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 Alumnus Coaches for Team USA in Australian Track and Field Event

Office of University Communications

Although Joseph “J.P.” Weaver (’07) was a successful linebacker on his high school team, recruiters told him that his height (5-foot-9-inches) put him at a disadvantage for playing college football. But the coaches at Gardner-Webb University in 2003—head coach Steve Patton and his assistants, Travis Cunningham and Phil Jones—saw his determination and gave him a chance to join the Runnin’ Bulldogs defense. “It was a great opportunity for me,” Weaver declared. “It drove me to work much harder, because I was always told I couldn’t play that position at the next level. Gardner-Webb was a great fit for me.”
Gardner-Webb Community Partners with Non-Profit to Collect Food for Hungry Children

Office of University Communications

One in three children in Cleveland County, N.C., do not always know where they will find their next meal, according to the Southeastern University Consortium for Food Security and Health. Through the Little Bulldog Backpack project, Gardner-Webb University Registrar Lou Ann Scates and Biology Professor Susan Manahan have made it their mission to provide meals for these hungry children. To assist the project, Gardner-Webb officials have designated November as “Feed Our Children” month.
Dr. Frank Bonner Awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Office of University Communications

In a surprise presentation at Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 19, GWU President Dr. Frank Bonner was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine—North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Conferred by Gov. Roy Cooper, this prestigious award recognizes exemplary service that has made a significant impact and strengthened the state. A. Hope Williams, president of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, presented the award at a gathering of the GWU Board of Trustees, senior staff and guests.
Gardner-Webb’s Online Master’s in English Named Among Best in the Nation

Office of University Communications

For the second year, the Gardner-Webb University online Master of Arts (MA) in English degree has been named among the best in the nation by an education information website. The SR Education Group recently named the GWU program to its 2019 rankings for Best Online Colleges and Most Affordable Online Colleges. “We are proud of our MA in English as it provides an opportunity for students seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising the rigor of a graduate program,” observed Dr. Jennifer Buckner, chair of the Department of English Language and Literature and coordinator of MA English and writing studies. “Our faculty use a range of innovative technologies and methods to foster a scholarly community in our classes.”
Research Experiences at GWU Help Chemistry Alumna Transition to Doctoral Program

Office of University Communications

Taylor Dodson (‘17) came to Gardner-Webb University, because Golf Coach Tee Burton was willing to let her play on the team and major in chemistry. She proved that she could excel at the demanding subject and on the golf course. Dodson was a three-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-America Scholar and was a Big South Conference Women’s Golf Student-Athlete of the Year.
Gardner-Webb Musicians Preparing for Fall and Holiday Performances

Office of University Communications

Students in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Music are practicing for their upcoming fall concerts. Events feature faculty and student groups, guest musicians, and a concert to benefit feeding programs in the community. An annual holiday favorite is the Festival of Lights, where community members are invited to participate in the lighting of the GWU Christmas Tree and other campus traditions.
GWU English Alumna Writes About Her GWU Experience in Article for Christian Website

Office of University Communications

While working for Crosswalk.com, a website that features biblically-based content to Christians, Lauren Sanchez, a 2011 alumna of Gardner-Webb University was given an opportunity to write about her Christian college experience. An English major with a creative writing emphasis, Sanchez lives in Richmond, Va., and has worked as an editor for BibleStudyTools.com and as a temporary content publishing associate for Crosswalk.com, both owned by Salem Web Network, an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming.
Six Distinguished GWU Alumni Honored For Their Outstanding Achievements

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University honored outstanding graduates with induction into the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni during 2018 Homecoming activities Oct. 13. The award recognizes achievements in one or more of the following areas—career distinction, community service, involvement and support for Gardner-Webb’s advancement, and integrity and character. Six alumni were recognized as new members of the prestigious gallery, including Joseph Hough of Hendersonville, N.C., Larry Jamall Kinard of Charlotte, N.C., Dr. Ashley Lowery of Spindale, N.C., Debbie Presnell of Black Mountain, N.C., Dr. Tamrah Joy Watson of Durham, N.C., and David B. Keim of Cary, N.C., who was also honored as Alumnus of the Year.
‘Protecting Our K-12 Students’ Focus of Event Hosted by Gardner-Webb at Charlotte Center

Office of University Communications

School personnel are charged with keeping millions of children safe during the school day. To assist regional school systems in developing active shooter response plans, Gardner-Webb University partnered with Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.), Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security to provide a free forum. Held at the GWU Charlotte Center on Oct. 12, “Protecting Our K-12 Students” gave principals, teachers, counselors and administrators the opportunity to hear the latest research and dialogue with public safety and security professionals.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Annual Octoberfest for Families

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University invites families to campus Oct. 29 for its annual Octoberfest event that will offer children a variety of candy, games and other fun activities. The free evening of entertainment is set for 6-8 p.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on campus. Octoberfest is a fall festival and Halloween-style event for local families that provides a safe place for the community to gather and have fun.
GWU Photojournalism Alumna Pursues Dream of Hiking Appalachian Trail

Office of University Communications

After graduating from Gardner-Webb University in 2017, Eiryn Reynolds worked and saved up money for an adventure she had dreamed about for years. A photojournalism major, Reynolds wanted to hike the 2,190.9 miles of the Appalachian Trail before committing to a full-time job. Being on the trail would also give her a chance to practice her photography skills.
GWU Professors Helped Psychology Alumna Develop Skills to Pursue Law Degree

