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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 Theatre Department Presents ‘Sylvia’ Feb. 15-18

Office of University Communications and Ella Brown

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts presents “Sylvia,” a play by A.R. Gurney, Feb. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Directed by Department of Theatre Arts Professor and Chair, Dr. Chris Nelson, the play will be presented in the Millennium Playhouse, 141 S. Main St.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Ryan Burge for Greene Lectureship on March 5

Office of University Communications

National author and speaker, Ryan Burge, will be the guest speaker for the Greene Lectureship at Gardner-Webb University on Tuesday, March 5, in Dover Chapel. Burge is an expert on the “Nones” — religiously unaffiliated Americans — and has been featured in the “New York Times” and appeared on “60 minutes.”
Considering Who and What is Celebrated During Black History Month

Office of University Communications and Brandon Richmond

“What does Black History Month mean to me?” It’s a question that I asked myself a lot a few years ago. I have celebrated it for as long as I can remember. I remember my mother gathering my siblings and me together to watch various Black historical movies and documentaries, from “Roots” to the Maya Angelou documentary. My family would often spend February talking about Black history and going to various museums. And, all of this taught me what Black History Month means to Black people, but not always what it meant for me as an individual.
Gardner-Webb, CCC to Help Students Pursuing Cybersecurity Careers

Office of University Communications

Officials at Cleveland Community College (CCC) and Gardner-Webb University recently signed an agreement to establish a transfer process between the schools’ cybersecurity programs. CCC students who earn an Associate in Applied Science in information technology–cybersecurity will have direct entry into Gardner-Webb’s online undergraduate degree completion program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Gardner-Webb Mission Team will Assist in Medical Clinics in Eswatini

Office of University Communications

In May, Gardner-Webb University students and leaders will travel to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) to assist in the medical clinics run by the Kudvumisa Foundation (https://www.kudvumisafoundation.org/). Impoverished families in this African country have little to no access to medical care and one of the world’s highest HIV/Aids prevalence rates. Over the last 15 years, with the help of generous donors and volunteers, the non-profit organization has built two clinics and maintains a mobile outreach van. The Foundation’s missionaries constantly strive to increase the number of families they serve.
Gardner-Webb Lacrosse Begins 10th Season on Feb. 11 in Spangler Stadium

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb Lacrosse begins its 10th season on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. as the team hosts Vermont in Spangler Stadium for the season opener. Head Coach Kathleen Mirgon Crum and her new coaching sta! — Assistant Coach Annie Dombrowski and Graduate Intern Coach Jada Preston — are eager for the season to begin.
Gardner-Webb Homecoming Queen Encourages Those Around Her to Dream Big

Office of University Communications and Isabella Brown

"As a black female, I take pride in representing—and even empowering— other females of color. Obstacles will always come, that never means you have to stop pursuing your dreams,” asserted Gabby Bailey, Gardner-Webb’s 2023 Homecoming Queen.
Finish Your Degree with Gardner-Webb University Online

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Online offers 11 undergraduate degree completion programs that will start on March 7. Affordable and flexible, these bachelor degree programs allow those who have an associate’s degree or 24+ credits from a regionally-accredited institution to advance their education from wherever they are.
Gardner-Webb University Gospel Choir Shares a Message of Hope, Love and Unity

Office of University Communications and Isabella Brown

The Gardner-Webb University Gospel Choir has been an integral part of the university community for nearly three decades. The group was originally named the E. Jerome Scott Gospel Choir. Scott (https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/gardner-webb-newscenter-archive/1950/), a former GWU vice president and dean of Student Development, passed away suddenly in May 1995.
Rivals Gardner-Webb and Charleston Southern Announce North-South BBQ Bowl

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Charleston Southern University (CSU) announced today (Jan. 31) that the schools’ football programs will continue the Barbecue Bowl tradition started in 2021 with former Big South Conference opponent Campbell University. Beginning this season, the event will be renamed the North-South Barbecue Bowl
Eric Plunkett Resigns as Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

Office of University Communications

Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Eric Plunkett has resigned from his position, the Department of Athletics announced on Thursday. A national search for Gardner-Webb University’s next head coach has already begun.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Events to Celebrate Black History Month

