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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Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C., Grateful for Gardner-Webb Support Since 2015

Office of University Communications

Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C., is fully dependent on volunteers to meet the needs of families in the community. Recently, Gardner-Webb University Instructor of Nursing Tara Hayes took her University Life 111 (UNIV 111) class to volunteer at the non-profit organization. She was surprised to discover some GWU connections already in place.
Gardner-Webb Students Help Pack Thanksgiving Food Boxes and Books for Families in Need

Office of University Communications

Earlier in the semester, Gardner-Webb Instructor of Nursing Tara Hayes arranged for her University Life (UNIV 111) class to participate in a service-learning day at Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C. They sorted and separated books into age-appropriate categories and liked the idea of helping children and families in the community. Upon returning to campus, the 18 students asked Hayes when they could go and help again.
‘Sup Dawgs Food Truck Serves Specialty Items for GWU Campus and Community

Office of University Communications

’Sup Dawgs—the new Aramark food truck on the Gardner-Webb University campus—provides a regular game day menu of specialty burgers, hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak. Seasonal and other select items will be added for spotlight events, and the truck is available by request for community functions.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Leaders of the Past on Founders Day, Dec. 1

Office of University Communications

From Gardner-Webb University’s origins as a high school through its evolution into a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education, each chapter of institutional history has been penned by men and women of profound vision and relentless dedication. Those who helped build GWU into what it is today gave generously of their time, talents and critical financial support. On Dec. 1, the Gardner-Webb community will come together on Founders Day to honor the names and legacies of persons and groups that played formative roles in the University’s development. The day of celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of two inaugural Founders Medals.
Gardner-Webb Orchestra Presents Free Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music, presents a free concert on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. in Dover Theatre. The program also features the Crest High School Chamber Orchestra directed by 1997 alumnus Peter Strickland and members of the Burns High Orchestra and their director, 2018 alumnus Billy Norton.
Gardner-Webb’s Annual Festival of Lights Begins Celebration of Christmas

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, a cherished Christmas tradition since 1984, will be the final event celebrated on Founders Day, Dec. 1. Held at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, the annual program to begin the Christmas season features musical performances and the lighting of the campus tree.
Christmas Art Sale Supports Art Club and Artists

Office of University Communications

The Annual Christmas Art Sale, sponsored by the Gardner-Webb University Art Club, is the place to find unique handmade gifts for the people on your list. The event will be held on Nov. 17-18 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 19-20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Tucker Student Center.
GWU Hosts North Carolina A&T for Big South Championship Saturday

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (5-5, 4-0 Big South) will host North Carolina A&T (7-3, 4-0 Big South) in the Big South Conference Championship Game on Saturday, Nov. 19, at noon in Ernest W. Spangler Stadium. Tickets for the Big South title game in Boiling Springs are on sale at GWUSports.com and can also be purchased by calling Gardner-Webb athletics at (704) 406-4340. General admission tickets are $25 and reserved seating is $30.
Gardner-Webb Theatre Presents ‘Private Lives’ Nov. 17-20 in Millennium Playhouse

Office of University Communications

Senior Markus Byrd, a regular in Gardner-Webb University Theatre productions, will perform his final role on the GWU stage as Elyot in “Private Lives.” The 1930 play, written by Noël Coward, will be presented on Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the Millennium Playhouse, 141 S. Main St., in Boiling Springs.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus, Maj. Jeremy Davis, is Speaker for Veterans Day Service

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will join citizens across America in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a service at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. The day to honor the nation’s military has been celebrated since 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson established Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, when fighting ceased in World War I—on 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
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.