Furman’s Wardle & Rollins named to All-SoCon Faculty & Staff Team

Furman’s Tim Wardle and Rolyn Rollins have been named to the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team, which was announced last week by the league office. Two representatives each from all 10 member schools were recognized by the league.

While the selections were left up to each institution’s discretion, the recipients all shared the common characteristics of demonstrated service to the institution and contributions to campus life and the local community. Faculty members selected have demonstrated strong contributions to teaching, research or service, while staff members are being recognized for bringing out the best in others and creating conditions for success.

Wardle, an associate professor of New Testament and chair of the religion department, has been teaching at Furman since 2012. His courses primarily focus on the New Testament texts in their first-century context, Judaism in the late Second Temple Period, and the political and religious history of the city of Jerusalem. Wardle is passionate about teaching Furman students and enjoys interacting with them in a variety of ways, such as in the dining hall and through advising several student organizations on campus. He also loves leading study away programs for Furman students, which have included programs to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey and Scotland. A former collegiate athlete, he is an avid supporter of Furman student-athletes in all of their academic and athletic endeavors. Wardle and his wife Cherie have three daughters, including two who are current students at Furman – Autumn Wardle ’26, a Health Sciences major and Aspen Wardle ’27, who is undeclared.

After graduating from Furman in 1997, Rollins was a teacher for several years before returning to her alma mater in 2011, where she quickly discovered a passion for working with college students and helping them learn what brings meaning and purpose to their lives. As program coordinator for student initiatives with the Cothran Center, Rollins aims to provide programs and opportunities that not only empower students, but also help them recognize and develop their personal gifts. She believes that everyone needs to feel seen, heard and valued, and strives to dedicate her life to bringing positive change by lifting up others. In addition, she is a certified Enneagram teacher and uses the Enneagram as a tool for developing compassion for self and others. Rollins and her husband Matt, who also graduated from Furman in 1997, have three children, including two who currently attend Furman – Jack Rollins ’25, a Studio Art major and Celie Rollins ’28, who is undeclared.

The complete list of SoCon faculty and staff recipients include: The Citadel’s Dr. Sarah Imam, MD, and Heyward G. Hutson III; ETSU’s Taylor Stevenson and Stacy Cummings-Onks; Furman’s Tim Wardle and Rolyn Rollins; Mercer’s Philip T. McCreanor and Michael Junod; UNC Greensboro’s Malcolm Schug and Kristy Howell; Samford’s Joe Cory and JeNorri Armstead; Chattanooga’s DeAnna Beasley and Terrence Banks; VMI’s Mattie Smith and LTC Shannon Eskam; Western Carolina’s Ericka Zimmerman and Holli Stillman; and Wofford’s Jessica Tomkins, Trey Arrington, Kent Brannon, Courtney Dobbins, Lani Foster, Brittany McDowell, Franklin Pettit, and Raymond Ruff.

“The Southern Conference loves shining a spotlight on the remarkable faculty and staff at our member institutions,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “Each of the honorees is a leader and mentor at their respective school, and we applaud their service and dedication. We are grateful for the way they cultivate the distinctive and exceptional environments found across the 10 SoCon campuses, serve as cornerstones in their communities and exceed what is expected in their role.”

Wardle and Rollins were recognized Nov. 15 at the Furman men’s basketball game versus Tulane.