Skip to main content

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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Gardner-Webb and the Town of Boiling Springs Host Webbstock ’24

Office of University Communications

Webbstock ’24 has all the ingredients for a day of family fun. Gardner-Webb and the Town of Boiling Springs are making plans to showcase talented regional musicians along with a tasty variety of food and unique items for sale by artists and crafters. Main Street will come alive on Saturday, April 20, with free performances in the Brinkley Amphitheater and the Main Street stage. The festival opens at 11 a.m., and the first band performs at 1 p.m.
Gardner-Webb Campus Celebrates Donors Leading up to 9th Annual Double Dawg Day on April 11

Office of University Communications

As the Gardner-Webb campus prepares for the Ninth Annual Double Dawg Day on April 11, the Office of Advancement along with Alumni Relations are celebrating the University’s philanthropists. From April 8-11, faculty, staff and students will learn about the generous donors who support Gardner-Webb and its mission.
Gardner-Webb Physician Assistant Students Selected for Highly Competitive Clinical Rotation

Office of University Communications

Two students in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies have been selected to participate in a fall elective clinical rotation at MD Anderson Cancer Center-Texas Medical Center, Houston. Through a highly-competitive process, Taylor Jernigan and Orian Bar, from the GWU Class of 2025, are among only 25 students from across the United States invited to train at this facility. Additionally, the Gardner-Webb students were offered a five-week clinical rotation instead of the usual three to four weeks.
Gardner-Webb Students Work in Construction and Ministry Projects Over Spring Break

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University students and sta! served people in the United States and Guatemala by participating in mission trips over spring break. Two teams were sponsored by the O!ice of Christian Life and Service and included 14 people. The other trip was sponsored by a local church with 12 GWU students participating.
Junior Izzy Castillo Crowned Miss Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Izzy Castillo was crowned Miss Gardner-Webb on March 24. She also won Most Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Castillo, of Canton, Ga., is a junior elementary education major. Her talent was a country line dance to Footloose. She received a crown, sash, roses and $300.
Soprano Indra Thomas Presents Next Concert & Masterclass at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

A successful vocalist on the stage and in film, Indra Thomas, will be the next guest in the Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series. Before giving her concert on April 4, at 7 p.m. Thomas will lead a soprano vocal masterclass that morning from 9:25 to 10 a.m. Both programs will be held in Dover Chapel.
Gardner-Webb Alumni from Classes of ’83, ’84 and ’85 Plan Reunion on April 13

Office of University Communications

Kim Randolph Rivera, Class of ’84, serves on the Gardner-Webb University Alumni Board. Knowing that her class would be celebrating its 40th reunion in May 2024, Rivera wondered if anybody ever held college reunions like they do for high school.
Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs Names Jeremy Luther Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Office of University Communications

After a national search process, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named one of its own, GWU Associate Coach Jeremy Luther as the head coach of the men’s basketball program. In his 11 seasons at GWU, Luther contributed a wealth of knowledge and played a vital part of the program’s 188 wins. Luther also helped lead the program to its first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament in 2018-2019.
Gardner-Webb’s Godbold College of Business Hosts Pitch Competitions for College and High School Students

Office of University Communications

The Godbold College of Business is hosting a day of business pitch competitions on April 24. Activities begin at 9 a.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium on the Gardner-Webb University campus. The event includes the second annual Dawg House Pitch competition for GWU students and the Pitch Contest for high school students sponsored by the Cleveland County Chamber.
Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Wilson Hawkins Receives President’s Early Career Award

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs has announced the recipient of the President’s Early Career Award for 2024. Receiving the honor is Dr. Wilson Hawkins, assistant professor of physics and director of the GWU Honors Program. Since Hawkins’ arrival to the University in 2021, he has demonstrated productivity in scholarship, creative discovery, and instruction that exceeds expectations. He also continues to pursue professional development and serve the campus community.
Gardner-Webb University Senior Art Majors Display Their Works in Ali Pouryousefi Gallery

Office of University Communications

Works by Gardner-Webb seniors Isabel Gallimore, MaryEvelyn Murray and Megan Addington will be featured in the Ali Pouryousefi Gallery in Tucker Student Center through April 12. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.
Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Speaker for 2024 Commencement Ceremony

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb Alumna and Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Dr. Crystal L. Hill, will be the guest speaker for the Spring 2024 Commencement program at Gardner-Webb University. The University’s graduation ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Spangler Stadium.
Miss Gardner-Webb Pageant on March 24 to Feature Nine Contestants

