to a wonderful mix of cultures within our campus in small town Lake … Read Post

WU’s Natural Science Department Spring Break Adventures at John Pennekamp State Park

Girl swimming in ocean

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Written by WU Student, Moa Björestam (’25) Hello! It’s my pleasure to be writing my very first post for Warner University. My name is Moa Björestam, I’m originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, and I’m currently in my Sophomore year at Warner University. This semester I’m taking an introductory class in … Read Post

Advancements in WU Agriculture Department

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]By WU Student, Delaney Elder If you didn’t know, our Agriculture Department is in full bloom – like our new citrus grove will be soon. Thanks to Brite Leaf, Hunt Bros., Inc. (Deeley Hunt), and Tree Defender, our students have a one-acre citrus grove to incorporate into their studies. … Read Post

WU Alumni Spotlight: Kerry Kaminski

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]By WU student, Delaney Elder Most students at Warner University are typically traditional students. It’s truly a blessing to have the opportunity to attend college soon after graduating high school, and then be able to continue through years of studying to graduate with that degree. Though more often than … Read Post

Honoring Ms. Virginia Schnarre

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]By WU student, Delaney Elder This week the Warner community must say farewell to Ms. Virginia Schnarre, WU Research Database Specialist Librarian.  Before she came to Warner, Virginia worked at plenty of libraries – even across the lake at Webber. When she was a college student, Ms. Schnarre had … Read Post

Warner University Unveils a New Online Programs Logo

New Online Logo

Warner University recently unveiled a new logo for its Online Programs. This logo mimics the overall look of the university while vibrantly displaying the word “online.” The brand update will take effect immediately starting with the rollout of the logo on the current platform Warner online students use for their coursework—Moodle. The update will then … Read Post

Introducing the New WU Family Experience Portal

Duke the lion introducing the new WU Family Experience Portal

Family involvement is a huge part of a student’s success at college—especially during the first year. That’s why Warner has partnered with CampusESP to launch a new WU Family Experience portal that will serve as a one-stop shop for families looking for campus resources to help their students succeed. The new WU Family Experience will … Read Post

WU Alumni Spotlight: Felix Lugo

Felix Lugo, Alumni 2011

By Delaney Elder, WU Student Too often in life, we look at an individual’s accomplishments on a sheet of paper and choose to see them in their simplest form–an accomplishment. Just another detail of someone’s life that we can look over with a nod and deem them worthy or unworthy of a job position. There’s … Read Post

WU Faculty Reception Awards 2022

Warner University recently honored eight faculty members who have been recognized formally for their disciplinary expertise within the last year. These faculty members have either published, presented at a conference, completed a degree, earned a credential, or have been recognized with an award by peers in their discipline.   Dr. Laurie Boulden recently completed her … Read Post

The 2022 Alumni Awards

By Delaney Elder, WU Student On November 2nd, 2022, Warner University honored three individuals who were selected to receive this year’s Alumni Awards during Spirit Week. The reception was supposed to be held on September 28, 2022 but was postponed due to Hurricane Ian. Here at Warner, we encourage students to build themselves a foundation … Read Post

Hurricane Nicole Update

Hurricane Nicole Update Banner

November 10, 2022 | 12pm – Video Update #2 from President Hoag. November 10, 2022 | 11:30am – As the storm moves past our area, we are very pleased to report minimal issues on campus. All campus offices, classes and activities are expected to resume tomorrow, November 11, as scheduled. November 9, 2022 | 2pm … Read Post

Apples of Gold Scholarship Fundraiser 2022

Apples of Gold 2022 Logo

Warner’s sixth annual Apples of Gold Scholarship luncheon was held on October 27, 2022 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George O’Neill, Jr. within Mountain Lake Estates with proceeds from the event going directly to student scholarships. So far, over $83,000 has been raised this year. “We are so thankful for our ‘Legacy Team’ … Read Post

Warner Takes the Stage at the SHAPE Convention 2022!

SHAPE 2022 Florida

The Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE) Florida Convention which was held on October 21, 2022 in Kissimmee, FL was a huge success, as two of Warner’s Physical Education K-12 majors received both of the prestigious student awards. Saray Perez was honored with the Outstanding Future Professional Award (formerly Student of the Year). This … Read Post

4th Annual Clay Target Fundraiser

4th Annual PULL! Fundraiser

By Delaney Elder, WU Student On October 15, 2022, the Warner University Clay Target team held its fourth annual Clay Target fundraiser-PULL! For Warner. We had the pleasure of hosting over 20 teams of alumni and members of the community, as well as five recruits! We welcomed donors out to Polk Sporting Clays in Haines … Read Post

Hurricane Ian FAQs For Students

Hurricane Ian FAQs For Students Are students able to return to campus? Students are not being allowed to return to campus at this time. Can students go to their dorms to check on personal items? No students will be allowed into their residence hall rooms until after the ‘all-clear’ is given. What about athletic practice … Read Post

Hurricane Ian Update 9.30 – Online Students

Dear Warner University Online Students, The impact of Hurricane Ian has affected some people in our community in devastating ways. In order to best accommodate our students and reduce unnecessary anxiety during these challenging times, please note that all work for week 6 (the current week/Monday, September 26 through Sunday, October 2) will not be required for … Read Post

