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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 University Celebrates Title IX 50th Anniversary

Office of University Communications

To our readers: In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. In a year-long celebration of the law’s 50th anniversary, Gardner-Webb will recognize its individual pioneers and trailblazers, women influencers and administrators, and honor several teams and alumni groups at games and events on campus. Profiles on these women will be published in the Newscenter twice a month.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In Gardner-Webb University’s 117-year academic history, many outstanding women made their mark on the school. Two of those influential and caring leaders were Etta Curtis and Dee “Doc Hunt.”
Gardner-Webb Phi Beta Lambda Member Wins Third Place at National Conference

Office of University Communications

Johanna Quezada Salazar, of Dallas, N.C., a senior international business major at Gardner-Webb University, won third place in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) national conference held recently in Chicago, Ill. Gardner-Webb was one of 26 schools that participated in the event.

Salazar qualified for the national competition by placing first at the North Carolina PBL State Leadership Conference held in April in Charlotte, N.C. She prepared a seven-minute speech to compete in the Business Ethics category. The assigned topic was whether or not it would be ethical for an employer to fire an employee over something on their social media account, and if social media should be considered free speech. “I practiced my speech over and over just to make it sure it was at seven minutes, as well as to build confidence in myself,” Salazar noted.
Gardner-Webb Recognized by Colleges of Distinction for Academics and Student Engagement

Office of University Communications

Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, has recognized Gardner-Webb University for its commitment to encourage and challenge undergraduate students to learn, develop their talents, and succeed. Gardner-Webb has been named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and a North Carolina College of Distinction.

“What an honor to be recognized for our successful work with students,” expressed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey. “I am proud of our faculty and staff who work to keep students in the forefront of all that they do. It makes a difference in transforming students’ lives and in invigorating the campus community. We celebrate our ranking as a state leader in higher education and will continue to provide supportive and life-changing opportunities in our academic programs and through impactful campus engagement.”
Tracy Jessup Retires as GWU Senior Minister and Vice President of Christian Life and Service

Office of University Communications

In 1985, Tracy Jessup arrived at Gardner-Webb University as a freshman music education major. Except for a brief time away to earn his Master of Divinity, Jessup has served the GWU campus and community for 30 years. He retires on July 31 as vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University.

“Not only is my professional career and ministry tied to this place, but so much of the fabric of my personal life is interwoven with Gardner-Webb,” Jessup reflected. “I met my wife, Teresa, on Aug. 19, 1985—my freshman year. Four years later, we were married and celebrated 33 years of marriage on June 24. We have loved raising our children in the town of Boiling Springs and in the shadow of our alma mater. Our son and daughter-in-law are proud graduates of GWU, and it was such a joy to witness many special moments in their educational journey.”
New North Carolina Budget Allocates $500K for Gardner-Webb, Boiling Springs Partnership

Office of University Communications

North Carolina’s General Assembly drafted the state’s FY23 budget (signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 11), and it includes a $500,000 allocation that will accelerate Gardner-Webb University’s collaboration with the Town of Boiling Springs. Initiated by a proposal from Cleveland County Manager Brian Epley and endorsed by the County Board of Commissioners, the funding will help support construction and operations at the University’s planned outdoor performance complex. State legislators and the Governor also approved additional requests from Cleveland County Commissioners to provide funding for the Cleveland County Fair and the Foothills Public Shooting Complex. All told, the State awarded $2.5 million to Cleveland County for these three projects.
Gardner-Webb was College of First Choice for Chemistry Major, Whitney Upton, ’24

Office of University Communications

Whitney Upton, ’24, a chemistry major at Gardner-Webb University, attends three classes at GWU this summer and works at Rutherford Sales & Recovery Co. in Forest City, N.C. She looks forward to the fall semester, being back on campus full time and reconnecting with her roommates and suitemates.

As she prepares for another year at Gardner-Webb, Whitney offers this advice to incoming freshmen, “Just be yourself, try new things, study hard and have fun.”
GWU Alumnus Gets Boost in his Career from NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Office of University Communications

“Every role no matter how small is important to the common goal”—this is the mantra that Blake McCandless lives by. While building his talents as a broadcaster, the two-time alumnus of Gardner-Webb University has taken every opportunity to learn. He strives to be a team player, develop connections and serve others.

His persistence and talent even gained the attention of NASCAR hall-of-famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Twice, Earnhardt has mentioned McCandless as someone who has a future in motorsports broadcasting.

