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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Marion Family Donates New Scoreboard for Gardner-Webb’s Spangler Stadium

Office of University Communications

A gift from Randy Marion, longtime trustee of Gardner-Webb University, and his daughter, Jennifer Marion Mills, current chair of the Board of Trustees, will provide a new video scoreboard and sound system for Earnest W. Spangler Stadium. The new technology will improve the gameday experience for Runnin’ Bulldog fans, as well as enhance other events held in the venue.
Tania Brown Gains Valuable Experience Through Undergraduate Research

Office of University Communications

For her Undergraduate Research Scholar Project, Gardner-Webb University student Tania Brown, of Gastonia, N.C., studied an idea with a practical application. A biology major with a concentration in biomedical sciences, Brown tested the efficiency of using watermelon and cantaloupe peels to remove Bromothymol Blue from water. Bromothymol Blue is a dye used as an indicator in determining pH. It is yellow in acidic solutions, blue in basic solutions and green in neutral solutions, but is harmful to the respiratory tract and digestive system if swallowed.
GWU 10-Month Master of Business Administration Program Has Record Growth

Office of University Communications

Launched in 2019, the 10- month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has become Gardner-Webb University’s fastest-growing graduate major. In one year, the fullyonline, accredited program realized a 250 percent increase in enrollment. This growth helped push Gardner-Webb to seventh place on the Triangle Business Journal ranking of North Carolina MBA programs by enrollment. Gardner-Webb outpaced larger universities, such as UNC-Charlotte, Wake Forest, UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Greensboro.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Fourth Largest Freshmen Class in School History

Office of University Communications

Earlier this week, Gardner-Webb University welcomed the fourth largest freshmen class in school history. The 469 members of the Class of 2024 began their first fall semester on Aug. 19. Gardner-Webb’s total fall enrollment—in undergraduate, Degree Completion and graduate programs—is approximately 3,500, with nearly 1,200 students living on campus.
Gardner-Webb Community Welcomes New Students to Campus

Office of University Communications

Because of Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, move-in day on Aug. 17, 2020, looked different as new resident students arrived at Gardner-Webb University for the fall semester. Despite face coverings and physical distancing, the students’ excitement shown through.

Alexi Card, Jordan Plummer, Michael Causey and Andrew Ritts stood on the corner at the stoplight holding signs of welcome and shouting greetings to those who passed by. “I am excited to be back on campus, because I miss all my friends,” Causey shared.
Contributions of Dr. Roger Gaddis Remembered by the Gardner-Webb Community

Office of University Communications

Dr. Roger Gaddis, professor emeritus of psychology, who served Gardner- Webb University from 1974 to 2011, passed away Aug. 14, 2020, in Snellville, Ga. Gaddis was chair of the Department of Psychology for 17 years and managed the development of graduate programs in psychology. He was also instrumental in the creation of GOAL (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners—now known as the Degree Completion Program).
Gardner-Webb Alumna Faces Teaching Elementary School with Covid-19 Protocols

Office of University Communications

As veteran and beginning teachers prepare for a new school year with Covid-19 guidelines, some necessities can’t be bought. Educators, students and parents will need an abundance of “patience, grace, and flexibility,” noted Gardner-Webb University 2012 alumna Katherine “Katie” Harte Barnes. She begins her eighth year of teaching elementary school this year and her sixth one at Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Transitions Master of Divinity Degree to 78 Hours

Office of University Communications

Beginning with the fall semester 2020, the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity will transition its 90-hour Master of Divinity degree to a 78-hour program. The accredited program streamlines the curriculum, which combines core requirements with six concentration areas. This adjustment maintains academic excellence and further promotes the overall goal of the School of Divinity—namely that of serving the church—by allowing prospective and practicing ministers to receive the theological training they need in a more timely and financially affordable manner.
Gardner-Webb University CrossFit Offers Virtual and Outdoor Options

Office of University Communications

Because of Covid-19 physical distancing requirements, CrossFit Gardner-Webb University offers daily virtual workouts, as well as outdoor options. The alternative formats allow faculty, staff and students to maintain or increase their level of fitness. GWU CrossFit Coach Melissa Battista and Admissions Counselor Ezekiel Martin used the time to prepare for a CrossFit partner competition. However, three days before the event, Martin sustained a back injury and was unable to compete.
Welcome Class of 2024

Office of University Communications

Incoming Students Receive Surprise Visits from GWU Admissions Team
Dr. William M. Downs Officially Inaugurated as Gardner-Webb University’s 13th President

Office of University Communications

The inauguration of Gardner-Webb University’s 13th president, originally scheduled as a week-long celebration in March 2020, was one of the many events cancelled because of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Instead of the traditional ceremony with a large gathering, Dr. William M. Downs was sworn in as Gardner-Webb’s president on Aug. 6, 2020, in a small service attended by family, friends and GWU officials.
Gardner-Webb Marching Bulldogs Receive Lead Gift from David and Marie Brinkley

Office of University Communications

In March, Gardner-Webb University announced plans to reestablish the University’s marching band under the direction of Dr. Mark R. Cole. Today, GWU comes one step closer to that day with a $10,000 gift from long-time university supporters David and Marie Brinkley.
Gardner-Webb Offers Two Enrollment Options for Master’s in Strength and Conditioning

