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 Increases Financial Aid for New Students

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb has announced that eligible incoming students may earn up to $20,000 in merit-based scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. Last year, scholarship and grant award amounts ranged from $6,000 to $18,000 per new student.
Ron Newcomb is Gardner-Webb University’s Next Chief of Police

Office of University Communications

A familiar face on the Gardner-Webb Campus has been named the University’s next Chief of Police. Ron Newcomb, who began his law enforcement career in 1993, has served as GWU assistant chief since 2020. He succeeds Chief Barry Johnson, who retired in September after 26 years of service to the University.
Gardner-Webb’s College of Education Receives $15,600 Grant

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s College of Education has received a $15,600 grant from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). The award is part of a gift from the Goodnight Educational Foundation to support implementing new literacy strategies into the curriculum for teacher education students.
Blue Ridge Community College and Gardner-Webb Sign Transfer Agreement for Cybersecurity Program

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University and Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) in Flat Rock, N.C., signed a transfer agreement on Nov. 4 between the two schools’ cybersecurity programs. GWU’s new online Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity begins in the 2023 Spring Semester. Through this plan, BRCC graduates with associate degrees in information technology-cybersecurity have direct admission into Gardner-Webb’s Degree Completion Program.
Gardner-Webb Team Serves Families at Give Kids The World Village

Office of University Communications

Over fall break, seven students and three adults representing Gardner-Webb University volunteered at Give Kids the World Village (GKTWV) in Orlando, Fla. Each child who comes to the Village is dealing with a terminal or chronic illness. Eligible children are paired with one of over 250 partnering wish-granting organizations from around the world, such as Make-A-Wish. They and their families receive a weeklong, cost-free vacation at the nonprofit 89-acre resort. They also receive free admission to nearby attractions, such as Disney World and Universal Studios.
Gardner-Webb Officials and Supporters Break Ground on Masters-Melton Indoor Baseball Facility

Office of University Communications

While celebrating Gardner-Webb’s rich past, Homecoming festivities also looked ahead to the University’s bright future. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Masters-Melton Indoor Baseball Facility accomplished both.
Author Ashley Mays’ Love for Writing Ignited in GWU English Classes

Office of University Communications

Ashley Mays, a 2007 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, recently published her first Young Adult Fiction Novel, “The Great Date Experiment.” It’s an achievement she has worked toward since the fourth grade, when she realized her love for writing while preparing for the state writing test. Her interest in literature deepened in middle school, because her mom became a librarian, and Mays went there after school.
Gardner-Webb Names 2022 Distinguished Alumni

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb honored two outstanding members of the University family with induction into the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni during 2022 Homecoming activities Oct. 28-30.

Since 1957, the Gallery of Distinguished Alumni has recognized and honored Gardner-Webb alumni, who have made significant contributions in their fields of service and the communities in which they serve.

The new members of the prestigious gallery are Kitty Hamrick Hoyle, ’15, of Lawndale, N.C., and Patrick Woody, ’03, of the Washington, D.C., area.
In Recognition of the Title IX 50th Anniversary, GWU’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Honors Women Record-Breakers

Office of University Communications

In honor of the impact of Title IX on collegiate athletics at Gardner-Webb, the 2022 class celebrated women trailblazers, pioneers and record-breakers. This list included Joan Cline-Backhaus (Basketball, 1957-59), Christa Fullwood (Softball, 2008-2010), Emily Harrellson (Cross Country/Softball, 1994-98), Dominique Hudson (Basketball, 2007-2011), and Phyllis Littlefield Moore (Basketball/Volleyball, 1975-79).
Runnin’ Bulldogs Move to 3-0 in Big South 48-40 Homecoming Win

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb moved to 3-0 in the Big South Conference for the first time since 2003, beating Bryant 48-40 Saturday afternoon on Homecoming (Oct. 29).

