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 School of Divinity Alumnus Comforts Families in COVID-19 Hotspot

Office of University Communications

Despite protective masks and gowns designed to keep him and his patients safe, Will Runyon, chaplain director for Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Ga., found a way to offer comfort in agonizing circumstances. The 2005 School of Divinity alumnus of Gardner-Webb University became a bridge between dying patients and their families in a COVID-19 hot spot.
GWU Presents Carolina Brass in Facebook Live Concert

Office of University Communications

Summit Recording Artists Carolina Brass will be featured in a Facebook live concert on Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. Part of the Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series, the program is co-sponsored by the School of Performing and Visual Arts, the Department of Music and the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Appoints Three Faculty Members to Endowed Positions

Office of University Communications

Three Gardner-Webb University faculty members in the M. Christopher White School of Divinity received honors recently. Dr. Danny West, Dr. Jim McConnell and Dr. Sophia Steibel have been appointed to endowed chair positions.
Summer Scholar’s Research Combined Her Majors in Political Science and American Sign Language

Office of University Communications

While Paige Butler, ’21, of Jacksonville, Fla., worked on her Undergraduate Research Project when many government offices were closed because of COVID-19 restrictions, she appreciated having Internet access.

At the same time, though, she realized the technology that helped her might not be easily accessible to people with certain disabilities. Butler chose to study how the emergency operation plans in North Carolina counties comply with standards in the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). She was one of 11 Gardner-Webb students who applied for and received a grant from the GWU Undergraduate Research Scholars Program to explore the topic over the summer. The students worked 40 hours a week for five weeks on their projects, which they hope to present in a professional forum. Each one had a faculty mentor or collaborator who guided them through the project. Butler’s mentor was Dr. Elizabeth Amato, assistant professor of political science.
Undergraduate Research Involves Using Fruit Peels to Remove Copper from Water

Office of University Communications

This past summer, Gardner-Webb University student Laura Herrera-Santin, of Gastonia, N.C., took another step toward realizing her goal of becoming an OB/GYN. She gained laboratory experience in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Summer Program, which helped to prepare her for graduate school.
Before Completing her MBA, GWU Alumna was Offered New Job in Financial Industry

Office of University Communications

Paola Escalona, of Concord, N.C., was a member of the first class to graduate from the 10-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Gardner-Webb University. Two months before receiving her degree in December 2019, Escalona advanced her career by accepting a new position as a senior financial analyst.
Gardner-Webb Announces New Vice President for University Advancement

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced the selection of a new member of senior staff to lead the Advancement team. Nathaniel “Nate” J. Evans, of Greenville, N.C., will begin his role as Vice President of Advancement on October 5, 2020, and will direct the offices of alumni relations, major gifts, the Bulldog Club, and the annual fund. Most recently, Evans served as senior advancement officer at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, N.C.
Gardner-Webb University Students Stand ‘Together as One’

Office of University Communications

Holding signs that read “Black Lives Matter,” “My life matters,” “Act justly, Love mercy, Walk humbly (Micah 6),” and “We stand with you,” a diverse group of students, faculty and staff marched peacefully down Main Street and through campus on Monday. Coordinated by Darien Reynolds, Donnie Thompson and other members of the football team, the group’s message was “Together as One.”
Marion Family Donates New Scoreboard for Gardner-Webb’s Spangler Stadium

Office of University Communications

A gift from Randy Marion, longtime trustee of Gardner-Webb University, and his daughter, Jennifer Marion Mills, current chair of the Board of Trustees, will provide a new video scoreboard and sound system for Earnest W. Spangler Stadium. The new technology will improve the gameday experience for Runnin’ Bulldog fans, as well as enhance other events held in the venue.
Tania Brown Gains Valuable Experience Through Undergraduate Research

Office of University Communications

For her Undergraduate Research Scholar Project, Gardner-Webb University student Tania Brown, of Gastonia, N.C., studied an idea with a practical application. A biology major with a concentration in biomedical sciences, Brown tested the efficiency of using watermelon and cantaloupe peels to remove Bromothymol Blue from water. Bromothymol Blue is a dye used as an indicator in determining pH. It is yellow in acidic solutions, blue in basic solutions and green in neutral solutions, but is harmful to the respiratory tract and digestive system if swallowed.
GWU 10-Month Master of Business Administration Program Has Record Growth

Office of University Communications

Launched in 2019, the 10- month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has become Gardner-Webb University’s fastest-growing graduate major. In one year, the fullyonline, accredited program realized a 250 percent increase in enrollment. This growth helped push Gardner-Webb to seventh place on the Triangle Business Journal ranking of North Carolina MBA programs by enrollment. Gardner-Webb outpaced larger universities, such as UNC-Charlotte, Wake Forest, UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Greensboro.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Fourth Largest Freshmen Class in School History

Office of University Communications

Earlier this week, Gardner-Webb University welcomed the fourth largest freshmen class in school history. The 469 members of the Class of 2024 began their first fall semester on Aug. 19. Gardner-Webb’s total fall enrollment—in undergraduate, Degree Completion and graduate programs—is approximately 3,500, with nearly 1,200 students living on campus.
Gardner-Webb Community Welcomes New Students to Campus

Office of University Communications

Because of Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, move-in day on Aug. 17, 2020, looked different as new resident students arrived at Gardner-Webb University for the fall semester. Despite face coverings and physical distancing, the students’ excitement shown through.

