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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Gardner-Webb Running Group Chases New Scholarship

Office of University Communications

Last fall, 18 Gardner-Webb faculty and staff completed the Charlotte Thunder Road Half Marathon as part of Dr. Jeff Hartman’s “Running With a Purpose” fitness group. This spring, the group tackled the Hickory Charity Chase Half Marathon, but their accomplishment was less significant for the miles they logged than for the “purpose” they championed: a new scholarship to honor longtime professor of physical education and wellness, and current Dean of Student Development, Dr. Delores “Dee” Hunt. Since 1978, Hunt—whom everyone affectionately calls “Doc”—has served several terms as chair of the Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport Studies (PEWSS) department, two stints as GWU’s head volleyball and softball coach, and, most notably, as the first dean of the School of Education, overseeing that program’s inception and accreditation in the mid-90s.
Kettles, Canned Goods, and Crackerjacks

Office of University Communications

The Forest City Owls Baseball Club are teaming up with the Salvation Army and 88.3 WGWG to sponsor a canned food drive to benefit the Salvation Army Food Pantry. On Wednesday, July 13, fans can trade canned foods and non-perishable food items for discounted tickets to see the Owls take on the Gastonia Grizzlies at Forest City’s McNair Field at 7:30 p.m. The Salvation Army will station volunteers to collect food items at both stadium entrances, and the famous red kettles and bell-ringers will also be on hand.
Mission Work Impact Comes Full Circle

Office of University Communications

This spring, Dr. Tracy Jessup, vice president for Christian life and service and senior minister to Gardner-Webb University, received a phone call from a school principal in Key Largo, Fla. Though Jessup did not know her, the woman and her husband had encountered a Gardner-Webb mission team at an ice cream shop in Key Largo. The team had spent half an hour listening as they spoke about God’s work in their lives, and she was so deeply touched that she felt compelled to call Jessup to share the story.
World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra to Perform at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring the big-band pizzazz of the 1940s to Gardner-Webb University on Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Paul Porter Arena, inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The event is a fundraiser for the Music Department of Gardner-Webb’s new School of Performing and Visual Arts. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is the most popular and sought after big band in the world today for both concert and swing dance engagements.
Pageant Winner Trades Obstacle for Opportunity

Office of University Communications

One of Gardner-Webb senior Chelsea Gregory’s dreams came true this spring, when she won the Miss South Carolina International crown. Having competed in pageants on and off since age 6, the Pittsburgh, Pa. native admits her passion for the stage as part of the allure for pageants: “I’ve been dancing and cheerleading since I was little, so being on stage is always a thrill.” But what made the victory particularly special—and what has characterized her tenure as Miss South Carolina International—is her platform: a transformative message of hope born out of her own childhood struggle.
A Seed on Good Soil

Office of University Communications

When Gardner-Webb’s current Missionary in Residence, Mike Boone, first sensed a call to ministry, it never occurred to him that he could be something other than a preacher. “I wish someone had told me to sit down and ask myself, ‘What do I like to do?’,” Boone says. ” I’ve always loved working outside, working with plants. I love to see things grow. But I didn’t know I could use that for ministry.” God knew better.
Gardner-Webb Brings B.E.S.T. Program to Campus

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Godbold School of Business will be hosting the High School “Bringing Executives and Students Together” — B.E.S.T — program Aug. 10-12. Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, the program will be geared to Encourage, Empower, and to Energize our area high school students. The B.E.S.T. program is offered at no cost to the student, and will begin each morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Hamrick Lobby of Hamrick Hall, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb University Launches Operations at New Charlotte Center

Office of University Communications

As part of its commitment to establishing a greater presence in Charlotte, Gardner-Webb University recently launched classes at the University’s new Charlotte Center, conveniently located at the Arrowood Road exit off Interstate 77 in Charlotte. The University-owned facility will house undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as office and conference spaces for the University’s development efforts in Charlotte. Gardner-Webb’s Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL) program has been operating in Charlotte since 1983.
New & Improved Gardner-Webb University Website Launched June 9

Office of University Communications

On Thursday, June 9, the new and improved Gardner-Webb University website was launched. The redesign has been in the planning and implementation stages since January of this year and consists of over 4,000 pages. The Web Design Team and Creative Staff have put many long days, weekends and nights into the creation of the new web site.
The Gardner-Webb School of Nursing Hosts “Code Teen”

Office of University Communications

Open to rising 10th-12th graders from area high schools, the annual Code Teen program offers students a glimpse into a variety of occupations in the healthcare field. This summer, 71 students applied to participate by writing an essay, securing a teacher recommendation, and giving a personal interview. The 41 selected students were divided into two groups, and the first will participate in the weeklong Code Teen camp from June 20-24, while the second will participate from July 11-15.
A Sermon that Sings

Office of University Communications

Dr. J. Alfred Smith was born to be a preacher. But for Smith, who is Pastor Emeritus of Allan Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif., and who served this spring as Gardner-Webb University’s first Scholar in Residence, a life in the pulpit was not his earliest aspiration. “I play the saxophone,” Smith says, “and I wanted to be a jazz musician.”
Crossing Paths with the True King

Office of University Communications

When Clayton King (’95) hosted his first summer camp at Gardner-Webb as a GWU senior in 1995, he had no idea he would become president and founder of a worldwide ministry. He had no clue that a decade and a half later, he would have shared the Gospel with more than 40,000 students through his Crossroads Worldwide summer camps. He only knew that his vision for an evangelistic camp ministry was a true calling, and he trusted God for the rest.
Runnin’ Bulldog Volleyball To Offer Free Clinic and Other Camp Opportunities for Student-Athletes

