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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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Gardner-Webb President Announces New Vice President for Enrollment Management

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb President William Downs has named Dean T. Clark, of Derby, Kan., as the University’s new Vice President for Enrollment Management. Clark comes to GWU with 20 years of experience working in private faith-based liberal arts institutions and is an alumnus of one. He begins his leadership role at Gardner-Webb on Oct. 20.
Searight PACE Ambassadors Among First to Enroll in GWU Leadership Certificate Program

Office of University Communications

The first group of Gardner-Webb students enrolled in the Searight Leadership Certificate Program (SLC) are sponsoring their first community service project. From now through Nov. 18, they are collecting canned food for the homeless shelters in Cleveland County. Open to all students from any academic department, the first SLC class includes majors in music, education, religion, business, social sciences, math and computer science. Through this new credential opportunity, these students will receive advanced instruction from GWU faculty and corporate executives.
Gardner-Webb Theatre Department Presents Neil Simon’s ‘The Odd Couple (Female Version)’

Office of University Communications

Two newcomers to the Gardner-Webb University stage, freshman Cara Cole and sophomore Raleigh Wallace, play the lead roles in “The Odd Couple (female version),” presented Oct. 6-9 in Dover Theatre. In this female version of Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic, Olive Madison is divorced and living in cheerful chaos in her New York apartment. At her invitation, the suicidal Florence Ungar, newly separated from her husband, moves in. While Madison is unconcerned about the state of her apartment, Unger is obsessively clean. When their two styles clash, their friendship is tested to its limit.
Gardner-Webb Creates Welcome Page for Spanish-Speaking Families

Office of University Communications

¡Bienvenidos! from Gardner-Webb University—Spanish-speaking families have a new resource on the GWU website to introduce them to the campus. This new page welcomes and provides access to admission and visit information for the growing number of Hispanic families living in North Carolina.
GWU Bulldog Club, Led by Executive Director Wes Cogdill, Sets Record in Membership

Office of University Communications

Since returning to Gardner-Webb University nearly a month ago, alumnus Wes Cogdill has sparked excitement among friends and fellow alumni as the new Bulldog Club Executive Director. Building on work started by GWU’s Office of Advancement, Cogdill has already grown the Bulldog Club to its highest membership in 10 years.
Fulbright Scholar Eloisa Sofia Puello Cabeza Shares Her Hispanic Culture and Heritage

Office of University Communications

Eloisa Sofia Puello Cabeza, a native of Cartagena, Colombia, is intentional about sharing her Hispanic culture and heritage with her friends. The annual celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) gives her even more opportunities to talk about her home and its people.
Celebrating Alumni – Dr. Tia Jones Honored as National Outstanding Assistant Principal

Office of University Communications
Introduction of GWU’s New VP and Director of Athletics Seen by Viewers Across the Globe

Office of University Communications

The livestream introduction and welcome of Gardner-Webb University’s new Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich, received more than 360 views from nine states: North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, New York, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and eight countries: Denmark, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, Sierra Leone, Australia, India and Netherlands. The story appeared on television news outlets in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, and was shared by several news websites across the United States.
Gardner-Webb and CVS Host Flu Vaccine Clinic for Campus and Community

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is partnering with CVS to offer a Flu Vaccine Clinic for faculty, staff, students and the community on Oct. 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hope Hall, Tucker Student Center.
GWU President William Downs Elected to Big South Conference Executive Committee

Office of University Communications

The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers unanimously approved the league’s Executive Committee for the 2022-23 academic year, and Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs was elected to serve the Executive Committee as an At-Large Member. The University of North Carolina-Asheville Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cable has been elevated to Big South President, and Charleston Southern University President Dr. Dondi Costin is the new Vice President.
Gardner-Webb Opens Fitness Facilities to Alumni, Community Individuals and Groups

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University now offers community memberships to Suttle Wellness Center and CrossFit classes and facilities. In addition, the Broyhill Adventure Course (BAC), located on Stadium Drive, is open to businesses, school groups and churches for leadership and team development, and to families for birthday parties.
Gardner-Webb’s ‘Chief’ Barry Johnson Retiring After 26 Years of Service

