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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 Alumnae Gain Respect in Strength and Conditioning Field Dominated by Men

Office of University Communications

In a field dominated by men, four recent Gardner-Webb University alumnae are changing perceptions and gaining respect. As graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programs at Gardner- Webb, they join the small percentage of women in America who are employed in top-level S&C jobs.
Donations on Double Dawg Day Contribute to Men’s Soccer Big South Tournament Championship

Office of University Communications

In April 2024, a state-of-the-art Soccer Field House opened on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. This new facility was funded by generous donations from GWU supporters—many who donated on Double Dawg Day. By November 2024, the men’s soccer team was celebrating its first-ever Big South Tournament Championship.
Gardner-Webb University Chorales Invite Audience to ‘Come and See’

Office of University Communications

The University Chorales concert on Thursday, March 6, opens with “Come and See,” a piece composed by J. Reese Norris, which sets the theme for the entire program. Set for 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel, the free performance features two ensembles—The Gardner Singers and The Webb Chorale.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Honored with Prestigious Fulbright Award

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University alumna, scholar, and poet is living her dream in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Dr. Alana Dagenhart is a 2025 Fulbright U.S. Scholar. An esteemed faculty member of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), Dagenhart will study and teach poetry at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University Belfast for the next year.
Gardner-Webb Women’s Basketball Team Lands Several Big South Postseason Honors Including Player of the Year for Ashley Hawkins

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University women’s basketball team has landed several postseason awards per release from the league office, with senior guard Ashley Hawkins (https://gwusports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ashley-hawkins/10252) being named the 2024-25 Big South Player of The Year.
Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir Presents ‘You are My Sunshine’

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir’s Spring Concert, “You Are My Sunshine,” on Tuesday, March 4, is a celebration of music from the world’s various cultures and carnival traditions with selections from New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Venice, and others. The free program features folksong arrangements as well as works by Western masters like Robert Schumann and Antonio Vivaldi.
Gardner-Webb Invites Families to Campus for Family Weekend Feb. 21-23

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is gearing up for an exciting Family Weekend, happening Feb. 21-23. This special event offers a chance to experience the heart of campus life, reconnect with the University, and cheer on Runnin’ Bulldog athletics.
Dean Clark Appointed Acting Interim President

Office of University Communications

It was announced today that Dean Clark, Gardner-Webb Vice President for Enrollment Management, will serve as acting interim president until the Board of Trustees appoints an interim president.
Gardner-Webb Black Student Association and Office of Diversity and Inclusion Sponsor Black History Month Activities

Office of University Communications

The Black Student Association (BSA) at Gardner-Webb University, along with the GWU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, is hosting several events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. The BSA empowers Black students to voice concerns, discuss issues, and foster meaningful community conversations. This organization is open to all undergraduate students.
Gardner-Webb University, Cleveland Community College and Cleveland County Schools Receive Over $1.2 Million from the Golden LEAF Foundation

Office of University Communications

The Golden LEAF Foundation announced Feb. 6 that Gardner-Webb University and community partners, Cleveland Community College (CCC) and Cleveland County Schools, have been awarded funding through the Community-Based Grants Initiative totaling over $1.2 million to create a Healthcare Educational Pathway. Leaders from all three entities collaborated to present separate proposals to form a program that addresses regional health workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and allied health professions.
Families Invited to Experience Gardner-Webb Campus on Spring Family Weekend Feb. 21-23

Office of University Communications

Family weekend is an opportunity for families to experience their students’ home at Gardner-Webb. This semester’s event is full of activities happening on campus at 110 S. Main St. In addition to special programs, a full slate of athletic events is also scheduled, including lacrosse, tennis, baseball, and men’s basketball.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Free Health and Wellness Fair on Feb. 19 for Campus and Community

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is partnering with businesses, groups and organizations to host a Health and Wellness Fair. The event, which is open to students, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community, will be Feb. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. in Tucker Student Center.
‘Freadom Reads’ at Gardner-Webb’s Dover Library Explores Film Censorship

