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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October is Emotional Wellness Month: Tips for Dealing with Stress

Office of University Communications

For the last 17 years, October has been recognized as Emotional Wellness Month. Emotional wellness is defined by the National Center for Emotional Wellness as an awareness, understanding and acceptance of your feelings, and your ability to manage effectively through challenges and change. During the month, Stephanie Allen, director of Counseling Services at Gardner-Webb University, and counselors, Megan Peek and Michael Taub, have events planned to bring awareness to mental health and well-being.
Hearty Meal, Hefty Trophy on the Line in Saturday’s Inaugural East/West BBQ Bowl

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Campbell University football programs are gearing up for the inaugural East/West BBQ Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 9. While each team wants to be the first to hoist and keep the Hog Trophy, there’s also a hearty meal on the line.
Gardner-Webb Honors Students Participate in cleanup of New River in West Jefferson, N.C.

Claire Allen

This semester marked the return of the “Big Sweep,” an annual camping and retreat trip held by the Gardner-Webb University Honors Student Association (HSA) reminiscent of the national Beach Sweep. For more than two decades, Honors Students have partnered with organizations such as New River Conservancy in West Jefferson, N.C., New River State Park, Zaloo’s Canoes, Ashe County Administration, and New River Outfitters to cleanup local waterways.
Webb Connections Panel Discuss Effects of NCAA Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)

Office of University Communications

A Supreme Court decision in June and actions by Congress, state legislatures, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) enable college student-athletes the freedom to receive compensation for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). To examine what these decisions mean for the future of college athletics, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs recently invited an expert panel to discuss the topic for the first Webb Connections event of the semester.
Gardner-Webb Trumpet Summit Features Masterclasses and Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music is hosting the GWU Trumpet Summit on Sept. 30. Featured are three trumpet players with several years of performing and teaching experience. The event is open to the public and includes free masterclasses. The program is part of the Distinguished Artist Series, co-sponsored by the Alfred & Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund.
GWU Department of Theatre Arts Begins Season with Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ on Sept. 30

Office of University Communications

For the first play of the 2021 Fall Season, the Department of Theatre Arts at Gardner-Webb University will present the artistically demanding play, “Hedda Gabler,” written by Henrik Ibsen in 1890. Dr. Chris Nelson, director and assistant professor of theatre arts, said the early realism play is one of the hardest GWU students have attempted in several years in terms of acting it out realistically. The play will be performed on Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 3 at 2:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre.
East/West Rivals, Gardner-Webb and Campbell Announce BBQ Bowl Game

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Campbell University announced today that the two schools’ football programs will compete annually for the North Carolina East/West BBQ Trophy, beginning this season.
As Forester in Nebraska, Gardner-Webb Alumnus Has Meaningful Career

Office of University Communications

When people hear the word “forester,” what comes to mind is a person who plants and takes care of trees. However, for 2018 Gardner-Webb University alumnus Luke Gazak, a forester with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the job is much more than that. His role in Chadron, Neb., is a cooperative position created and funded by the NWTF, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC), Nebraska Forest Service (NFS), the U.S Forest Service (USFS), and the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) grant.
Organizers of National Voter Registration Day Promote Importance of Voting in Off Years

Office of University Communications

Voter turnout in 2020 was the highest of the 21st century, according to Census.gov, with 66.8 percent of citizens 18 years and older voting. On the Gardner-Webb University campus, voter registration was emphasized, and the football team led the way with 100 percent of the roster registering to vote. However, 2021 is an off-year election and voters are less enthusiastic when it comes to voting in local races.
‘Piedmont Promise’ Enhances College Affordability for Mecklenburg County Residents

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University recently announced the “Piedmont Promise” for Mecklenburg County residents. For any new freshmen from Mecklenburg County, who will be living on campus, GWU pledges a minimum of 50 percent off tuition.
Gardner-Webb First-Year Students Begin Literacy Project with Lasting Impact

Office of University Communications

Students enrolled in University Life (UNIV 111) at Gardner-Webb didn’t expect to dig holes or mix concrete as part of the course, which is designed to help first-year students balance academic achievement and personal growth. However, while focusing on time management and critical thinking skills, the students develop community by joining in a service-learning project. When their teacher is Instruction Librarian Katie G. Hartley, it follows that their volunteer activity is related to books and reading.
Hispanic Student-Athletes Honor Heritage While Connecting to Gardner-Webb Community

Sariana Miranda-Rosado

Since coming to Gardner-Webb University, both Eliel Cuesta and Jenni Escalera have grown to develop their culture around their new environment. Being minorities on a campus full of different cultures, they find ways to stand out and represent their heritage.
First Event in Webb Connections Series Explores Future of College Athletics

Office of University Communications

An intense debate began after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) cannot limit education-related benefits offered to student-athletes. Opinions on how this decision will affect the future of college athletics run the gamut. During Gardner-Webb’s first Webb Connections Program of the Fall 2021 Semester, local and regional experts will discuss possible outcomes of the court’s decision.
Gardner-Webb Continues to Extend its Geographic Reach

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s geographic footprint is expanding. While continuing to recruit heavily from Cleveland County and the surrounding Foothills community, GWU is now painting more of the North Carolina map red, is attracting students from new parts of the country, and is rapidly becoming a magnet for students from across the globe.
Davidson-Davie Partners with Gardner-Webb to Expand Transfer Opportunities

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Davidson-Davie Community College signed agreements Sept. 10 to give Davidson-Davie students yet another way to advance their education by seamless transfer to Gardner-Webb. The agreements were formalized in a signing ceremony on Sept. 10 that included leaders from both schools.
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.