Skip to main content

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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Juliette Ratchford, ’16, Builds on Skills Developed at Gardner-Webb to Study Virtue

Office of University Communications

As a student at Gardner-Webb University, Juliette Ratchford, ’16, was introduced to the concept of positive psychology. Through this curriculum, GWU students learn how to help their future clients build on positive emotions, relationships, and virtues. Instead of serving as a counselor, though, Ratchford’s interest is in conducting research and teaching.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Producing Film to Destigmatize Mental Health Issues

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month during February, Gardner-Webb University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Despite progress in recent years, mental health professionals acknowledge that there is still a significant stigma associated with mental health concerns. Shamanda Burston, a Gardner-Webb University alumna and mental health counselor, is on a mission to destigmatize mental illness by introducing and integrating mental health topics into the world of television and film.
Gardner-Webb Receives Grant from Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Inc.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University constantly strives to make the college experience affordable. For over three decades, the Lettie Pate Whitehead (LPW) Foundation Inc. has been a vital supporter of this effort. Recently, the Foundation’s trustees proposed a grant of $230,000 to Gardner- Webb for the 2021-2022 academic year. This gift, along with other University aid, will provide scholarships in financial aid packages to female undergraduates.
Gardner-Webb is a Place Where Lasting Friendships are Forged

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50 anniversary of senior college status. Transitioning to a four-year college in 1971 was the result of 10 years of planning and meeting goals. To celebrate this anniversary, Gardner-Webb will publish a series of articles highlighting the stories of former faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who experienced this significant achievement.

View the history timeline here. Gardner-Webb’s Class of 1971 were trailblazers in the College’s effort to achieve accreditation as a four-year college from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The requirements stated that at least one group of students must attend for four years. Among those who received their bachelor’s degrees on May 16, 1971, were Tom Bell, of Atlanta, Ga., and Steve Simpson of Raleigh, N.C. They did so, certain that SACS would soon grant their alma mater accreditation.
Gardner-Webb Alumni Remember Transition to Senior College (50 years ago)

Office of University Communications

To our readers: Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50 anniversary of senior college status. Transitioning to a four-year college in 1971 was the result of 10 years of planning and meeting goals. To celebrate this anniversary, Gardner-Webb will publish a series of articles highlighting the stories of former faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who experienced this significant achievement.

On Dec. 1, 1971, students at Gardner-Webb College gathered in Bost Gymnasium to hear the official announcement that Gardner-Webb was a senior college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The student newspaper, “The Pilot,” reported that Bill Boyd, director of public relations, played a recording of his telephone conversation with President Dr. Eugene Poston, who was in Miami, Fla., at the SACS meeting.
In 1961, Gardner-Webb was Ready for Transition to Senior College Status

Office of University Communications

The push for Gardner-Webb College to achieve accreditation as a senior college began in 1961, shortly after Dr. E. Eugene Poston was named the college’s eighth president. Poston introduced his 10-year plan for growth that included transitioning to four-year status by 1971.
Gardner-Webb Spring 2021 Enrollment Breaks Records for Geographical Diversity

Office of University Communications

For the spring 2021 semester, Gardner-Webb University welcomed students from the most diverse geographical areas in school history. According to Dr. Jeff Tubbs, vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness, the students represent 23 foreign countries, 91 North Carolina counties and 43 states, breaking school records in each category.
Graduate Student Coordinates Event to Support Organization That Helps People with Disabilities

Office of University Communications

Before Lee Anne Tourigny graduated from Gardner-Webb University in May 2020, she was a summer intern with ConnectAbility in her hometown of Dahlonega, Ga. Through its various programs, ConnectAbility, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to create an inclusive community, where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered.
GWU Alumnus and Trustee to Speak for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Observance on Jan. 20

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a virtual observance on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn of Shelby, N.C., who is a pastor, GWU alumnus and Board of Trustee member, will present a keynote entitled, “Beloved Community.” Registration, available here, is required for the Zoom webinar, and the community is invited to participate.
Gardner-Webb University Prepares to Welcome Students Back to Campus

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff are preparing to welcome back more than 1,750 residential, undergraduate and graduate students who will attend face-to-face classes on the Boiling Springs campus for the spring semester. Equipped with information learned during the fall, David S. Wacaster, director of operations for GWU Facilities and Maintenance, along with the Daily COVID Team, are implementing new testing requirements and disinfecting procedures before the first day of classes on Jan. 13.
Gardner-Webb Selects Second Recipient of Tucker Scholarship

Office of University Communications

A high school senior who excels academically and shares her faith enthusiastically is the second recipient of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. Kyndal Jackson, of Gaffney, S.C., was honored in a formal presentation of the award on Dec. 21 in the Tucker Student Center. This prestigious scholarship recognizes a student with exceptional academic achievement, who also exemplifies the commands of Jesus found in Mark 12:29-31—“Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jackson was chosen from a field of 118 applicants, and was one of 20 finalists interviewed by the Tucker Scholarship Selection Committee.
Gardner-Webb University Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Office of University Communications

