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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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GWU Chemistry Alumna Achieves Goal of Practicing Dentistry in Western N.C.

Office of University Communications

Kristin Allison ’15, a native of Old Fort, N.C., applied to Gardner-Webb University with very little knowledge about the school. She was invited to interview for a scholarship and was impressed with the campus and the people. “As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I fell in love,” she recalled.
Alumnus Discovered His Passion for Teaching as an Assistant In Biology Lab at GWU

Office of University Communications

Alex Suptela, ’16, chose to study biology and psychology at Gardner-Webb University, because both subjects fascinated him. He enjoyed research, but hadn’t thought about teaching. Then, he became a teaching assistant for Dr. Meredith Rowe and the Department of Natural Sciences.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students from Cleveland County (N.C.) Schools

Office of University Communications

A group of 14 deaf and hard of hearing students from Cleveland County (N.C.) Schools—ranging in age from 4 years to teens—visited Gardner-Webb University recently for a preview of college life. Hosted by the Noel Center for Disability Resources, the event was called “Christmas B.A.S.H.—Bringing Academic Scholarship Here.” Susan Randolph, GWU interpreter and captioning provider, was contacted about hosting the event by Josh Trivett, a teacher for the Deaf in the school system.
Gardner-Webb Announces ‘Foothills Commitment’ for Freshman

Office of University Communications

Among Gardner-Webb University’s assets are its location in the North Carolina foothills and its supporters from the surrounding counties. As a way to recognize community partners in Cleveland, Rutherford and Gaston counties, GWU is announcing the “Foothills Commitment.” “We are pledging to provide total aid from GWU of at least $15,610, which is a minimum of 50 percent off tuition for any new freshman living on campus who is a resident of Cleveland County, Rutherford County, or Gaston County,” stated Kristen Setzer, vice president for Enrollment Management.
Gardner-Webb Expands Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent Scholarships for Traditional Undergraduate Students

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University values its partnerships with churches to prepare graduates for lives of service to God and humanity. To enhance this relationship, GWU has announced a substantial expansion of its Church-Matching and Minister’s Dependent scholarship programs. Matching scholarships will now be offered to traditional undergraduate students, who receive a scholarship from any Christian church.
Dr. Bob Blackburn Remembered for Gardner-Webb, State and National Contributions

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb professor emeritus of health education is being remembered for his contributions to the University and to local, state and national organizations. Dr. Robert R. Blackburn, of Boiling Springs, passed away Nov. 28, 2019. He was a GWU professor for 24 years and chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education for 19 years.
Gardner-Webb Offers Grants to New GOAL—DCP Students in Criminal Justice and Human Services

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has announced grants for two popular bachelor’s degree programs for GOAL—The Degree Completion Program undergraduates. New students, who are applying to the criminal justice program or the human services program for spring semester 2020, may be eligible for these grants. Qualifying students may reduce their tuition cost up to $3,000 per academic year.
Gardner-Webb Students in GOAL-The Degree Completion Program Honored for Achievements

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University recently inducted 13 new members into the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society. The students joined the society as representatives of the University’s GOAL—The Degree Completion Program (DCP). Dr. Elizabeth Pack, dean of GOAL-DCP, presided over the ceremony.
Gardner-Webb University Fall Commencement Set for Dec. 14

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will award over 200 degrees during the 2019 Fall Commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. in Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb. Many students who have earned degrees will don their caps and gowns to celebrate their hard work. The Fall Commencement ceremony will honor students who have successfully completed undergraduate, GOAL-The Degree Completion Program, and graduate programs.
Gardner-Webb University Recognized for Excellence in Educator Preparation

Office of University Communications

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced that the Gardner-Webb University School of Education recently earned accreditation for the educator preparation programs. The fall 2019 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council resulted in Gardner-Webb gaining approval under the CAEP Teacher Preparation Standards – rigorous, nationally-recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus A.J. Carey and His Wife Receive National Red Cross Awards

Office of University Communications

In his last semester at Gardner-Webb University, A.J. Carey took a CPR instructor course, on the recommendation of a professor. Two years later, on Jan. 13, 2019, A.J. would use those skills to save his father’s life. A.J.’s wife, Deann, who is a CNA II, helped him perform the lifesaving technique.
GWU Musical Groups Present ‘Concert for a Cause’ at Shelby (N.C.) Presbyterian Church

Office of University Communications

Hungry community members will benefit from an upcoming musical performance being offered by Gardner-Webb University students. On Dec. 3, “Concert for a Cause” will be held at 7 p.m. at Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E. Graham St., Shelby, N.C. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, toiletries and monetary donations for the church food pantry.
Gardner-Webb Invites Community to Share in Christmas Tradition

