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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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Following the Calling

Kathryn Manning

In the 116-year history of Gardner-Webb University, numerous faculty pioneers have engineered components of campus life and curriculum. One of those influential professors is Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Lamb, dean emeritus of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity.
Gardner-Webb Facilities & Maintenance: ‘Please Don’t Feed Geese and other Wildlife’

Office of University Communications

The ducks and Canadian geese living around Lake Hollifield on the Gardner-Webb University campus are entertaining to watch. However, what they leave behind on the grass and sidewalks destroys vegetation and carries diseases and bacteria. Additionally, nesting geese will chase people away to protect their eggs.
Gardner-Webb Marching Bulldogs Prepare for Sept. 18 Debut in Spangler Stadium

Office of University Communications

Adding to the excitement of the first home football game on Sept. 18 at Gardner-Webb University will be the return of the Marching Bulldogs. The band’s 43 members have been working since August on the halftime show and other music for game day. The performance will be highlighted by the group’s impressive new uniforms.
Former Gardner-Webb Swimmer Makes History at Tokyo Paralympics

Office of University Communications

Former Gardner-Webb swimmer Mallory Weggemann not only won two golds and a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, Aug. 24-Sept. 3, she broke two records. The 32-year-old swimmer finished first in the women’s 100m backstroke S7 in a time of 1:21.27, 1:45 under the record of 1:22.72 set in 2016. In the 200m individual medley SM7, she broke the Paralympic record during her heat race. She won the silver in her final race of the games, the 50m butterfly S7 in a time of 34:30.
Legendary Film Music Editor Begins Gardner-Webb Distinguished Artists Series

Office of University Communications

The list of Hollywood directors and composers that legendary film music and sound editor, Peter Myles, has worked with include multi-award winners like Steven Spielberg and John Williams. Myles will discuss his career in the first program of the Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artists Series. The Zoom lecture will be Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center. The event is co-sponsored by The Alfred & Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund.
Webb Connections Informative Series Returns to Gardner-Webb on Sept. 23

Office of University Communications

The Supreme Court ruled in June that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) cannot limit education-related benefits offered to student-athletes. How will this ruling impact college sports? Local and regional experts representing Gardner-Webb University, the Big South and media, will discuss possible outcomes of the court’s decision during the first Webb Connections program of the Fall 2021 Semester.
Gardner-Webb Returning Students: Be Fully Present, Find a Balance and Dream Big

Office of University Communications

“Live in the moment.” Four words that can make a difference in your college experience, noted senior Jada Newton, president of the Gardner-Webb University Student Government Association (SGA). Her advice is echoed by sophomore Katie Wilson, junior Sammy Itodo, and seniors Mackenzie Sauter and Javonda Adams. From their experiences, these students offer tips to those beginning their college journey.
Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU Provost, to Step Down in 2022

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has announced that long-time GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie will retire from his post and return to the classroom in 2022 to serve in the School of Divinity as professor of theology and ethics.
Gardner-Webb Faculty Members Recognized with Awards

Office of University Communications

Members of the Gardner-Webb University Faculty were recognized with awards recently at the 2021 Faculty Assembly. Hosted by the Faculty Development of Instruction and Improvement Committee (FDIIC), the program also introduced the first dean of the GWU College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Shawn Holt, along with six new faculty for the 2021-2022 year.
Gardner-Webb Offers Second COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Sept. 17

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Office of Student Development will offer a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to students, faculty and staff on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Student Health Clinic, 148 Memorial Drive.
Gardner-Webb Campus Community, Including New Mascot Bo, Gathers for 2021 Fall Academic Convocation

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs opened his remarks at the 2021 Fall Academic Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, by expressing his gratefulness. “Thanks to the grace and glory of God, we are together again in this special place, celebrating the start of a new academic year,” he proclaimed. “Convocation is a calling together, a summoning, or a convening. It is a time-honored academic tradition at most universities.”
Country Music Performer Jon Langston Returns to Present Concert at GWU

Office of University Communications

Since leaving the campus of Gardner-Webb University seven years ago, Jon Langston, a native of Loganville, Ga., has played sold out shows across the country and logged over 500 million streams. On Sept. 18, Langston is returning to perform at GWU, the place where he wrote “Forever Girl,” the song that launched his career.
First-Year Students Excited to Begin Educational Journey at GWU