Office of University Communications

Beginning with the fall semester 2020, Gardner-Webb University is offering a Master of Science degree in strength and conditioning. The new program offers two enrollment options: one allows for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science along with the master’s degree in five years or less, while the other option allows for fall, spring or summer enrollment into a two-year program to complete the master’s degree.
New River Conservancy Recognizes Dr. Tom Jones and GWU Honors Students

Office of University Communications

For the last 18 years, Dr. Tom Jones, Gardner-Webb University professor of biology, has given Honors Students the opportunity to join the annual cleanup event at New River in West Jefferson, N.C. The weekend event is aptly name “Mud, Sweat and Volunteers.” Participants sleep in tents and spend a day paddling down the river in canoes picking up trash as they go. Last year, 27 GWU students and eight guests made the trip and were among a group of over 100 volunteers who covered approximately 23 river miles.
Gardner-Webb Alumna is Clinical Pharmacist Caring for Patients with Chronic Diseases

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University alumna, Laura Wilcox Demilio, ’12, is a clinical pharmacist at an inner city healthcare clinic in Baltimore, Md. Many of her patients have uncontrolled chronic diseases and multiple health problems. Additionally, they are transient and experience financial and food insecurities.
Gardner-Webb Music Major Helps Lead Worship in Online and Traditional Settings

Office of University Communications and Claire Coile

Church services have changed dramatically since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements. While many church doors are closed, staff and volunteers work behind the scenes to keep services going by transitioning to an online format. Josh Hendley, ’21, a worship leadership major in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Music, has been helping at his church, Salem Baptist in Winston-Salem, N.C., by co-leading the music.
Chemistry Alumnus Earns Research Honor

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb alumnus, Jacob Walley, was recently named the 2020 Adam Ritchie Outstanding Graduate Student in chemistry at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville. Given in memory of Ritchie (UVA Ph.D., 1968), this award provides financial assistance to an outstanding graduate student. Walley received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from GWU in 2017 and is working on his Doctor of Philosophy in inorganic chemistry from UVA.
Summer Leadership Experience Introduces Incoming Freshmen to Campus

Office of University Communications

The 18 incoming freshmen who recently participated in the Summer Leadership Experience received a glimpse into what the fall semester will be like at Gardner-Webb. Exercising social distancing and wearing face coverings in adherence to coronavirus safety protocols, the students learned various aspects of leadership, and were also introduced to campus life and the surrounding community. The three-day event is coordinated by Micah T. Martin, director of the Center for Personal and Professional Development.
High Schoolers From Six States Attend Gardner-Webb Honors Experience

Office of University Communications

A group of 26 high school students, from 26 different schools in six states, recently spent a week on the campus of Gardner-Webb University previewing college life. As participants in The Honors Experience, the teenagers were introduced to dorm living and eating in the cafeteria, attended credit-bearing college courses, and completed service projects. This year’s group is the largest one to attend since the program began three years ago.
Gardner-Webb and Atrium Health Host Ribbon Cutting for New GWU Student Health Clinic

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and its partner, Atrium Health, celebrated a historic day for the campus on Thursday, July 16, 2020, with a ribbon cutting for the new GWU Student Health Clinic at 148 Memorial Drive. Leaders of the two entities also praised the experience and leadership of the clinic’s new provider—a familiar face on campus and in the community—Dr. Jill Houser, previously an assistant professor in the Hunt School of Nursing. Dr. Sarah Currie, vice president of Student Development and dean of students, welcomed guests and led in prayer.
2020 Campus Upgrades

Office of University Communications

While you’ve been away from campus this spring and summer, the Gardner-Webb Operations team has been busy making upgrades to several areas on campus. David S. Wacaster, Director of Operations for Facilities & Maintenance, gives a brief description of the improvements you’ll see in August.
GWU Master of Divinity Student Recognized by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Office of University Communications

While COVID-19 has prevented congregations from meeting in person, Lauren Evans Hamilton, a student in the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity, recognizes the positive outcomes of streaming church services and Bible studies online. Not only does it provide regular attendees a chance to connect, but it also gives people who sometimes can’t attend in person another opportunity to engage.
Gardner-Webb, CCC&TI Announce Bulldog Bound Program, New Co-Admission Agreements

Office of University Communications

Leadership from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) and Gardner-Webb University have announced four new agreements that will create seamless pathways for students who want to start at CCC&TI and continue their education at Gardner-Webb. Providing a pathway for students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree, the Bulldog Bound Co-Admission Program will provide students—who complete certain two-year associate degrees at CCC&TI with a 2.25 GPA or higher— with guaranteed admission to Gardner-Webb to finish their undergraduate degree. The Bulldog Bound program is designed to provide students with affordable access to higher education and additional support services during their time at CCC&TI for a successful transition to Gardner-Webb.
Summer Undergraduate Research Gives Hannah Smith, ’21, Direction for her Future

Office of University Communications

While exploring the works of artists like Käthe Kollwitz, Edgar Degas and Bo Bartlett, Gardner-Webb University art major Hannah Smith discovered her own artistic strengths. Smith was one of 11 GWU students who received a grant from the GWU Undergraduate Research Scholars Program for the summer term. Students worked 40 hours a week for five weeks on their projects, which they are required to present in a professional forum.
GWU President Names Interim Vice President for Advancement

Office of University Communications

On Wednesday, July 1, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs named Aaron Hinton as interim vice president for Advancement. Hinton, a member of the Advancement team since 2011, will serve in that capacity during Gardner-Webb’s national search for a new vice president.