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (4-5, 3-0 Big South) have won three of their last four games, and two in a row, to remain in a tie for first place in the league with North Carolina A&T with two games remaining. Gardner-Webb’s only loss in that stretch was a 21-20 setback to bowl eligible Liberty (7-1) on October 15.
GWU Office of Student Engagement Promotes ‘Movember’ to Bring Attention to Men’s Health

Office of University Communications

The Office of Student Engagement sponsors “Movember” on the Gardner-Webb University campus. All are invited to “change the face of men’s health” by participating in a Grow Your Facial Hair Contest, Nov. 1-30. The most creative facial hair will win a trophy.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Hosts Winter Bible Study Preview

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity hosts the Winter Bible Study Preview on Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hope Hall, Tucker Student Center. School of Divinity Associate Dean Jim McConnell, professor of New Testament Interpretation, will lead the study of “The Letter to the Ephesians: Being the Church.”
Best-Selling Author and Professor Beth Allison Barr Speaker for GWU Lecture Series

Office of University Communications

Best-selling author and history professor Beth Allison Barr is the guest speaker for the Mary Washburn Wilson Lecture Series at 1 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 15 at Gardner-Webb University. Barr is the author of “The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth,” which is a USA Today Bestseller and Christianity Today 2022 Book Award Finalist in history and biography.
Celebrating Alumni—Dr. Lori Metcalf

Office of University Communications

Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s 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’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Godbold College of Business Entrepreneurship Club Hosts Dress for Success

Office of University Communications

The Godbold College of Business Entrepreneurship Club recently hosted its second Dress for Success business apparel clothing drive for Gardner-Webb University students. Members of the club helped sort through the donations of dress shirts, pants, skirts, suits and jackets to set up a “shop” where students could come and select apparel suitable for interviews and to start their careers or internships.
Homecoming Weekend Offers Traditional Events and Celebrates New Gardner-Webb Baseball Facility

Office of University Communications

Homecoming weekend at Gardner-Webb is packed with events to celebrate Bulldog Nation. From Oct. 28-30, the University will host traditional events, along with some new ones. The weekend is packed with opportunities to connect and engage, beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday and ending Sunday afternoon.
Gardner-Webb’s Octoberfest Returns with Community Partners

Office of University Communications

An annual fall tradition returns this year—with more activities and new partnerships. Gardner-Webb University’s Octoberfest will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). Joining the GWU campus as hosts for the event are Ruby C. Hunt YMCA and the Town of Boiling Springs.
GWU Department of Music Hosts Musicology Presentation on Football, Music and Culture

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music welcomes Dr. John McCluskey, associate professor of music at Shorter University in Rome, Ga., for a musicology presentation on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. in Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center. McCluskey will explore the use of music and its impact on football culture. The program is free and open to the public.
Nominations for Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship Due by Oct. 31

Office of University Communications

The deadline to nominate a high school senior for Gardner-Webb University’s most prestigious award—the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship—is Oct. 31. Established by the Tucker family, long-time supporters of the University, this eight-semester full-tuition/room and board scholarship, is awarded annually to one high school student who best exemplifies the attributes highlighted in Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Canine ATF Agent Shows Gardner-Webb Students How He Sniffs Out Evidence

Office of University Communications

Camden, a four-legged agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently demonstrated his skills in fire investigation for Gardner-Webb University students. An official ignitable liquid detection canine, he’s trained to sniff out miniscule amounts of accelerant within a large area or pile of debris. Hosted by the Department of Natural Sciences, Camden was accompanied by his partner, Union County Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli, and ATF Senior Investigator Darren Solomon.
Gardner-Webb Basketball Hosts Bulldog Madness

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s basketball teams will host their 2022 Bulldog Madness event on Thursday, October 20 at 6:00 pm in Paul Porter Arena.

Doors open to the public at 5:30 pm and admission is free. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free team poster of each team.
Gardner-Webb Enrolling Now for Online Master’s Programs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s admissions staff is currently enrolling students for online graduate programs that begin in January 2023, including the new 10-month Master of Public Administration (MPA), which begins Jan. 2. With this degree, public servants will be prepared for successful administrative careers in local, state, federal, and non-profit agencies.
Trevor Wester, ’24, Takes Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldog Around the Track

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb sophomore Trevor Wester is the first race car driver to welcome aboard the Runnin’ Bulldog logo in multiple events. Driver of the No. 8 Legend Car in the Cook Out Summer Shootout series at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Wester finished fifth in points out of 32 cars.
Gardner-Webb CrossFit Hosts Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb CrossFit is hosting the Second Annual Jerry Gass Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) in Spangler Stadium on Homecoming day, Oct. 29, at 8 a.m. Last year, over $5,000 was raised for the Jerry Gass Jr. Memorial Scholarship during the inaugural event.
Celebrating Alumni-Dr. Mamadi Corra

Office of University Communications

Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s 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’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.