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s annual Christmas gift to the community, the Festival of Lights, will be held on Dec. 5. A tradition for more than three decades, the evening’s festivities begin at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, located next to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The holiday celebration is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb Department of Theatre Presents Plays by Harold Pinter

Office of University Communications

The next production by the Gardner Webb University Department of Theatre Arts is “An Evening With Pinter: Short Plays by Harold Pinter.” Performances will be in The Millennium Playhouse, located behind the GWU Communications Studies Hall on Main Street in Boiling Springs. Directed by Chris Nelson, shows are scheduled for Nov. 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Gaston College and Gardner-Webb Leadership launch new Direct-Entry Transfer Program

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Gaston College (GC) have announced a new partnership to establish “Bulldog Bound,” a co-admission transfer program agreement for Gaston College students who want to obtain their four-year degree from the University. Officials for both schools signed agreements that will allow currently-enrolled Gaston College students to participate in the seamless direct-entry pathway to Gardner-Webb upon graduation from Gaston College. Students who wish to participate in the Program must satisfy the GWU admission and transfer degree requirements.
GWU Presents Collaborative Concert with Narration by President Dr. William M. Downs

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University/Cleveland County Orchestra will host a concert of great works on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Joining the group for the 18th year is the Crest High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Peter Strickland, a 1997 GWU alumnus. Also featured during the program will be Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs, who will narrate for “A Lincoln Portrait” by Copland.
Gardner-Webb Offers Opportunity for Donors to Show Their Support Around Campus

Office of University Communications

Was your father a football or baseball player? Did you major in nursing or business? Is your mother a divinity school graduate? Gardner-Webb University is offering alumni and supporters an opportunity to show their support by etching their names on a brick placed near a building that has special memories for them.
Skills Learned in Communication Studies Helps GWU Alumna Promote Family Business

Office of University Communications and Claire Coile

Gardner-Webb alumna, Kimberly Adams Sizemore, ’01, approached the college hunt with stamina and a robust list of requirements. “When I was picking colleges, my faith was really important to me,” she said. “I felt like I always thrived in Christian environments, so I was only looking at Christian schools, and I was only looking at Christian schools with a communications program. The fact that Gardner-Webb had a television emphasis was really appealing to me.”
GWU Office of International Student Services Celebrates International Education Week

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Office of International Student Services is celebrating International Education Week, observed nationally Nov. 17-23. A series of programs is planned to recognize the international population on campus and celebrate the diversity these students, faculty and staff add to the GWU community. Also, during November, an international photo gallery will be on display in the library.
Gardner-Webb University Christmas Art Sale Benefits Learning Opportunities for Students

Office of University Communications

The Annual Christmas Art Sale, sponsored by the Gardner-Webb University Art Club, is the place to find unique gifts for the people on your list. The event will be held on Nov. 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Tucker Student Center’s Stewart Hall. Handmade items from GWU students, faculty and staff, as well as the community, will be available.
Gardner-Webb Department of Theatre Hosts Regional High School Play Festival

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre is a regional site for the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) High School Play Festival on Nov. 8-9. Two plays from each of the eight regional festivals advance to the NCTC State High School Play Festival. The top two shows at the state festival go on to a national festival.
Greenville (S.C.) Technical College and Gardner-Webb University Sign Articulation Agreements

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Greenville Technical College (GTC) in Greenville, S.C., recently signed agreements that allow 11 associate degrees earned at GTC to fully transfer to 10 bachelor’s degree programs at GWU. The associate degrees are in accounting, computer technology, management, marketing, supply chain management, criminal justice, paralegal, and human services. The bachelor’s degree programs that correlate are in accounting, computer information systems, management, criminal justice, organizational leadership, and human services.
Gardner-Webb Alumna’s Goal is Working to Destigmatize Mental Health Issues

Office of University Communications

At the age of 19, Shamanda Burston, a native of Shelby, N.C., couldn’t imagine completing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Nobody else in her family had attended college, and she was a single mother with two children. While working on an associate’s degree, she learned about GOAL—The Degree Completion Program at Gardner-Webb University.
Rev. Dr. M. Vann Murrell Remembered by GWU Friends, Colleagues and Students

Office of University Communications

Members of the Gardner-Webb University community are remembering a friend, colleague and teacher, the Rev. Dr. M. Vann Murrell, who passed away Oct. 31 in Beulaville, N.C. He was a professor emeritus of religion and former chair of the GWU Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. Murrell began teaching at Gardner-Webb in 1967, as it moved from two-year to four-year status.
Dr. William Downs Joins Other Leaders for Regional Business Summit

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs participated in a panel discussion on Oct. 30 at The Summit 2019, sponsored by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The full-day event was held to discuss varying perspectives, trends and data in key industries. The agenda featured speakers who are experts in the fields of education, financial services, advanced manufacturing, transportation and Infrastructure.