Office of University Communications

Barry Johnson, known across campus simply as ‘Chief,’ has announced his retirement as GWU’s Chief of University Police. He has served the GWU community since 1996.
GWU Faculty Members Lead Thyroid and Breast Cancer Programs From Survivors’ Perspective

Office of University Communications

Thyroid and breast cancer affects more than 307,000 Americans each year, and two programs in September and October will provide information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Sponsored by the Gardner-Webb University College of Health Sciences and Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies, the awareness events will be led by GWU faculty members who are also cancer survivors. The community is invited to attend both events, which will be available in person and via Zoom.
Celebrating Alumni: Lt. Col. Jim Davidson

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.
Gardner-Webb Receives One of 12 Grants for Faculty-Student STEM Mentoring

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Student Success Division has received a three-year grant totaling $25,000 from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). The N.C. GlaxoSmithKline Foundation provided the funds to establish faculty-student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) mentoring programs, and NCICU awarded grants to 12 member institutions. The programs are designed to improve student retention and graduation rates among first generation college students, women, and students of color majoring in a STEM field.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes New Vice President and Director of Athletics

Office of University Communications

Today, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs named Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich as Vice President and Director of Athletics.
Gardner-Webb Now Offers Computer Science Concentration in Cybersecurity

Office of University Communications

In response to industry needs, Gardner-Webb University now offers a cybersecurity concentration with its Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. The curriculum prepares graduates to succeed in this field that is expected to have 3.5 million job openings in 2025, as reported by Cybersecurity Ventures. Additionally, graduates can expect a median salary of $102,000, according to Glassdoor.com.
GWU Football Sendoff Planned for Friday at 12:15 p.m.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb football hits the road on Friday, Sept. 9, for the game against Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C. Everyone is invited to attend a Football Sendoff at 12:15 p.m. to show their support for the team. Wear red, black and Runnin’ Bulldog gear and meet in the parking lot of Spangler Stadium.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Record Year for International Students

Office of University Communications

From the small island of Curacao to the large country of Canada and 44 other lands across the globe, a record number of 108 international students have made Gardner-Webb their college home this year. While many of these students will be away from their home country for several months, and even have to rely on others for transportation needs, Gardner-Webb is fast becoming their new home.
Gardner-Webb Online to Launch 8-Week Terms for Degree Completion Programs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Online is launching eight-week terms for its undergraduate Degree Completion Programs. The new format delivers the same quality accredited education in redesigned courses that streamline content. This new schedule is set to begin in the 2023 Fall Semester.
More Businesses Join Bulldog Community Discount Program to Strengthen Relationship Between Local Towns and Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Four new businesses in Shelby, N.C., and one in Boiling Springs have joined the Bulldog Community Discount Program. This program strengthens the relationship of the University and the Cleveland County community by increasing awareness of local businesses and encouraging the campus community to support them.
Celebrating Alumni – Jon-Eric Sullivan

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.
Nichole Ijames Wins Gravett Citizen Scholar Award for Her Dissertation on Resiliency of Black Female Principals

Office of University Communications

During her 25 years in public education—12 as an administrator—Dr. Nichole Ijames has relied on her own resiliency and witnessed that trait in her colleagues. Intrigued by these strong and confident women, Ijames chose to interview Black women principals and study their resiliency for her research in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) program at Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb Ranked Nationally as a Top Five Private College in North Carolina

Office of University Communications

In its 2022 National University Rankings, Washington Monthly placed Gardner-Webb University in the top five among private colleges in North Carolina. GWU was ranked above Campbell (N.C.), Liberty University (Va.), Tulane (La.), Robert Morris (Penn.), Baylor (Texas) and Southern Methodist (Texas). This distinctive honor recognizes Gardner-Webb for excellence in three areas: social mobility, research and promoting public service.
For Dr. Jonathan Ahearn, Teaching at Gardner-Webb is ‘More Than Just a Job’

Office of University Communications

Eight months after Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Dr. Jonathan Ahearn fought back tears to write his resignation letter to Gardner-Webb University, he’s back at his alma mater. “I came back to Gardner-Webb, because It’s more than just a job,” Ahearn asserted. “It’s always been like that for me and (everyone) in the College of Health Sciences.”