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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GWU Campus Ministries Plans Day of Service During Celebration Week, March 9-11

Office of University Communications

This year, Gardner-Webb University’s Celebration Week, March 9-11, features a day of service. The Office of Christian Life and Service hosts Celebration Week each spring to offer additional worship opportunities for undergraduate students.
Cleveland Community College and Gardner- Webb Launch Co-admission Nursing Program

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University and Cleveland Community College (CCC) in Shelby, N.C., recently signed an agreement to establish a transfer admission promise program for nursing students. The partnership will help position CCC students for maximum success at both institutions. The “CCC Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing Partnership with GWU” builds on the “Bulldog Bound: Direct Entry Admission Program” the two institutions signed in the fall of 2020.
Gardner-Webb Invites Panel of Experts to Discuss Racial Disparities in Cleveland County, N.C.

Office of University Communications

Awareness, accountability, action—these three words were used many times during Gardner-Webb University’s second program in the “Webb Connections” series. Hosted by President Dr. William M. Downs and Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives JeNai Davis, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the topic, “Healing the Divide: Working Together.”
‘Everybody Knows Somebody 5K’ to Benefit GWU Students Battling Eating Disorders

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Counseling Center is sponsoring the ninth annual “Everybody Knows Somebody 5K” on Saturday, March 20. Two start times are available this year, at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. for social distancing purposes. There is also an option to join the event virtually.
Gardner-Webb Officials Continue to Address College Affordability Issues

Office of University Communications

Reports from several government agencies highlight the need for higher education leaders to address college affordability in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials at Gardner-Webb University remain committed to helping students and families access financial aid offerings.
Gardner-Webb Community Remembers the Lives of Rollins Tita and Dr. Sharon Creed-Hall

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University community lost two of its own this week—Freshman Student-Athlete Rollins Tita and Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Sharon Creed-Hall. We pause to remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to the campus family.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 4:30 p.m., a brief Service of Prayer and Remembrance for Tita and Creed- Hall will take place on the lawn beside the Tucker Student Center (between the Carillon/Bell Tower and the Mauney parking lot). Face coverings/masks are required and attendees are asked to observe social distancing.
Godbold College of Business Receives Top Ranking from U.S. News & World Report

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Godbold College of Business has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report. In its 2021 rankings of the “Best Online Master’s in Business (non-MBA) Programs,” GWU is in the top tier, placing 53 out of 164 programs. Further, GWU is one of only six North Carolina colleges on the list. Among the N.C. colleges, Gardner-Webb is the highest-ranked private school.
Alumna Opens Successful Fitness Training Business During Pandemic

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month during February, Gardner-Webb University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

After graduating from Gardner-Webb University in 2019 with a degree in exercise science, Tia Howell felt empowered to open her own business, Lift with Tia, in Gastonia, N.C. She incorporated everything she learned from the health and wellness topics in her major to the career readiness lessons provided by the GWU Center for Personal and Professional Development.
Crossroads Camps Return to Gardner-Webb for Sold-Out Week in July

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University alumnus Clayton King is bringing a week of Crossroads Camps back to the GWU campus this summer—and it’s already sold out. King founded the non-profit Christian ministry in 1995 when he was a senior at Gardner-Webb.
Former Gardner-Webb Football Players Seek to Promote Unity

Office of University Communications

Team spirit is built inside the locker room, where everyone is equal and valued. A bond is created that lasts a lifetime. Matt Skeen, a 2007 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University, values those relationships and keeps in touch with his teammates around the Charlotte, N.C., area and beyond. When the nation witnessed the death of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent civil unrest, Skeen turned to his teammate, Avery Harper, ’07, for answers. Just like when they played football together, they could discuss difficult topics.
GWU College of Education Waives GRE or MAT Scores for National Board Certified Teachers

Office of University Communications

Educators who have completed National Board Certification are leaders in their field. In recognition of this achievement, Gardner-Webb University College of Education will waive GRE or MAT scores for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) applying to GWU’s Doctor of Education programs in Educational Leadership (EDLS) and Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI).
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Uses Writing and Entrepreneurial Skills to Start Business

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month during February, Gardner-Webb University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Since earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Gardner-Webb University, Harrison Martin, of Pfafftown, N.C., has started a business doing what he loves—reviewing movies and writing. The entrepreneur is a member of two film critics organizations and recently published a children’s book, “The Bacon Tree.” His second book, “B is for Bacon Tree: Bacon from A to Z,” will be available soon at Flipfrog Books.
GWU Distinguished Artist Series Presents Trombonist John Ilika and Pianist Polina Khatsko

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series will feature trombonist John Ilika with pianist Polina Khatsko in the first concert of the spring semester. Presented by the GWU School of Performing and Visual Arts in collaboration with the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund, the program will be on Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. Because of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Gardner-Webb Alumna’s Hip-Hop Music Featured on N.C. Arts Council Program

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month during February, Gardner-Webb University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Throughout history, artists have used their music as a commentary on social issues. Affected by the racial inequalities she’s witnessed close to home and on newsfeeds, Troya Pope, a 2012 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, decided to write a song to her younger cousins. She wants to encourage them to pursue their dreams. A newcomer among North Carolina’s hip-hop artists, Pope’s song, “Black Boy,” caught the attention of Kyesha Jennings, an award-winning lecturer in English and a hip-hop scholar at N.C. State University.
GWU English Department Hosts Author, Kathryn Schwille, in Webinar on Feb. 25

