Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

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  Graduate Student Coordinates Event to Support Organization That Helps People with Disabilities

  Office of University Communications

  Before Lee Anne Tourigny graduated from Gardner-Webb University in May 2020, she was a summer intern with ConnectAbility in her hometown of Dahlonega, Ga. Through its various programs, ConnectAbility, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to create an inclusive community, where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered.

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  GWU Alumnus and Trustee to Speak for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Observance on Jan. 20

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University will celebrate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a virtual observance on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn of Shelby, N.C., who is a pastor, GWU alumnus and Board of Trustee member, will present a keynote entitled, “Beloved Community.” Registration, available here, is required for the Zoom webinar, and the community is invited to participate.

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  Gardner-Webb University Prepares to Welcome Students Back to Campus

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff are preparing to welcome back more than 1,750 residential, undergraduate and graduate students who will attend face-to-face classes on the Boiling Springs campus for the spring semester. Equipped with information learned during the fall, David S. Wacaster, director of operations for GWU Facilities and Maintenance, along with the Daily COVID Team, are implementing new testing requirements and disinfecting procedures before the first day of classes on Jan. 13.

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  Gardner-Webb Selects Second Recipient of Tucker Scholarship

  Office of University Communications

  A high school senior who excels academically and shares her faith enthusiastically is the second recipient of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. Kyndal Jackson, of Gaffney, S.C., was honored in a formal presentation of the award on Dec. 21 in the Tucker Student Center. This prestigious scholarship recognizes a student with exceptional academic achievement, who also exemplifies the commands of Jesus found in Mark 12:29-31—“Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jackson was chosen from a field of 118 applicants, and was one of 20 finalists interviewed by the Tucker Scholarship Selection Committee.

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  Gardner-Webb University Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

  Office of University Communications

  C.—Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff recently held an informal induction for 15 new members of the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society. The students joined the society as representatives of the Degree Completion Program. Officials hope to have a formal in-person ceremony next semester when the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.

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  Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Hiring of New Associate Vice President of Human Resources

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University officials have announced that Eric S. Plemmons, of Lincolnton, N.C., has been hired as the new associate vice president for Human Resources. He will begin his duties on Jan. 4, 2021, reporting directly to the vice president for Finance and Administration. He fills the position left by Scott White, director of Human Resources, who is retiring after more than 22 years of service to the University.

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  Alumna Combines Her Talents with Graphic Design Degree to Publish Magazine

  Office of University Communications

  “Sit still, my daughter.” These words from Ruth 3:18 are a constant source of encouragement to Sarah Schurman, a 2019 alumna of Gardner-Webb University. Through life’s chaotic times, this phrase from the Old Testament reminds her to stay calm and trust God.

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  GWU Alumni, Cam and Bryton Mitchell, Branch Out and Start Their Own Business

  Office of University Communications

  When the company where Cam and Bryton Mitchell worked was sold, they had a choice to make. Should they separate and find jobs working for other companies or follow in their father’s footsteps and open a business of their own? The Gardner-Webb University alumni decided to turn their misfortune into an opportunity and Carolina ThreeSixty was born.

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  GWU Doctoral Student Applies Studies to His Job in Public Administration

  Office of University Communications

  David L. Williams, a student in the Gardner-Webb University Doctor of Education in Organization Leadership (DEOL) program, has more than two decades of experience in public administration. He wanted to earn his doctorate for a couple of reasons. Besides enhancing his leadership skills, Williams wanted an opportunity to gain research experience, because he hopes to teach college when he retires from his current position.

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  Doctoral Candidates to Present National Webinar Through International Honor Society

  Office of University Communications

  Two candidates in the Gardner-Webb University Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program are presenting a webinar through Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, in its Teacher Toolbox series. Mallory Bricker and Shanda Jones also have a publication in an upcoming KDP issue.

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  Gardner-Webb Student Development Suite Named for Longtime and Beloved Administrator

  Office of University Communications

  Officials at Gardner-Webb University celebrated the naming of the Dr. Dee M. Hunt Student Development Suite in the Tucker Student Center on Nov. 30 at 3:30 pm. The honor recognizes Hunt’s nearly 40 years of service to students at Gardner-Webb.

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  GWU Officials Name New VP for Student Development and Dean of Students

  Office of University Communications

  After a nationwide search, Gardner-Webb University officials have named a new vice president for Student Development and dean of students. Lesley Villarose, dean of students at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, will begin her responsibilities at GWU on January 11, 2021.

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  GWU Alumnus Promoted to Rear Admiral in U.S. Naval Reserves Chaplain Community

  Office of University Communications

  In his 25 years of service to the U.S. Naval Reserves, Rear Adm. Terry Eddinger, Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters, has held at least nine other titles. The 1988 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University was an Old Testament professor and college administrator for 19 years, and is a humanitarian assistance advisor, archaeologist, certified master diver, runner, speaker, author and volunteer.

