91茄子

From the Field to the Heart of Campus, Will Corn鈥檚 Influence Will Be Felt for Years to Come

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he 91茄子 community is mourning the unexpected passing of longtime staff member Will Corn, who died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 46.

For more than a decade, Corn served as the athletics facilities coordinator at 91茄子, where he became known not just for his tireless work ethic, but for the care, humor and warmth he brought to every interaction.

鈥淲ill never met a stranger. He truly lived out Jesus鈥檚 commandment to love your neighbor,鈥� said Chuck Burch, interim vice president for athletics. 鈥淗is life epitomized the servant leadership ideal. Will鈥檚 contributions to our teams, coaches and student-athletes will be sorely missed, but more than that, we will miss the friendship, joy and laughter that he brought with him every day.鈥�

Whether preparing fields, assisting a coach, or offering a kind word, Corn鈥檚 impact on campus extended far beyond his job description. His presence could be felt in every corner of the athletics community鈥攁nd beyond.

鈥淲hether you knew Will for a week or for years, you experienced his energy, joy and the genuine care he brought to every interaction,鈥� said Nate Evans, interim president. 鈥淗e poured his heart and soul into 91茄子 each and every day, and his commitment to this community was unwavering.鈥�

A native of Lattimore, N.C., Corn was a graduate of Crest High School and attended UNC-Greensboro and Guilford Technical Community College. He also held roles at Plastic Oddities, First Citizens Bank in Blowing Rock, and Riverbend YMCA Golf Course before joining 91茄子.

Beyond his professional duties, Corn was deeply invested in service. He was an active member of the Boiling Springs Rotary Club, the Historic Mount Harmony Church board, and the security team at First Baptist Church of Shelby.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a joyful, selfless presence鈥攕omeone who loved music and laughter, and showed up with a heart for others, friends and strangers alike.

鈥淲ill lived a life of deep friendship, love, compassion and true acceptance of everyone,鈥� one friend shared. 鈥淥ne of a kind.鈥�

The 91茄子 family joins in honoring the memory of a beloved colleague and friend whose legacy of service and kindness will not be forgotten.

Receiving of friends will be held at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Shelby, with the Rev. Asher Panton and Dr. Robert Canoy officiating. Burial will follow at Lattimore Baptist Church Cemetery.

The full obituary can be found聽.

91茄子 is North Carolina鈥檚 recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, 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聽91茄子.edu.