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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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Gardner-Webb College of Education Remembers Friend and Colleague

Office of University Communications

Described by her colleagues as an integral part of the College of Education, Dr. Cindy McKinney is being remembered for her Christian spirit and the contributions she made during her 25 years at Gardner-Webb University. McKinney, a native of Rutherford County, N.C., passed away on April 26, 2021.
After Popularity on Online Writing Platform, GWU Alumna Will Publish First Novel

Office of University Communications

In the fall of 2022, Brianna Joy Crump, a Gardner-Webb University alumna, will accomplish a goal she’s worked toward since middle school. Her book, “The Culled Crown,” will be published by Wattpad Books. Crump received undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from GWU. In 2017, she earned her bachelor’s with an emphasis in creative writing and in 2020, she completed her master’s with a concentration in writing. She is also employed as residence hall director for Decker Residence Hall.
Distinguished Artist Series and Theatre Arts Department Present GWU Alumnus Dove Dupree

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series, co-sponsored by the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund and The Department of Theatre Arts, will present Dove Dupree, a 2013 GWU alumnus, actor, poet and spoken word artist, for two programs on April 29 in Dover Theatre. At 3 p.m., he will lead a poetry workshop and at 6:30 p.m., a poetry showcase.
Gardner-Webb Officials Name New Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University have named Dr. Shawn E. Holt as the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Since 2016, Holt has served as professor and chair of the Department of Natural Science and Mathematics at Richard Bland College (RBC), a branch of William & Mary, in Petersburg, Va. He will begin his new position at Gardner-Webb on July 1.
Gardner-Webb’s Model UN Team Makes History at Virtual Event

Gardner-Webb Office of University Communications

The Model UN team from Gardner-Webb University made history recently at the virtual Southern Regional Model UN (SRMUN) based in Charlotte, N.C. The six members, representing the Republic of Korea, brought home GWU’s first overall team award. Additionally, the duo of Rob Elovecky and Eliza Gunson were awarded Most Diplomatic and Best Delegation, while Grace Burgin and Melissa “Nani” Perez worked together and were awarded Most Diplomatic in their committee.
GWU Staff Council Presents Spring Top Dawg Awards

Office of University Communications

Marie Davis and Amy Revis were surprised by the GWU Staff Council recently as the spring semester winners of the Top Dawg Awards.
Gardner-Webb President Names New Vice President of Finance and Administration

Office of University Communications

After a national search conducted by Buffkin/Baker, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs has named Tim Shuey as vice president for Finance and Administration, effective June 1. Shuey comes to GWU from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, where he was the financial officer for the College of Engineering.
Gardner-Webb President Presents Grant- Seeking Reassignment Awards for 2021-22

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs recently presented two Grant-Seeking Reassignment Awards for academic year 2021-22. This honor provides recipients the time to prepare and submit a proposal for extramural funding in support of scholarly activities and program enhancement. This year’s winners are Dr. Steven Harmon, professor of historical theology, and Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music. “
Gardner-Webb’s Dover Library Receives $3,000 Grant from American Library Association

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s John R. Dover Memorial Library recently received a $3,000 grant from the American Library Association (ALA) through its program, “Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small & Rural Libraries.” Grants were presented to 517 libraries in 48 states. On the list of seven North Carolina recipients, Gardner-Webb is the only university library.
Gardner-Webb University Department of Music Plans Three Concerts in Dover Theatre

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music has three concerts scheduled over the next week. The GWU Symphonic Band, the Orchestra Brass, Percussion and Woodwind Sections, and the Orchestra Strings Section will present programs in the Dover Theatre.
Gardner-Webb Alumni Relations Hosts Philanthropy Week on April 26-29

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Office of Alumni Relations is hosting Philanthropy Week for students, faculty, and staff on April 26-29. Throughout the week, the campus community will have several opportunities to learn more about the philanthropists (donors) and their tremendous contributions to Gardner-Webb.
Gifts to Gardner-Webb on #DoubleDawgDay, April 29, Support the University’s Priorities

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Office of Advancement is gearing up for the sixth annual #DoubleDawgDay on April 29, which is the single biggest opportunity to support the University’s priorities. Each gift will have a direct impact on the success of GWU and its students. Moreover, because several friends of the University have committed to providing matching gifts on this special day, donations have double the impact.
GWU Students to Offer Art Sale on April 24

Office of University Communication

For Chris Dover and Shaila Hart, the pandemic during the past year has been hard in a number of ways. Besides all of the worries about health and social distancing, these two Gardner-Webb University art students have had to try to find a way to learn hands-on skills virtually.
GWU Archives Launches Series Three of the Fay Webb Gardner Digital Collection