Office of University Communications

At the next “Freadom Reads,” program, film critics and Gardner-Webb alumni, Noel T. Manning II and his son, Thomas Manning, invite the audience to “Dive into the Captivating World of Film: Boycotts, Bans, & Barricades.” Their discussion will be presented on Feb. 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. The event will be held on the third floor of the University’s Dover Library, 110 Huggins St., on the GWU campus.
Alive and Thriving: After Cancer Scare, Alumna Cherishes Every Day with Family

Office of University Communications

A month after graduating from Gardner-Webb University in 2014 with her Master of Arts in school counseling, Gaby Laurent, 26, received both joyous and heartbreaking news. She and her husband, Joseph, were expecting their first child. However, through routine bloodwork, doctors discovered she had acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer normally found in 70-year-olds.
Chris Scruggs Invited to Speak at Gardner-Webb Dover Library for ‘Freadom Reads’

Office of University Communications and Chloe Cloutier

Chris Scruggs, a doctoral student in the Gardner-Webb University College of Education, is the featured speaker for “Freadom Reads.” The program will be on Jan. 28 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Dover Library, 110 Huggins St., on the GWU campus.
Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Simone McIntyre Featured Speaker for Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20

Office of University Communications

The observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday serves to remember his immense significance in the nation’s history and to reflect on his tireless efforts to promote justice and equality. A celebration hosted by the Cleveland County, N.C., 5379B Branch of the NAACP, will pay tribute to King with two events on Jan. 20 in Shelby, N.C.
Celebrate Gardner-Webb Basketball Legends at HOOPSCOMING 2025 on Jan. 18

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University HOOPSCOMING 2025 is scheduled for Jan. 18. This annual event celebrates the legends of the court along with the athletes and devoted fans who fill Paul Porter Arena with excitement on game day at The Webb.
Director of GWU Bands Dr. Sarah Fabian Seeks to Engage and Inspire Music Students

Office of University Communications

Through her enthusiasm and engaging personality, Dr. Sarah Fabian, director of Gardner-Webb University Bands and assistant professor of music, has tremendously grown the music program. From recruitment e!orts at the local high schools to connecting with directors, Fabian has increased interest and participation in the marching band.
Former Gardner-Webb Trustee, Known as Man of Deep Faith, Passed Away on Dec. 26

Office of University Communications

Former Gardner-Webb Trustee Dr. William Malcolm Eubanks Jr. passed away on Dec. 26, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. He served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2013.
Gardner-Webb Honors Achievements of 2024 Summer and Fall Graduates

Office of University Communications

In Gardner-Webb University’s commencement ceremony on Dec. 13, former N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson challenged his audience of over 400 graduates to follow their dreams with all their hearts. Dobson, a 2005 GWU alumnus, served over 14 years as a North Carolina elected leader and recently became the president and chief executive o!icer at North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA).
Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Lorell Gordon Celebrates Achievements of Her Students

Office of University Communications and Avery Copeland

Dr. Lorell Gordon, an assistant professor in the Gardner-Webb University School of Psychological Science and Counselor Education, recognized a need within the school’s program offerings and worked with her colleagues on a solution. She played a key role in developing and implementing the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling (MCFC) concentration within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
Gardner-Webb Collegiate National Association for Music Education Chapter Receives State Honors

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Collegiate NAfME (National Association for Music Education) received the statewide Chapter of Excellence award at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference (NCMEA) in Winston-Salem, N.C., in November. They were the only chapter in the state to be recognized with this award.
Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs Share Christmas Greetings

Office of University Communications

With music performed by the Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Joshua Cheney, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs invite you to join them in celebrating the spirit of the season in this annual video Christmas card.
Gardner-Webb Honors Contributions of Visionary Leaders on Founders Day, Dec. 5

Office of University Communications

"When you drink the water, don’t forget who dug the well,” these wise words spoken by Dr. Shirley P. Toney about those nursing pioneers before her also summarize the purpose of Gardner-Webb University’s Founders Day Celebration. Each year, on the Thursday following Thanksgiving break, Gardner-Webb’s campus, alumni, and friends recognize and pay tribute to those who played formative roles in the University’s 119-year development from a high school to a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education.
Dr. Kellie Griggs, a Gardner-Webb Nursing Alumna, Recognized with the Most Prestigious National Honor in Nursing

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb alumna Dr. Kellie Griggs has received the most prestigious national recognition in nursing. Earlier in November, she was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. With more than 3,000 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.