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb volleyball head coach Leo Sayles invites all volleyball players to attend a free four-hour clinic on Friday, July 22nd at Crest High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coach Sayles will serve as the primary clinician and will be assisted by GWU assistant coach Bethany Martin and numerous players from the Runnin’ Bulldog volleyball program. “This is a great opportunity for community athletes to attend a quality clinic and grow as players. The four-hour clinic will be packed with instruction and technical training,” commented Coach Sayles.
Gardner-Webb Wrestling joins Southern Conference

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb, Campbell and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville will join the league beginning with the 2011-12 season. The addition of the three programs, in conjunction with UNC Greensboro’s discontinuation of its program following this past season, will bring the Southern Conference’s wrestling membership to eight schools. The move will provide the Runnin’ Bulldogs with a chance to compete for a true conference crown for the first time in the program’s 22 years.
Freeman Fund Helps Dreams Come True for Local Students to Enter College

Office of University Communications

The dream of leaving high school and entering college came true for nine local students thanks to the Joseph B. Freeman Jr. Educational Fund. The Freeman Fund is a scholarship fund formed by area business leaders 20 years ago to provide financial assistance to high school students from Cleveland County schools. The fund is designed for students who qualify academically for college but whose unique situations might otherwise prevent them from attending.
Gardner-Webb University Announces Spring 2011 Dean’s List and Honor Roll

Office of University Communications

The Dean’s List honors those outstanding students who maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher for the semester, and the Honor Roll recognizes those who maintain a GPA between 3.2 and 3.7 for the semester. The Dean’s List and Honor Roll are the semester’s highest academic honors. Congratulations to each of these students for their hard work and commitment to excellence!
2011 Big South Champion GWU Lady ‘Dogs Host Youth Basketball Camp at Rutherford Elementary

Office of University Communications

It takes hard work to be a true winner, and the lessons we learn as youngsters play a vital role in establishing our character on and off the fields of competition. That’s why the Gardner-Webb Lady ‘Dogs and Rutherford Elementary School have teamed up to sponsor the 2011 Runnin’ Bulldog Basketball Camp, open to boys and girls ages 5-10 years old, from June 20 – June 22. The 2011 Big South Conference Champion Lady ‘Dogs are fresh off their most successful season ever, having earned the University’s first ever berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Conference Brings Experts on Bereavement to GWU

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb is excited to welcome members of the Class of 2015 to campus today, June 14, for New Student Orientation!
Gardner-Webb University Hosts Charlotte Mason Education Conference

Office of University Communications

From June 8 to June 11, the Gardner-Webb University School of Education will host the Charlotte Mason Education Conference, titled “A Charlotte Mason Education—A True Alternative.” The sessions will illuminate Mason’s educational philosophy, and provide strategies for implementing Mason’s methods to meet the challenges of today’s public, private, and homeschool classrooms. The conference will feature several keynote presentations and a variety of breakout immersion groups led by a host of Mason experts, including scholars in education, school administrators, and experienced teachers from every level and arena.
Big South Conference Spring Meetings Recap: New Executive Officers Elected, New League Initiatives Approved

Office of University Communications

The annual Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers meeting was held on Thursday, June 2 at the Westin Hotel Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C., in conjunction with the League’s annual Spring Meetings and Hall of Fame Banquet. Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle has been elected President of the Conference, the first woman to hold the office. In addition, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. Frank Bonner has been elected Vice President, and UNC Asheville Chancellor Dr. Anne Ponder has been re-elected Secretary of the League.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Back Carolina Crown

Office of University Communications

Comprised of two drum majors, brass players, a pit ensemble, drum line, and dozens of instructors and marching specialists, the band’s members hail from colleges and universities all over the country. This spring, they are diligently preparing their dynamic 2011 show, “Rach Star.” From stage diving to piano concertos and lighting truss to drum sets, “Rach Star” will take drum corps entertainment in a whole new direction.
Gardner-Webb University Hosts National Conference for Baptist Professors of Religion

Office of University Communications

According to its website, the NABPR is a community of teaching scholars who meet to sharpen teaching skills and encourage the continuation of meaningful scholarship in the fields of religious studies. While most members teach or study at Baptist-affiliated schools, colleges, and seminaries, many members come from a wide range of church-related and state-supported schools in the United States, Canada, and abroad. According to Dr. Ron Williams, president of NABPR and professor of religious studies at Gardner-Webb, the annual meeting offers networking and career development opportunities for current professors and graduate students entering the field.
A Memorial Day Memory

Office of University Communications

He was trapped. His B-24 bomber was hit, plummeting toward the German soil below, and Cecil “Cotton” Bolick was pinned to the side of the plane by the sheer force of the spin. When the blow occurred, he had pulled the cable beneath his seat, freeing him from the plane’s top turret where he was stationed as a gunner.
Gardner-Webb’s Dusty Quattlebaum Piles Up Academic Honors

Office of University Communications

The recognition comes just a day after Quattlebaum was named first-team Capital One Academic All-America®, becoming the first baseball player in school history to earn that distinction. The All-America®, team is selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). To be eligible for Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.
Gardner-Webb University Receives National Recognition for Community Service

Office of University Communications

For the fourth consecutive year, Gardner-Webb was admitted to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging its students, faculty and staff in meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community. “As members of the class of 2011 cross the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into the world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their communities and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of institutions like Gardner-Webb,” said Patrick A. Corvington, Chief Executive Officer of CNCS. “Congratulations to Gardner-Webb University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities.”