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of English Language and Literature is hosting author Kathryn Schwille in a Zoom webinar on Feb. 25 from 4 to 5 p.m. This program is part of the Darlene J. Gravett Visiting Writer Series and is open to the public.
GWU President Downs Hosts Panel Discussion on COVID-19 in First Event of New Series

Office of University Communications

As part of Gardner-Webb’s commitment to serve the community, the University recently began an informative series called “Webb Connections.” Hosted by GWU President Dr. William M. Downs, these programs will feature a panel of experts discussing topics of national, regional and local interest. Because of COVID-19 safety guidelines, a small audience of students was invited to attend. The program was recorded live and is available online for everyone to view. The series, held monthly through April, will cover topics surrounding health, diversity, faith and education.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes 200 Accepted Students Interviewing for Full-Tuition Scholarships

Office of University Communications

Over the course of four days of interviews, the Gardner-Webb University Office of Admissions will welcome 200 students from 13 states to compete in the Ignite Excellence Scholarship program. The first interview days were held Jan. 28-29 and the second round of interviews will be Feb. 4-5. These students, who represent the top tier academically, are competing for one of eight full-tuition scholarships. These scholarships cover the cost of tuition for fall and spring semesters and are valued at $31,220.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Events to Celebrate Black History Month

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month, Gardner-Webb University and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives are sponsoring several programs. These programs will bring awareness to a variety of issues affecting Black and Brown Americans and also celebrate their history and contributions to the country.
Juliette Ratchford, ’16, Builds on Skills Developed at Gardner-Webb to Study Virtue

Office of University Communications

As a student at Gardner-Webb University, Juliette Ratchford, ’16, was introduced to the concept of positive psychology. Through this curriculum, GWU students learn how to help their future clients build on positive emotions, relationships, and virtues. Instead of serving as a counselor, though, Ratchford’s interest is in conducting research and teaching.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Producing Film to Destigmatize Mental Health Issues

Office of University Communications

In celebration of Black History Month during February, Gardner-Webb University will introduce you to alumni who are making a difference in the world around them. Through their jobs and creative passions, these alumni are inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

Despite progress in recent years, mental health professionals acknowledge that there is still a significant stigma associated with mental health concerns. Shamanda Burston, a Gardner-Webb University alumna and mental health counselor, is on a mission to destigmatize mental illness by introducing and integrating mental health topics into the world of television and film.
Gardner-Webb Receives Grant from Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Inc.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University constantly strives to make the college experience affordable. For over three decades, the Lettie Pate Whitehead (LPW) Foundation Inc. has been a vital supporter of this effort. Recently, the Foundation’s trustees proposed a grant of $230,000 to Gardner- Webb for the 2021-2022 academic year. This gift, along with other University aid, will provide scholarships in financial aid packages to female undergraduates.
Gardner-Webb is a Place Where Lasting Friendships are Forged

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50 anniversary of senior college status. Transitioning to a four-year college in 1971 was the result of 10 years of planning and meeting goals. To celebrate this anniversary, Gardner-Webb will publish a series of articles highlighting the stories of former faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who experienced this significant achievement.

View the history timeline here. Gardner-Webb’s Class of 1971 were trailblazers in the College’s effort to achieve accreditation as a four-year college from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The requirements stated that at least one group of students must attend for four years. Among those who received their bachelor’s degrees on May 16, 1971, were Tom Bell, of Atlanta, Ga., and Steve Simpson of Raleigh, N.C. They did so, certain that SACS would soon grant their alma mater accreditation.
Gardner-Webb Alumni Remember Transition to Senior College (50 years ago)

Office of University Communications

To our readers: Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50 anniversary of senior college status. Transitioning to a four-year college in 1971 was the result of 10 years of planning and meeting goals. To celebrate this anniversary, Gardner-Webb will publish a series of articles highlighting the stories of former faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who experienced this significant achievement.

On Dec. 1, 1971, students at Gardner-Webb College gathered in Bost Gymnasium to hear the official announcement that Gardner-Webb was a senior college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The student newspaper, “The Pilot,” reported that Bill Boyd, director of public relations, played a recording of his telephone conversation with President Dr. Eugene Poston, who was in Miami, Fla., at the SACS meeting.
In 1961, Gardner-Webb was Ready for Transition to Senior College Status

Office of University Communications

The push for Gardner-Webb College to achieve accreditation as a senior college began in 1961, shortly after Dr. E. Eugene Poston was named the college’s eighth president. Poston introduced his 10-year plan for growth that included transitioning to four-year status by 1971.
Gardner-Webb Spring 2021 Enrollment Breaks Records for Geographical Diversity

Office of University Communications

For the spring 2021 semester, Gardner-Webb University welcomed students from the most diverse geographical areas in school history. According to Dr. Jeff Tubbs, vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness, the students represent 23 foreign countries, 91 North Carolina counties and 43 states, breaking school records in each category.