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  Gardner-Webb Students Join Alpha Chi Honor Society

  Office of University Communications

  Members of Gardner-Webb University’s N.C. Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi hosted the 48 annual induction ceremony on Nov. 15 through a Zoom webinar. Alpha Chi is a national collegiate honor society that promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction.

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  GWU Music Professor Contributes to Christmas CD by Southern Songwriters Association

  Office of University Communications

  Dr. Patricia Sparti, a professor in the Department of Music at Gardner-Webb University, has written and recorded her first song on a CD produced by the Southern Songwriters Association (SSA). Sparti, a founding member of SSA, is one of 15 members who contributed original music to the project, “Songs of Christmas.”

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  Gardner-Webb Hosts Virtual Commencement on Dec. 12 for Fall Graduates

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University will host a virtual commencement on Dec. 12 to honor fall 2020 graduates. The digital celebration will recognize the accomplishments of these students, who will not be able to participate in an in-person event due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony will be shown at 10 a.m. on the Gardner-Webb website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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  Gardner-Webb VP for Finance and Administration Retires After Nearly 30 years of Service

  Office of University Communications

  Mike Hardin, who has nearly 30 years of service to Gardner-Webb University, is retiring on Nov. 30, 2020, as vice president for Finance and Administration. A two-time graduate of GWU, Hardin earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986 and then his Master of Business Administration in 2000.

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  Gardner-Webb Faculty and Staff Plan Spring Events to Promote Diversity and Inclusion

  Office of University Communications

  As Gardner-Webb University students and the campus community continue to process national events related to racial injustice and inequality, GWU faculty and staff will offer more avenues next semester for communication and understanding. Assistant Professor of English Dr. Kemeshia Randle Swanson will be teaching an African American literature course in the spring entitled “Still I Rise.” JeNai Davis, director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives, is planning several opportunities for students, faculty and staff to ask questions and discuss complex issues in a safe space.

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  GWU’s Annual Festival of Lights will Premiere in Virtual Format on Dec. 3

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, will continue this year in a virtual format. This annual start to the holiday season for the GWU community will premiere on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on the GWU Facebook page and YouTube channel. After the first showing, the event may be viewed on those social media platforms as well as the Gardner-Webb website.

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  GWU Faculty Approves Reduction in Undergraduate Hours Required for Graduation

  Office of University Communications

  The Gardner-Webb University faculty has taken another bold step to make a Gardner-Webb education more affordable and accessible to students. They recently approved a reduction in the number of undergraduate credit hours required for graduation from 128 to 120. This change encompasses the restructuring of the University’s general education requirements, which was announced earlier this year. The result benefits traditional undergraduate students and provides a more transfer-friendly pathway for students transitioning to Gardner- Webb from other universities. The revisions will go into effect in the 2021- 2022 academic year. Students already enrolled at Gardner-Webb may elect to apply the new requirements to their academic program.

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  Gardner-Webb University and Gaston College formalize the Bulldog Way Grant

  Office of University Communications

  Officials at Gardner-Webb University recently announced a partnership that will benefit Gaston College (Dallas, N.C.) students. The Bulldog Way program will offer a $3,000 grant to any Gaston College student who gains admission to GWU’s traditional, residential programs.

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  GWU Assistant Professor Offers Tips for Coping with Election Anxiety

  Office of University Communications

  "After several months of campaign rhetoric and many weeks of dueling commercials, the election season ca cause stress and anxiety. In a normal year—one witho a global pandemic—victors would be declared on election day after all returns are in. But, with COVID-1 concerns, and North Carolina and Pennsylvania allowing mail-in votes to be counted after Nov. 3, it’s probable that a presidential winner won’t be declared for weeks. The late ballots may also mean that winner can’t be determined in the states’ other races as well."

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  Marine Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Appreciates Supportive GWU Staff, Faculty

  Office of University Communications

  On a mission in Afghanistan in 2013, Marine Staff Sgt. Samantha Christopher, of Grover, N.C., and her platoon became the target of a large scale attack. “In a matter of seconds, there were 73 casualties, and I felt helpless in that situation,” recalled the Gardner-Webb University student. “I knew I wanted to help more but did not have the medical knowledge or background to provide advanced care. A few other Marines and I helped carry the casualties onto the helicopters landing and taking off every 1 to 5 minutes. It was in that moment that I felt called to serve as a nurse.”

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  Gardner-Webb Campus Finds Ways to Serve Community While Observing COVID-19 Protocols

  Office of University Communications

  An integral part of life on the Gardner-Webb University campus is serving the community. Although projects look different with everyone wearing face coverings and staying 6 feet apart, faculty, staff, students and athletic teams have participated in several events this semester.

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  GWU’s Elizabeth Amato will Participate on Election Night Panel for WSOC-TV

  Office of University Communications

  The outcome of the 2020 presidential election, according to many news analysts, might not be known on election night. After the polls close on Nov. 3, and Americans wait for results, Dr. Elizabeth Amato, Gardner-Webb University assistant professor of political science, will provide analysis for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C. She is part of a panel of experts assembled by the station for coverage beginning at 7 p.m.