Alexi Card, Jordan Plummer, Michael Causey and Andrew Ritts stood on the corner at the stoplight holding signs of welcome and shouting greetings to those who passed by. “I am excited to be back on campus, because I miss all my friends,” Causey shared.
Contributions of Dr. Roger Gaddis Remembered by the Gardner-Webb Community

Office of University Communications

Dr. Roger Gaddis, professor emeritus of psychology, who served Gardner- Webb University from 1974 to 2011, passed away Aug. 14, 2020, in Snellville, Ga. Gaddis was chair of the Department of Psychology for 17 years and managed the development of graduate programs in psychology. He was also instrumental in the creation of GOAL (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners—now known as the Degree Completion Program).
Gardner-Webb Alumna Faces Teaching Elementary School with Covid-19 Protocols

Office of University Communications

As veteran and beginning teachers prepare for a new school year with Covid-19 guidelines, some necessities can’t be bought. Educators, students and parents will need an abundance of “patience, grace, and flexibility,” noted Gardner-Webb University 2012 alumna Katherine “Katie” Harte Barnes. She begins her eighth year of teaching elementary school this year and her sixth one at Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby, N.C.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Transitions Master of Divinity Degree to 78 Hours

Office of University Communications

Beginning with the fall semester 2020, the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity will transition its 90-hour Master of Divinity degree to a 78-hour program. The accredited program streamlines the curriculum, which combines core requirements with six concentration areas. This adjustment maintains academic excellence and further promotes the overall goal of the School of Divinity—namely that of serving the church—by allowing prospective and practicing ministers to receive the theological training they need in a more timely and financially affordable manner.
Gardner-Webb University CrossFit Offers Virtual and Outdoor Options

Office of University Communications

Because of Covid-19 physical distancing requirements, CrossFit Gardner-Webb University offers daily virtual workouts, as well as outdoor options. The alternative formats allow faculty, staff and students to maintain or increase their level of fitness. GWU CrossFit Coach Melissa Battista and Admissions Counselor Ezekiel Martin used the time to prepare for a CrossFit partner competition. However, three days before the event, Martin sustained a back injury and was unable to compete.
Welcome Class of 2024

Office of University Communications

Incoming Students Receive Surprise Visits from GWU Admissions Team
Dr. William M. Downs Officially Inaugurated as Gardner-Webb University’s 13th President

Office of University Communications

The inauguration of Gardner-Webb University’s 13th president, originally scheduled as a week-long celebration in March 2020, was one of the many events cancelled because of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Instead of the traditional ceremony with a large gathering, Dr. William M. Downs was sworn in as Gardner-Webb’s president on Aug. 6, 2020, in a small service attended by family, friends and GWU officials.
Gardner-Webb Marching Bulldogs Receive Lead Gift from David and Marie Brinkley

Office of University Communications

In March, Gardner-Webb University announced plans to reestablish the University’s marching band under the direction of Dr. Mark R. Cole. Today, GWU comes one step closer to that day with a $10,000 gift from long-time university supporters David and Marie Brinkley.
Gardner-Webb Offers Two Enrollment Options for Master’s in Strength and Conditioning

Office of University Communications

Beginning with the fall semester 2020, Gardner-Webb University is offering a Master of Science degree in strength and conditioning. The new program offers two enrollment options: one allows for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science along with the master’s degree in five years or less, while the other option allows for fall, spring or summer enrollment into a two-year program to complete the master’s degree.
New River Conservancy Recognizes Dr. Tom Jones and GWU Honors Students

Office of University Communications

For the last 18 years, Dr. Tom Jones, Gardner-Webb University professor of biology, has given Honors Students the opportunity to join the annual cleanup event at New River in West Jefferson, N.C. The weekend event is aptly name “Mud, Sweat and Volunteers.” Participants sleep in tents and spend a day paddling down the river in canoes picking up trash as they go. Last year, 27 GWU students and eight guests made the trip and were among a group of over 100 volunteers who covered approximately 23 river miles.
Gardner-Webb Alumna is Clinical Pharmacist Caring for Patients with Chronic Diseases

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University alumna, Laura Wilcox Demilio, ’12, is a clinical pharmacist at an inner city healthcare clinic in Baltimore, Md. Many of her patients have uncontrolled chronic diseases and multiple health problems. Additionally, they are transient and experience financial and food insecurities.
Gardner-Webb Music Major Helps Lead Worship in Online and Traditional Settings

Office of University Communications and Claire Coile

Church services have changed dramatically since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements. While many church doors are closed, staff and volunteers work behind the scenes to keep services going by transitioning to an online format. Josh Hendley, ’21, a worship leadership major in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Music, has been helping at his church, Salem Baptist in Winston-Salem, N.C., by co-leading the music.
Chemistry Alumnus Earns Research Honor

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb alumnus, Jacob Walley, was recently named the 2020 Adam Ritchie Outstanding Graduate Student in chemistry at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville. Given in memory of Ritchie (UVA Ph.D., 1968), this award provides financial assistance to an outstanding graduate student. Walley received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from GWU in 2017 and is working on his Doctor of Philosophy in inorganic chemistry from UVA.