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Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

This is the archive for Gardner-Webb's Newscenter, which is your source for updates and events happening on campus, as well as interesting stories about GWU students, faculty/staff and alumni. You'll also find stories about academic accomplishments and community service projects.

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Victor Putter, GWU Men’s Tennis, is Among Eight Recognized with Big South Conference’s Award for Academic Excellence

Office of University Communications

Victor Putter of the Gardner-Webb University men’s tennis team is one of eight student-athletes awarded the Conference’s prestigious George A. Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence. He majored in mathematics at Gardner-Webb and completed his undergraduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
GWU Alumni and Professor Share Byline for Research Published in Scholarly Volume

Office of University Communications

A common goal shared by the faculty at Gardner-Webb University is to offer opportunities for undergraduate research. Students learn how to conduct an intensive study through initiatives such as Life of the Scholar, a committee established in 1977 to promote individual scholarship, and the Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars program, which provides grants for research.
Gardner-Webb Announces Spring 2023 Graduates and Academic Accolades

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University officials are pleased to announce the 2023 Spring graduates and academic achievements.
Gardner-Webb Community Remembers Professor Emeritus Dr. Glenn Bottoms who Passed Away at 76

Office of University Communications

Dr. Glenn Bottoms, professor emeritus of economics and management, passed away on May 12. He retired from Gardner-Webb University in 2018 after more than three decades as a professor of economics and management information systems. Before moving to Boiling Springs in 1985, Glenn taught in Canada, Georgia, and Cullowhee, N.C. He valued the relationships and Christian environment that Gardner-Webb offered. “That’s why I wanted to teach,” he once commented. “I wanted to know the students.”
Gardner-Webb Students Receive Academic and Service Awards

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University recently recognized students for academic excellence and community service. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities.
Gardner-Webb Officials Announce New Director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning

Office of University Communications

An experienced educator and administrator has been hired as Director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning at Gardner-Webb University. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey announced that Dr. Wendy Athens begins her role on May 22.
Gardner-Webb Faculty Members Achieve Promotions and Tenure

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University officials recently announced promotions for seven faculty members and tenure for five. Promotions and tenure are awarded after an extensive application and review process that includes evaluations by the appropriate dean or department chair, the provost, and the president.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Molly Law, ’14, is Former Editor of Christianity.com

Office of University Communications

At Gardner-Webb University, 2014 alumna Molly Law discovered her writing talent and her interest in a scholarly examination of the Bible. As editor of Christianity.com, she recalled topics discussed in her religion classes to propose article ideas or to occasionally write articles and devotions for the website.
Gardner-Webb Awards Degrees in Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 4 and 5

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb celebrated with over 500 graduates at the University’s formal Commencement on Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. Former N.C. Secretary of Commerce Sharon Decker was the guest speaker for the ceremony held in Spangler Stadium. The celebrations continue today with separate recognition ceremonies for the University’s four colleges and the School of Divinity.
Bob Shepherd Remembered for his Pastoral Ministry and Service to Gardner-Webb and School of Divinity

Office of University Communications

Bob D. Shepherd, a pastor and former vice president for development at Gardner-Webb University, passed away on April 30. Shepherd, 93, touched and enriched countless lives through his work in ministry for over 60 years. He also served two terms on the GWU Board of Trustees, 2011-2014 and 2016-2018, and was recognized as a trustee emeritus in 2020.
Gardner-Webb Teams Prepare to Serve People in Kentucky, Greece and Kenya

Office of University Communications

The mission of Gardner-Webb University is to prepare graduates for leadership and service in their professional careers and personal lives. To fulfill this vision and the University’s motto, Pro Deo et Humanitate (For God and Humanity), the Office of Christian Life and Service sponsors mission trips each year. In response to needs in America and internationally, three groups will be embarking on mission trips during May to provide medical care, clothing, food and shelter to those in need.
Gardner-Webb Hires Assistant Professor for Cybersecurity Program

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s administration has announced the hiring of a new lead faculty member for cybersecurity. Oscar Gonzalez will serve as assistant professor of computer science in the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. He has 22 years of experience teaching information technology, which includes eight years in the cybersecurity field. The University began offering the cybersecurity concentration in January to prepare graduates for this field that is expected to have 3.5 million job openings in 2025.
End-of-Year Reception Honors Top Gardner-Webb Club, Advisor and Event