Office of University Communications

Inspired by her work with special needs and underprivileged children, Kelsi Marie Williams, of Lincolnton, N.C., came to Gardner-Webb University to earn a degree in psychology. “It broke my heart to see the living situations of children not even 10 minutes from my house,” she related. “That’s when the desire began to grow in me to be a child advocate. I also hope to be heavily involved in ministry, helping orphanages and homeless shelters.”
Gardner-Webb Hosts Husband-and-Wife Duo who Fight to End Human Trafficking

Office of University Communications

A husband-and-wife duo will share their stories and songs at Gardner-Webb University Oct. 8 and 9. Jenny and Tyler Somers play acoustic folk-pop music influenced by their Christian faith. The couple also partners with the International Justice Mission (IJM) to raise money and bring awareness to slavery around the world.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Free Screening of Award-Winning Historical Documentary

Office of University Communications

In 1969, a trailblazer emerged during a desegregation crisis in Northampton County, N.C. James Henry Jones, a black farmer with a seventh-grade education, led integration efforts and became the first black school board chairman in North Carolina. A documentary about his work, made by his daughter, filmmaker Anna Jones, will be shown at Gardner-Webb University Oct. 15.
GWU Godbold School of Business Launches Innovative 10-Month MBA Program

Office of University Communications

The Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce the launch of a 10-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Offered in a fully online format, enrollment starts Oct. 1 and classes begin in January 2019. “We created this innovative program specifically to meet the needs of active professionals,” noted Mischia Taylor, dean and instructor of business. “Individuals who have been hesitant to commit to a two-year program can earn their MBA at a faster pace. The design is student-friendly and allows for ease of use.”
Gardner-Webb Partners with Community to Provide Hurricane Relief

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is partnering with community organizations to supply relief items to areas damaged by Hurricane Florence. The GWU Office of Christian Life and Service has arranged for the campus to serve as a collection site for Turner Trucking, who will deliver the supplies to areas devastated by the storm. The items may be brought to the lobby of Tucker Student Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning on Monday, Sept. 24.
Annual 5K Race for Children Rescheduled for Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 13

Office of University Communications

A 5K race started in 2016 by Gardner-Webb University students has helped rescue seven enslaved children in Ghana, Africa. This year, the club organizing the Rescue Race is hoping the GWU community will raise enough funds to rescue four more children. Previously scheduled for Sept. 15, the race has been postponed because of inclement weather from Hurricane Florence.
Godbold School of Business Earns National Honors for Online Healthcare Management Degree

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Godbold School of Business recently earned national recognition for having one of the “25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management Degree Programs” in the country. The list is compiled each year by TheBestSchools.org, a Chicago-based company that provides information on quality educational programs around the nation. Gardner-Webb ranked 13th on the list.
GWU Presents Award-Winning Guitarist in First Concert of Distinguished Artist Series

Office of University Communications

An award-winning guitarist will be featured in the first concert of the Distinguished Artist Series at Gardner-Webb University. Presented by the GWU School of Performing and Visual Arts, Dr. Adam Kossler will perform Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. The program is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb Online Programs Recognized Among Top 10 in North Carolina

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is being recognized for exceptional web-based learning opportunities by OnlineColleges.com, based in Foster City, Calif. The educational resource named GWU to its 2018 list of Top 10 Online Colleges in North Carolina. Gardner-Webb ranked fourth in the state, ahead of several larger institutions, including Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
GWU Hosts Man Who Survived Suicide Jump From Golden Gate Bridge

Office of University Communications

Kevin Hines is one of the few people to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., and survive the suicide attempt. Hines will describe what led him to consider taking his own life and discuss “The Art of Wellness” in a program on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Gardner-Webb University. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Paul Porter Arena at Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.
Gardner-Webb Basketball Alumnus Finds Joy in Ministry

Office of University Communications

Before he became a minister, Joshua Chiles ’05 thought making a basketball shot was the best feeling in the world. Now, nothing brings the Gardner-Webb University alumnus more joy than proclaiming God’s word and serving people. “Even when things were bad, I couldn’t picture my life without ministry,” Chiles observed. “I knew it was something that I had to do, something I had been called and chosen to do. The ministry of my family, church, and work has been my lifeline.”
GWU Alumna Named Assistant Golf Professional at Historic Toronto Club

Office of University Communications

Krysta Schaus, Gardner-Webb University alumna and former graduate assistant golf coach, started playing golf when she was 12 years old. More than a hobby, she wants to share her passion for the game with others. Before her graduation from GWU, Schaus was offered the job of assistant golf professional at The Toronto Golf Club in Ontario, Canada—the third oldest golf club in North America.
Obtaining Master of Business Administration Moved GWU Alumna Closer to her Career Goal

Office of University Communications

From early on in her career, Kim Shepherd’s goal was to be Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Skyline, the telecommunications company she works for in West Jefferson, N.C. Recently, her dream became a reality. A key step in reaching her objective was obtaining her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Prepares for Career in Medicine

Office of University Communications

As a student in the Department of Natural Sciences at Gardner-Webb University, Amanda Hall ’18 examined complex ideas in biology and chemistry. “My major classes were taught by quality professors who had such extensive knowledge in their fields,” she shared. “I am being reminded of concepts in my graduate classes rather than hearing them for the first time.”