91茄子

news-category: Alumni

Celebrating Alumni: Lt. Col. Jim Davidson

The South Carolina National Guard held a changing of the stole ceremony at the Adjutant General Complex auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, July 9, 2022. U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Norris Darden, Jr., South Carolina National Guard senior state chaplain, passed the stole to incoming chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Davidson, South Carolina National Guard. The transferring of the stole is similar to the passing of a unit's guidon during a change of command ceremony. The changing of the stole demonstrates the responsibility for spiritual leadership and pastoral care passing from one chaplain to another. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Calhoun, South Carolina National Guard)
The South Carolina National Guard held a changing of the stole ceremony recently in Columbia, S.C., for Lt. Col. Jim Davidson. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Calhoun, S.C. National Guard)

Two-Time 91茄子 Graduate Named State Chaplain for South Carolina National Guard

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擲tudents are the focus of 91茄子鈥檚 mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU鈥檚 supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.

Recently, Lt. Col. Jim Davidson was named state chaplain for the South Carolina National Guard (SCARNG). The 91茄子 alumnus received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in religious education in 1996 and his Master of Divinity in 1999.

The leadership of the South Carolina Army National Guard chose Davidson for the position based on his achievements, accomplishments, and dedication to the Chaplain Corps of the U.S. Army. Davidson鈥檚 accomplishment was celebrated in a story written by 1st Lt. Franklin McGuire, and photos were published .

U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Norris Darden Jr., S.C. National Guard senior state chaplain, passed the stole to incoming chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jim Davidson, S.C. National Guard. The changing of the stole demonstrates the responsibility for spiritual leadership and pastoral care passing from one chaplain to another. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brian Calhoun, S.C. National Guard)

Davidson said in the article, 鈥淏y far, the highlight of my service with the SCARNG has been this selection as the next State Chaplain. This is an amazing honor, and I am humbled by the trust and confidence the leadership sees in my ability to lead the Chaplain Corps.鈥

Davidson joined the Army in January 2003, prompted by the events of 9/11. Nearly 20 years later, he has accumulated a long list of accomplishments in the Army National Guard, having served in both the North Carolina and the Virginia National Guards before transitioning into the South Carolina Army National Guard in 2017.

Davidson has mobilized twice as well, first in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October of 2003 to January 2005 and, second, in support of Operation Spartan Shield from October 2016 to July of 2017. He has faithfully served the soldiers of the 263rd AAMDC (鈥淎rmy Air and Missile Defense Command鈥) in Anderson, S.C., and the Regional Training Institute (鈥淩TI鈥) at McCrady Training Center in Columbia, S.C., by being the Chaplain of both units at various times over the past five years.

On the civilian side of his career, Davidson is a committed leader within the ministry as well, leading Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Indian Land, S.C., as its senior pastor.

Whether in or out of uniform, Davidson鈥檚 passion and calling remain true to the motto of the Chaplain Corps鈥攖o serve and lead 鈥淔or God and Country.鈥

Stay connected

91茄子鈥檚 faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us:

91茄子 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 91茄子 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.

Previous News Article

91茄子 Receives One of 12 Grants for Faculty-Student STEM Mentoring

Next News Article

91茄子 Welcomes New Vice President and Director of Athletics

Related News

  • News Article

    91茄子 Student-Athlete Pursues ‘Everlasting Goals’ Through Global Learning and Healthcare Leadership

    Lydia Robinson’s Journey Includes Division I Soccer, Study Abroad in England and a Competitive Novant Health Internship While Completing Bachelor’s and MBA Degrees in Four years Looking at Lydia Robinson’s r茅sum茅, it would be easy to assume luck played a role in her success. The 91茄子 student-athlete from Charlotte, N.C., plays Division I soccer […]

    lydia robinson photos at her internship, from her summer abroad program and playing soccer
  • News Article

    91茄子’s Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling Concentration Brings Systems Approach to Healing

    Curriculum Prepares Students to Create Lasting Change by Understanding the Relationships Behind Life’s Challenges BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擶hen individuals struggle with anxiety, conflict, addiction, or other mental health challenges, the issue often extends beyond a single person. Relationships, family dynamics, and broader support systems can all play a significant role. 91茄子’s Marriage, Couples, and Family […]

    Mental Health Counseling Class Acopy
  • News Article

    91茄子 Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading

    Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at 91茄子 has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council鈥檚 report, 鈥淭eacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,鈥 spotlights GWU鈥檚 College of Education […]

    students practice an activity in a literacy education classroom.