Hurricane Ian Update 9.30 – Traditional Students

October 6, 2022 Traditional Students, We continue to pray for your well-being while you are away from campus. We miss having you here. You are the reason Warner exists, and we are eager for your return. We are working hard to facilitate your return somewhere around the middle of next week. Until we give the … Read Post

Video Updates on Hurricane Ian from President Dr. David Hoag

President David Hoag - 16:9 Portrait

Video update on Hurricane Ian as of October 10, 2022 at 12pm. Students can return back to campus starting tomorrow, Tuesday October 11, 2022 at 9am. Video update on Hurricane Ian as of October 6, 2022 at 5pm. Students can return back to campus on October 11, 2022 at 9am. Video update on Hurricane Ian … Read Post

Spiritual Emphasis Week 2022

Spiritual Emphasis Week - Juan Ortiz

On September 21-23, 2022, Warner University hosted our annual Spiritual Emphasis Week on campus. The purpose of Spiritual Emphasis week is to ignite the Warner student body toward a more vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and to highlight the theme of the 2022-2023 academic year—which is “You Were Made for More.” We had the pleasure … Read Post

Warner University – Hurricane Ian Update

October 2, 2022, 4pm – Power has been restored on campus. All systems and networks are beginning to come online.  Many of our buildings, including residence halls, need some additional care. We are working with a crew of over 50 restoration professionals to assist with moisture mitigation throughout campus. We want to ensure a safe … Read Post

Welcoming Warner’s New Director of Academic Skills Center and Disability Services

Dr. Stewart Welcome (2)

Warner University is excited to welcome Dr. Morrisia Stewart as Director of the Academic Skills Center and Disability Services. Born and raised in Arcadia, Fla., she comes to Warner University from the Osceola County School District as a Dean of Students. She is also employed at Springfield College where she currently serves as an adjunct … Read Post

Hassaan Stamps Announced as the New Director of Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Warner University announces the appointment of Hassaan Stamps as the new Director of Cross-Country and Track and Field programs on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. The former East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Associate Head Coach will begin his duties immediately. 
 
President Dr. Hoag said, “I’m excited to see what the future looks like with the addition of Hassaan Stamps.  His experience at the NCAA D1 level and international experience will help move our Track and Cross-Country program to the next level.  In addition to his great experience, I’m so encouraged by his faith journey and commitment to the sport.”
 
Coach Stamps comes to Lake Wales, Fla. after spending the last nine years in Johnson City, Tenn. with the ETSU Buccaneers Program. During his tenure, the Men’s and Women’s programs reached unprecedented heights. The Women’s program were runners in the Southern Conference Championships three times in the last two years. The performance of this year’s outdoor SOCON Championships was the best Overall Team finish and second, most points scored at the Outdoor Championship meet since 1996. The ETSU Men’s program won the Commissioners Cup as the Most Outstanding Men’s Athletic Program in the Southern Conference.  
 
Stamps was the Domestic and International Recruiting Coordinator during his time at ETSU and changed the recruiting landscape during his tenure. ETSU Track and Field programs also enjoyed much success in the classroom highlighted by 18 straight semesters of above 3.0 GPA for the Men’s and Women’s programs.
 
Coach Stamps said, “I first and foremost, want to give all praise to God because without him I would not be prepared to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has been presented to my family. I want to thank President David Hoag, Athletic Director Chrissy Moskovits, and Vice President of Student Life Anne Tohme for their diligence, transparency, and vision for this position. I am excited to bring my energy and creativity to Warner University in beautiful Lake Wales, Fla., and build a program the student-athletes, university, community, and families of the student-athletes will be proud of. Calling all Kings and Queens in the United States and Internationally. #RoyaltyAwaits.

Athletic Director Chrissy Moskovits said, “Coach Stamps is going to bring our track and cross-country programs to the next level. He has an electric personality and an amazing story that I truly believe our student-athletes will gravitate towards. I’m excited about the front row seat as he begins the next chapter for these programs.”
 

https://vimeo.com/734125976

Coach Stamps ETSU By the numbers: 
100+ All-Conference Award Winners (Top 3)
38 x SOCON Conference Champions
13x NCAA Regional Qualifiers
8x School Records
3x NCAA All-Americans (Women’s 100m hurdles, Women’s 400m Hurdles, Men’s 400m Hurdles) 
2x Academic All-Americans  
1x Bahamian National Record in (Women’s 400m Hurdles) 

Warner University Announces New Marketing and Communications Specialist

Chania Kirby - Marketing and Communications Specialist

Lake Wales, Fla – Warner University is pleased to announce the hiring of Chania Kirby as Marketing and Communications Specialist. In this role, she will be responsible for leading all marketing, communications and public relations initiatives for the university. Kirby comes to Warner with more than six years of marketing and fundraising experience for a … Read Post

The Warner Difference

Dr. Gentry Sutton - Chief Academic Officer

By Dr. Gentry Sutton, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer   One of my favorite parts of my job is announcing the winner of Warner University’s Professor of the Year Award each spring. As I prepare for making this announcement at our commencement ceremony, I always solicit from students a few comments … Read Post

Warner University Announces Ryan Bruursema as Clay Target Head Coach

Ryan Bruursema - Womens Clay Shooting Coach

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Warner announces Ryan Bruursema as the new Head Coach for the Clay Target Team.  In July 2022 Ryan Bruursema will take over as head coach for Warner’s Clay Target Shooting Team. Ryan has been a competitive shooter for 25 years and has served as assistant coach to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s own Delta County Crushers Trap … Read Post