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Archives announces the digital launch of Series Three of the Fay Webb Gardner Historical and Genealogical Collection in Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb. Mrs. Gardner, a prolific genealogist, was the wife of former North Carolina governor, O. Max Gardner. The Gardners, natives of Shelby, N.C., were ardent supporters of the junior college in Boiling Springs, now Gardner-Webb University. Their devotion to the college was recognized in 1942, when the trustees voted to name the school after them.
Gardner-Webb Art and Communication Students Exhibit Diverse Talents in Senior Show BY OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Communication & New Media and the Department of Visual Arts will team up to present the annual Senior Show, as it opens for display on Thursday, April 15, in Tucker Student Center. This exhibit will feature the works of seniors who are taking a portfolio class within one of the departments.
Gardner-Webb University to Hold Expanded Spring Commencement on May 7 and 8

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University are pleased to announce a return to in-person commencement services for the Class of 2021. Two days of celebrations are planned for May 7 and 8 in Spangler Stadium. In addition, students who graduated during virtual celebrations— held May 2020, August 2020 and December 2020—are invited to participate in the face-to-face events.
Gardner-Webb Physician Assistant (PA) Class of 2022 Honored with White Coat Ceremony

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Class of 2022 received their white coats during a ceremony held recently.

The donning of the white coats symbolizes their readiness to see patients after completing four grueling semesters of didactic education. The PA students will begin their clinical rotations in late May. This next phase of their education is three semesters long, and they will graduate the following May.
GWU Campus Community Invited to Webb Connections Panel Discussion on April 20

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs invites the campus community to attend the final Webb Connections event for the semester, “A Revival in Christian Higher Education: Building A Bigger Tent.” Webb Connections is an informative series hosted by Downs and featuring a panel of experts discussing topics of national, regional and local interest.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Honored with Prestigious Research Award

Office of University Communications

Biology and chemistry graduates from Gardner-Webb University, such as Dr. David Podgorski, ’07, make an impact around the world—studying in prestigious graduate schools, publishing in top chemistry journals, researching the COVID-19 virus, and serving in healthcare fields. They leave GWU prepared for the next step, whether that’s beginning a career or pursuing a graduate degree.
GWU College of Education Programs Achieve Perfect Score for Four Consecutive Semesters

Office of University Communications

For four consecutive semesters, the Gardner-Webb University College of Education and its education programs have received a perfect—100 percent pass—rate on the edTPA. This performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system is used by teacher preparation programs throughout the United States. Success on the edTPA demonstrates a student candidate’s readiness for a full-time classroom teaching assignment.
Gardner-Webb College of Health Sciences Receives $150,000 from The Cannon Foundation

Office of University Communications

Throughout North and South Carolina, the healthcare industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. The high demand for skilled professionals requires that Gardner-Webb University’s College of Health Sciences (CoHS) work diligently to keep pace with the growing demand for healthcare professionals. To meet this need, the CoHS received a $150,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation designed to strengthen the educational experience for students in the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON), Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the Department of Exercise Science.
Student Finds Concepts in Gardner-Webb’s 10- Month MBA Classes Immediately Useful

Office of University Communications

Christian Rocker, of Mt. Holly, N.C., entered the 10-Month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Gardner-Webb University to enhance his skill set and produce opportunities for career growth. Not only has the comprehensive program provided him with knowledge to advance in his company, he’s gained valuable insight that helps him in his current role.
Gardner-Webb Event Invites Two Faculty Members to Discuss Relationship Between Science and Faith

Office of University Communications

In the third program in Gardner-Webb University’s “Webb Connections” series, President Dr. William M. Downs is joined by two faculty members to discuss “Science and Faith: Not Mutually Exclusive.” While this topic has been examined and debated for centuries, it remains relevant to today, and especially on the campus of Gardner-Webb, a private Christian liberal arts university, where conviction and critical thinking meet every day.
Gardner-Webb and Cleveland County Public Health Center Provide Campus Vaccine Clinic

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and the Cleveland County Public Health Center in Shelby, N.C., are collaborating to provide a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on campus in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The first dose of Pfizer’s vaccine will be available on April 7 to University students, faculty and staff in time slots between 2 and 5 p.m. A second dose is required in three weeks. Participants will automatically be scheduled in the same location and same time slot to receive their second dose on April 30. In addition, vaccine appointments will be available to members of the community until 2 p.m. on both days.
Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Winners of Full-Tuition Ignite Excellence Scholarships

Office of University Communications

Admissions officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced the 2021 winners of the Ignite Excellence Scholarships. Selected from a field of 200 finalists, each of the eight recipients receive a full-tuition scholarship that honors their exemplary academic achievements. The average Grade Point Average (GPA) of these students is 4.45. The award covers the cost of tuition for fall and spring semesters and is valued at $31,220 per academic year.