Blake McCandless on Youtube

Episode of "Driven"

Lrandon Huffman racing

Watch Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Podcast that mentions McCandless at 16:20.
Gardner-Webb University Celebrates Fundraising Milestones

Office of University Communications

With profound gratitude for its loyal alumni and friends, Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone. At a time when most universities are reporting fewer donors, GWU has experienced a significant increase.
Stonecutter Science Academy at Gardner-Webb Introduces Students to Careers in Science

Office of University Communications

Students from 16 schools recently participated in the 2022 Science Academy hosted by Gardner-Webb University and sponsored by the Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, N.C. They learned about the Department of Natural Sciences at GWU and studied various aspects of science and applications, such as crime scene investigation and forensic anthropology.
Gardner-Webb University Partners with Collegiate Sports Associates for National Athletic Director Search

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb officials have enlisted Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), executive search and consulting, to lead the national search for the University’s next athletic director. Chuck Burch, who just completed his 25th season at the helm of the Athletics Department, announced his retirement next summer from Gardner-Webb. Burch will continue to serve in the role of vice president for Athletics until his successor is hired.
There’s Still Time to Apply for 2022 Fall Semester at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Enrollment Team continues to accept applications for the 2022 Fall Semester. University officials are committed to keeping GWU’s quality education affordable by offering a tuition freeze for the fourth year in a row and with financial aid offerings in institutional scholarships and grants. Included in these awards are the Foothills Commitment and Piedmont Promise, which support students from the local area and surrounding counties.
Esther Porter Named Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Office of University Communications

Tim Shuey, Gardner-Webb University vice president of Finance and Administration, has named Esther Porter as interim associate vice president of Human Resources, effective immediately. Most recently, Porter served the University as a human resources generalist.
Gardner-Webb Community Mourns Loss of Longtime Friend and Supporter, Bill Masters

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University community is remembering Bill Masters, of Shelby, N.C., a longtime friend and supporter of the baseball program, who passed away at age 94 on June 25, 2022. Masters grew up in Easley, S.C., with a deep love for baseball and once said that he would rather play baseball than eat.
Gardner-Webb Launches Year-Long Celebration of Title IX 50th Anniversary

Office of University Communications

On June 23, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.
Gardner-Webb’s Chuck Burch Announces Retirement as Vice President for Athletics

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch announced today (June 23) that he will retire following more than two decades in charge.
GWU President Names Interim VP for Christian Life and Service

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President William Downs has appointed Neal Payne as interim vice president for Christian Life and Service, effective Aug. 1. Payne presently serves as associate minister for Student Ministries. He succeeds Tracy Jessup, who will retire at the end of July, after 30 years of service to the University.
Ray Curtis Named Gardner-Webb’s Associate VP for Technology, Chief Information Officer

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb have announced that Ray Curtis, a Boiling Springs native, will be the University’s new Associate Vice President for Technology Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO). Curtis will provide vision and leadership for technology services across all GWU divisions.
GWU Faculty and Staff Host Group from Iredell-Statesville Schools

Office of University Communications

Tristan Zinkhan peered into a stereoscope, amazed at what he was seeing. A rising 10th-grader from West Iredell High School in Statesville, N.C., Zinkhan was one of 60 students from Iredell-Statesville Schools (I-SS) who spent the day on Gardner-Webb University’s campus recently.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Offers New Master’s in Bible and Theology

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity is offering a new program in the 2022 Fall Semester. The Master of Arts in Bible and Theology (MABT) is a 36-credit hour concentrated curriculum, providing biblical and theological knowledge to guide others into a deeper understanding of scripture and Christian theology. Up to 17 hours of the 36-hour degree may be taken online.
Gardner-Webb Provost Names Dr. Jennifer Buckner Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has announced that Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Dr. Jennifer Bucker has been named interim dean, effective immediately. Buckner, who also serves as a professor of English, has served as associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences since November 2021.
Gardner-Webb Announces New Model for Obtaining Textbooks and Course Materials

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is moving to a new course material model. “The Bulldog Bundle” will reduce the cost of textbooks and course materials, such as study guides, case studies, workbooks and other items, while ensuring students have all their materials across all courses before the first day of class.
Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps Trains at Gardner-Webb for Eight-Week Tour

Office of University Communications

Until June 18, 165 members of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps along with 70 staff will be on the Gardner-Webb University campus perfecting their 2022 program, “Right Here/Right Now.” In the spirit of “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day), the performance will explore the concept of living in, creating, and sharing these moments with the audience. The Corps presents a preview show in GWU’s Spangler Stadium on June 25. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with the live performance starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission. Discount tickets will be available at the gate for anyone with a Gardner-Webb ID, who will be admitted free, and Boiling Springs residents, who will be admitted for $5 each with proof of residency.
Gardner-Webb Provost Names New Director of the University’s Honors Program

Office of University Communications

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has named Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins as the Director of the Gardner-Webb University Honors Program. Hawkins came to GWU in 2021, after earning his Ph.D. in Biomedical Physics from East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, N.C.
Gardner-Webb ROTC Cadet Perseveres to Earn Master’s and Become an Officer

Office of University Communications

A native of Cameroon in Central Africa, Ngoufack Tsafack, ’22, came to America in 2007 to attend The Miller School of Albemarle, a boarding school in Charlottesville, Va. He was a middle school student with a dream of joining the U.S. Army, which he did in 2016.
Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs Named One of Charlotte’s 2022 Most Admired CEOs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs has been chosen to receive an elite honor. The Charlotte Business Journal (CBJ) selected him as one of Charlotte’s 2022 Most Admired CEOs. The awards recognize leaders who have a strong vision for their companies, have shown commitment to culture in the workplace and made significant contributions to the Charlotte community.