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Office of Student Engagement hosted its first Clubs and Organizations End-of-Year Reception recently. The event also included several first-time awards to recognize the Club of the Year, the Advisor of the Year and the Event of the Year.
Kendall Massey, of Gastonia, N.C., Wins First Dawg House Pitch Competition

Office of University Communications

Kendall Massey of Gastonia, N.C., won first place in the first Dawg House Pitch Competition sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Club at Gardner-Webb University. Massey, a management major, pitched expansion of his business, Massey Landscaping and won $2,000.
Longtime Adjunct Art Instructor Gary Freeman Donates Two Murals to Dover Library

Office of University Communications

Gary Freeman, longtime adjunct art instructor for Gardner-Webb University, recently donated two large murals to Dover Library. A working artist for more than 30 years, Freeman is known for his landscape paintings and architectural and nature studies. Both paintings depict churches in mountain scenery and represent actual places in the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains between Boone and Glendale Springs in Watauga and Ashe counties.
Stanly and Spartanburg Community Colleges Sign Transfer Agreements for Gardner-Webb’s Cybersecurity Program

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University recently signed transfer agreements with Stanly Community College in Albemarle, N.C., and Spartanburg (S.C.) Community College for GWU’s computer science bachelor’s program, cybersecurity concentration. These contracts make it easier for graduates of Stanly and Spartanburg to transfer to Gardner-Webb.
New York Times Ranks Gardner-Webb No. 7 in North Carolina for Economic Mobility

Office of University Communications

A new interactive college ranking tool designed by the editors of The New York Times ranks Gardner-Webb University No. 7 for economic mobility among private colleges and universities in North Carolina and No. 12 when adding public institutions to the combined study. Making the rankings were 16 private and 10 public schools in North Carolina.
Scholar Completes First Draft of Novel During Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

Office of University Communications

Undergraduate students at Gardner-Webb University have a unique opportunity to explore their academic interest and aid their professional development through the Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Looking for the chance to learn about novel writing without the conflicts of a full-time college student, Brandon Richmond found a creative outlet in the program and received a grant to participate. “I had started a novel in November, National Novel Writing Month, the November before I did Summer Scholars. And when I was offered the opportunity of Summer Scholars and they said it can be a research project or a creative project, I decided it was best to take that time to work on my novel,” Richmond said.
Gardner-Webb Commencement Programs on May 4-5 will Recognize Over 500 Graduates

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University academic officials are pleased to announce over 500 students will receive degrees during spring commencement exercises held on May 4 and 5. Students will earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from a variety of university programs.
Gardner-Webb Physician Assistant (PA) Department and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) Announce Partnership

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Medicine has announced a partnership with Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Through this new agreement, JCSU graduates who are interested in a career as a certified PA can apply for a Reserve Applicant spot with the Gardner-Webb PA program and waive a total of $1,700 in fees.
Gardner-Webb Presidents Switch Places for One Day

Office of University Communications

Recently, Gardner-Webb University’s two presidents tested the idiom, “Walk a mile in my shoes.” Senior Blake Elizalde, Student Government Association (SGA) President and GWU President Dr. William M. Downs switched places for a day.
Gardner-Webb College of Education Offers One-Stop Registration Event at Charlotte Campus

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb College of Education is hosting a One-Stop Registration event for its online elementary education and birth-kindergarten program. On Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at the GWU Charlotte Campus, 8030 Arrowridge Blvd., candidates will be able to apply free and receive financial aid information to start in the 2023 Fall Semester.
Gardner-Webb Introduces New Head Women’s Basketball Coach Scott Merritt at May 2 Event

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb announced April 22 that Scott Merritt is the University’s next head women’s basketball coach. He will be introduced to the campus and community on May 2 at 2 p.m. in Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.
Double Dawg Day Blitzes Record with Over $1 Million Raised

Office of University Communications

For the eighth year in a row, giving on Double Dawg Day, April 20, eclipsed the previous record with a one-day giving total of over $1 million.

Whether funding scholarships, athletic facilities and training, or enhancing classrooms and labs, each of the 1,153 gifts has a direct and lasting impact on the success of Gardner-Webb University and its students.
Webbstock 2023 More Vendors, More Music, Rain or Shine

Office of University Communications

While listening to alt-rock, pop, Americana, ’80s and country music, attendees to Webbstock ’23 can browse products and handmade items, make purchases and enjoy a meal. Nearly 40 vendors will offer a selection of merchandise and food. Gardner-Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs are hosting the festival for the second year on Saturday, April 22. The festival will go on, rain or shine, with the bands taking the stage from 3 to 10 p.m.