Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Follow

• 

  Gardner-Webb School of Performing and Visual Arts Hosts Annual Faculty Art Show

  Office of University Communications

  The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts presents its annual Faculty Art Show in the Ali Pouryousefi Memorial Art Gallery in Tucker Student Center through March 31. The annual event showcases the new works created by several faculty members throughout the University.

• 

  Guest Musicians and Gardner-Webb University Faculty Featured in 2021 Brass Fest

  Office of University Communications

  Jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is the featured performer for Gardner- Webb University’s 2021 Brass Fest on March 21. A masterclass will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium and the concert will be at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Gordon is the director of Jazz Studies at Augusta (Ga.) University. He performs all over the world and has received several honors and recognitions. Because of COVID-19, social distancing will be observed, and only 100 people will be allowed in the audience for the free concert.

• 

  GWU Science Alumni Contribute to Discoveries Around the World

  Office of University Communications

  Faculty members in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Natural Sciences work collaboratively to provide students with unique and meaningful opportunities for research.

  These undergraduate experiences give GWU students an edge when applying to graduate school or seeking employment. As a result, biology and chemistry graduates from Gardner-Webb are making 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.

• 

  National Alpha Chi Series Features Gardner- Webb Faculty, Alumnus and Broadcaster

  Office of University Communications

  People choose to enshrine, invent or bury their memories, which can affect how they react to various situations and their retelling of history. Recently, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society explored these ideas in a conversation called, “Race and Memory in the South.” The conversation featured two Gardner-Webb University professors and two natives of Shelby, N.C., one who is a GWU alumnus. The program was part of Alpha Chi’s National Series, “… and Justice for All – Seeking Racial Equity.” A recording of the event is available here.

• 

  Assistant Professor’s Research Focuses on Women’s Roles in China’s Modern Transformation

  Office of University Communications

  Zhang is also working to publish a book this year, titled “Materializing a Gendered Modernity: The Beijing Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) (1927-1937).”

• 

  Kim Downs, Gardner-Webb First Lady, Sews Pillowcases for Children in the Hospital

  Office of University Communications

  For a child, going to the hospital can be an unpleasant, frightening experience. Volunteers have discovered a way to help ease the fear and tension by donating handsewn, colorful character pillowcases that children can call their own. Joining the ranks of those volunteers is Gardner-Webb University First Lady Kim Downs, wife of president Dr. William M. Downs.

• 

  Alumni from GWU’s Natural Sciences Department Make a Difference All Over the World

  Office of University Communications

  Biology and chemistry graduates from Gardner-Webb University are making 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.

• 

  Gardner-Webb Student-Athletes Share Their Perspectives as Minorities in Sports and Academics

  Office of University Communications

  JeNai Davis, director of Gardner-Webb University Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives, recently sat down with a group of Black student-athletes to discuss the experiences they’ve gone through being a minority in their sport as well as in their academic setting. The full conversation was recorded and is available here. “The purpose of this event is to talk about their struggles, but also to really encourage others on their experiences and what they go through,” Davis explained.

• 

  First Theatre Majors Appeared on Television Twice During Four Years

  Office of University Communications

  Gardner-Webb University celebrates a historic milestone in 2021—the 50th 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.

  As Gardner-Webb transitioned to a four-year school in 1971, the College had established eight academic divisions and 16 departments for the baccalaureate program. Associate degrees remained in nursing and in the areas of secretarial science and data processing.

• 

  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.