Office of University Communications

Nearly 450 first-year students moved onto the Gardner-Webb campus this week, as the University is preparing for a total enrollment of around 3,500 for the 2021 Fall Semester. The new students and their parents experienced a mixture of emotions along with enthusiasm for the coming semester.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Former ‘News and Observer’ Political Reporter and Columnist

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University John R. Dover Library and the Department of Social Sciences will host journalist and author Rob Christensen on Sept. 17 to discuss his book, “The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys.” The program is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in Hamrick Hall Auditorium. Earlier in the day, Christensen will be speaking to political science classes.
Alumni, Family and Friends Invited to GWU Night at the American Legion World Series

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb is inviting alumni, family and friends of the University to celebrate the boys of summer at the American Legion World Series (ALWS) at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, N.C.
Gardner-Webb Introduces New Live Mascot, Bo The Bulldog

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s new live mascot has a name. Bo was selected from more than 200 entries submitted for consideration. The new pup is engaged in basic etiquette training, before he officially begins his duties on Aug. 26. In the days ahead, GWU’s four-legged best friend will be a familiar sight to all on campus and in the community.
Gardner-Webb Begins New Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University offers a new undergraduate degree in biochemistry, beginning this fall. The Bachelor of Science program meets the needs of students who plan to pursue graduate degrees for health-related fields or biomedical research. Students could also go directly into jobs with chemical or pharmaceutical companies.
Gardner-Webb Begins New Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security Administration

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will offer a new undergraduate degree in Homeland Security Administration, beginning this fall. Graduates of this Bachelor of Science program will be aware of the emerging, multi-faceted role of law enforcement officers today and the daily challenges they face in society. They will be prepared academically to respond to social, political, and legal problems with solutions provided through their coursework.
Gardner-Webb University Awarded for Extraordinary Professional Programming

Office of University Communications

Recognized for its innovative approach to education, Gardner-Webb has been named a 2021-2022 College of Distinction in the nation and in North Carolina. Furthermore, the University has been recognized as a Christian College of Distinction and received additional honors for blending the liberal arts with professional programming in business, education, and nursing. Additionally, GWU was commended for its career development programs.
At Gardner-Webb, Seven Friends Formed an Unbreakable Bond Lasting Six Decades

Office of University Communications

In 1962, seven young women came to Gardner-Webb, then a junior college, from six towns scattered across the Mountains, Piedmont and Coastal Plains of North Carolina. Two knew nothing about the school before arriving to campus on move-in day. The others were drawn to GW because of family, friends, and an energetic representative of the college.
Gardner-Webb Students Participate in Internships all Over the World

Office of University Communications

This summer, several Gardner-Webb University students are working internships all over the world—from South Africa to Shelby, N.C. To give the campus community an idea of the various places students are serving, Micah Martin, director, and Shea Mattingly, associate director, from the GWU Center for Personal and Professional Development have featured them in virtual road trips. These interviews are published once a week on the Center’s Instagram page.
Gardner-Webb Honors Experience Provides Preview of College Life

Office of University Communications

A group of 44 high school students from all over the East coast spent five days recently on the campus of Gardner-Webb University experiencing life on a Christian college campus—eating in the cafeteria, living in the residence hall, and attending classes and chapel. They also participated in service projects at local ministries and were introduced to some of the fun things to do in the area. This year’s group was the largest to attend since the Honors Experience began four years ago.
Gardner-Webb’s Live Mascot Retiring in August; New Puppy Needs a Name

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s “pawsitively” lovable mascot, Roebuck “Bucky,” is retiring on Aug. 24, after serving the University for six years. Bucky quickly became a campus favorite as he toddled and slobbered his way into the hearts of students, the community and athletics.
Gardner-Webb Church-Related Scholarship Helps Meredith Bridges Pursue Educational Goals

Office of University Communications

Meredith Jane Bridges, of Kings Mountain, N.C., worked diligently during her high school years to graduate with her diploma and associate’s degree at the same time. The daughter of a Baptist minister, Bridges’ hard work reduced the cost of her college tuition. Then in 2019, when Gardner-Webb University officials announced a substantial expansion of Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent scholarship programs, Bridges realized that with this assistance she could complete her bachelor’s at GWU.
Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Academic Reorganization and Name Changes

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University officials have announced an academic reorganization to provide symmetry across academic divisions. The restructuring, which begins Aug. 1, follows a well-established pattern in higher education and also includes changes to administrative titles, such as deans leading colleges, directors over schools, and chairs of academic departments.