Office of University Communications

During Black History Month in February, the Gardner-Webb University Office of Diversity and Inclusion led by Director Lawrence Brinson is sponsoring events to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals throughout history. University Communications will also highlight several students who are making a difference on campus and in their communities. Through their creative passions and leadership skills, these students honor their heritage and encourage others to achieve their dreams. Their stories will be shared in the GWU Newscenter (https://gardner-webb.edu/news/).
GWU Alumnus is Region 8 Principal of the Year

Office of University Communications

A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, N.C., Phil Rogers graduated from Gardner-Webb University in May 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education. That same year, he was hired to teach and coach baseball at R-S Central, where he had been a student teacher.
The Bechtler Ensemble Presents Distinguished Artist Concert on Jan. 30

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music presents The Bechtler Ensemble as part of the Distinguished Artist Series on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. The ensemble is a string quartet featuring Tanja Bechtler, Joe Meyer (GWU faculty), Tatiana Karpova and Vasily Gorkovoy.
Gardner-Webb Honors Students Win Top Awards at National Conference in Chicago

Office of University Communications

Members of the Gardner-Webb University Honors Student Association recently attended the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference in Chicago, Ill. Participating in the event were 1,800 honors students and administrators from colleges and universities across the United States. Only 20 awards were presented for research posters, and two students from Gardner-Webb placed in the top three.
HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County Establishes Endowed Scholarship for Physician Assistant Studies at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County, its board of directors and Executive Director/CEO Dick Baker announced today (Jan. 18) the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. The fund will support students in the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. Preference will be given to PA students who are residents of Cleveland County, N.C., and/or who are committed to practicing in Cleveland County.
Gardner-Webb Psychology Degree Leads to Success

Office of University Communications

Natalie Bada graduated in May 2023 from Gardner-Webb University—after 13 years and two distressing life events—to earn a bachelor’s in psychology. Although difficult and painful, her experiences led to new opportunities and a fulfilling job working with children and their families.
Gardner-Webb Student is Youth Volunteer of the Year

Office of University Communications and Ashley Rich

Prompted by John Miller, an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University, Ashley Wilson, ’25, found a new passion. Miller talked to his class about volunteering at HOPEworks, a free after-school program for middle- and high-school students in Rutherford County, N.C. Wilson had time in her schedule, so she decided to give it a try.
Erik Solberg Named Gardner-Webb’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named Erik Solberg the next head coach of the GWU women’s soccer program, the Department of Athletics announced on Friday, Jan. 12. Solberg joins GWU after four seasons as the head coach at the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff" (UAPB).
Lily Streeton of High Point, N.C., Receives Gardner- Webb’s Prestigious Tucker Scholarship

Office of University Communications

Lily Streeton, of High Point, N.C., is the 2024 recipient of Gardner-Webb University’s highest honor for incoming undergraduate students, the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship. She is the fifth student in the history of the scholarship to be recognized with this honor. Established in 2019 by Carolyn and Robert Tucker, the award includes full-tuition, room and board for eight semesters.
Gardner-Webb Office of Diversity and Inclusion to Host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University O!ice of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a weeklong celebration, Jan. 11-18, 2024, to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events will recognize the immense significance of King in the nation’s history and serve as a time to reflect on his tireless e!orts to promote justice and equality.
Gardner-Webb Recognized 2023 Summer and Fall Graduates on Dec. 15

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University celebrated the achievements of nearly 500 graduates on Dec. 15. The commencement ceremony was held at 9 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Graduates who completed their degrees in the 2023 Summer and Fall semesters were honored. Scholastic awards were presented to online and traditional undergraduate students. Doctoral candidates received their hoods, and Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs conferred undergraduate and graduate degrees on all graduates.
Gardner-Webb University Welcomes New Head Football Coach Cris Reisert

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University welcomed new Head Football Coach Cris Reisert on Thursday, Dec. 14. Students, student-athletes, faculty and sta! were joined by alumni, the community and media for the event held in the GW Football Center at Spangler Stadium.
Gardner-Webb Campus Community Remembers Life of Dr. Dianne Sykes

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University campus community is remembering a friend, colleague and professor. Dr. Dianne Sykes, associate professor of sociology, passed away on Dec. 11, 2023.
Gardner-Webb University Names Cris Reisert Head Football Coach

Office of University Communications

University President Dr. William M. Downs has named Cris Reisert as Gardner-Webb’s next head football coach. An introductory news conference is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14 (https://calendar.gardner-webb.edu/event/reisert), at 11 a.m. in the Gardner- Webb Football Center at Spangler Stadium.