C.—Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff recently held an informal induction for 15 new members of the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society. The students joined the society as representatives of the Degree Completion Program. Officials hope to have a formal in-person ceremony next semester when the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.
Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Hiring of New Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University officials have announced that Eric S. Plemmons, of Lincolnton, N.C., has been hired as the new associate vice president for Human Resources. He will begin his duties on Jan. 4, 2021, reporting directly to the vice president for Finance and Administration. He fills the position left by Scott White, director of Human Resources, who is retiring after more than 22 years of service to the University.
Alumna Combines Her Talents with Graphic Design Degree to Publish Magazine

Office of University Communications

“Sit still, my daughter.” These words from Ruth 3:18 are a constant source of encouragement to Sarah Schurman, a 2019 alumna of Gardner-Webb University. Through life’s chaotic times, this phrase from the Old Testament reminds her to stay calm and trust God.
GWU Alumni, Cam and Bryton Mitchell, Branch Out and Start Their Own Business

Office of University Communications

When the company where Cam and Bryton Mitchell worked was sold, they had a choice to make. Should they separate and find jobs working for other companies or follow in their father’s footsteps and open a business of their own? The Gardner-Webb University alumni decided to turn their misfortune into an opportunity and Carolina ThreeSixty was born.
GWU Doctoral Student Applies Studies to His Job in Public Administration

Office of University Communications

David L. Williams, a student in the Gardner-Webb University Doctor of Education in Organization Leadership (DEOL) program, has more than two decades of experience in public administration. He wanted to earn his doctorate for a couple of reasons. Besides enhancing his leadership skills, Williams wanted an opportunity to gain research experience, because he hopes to teach college when he retires from his current position.
Doctoral Candidates to Present National Webinar Through International Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Two candidates in the Gardner-Webb University Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are presenting a webinar through Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, in its Teacher Toolbox series. Mallory Bricker and Shanda Jones also have a publication in an upcoming KDP issue.
Gardner-Webb Student Development Suite Named for Longtime and Beloved Administrator

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University celebrated the naming of the Dr. Dee M. Hunt Student Development Suite in the Tucker Student Center on Nov. 30 at 3:30 pm. The honor recognizes Hunt’s nearly 40 years of service to students at Gardner-Webb.
GWU Officials Name New VP for Student Development and Dean of Students

Office of University Communications

After a nationwide search, Gardner-Webb University officials have named a new vice president for Student Development and dean of students. Lesley Villarose, dean of students at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, will begin her responsibilities at GWU on January 11, 2021.
GWU Alumnus Promoted to Rear Admiral in U.S. Naval Reserves Chaplain Community

Office of University Communications

In his 25 years of service to the U.S. Naval Reserves, Rear Adm. Terry Eddinger, Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters, has held at least nine other titles. The 1988 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University was an Old Testament professor and college administrator for 19 years, and is a humanitarian assistance advisor, archaeologist, certified master diver, runner, speaker, author and volunteer.
Gardner-Webb Students Join Alpha Chi Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Members of Gardner-Webb University’s N.C. Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi hosted the 48 annual induction ceremony on Nov. 15 through a Zoom webinar. Alpha Chi is a national collegiate honor society that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction.
GWU Music Professor Contributes to Christmas CD by Southern Songwriters Association

Office of University Communications

Dr. Patricia Sparti, a professor in the Department of Music at Gardner-Webb University, has written and recorded her first song on a CD produced by the Southern Songwriters Association (SSA). Sparti, a founding member of SSA, is one of 15 members who contributed original music to the project, “Songs of Christmas.”
Gardner-Webb Hosts Virtual Commencement on Dec. 12 for Fall Graduates

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a virtual commencement on Dec. 12 to honor fall 2020 graduates. The digital celebration will recognize the accomplishments of these students, who will not be able to participate in an in-person event due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony will be shown at 10 a.m. on the Gardner-Webb website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Gardner-Webb VP for Finance and Administration Retires After Nearly 30 years of Service

Office of University Communications

Mike Hardin, who has nearly 30 years of service to Gardner-Webb University, is retiring on Nov. 30, 2020, as vice president for Finance and Administration. A two-time graduate of GWU, Hardin earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986 and then his Master of Business Administration in 2000.
Gardner-Webb Faculty and Staff Plan Spring Events to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Office of University Communications

As Gardner-Webb University students and the campus community continue to process national events related to racial injustice and inequality, GWU faculty and staff will offer more avenues next semester for communication and understanding. Assistant Professor of English Dr. Kemeshia Randle Swanson will be teaching an African American literature course in the spring entitled “Still I Rise.” JeNai Davis, director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives, is planning several opportunities for students, faculty and staff to ask questions and discuss complex issues in a safe space.