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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 Junior Conducts Literature Review to Prepare for Hands-on Research in Lab

Office of University Communications

Microbiomes are tiny organisms that live on the skin, keeping it healthy and protected. Chloe Loth, Class of 2022 at Gardner-Webb University, chose to study these microbes for her Undergraduate Research Scholar Project. “Once you get past the idea that you have a bunch of living organisms on your body, you discover how much we need these little guys,” Loth asserted. “I mean these creatures help protect our skin from developing nasty harmful infections, alter our T-Cells (immune function cell), and help us adapt to our environment. Their capabilities are astounding for a single cell organism.”
GWU Senior’s Research Examines How Fast Fashion Violates Human Rights Laws BY OFFICE

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University senior Carlee Winstead, of Wilmington, N.C., plans a career in the field of social justice. “Ideally, I want to work for an organization that advocates for policy reform that would better the lives of those who are disproportionately at risk in their communities,” she affirmed. “All people are deserving of justice, and nothing should stand in the way of them not being equal to the person next to them, especially policies that exist in those communities.”
Musicians and Actors Adjust to COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Office of University Communications

Adjusting to COVID-19 safety protocols has created several challenges for Gardner-Webb University’s music and theatre arts students. Masks hide facial expressions and limit sound. Social distancing makes it harder to hear, and performances are in a larger room or on an outdoor stage. Audiences have been scaled back to comply with crowd-size limits.
Gardner-Webb Junior Develops Research Skills to Succeed in Medical School

Office of University Communications

Grace Burgin, ’22, enrolled in Gardner-Webb University as a nursing student, but after studying fetal development and receiving encouragement from her professors and friends, she changed her major. The junior from Iron Station, N.C., decided to pursue a degree in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences. Her goal is to become an obstetrician/gynecologist.
GWU Alumni- and Student-Produced Documentary, led by Christian Jessup, Captures Men’s Basketball Journey to the 2019 NCAA Tournament

Office of University Communications

A new documentary, directed by Christian Jessup, celebrates the Gardner-Webb University Men’s Basketball team’s magical 2018-’19 season, which ended with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, a first in men’s Division I basketball history. “The Dancin’ Bulldogs: A 16 Seed’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament” debuts Oct. 16, 2020, on YouTube. The film follows the team’s and coaching staff’s entire journey, from the early wins against NCAA powerhouses to heartbreaking losses, the tournament appearance and coming home after the loss to No. 1 seed Virginia. Also featured are several interviews with players, coaches and NCAA officials, and never-before-released footage of the team’s championship run.
GWU Scholar Investigates Bonhoeffer’s Reasons for Conspiring to Assassinate Hitler

Office of University Communications

While reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “The Cost of Discipleship,” Hannah O’Brien, ’20, became intrigued. How could theologian and pastor Bonhoeffer, who many considered a pacifist, participate in a plan to assassinate Hitler? She received an Undergraduate Research Scholars grant from Gardner-Webb University to conduct a theological investigation of the ethics of Bonhoeffer’s plot.
GWU Scholar’s Research Provides Opportunity to Use Latest Chemical Instrumentation

Office of University Communications

The chance to perform actual research and use advanced lab equipment motivated Anna Crowell’s decision to apply for an Undergraduate Research Grant from Gardner-Webb University. The December 2020 graduate from Indian Trail, N.C., chose to study how to extract curcumin from turmeric to synthesize vanillin.
Scholastic Achievement Medals Presented to Gardner-Webb Students

Office of University Communications

Winners of the Gardner-Webb University Scholastic Achievement Awards were recently invited to receive their medals at an informal gathering. President Dr. William M. Downs presented the medals to each student. Congratulating the students were Provost Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie, Arts and Sciences Associate Provost Dr. David Yelton, College of Health Sciences Associate Provost Dr. Nicole Waters, Professional and Graduate Studies Associate Provost Dr. Bruce Boyles and Vice President for Christian Life and Service Tracy Jessup.
Five New Learning Modules Added to Improve Virtual Journal

Office of University Communications

Five new professional learning modules have just been published to the IMPROVE virtual journal. IMPROVE stands for Instructional Modules for Professional learning Responding to Opportunities and Valuing Educators (IMPROVE). Modules within the resource are collaboratively authored by candidates in their final semester of coursework in the EdD in Curriculum & Instruction at GWU and promote positive, data-informed, sustainable change in instructional practices or organizational structures to improve student learning at the K-12 level and beyond.
Through GWU, Student Connects to Community, Gains Experience in her Field

Office of University Communications

Through faculty and staff at Gardner-Webb University, Sarah Allison Rochester, ’20, developed partnerships that were integral to her studies. A senior, Rochester enriched her academic experience by participating in several activities.
Gardner-Webb Student Discovers His Calling in Anatomy and Physiology Class

Office of University Communications

When Ethan Garris took his first college course in anatomy and physiology, the study was fascinating, and he realized that he had finally found his calling. That class and its professor are the reasons why he is a student in the Gardner-Webb University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program Class of 2022.
Gardner-Webb Student Assists Dentist with Various Procedures During Internship

