Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

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  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.”

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  GWU Summer Leadership Experience Gives First-Year Students Preview of Campus Life

  Office of University Communications

  The Gardner-Webb University Center for Personal and Professional Development welcomed 17 future leaders to campus recently for its Summer Leadership Experience. The three-day event for incoming first-year students is coordinated by Micah T. Martin, Center director, and Shea Mattingly, associate director.

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  Summer Research Scholar Tests Effectiveness of Sunscreens, Gains Lab Experience for Future Career

  Office of University Communications

  The Gardner-Webb University Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program gives students like Virginia “Ginny” Merrill, of Charleston, S.C., experience that will lead to future discoveries in their careers. Merrill, a chemistry major and French minor, plans to graduate in 2023, attend graduate school and work in cosmetic chemistry.

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  Alum’s Varied Educational Experiences Contribute to His Professional and Personal Success

  Office of University Communications

  Justin Clapsaddle, a 2007 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University, has never regretted any investment he made in his education. His teachers have ranged from Army sergeants and military professors to accounting instructors, bank executives, and artisans. Each one contributed to his success as a school administrator, knife maker and small business owner.

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  Four Tips to Create Inclusive and Accessible Content for Everyone in the Social Media Conversation

  Office of University Communications

  Did you know—people connect on social media for an average of 144 minutes every single day. Whether through Facetime video, a quick text filled with emojis and a few too many exclamation marks, or a direct message (DM) of cute puppies on Instagram to brighten a loved one’s day, social media has redefined how people connect and interact with family, friends and the world.

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  Gardner-Webb’s Dr. Dee Hunt Passes Away

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University recently said goodbye to a legendary leader of the campus community. Dr. Dee Hunt passed away on July 8 after a courageous battle with an extended illness. Hunt served in many roles throughout her decades-long career at GWU. During her nearly 40 years of service, she was a professor, coach, administrator, dean, department chair and community advocate.

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  May 2021 Divinity School Graduate is First Military Chaplain to Have Certified Therapy Assistance Dog

  Office of University Communications

  As the guardsmen’s rough, scratched hands reached to pet and play with a couple of puppies, tension left the room and the group relaxed. The scene marked the first time U.S. Air Force Maj. Christina Pryor Pittman, 169th Fighter Wing chaplain, utilized animal therapy at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Columbia, S.C.

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  Gardner-Webb Foothills Commitment Supports Students From Surrounding Counties

  Office of University Communications

  Officials at Gardner-Webb University remain committed to helping students and families access financial aid offerings in institutional scholarships and grants. Included in these awards is the Foothills Commitment, which supports students from the local area and surrounding counties.

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  GWU Hosts Math and Science Academies Sponsored by Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, N.C.

  Office of University Communications

  Teenagers from area high schools spent a week on the Gardner-Webb University campus recently applying math and science concepts in business, financial, biological, and forensic settings. The Math and Science academies are sponsored by the Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, N.C.

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  GWU’s Year-round, Online Classes Allowed Teacher Assistant to Earn Degree in Five Semesters

  Office of University Communications

  When Melissa Ramsey, of Shelby, N.C., walked across the stage at Gardner-Webb University’s May 2021 commencement, she crossed a start-finish line. Completing a 16-year journey, the teacher assistant received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. At the same time, she took the first step on her new adventure as a third-grade teacher.

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  Exhibit by GWU Art Professor Featured on July 8-Aug. 12 at Cleveland County Arts Council

  Office of University Communications

  A collection of 26 sculptures by Doug Knotts, professor and chair of the Gardner-Webb University Department of Visual Arts, views racial tensions across the country through the lens of historical elements from African culture. The terra cotta pieces, called “Unarmed African American Portrait Heads,” will be on display July 8-Aug. 12 at the Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, N.C. Gardner-Webb serves as an Affiliate Member for the Arts Council.