Office of University Communications

As a child, Chelsea Sexton, ’23, went through a couple of oral surgeries and wore braces for five years. During that time, the Gardner-Webb University student was cared for by a compassionate dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist. “They always provided great care and a great environment for me,” affirmed Sexton, a native of Goode, Va. “Since eighth grade, I have known that I wanted to become a dentist. I want to do the same thing for children like myself.”
Gardner-Webb University Will Host First Virtual Commencement on Oct. 24

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host its first virtual commencement in school history on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. The digital event will celebrate the May and August 2020 graduates who did not receive ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremonies will be shown at 10 a.m. for May 2020 graduates and at 2 p.m. for August 2020 graduates on the Gardner- Webb website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Gardner-Webb Faculty and Staff Host Presidential Debate Watching Event

Office of University Communications

A group of Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff hosted a viewing party Tuesday night for the first presidential debate between President Donald J. Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The event was moderated by GWU President Dr. William M. Downs, whose research and teaching expertise includes electoral behavior, political parties, and populist movements.
Gardner-Webb Hosts ‘Wednesdays at the Webb’ for Local High School Students

Office of University Communications

High school students from Cleveland, Rutherford, Gaston or Lincoln counties in North Carolina are invited to “Wednesdays at the Webb” at Gardner-Webb University. Offered every Wednesday at 3 p.m., this event introduces local students to the world-class education available in their own backyard.
Gardner-Webb Student’s Internship Leads to More Opportunities in Film Industry

Office of University Communications

As a partner in the community, Gardner-Webb University connects students to various hands-on work experiences. This year, COVID-19 restrictions altered experiential learning opportunities, but students adapted. When plans for his internship project changed, Gardner-Webb student Thomas Manning, of Boiling Springs, N.C., adjusted and grew in the process.
Gardner-Webb Theatre Presents Evening of One-Act Comedies

Office of University Communications

Although COVID-19 health guidelines changed the dynamics of rehearsals, the Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts accepted the unique challenges. A cast of 11 students will present “All in the Timing” at 8 p.m. on Oct. 7-11. Directed by Dr. Chris Nelson, assistant professor of theatre arts, the production will be performed on two stages set up outside of Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, 116 Lutz-Yelton Drive. Folding chairs will be available or audience members may bring their own.
Running Back D.J. Hancock Awarded Full Athletics Scholarship Following Practice

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb head football coach Tre Lamb singled out D.J. Hancock at the conclusion of a rainy Thursday afternoon practice and by the end of the day the redshirt sophomore was all smiles. Lamb surprised Hancock, a walk-on from Summerville (S.C.) High, with a full athletics scholarship.
Gardner-Webb’s Online Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Honored for Excellence

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University College of Education recently received national and state recognition for its online bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Learn.org, an independent higher education research firm, ranked GWU’s program 28 in the nation and third in North Carolina.
Alumnus Helps Deaf Students Develop Skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Office of University Communications

After graduating from Gardner-Webb University in 2008, Brett Grayson took a job that changed his career goals. Grayson, a Deaf individual, majored in mathematics with a minor in American Sign Language (ASL). He was hired as a long-term substitute teacher for three Deaf students in English/language arts.
GWU Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Sponsors Forum on Impacts of COVID- 19

Office of University Communications

What lasting impacts will the COVID-19 pandemic have on society? Join Gardner-Webb University Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) for a virtual forum with top executives to discuss overcoming the pandemic and looking to a bright future. “Post COVID-19: Back to the Future—Challenges, Opportunities & Growth,” will be held from 10:30 to noon on Sept. 24, 2020.
Gardner-Webb President Names Brian Arnold as Interim Vice President of Student Development

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs has named Brian Arnold to serve as interim vice president of Student Development and dean of students. Now in his 13 year at GWU, Arnold also serves as director of Campus Recreation, Student Activities and New Student Orientation. Arnold’s appointment began Sept. 11, 2020, and will continue until the University completes its national search for a new vice president.
Gardner-Webb Political Science Assistant Professor Shares Insights on the 2020 Election

Office of University Communications

The 2020 election is less than 50 days away. How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect turnout and voting? “No one actually knows,” observed Gardner-Webb University Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dr. Elizabeth Amato. “COVID-19 has shifted the usual playing field for both political parties.”
Deaf Alumnus Advocates for and Inspires the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Office of University Communications

When he was 5 years old, Kyle Kiser, a 2006 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University, taught a few basic signs in American Sign Language (ASL) to friends and members of his church. He didn’t realize it then, but those early days were shaping his future as an educator.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Leads Higher Ed Teaching and Learning Center

Office of University Communications

As Dr. Patricia Fecher, of Fayetteville, N.C., faces the current challenges of teaching under COVID-19 regulations, she acknowledges feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. At the same time, however, observing innovative responses from co-workers and students gives her hope. “I think this is probably the most exciting time in my career to be a teacher,” explained the Gardner-Webb University alumna. “We are seeing what the next wave of education is going to be. We get to live it and we get to shape it. There aren’t defined rules. We don’t know what it should look like, sound like, feel like on a day-by-day, hourly basis—that can be a little challenging and stressful. But when you step back and look at it from the big picture, it is amazing to see what these teachers are doing.”