Office of University Communications and Isabella Brown

The Miss Gardner-Webb Pageant will be held on Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Nine contestants have practiced enthusiastically for an opportunity to shine bright and show what makes them unique. From beautiful dresses to bold talents, these contestants plan to give the judges their best.
GWU Presents Dr. Timothy Renner in Distinguished Artist Concert and Masterclass

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Department of Music presents baritone, Dr. Timothy Renner, for the next program in the Distinguished Artist series. Renner, a performer and teacher, will be in concert on March 21 at 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel and will lead masterclasses on March 22.
Gardner-Webb Coach Tim Craft Accepts Ofer From Western Carolina University

Office of University Communications

GWU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Craft has accepted the head coaching job at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. A national search for Gardner-Webb University’s next head coach has already begun. Associate Head Coach Jeremy Luther will serve as interim head coach.
Graduates of the Gardner-Webb Master’s in Strength & Conditioning Program Experience Regional and International Success in the Industry

Office of University Communications

Recent graduates of the Gardner-Webb University Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (MSSC) program have secured high-profile jobs in the strength and conditioning industry. Dr. Jonathan M. Ahearn, assistant professor of exercise science and the program coordinator for the MSSC program, highlights some of them and shares their comments about how their studies at GWU prepared them for the job.
Gardner-Webb English Professors Share Their List of Influential Women Authors

Office of University Communications and Isabella Brown

Women’s History Month celebrates and recognizes the achievements of women in a variety of fields across the United States and globally. Gardner-Webb University English Department highlights the intelligent women who have contributed to breaking down barriers through literature.
Godbold College of Business Empowering Women Day Features Alumnae and Superior Court Judge

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Godbold College of Business celebrated Women’s History Month by hosting Empowering Women Day on March 6. During this event, which was part of the Experiential Learning series, alumnae were invited to speak and share their personal experiences as women in the world of business. A!er two panel discussions, Resident Superior Court Judge Sally Kirby-Turner gave an inspirational speech.
Over 400 Orchestra Students Present Concert with Grammy Award-Winning Violinists Mark & Maggie O’Connor at Gardner-Webb on March 14

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb is co-sponsoring an event hosted by six orchestra programs from Cleveland County Schools on Thursday, March 14, in Paul Porter Arena. Special guests for the free program at 6:30 p.m. that evening are Grammy award-winning violinists Mark and Maggie O’Connor.

The huge concert will include all of the students — over 400 sixth- through 12-graders — playing a variety of bluegrass, fiddle, and concert music. The O’Connors will be featured in a duo performance.
Save the Date: Gardner-Webb’s Ninth Annual Double Dawg Day is April 11

Office of University Commumications

Gardner-Webb University’s annual Double Dawg Day is celebrating its ninth year on April 11. The campus community—along with alumni, friends, and longtime supporters—have an opportunity to surpass last year’s giving and score a record-breaking total for the ninth year in a row.
Qualifed Gardner-Webb Undergraduates Have the Option to Begin Graduate Work

Office of University Communications

Qualified students at Gardner-Webb University can now begin work on a master’s degree while finishing their bachelor’s and earn credits toward both. Students may apply for admission into the Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) during their junior year or after 60 to 90 credit hours, depending on the program. These students must also maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
Through Campus Ministries United, Students Connect and Serve Others

Office of University Communications and Isabella Brown

Campus Ministries United (https://gardner-webb.edu/student-life/christian-college-nc/student-ministries/) (CMU) gives students the opportunity to worship, serve, disciple, pray and fellowship together. The shared vision of its various ministry groups is to promote a passionate and enduring devotion to Christ among the students of Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb’s Master of Science in Nursing Program Begins 8-Week Format in 2024 Fall Term

Office of University Communications

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Gardner-Webb University is changing to an eight-week format with the 2024 Fall Term. Courses will follow the Gardner-Webb online schedule. The program is designed to be flexible, which gives students the option of completing the program in one or two years.
Ashley Kernicky Named Director of Gardner-Webb’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Office of University Communications

Interim Director Ashley Kernicky, a 2009 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, has been named the director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS). While making the announcement, Dean of the College of Health Sciences (COHS), Dr. Nicole Waters noted that the hiring process included a national search to fill this vital position within the COHS.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Representatives of The Golden LEAF Foundation

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs and the Office of Advancement welcomed representatives of the Golden LEAF Foundation to campus recently. After touring the campus, they met with recipients of the foundation’s scholarships. Currently there are 15 Golden LEAF scholars at GWU and since 2006 nearly 100 students at the University have received financial support from the foundation. Since the Golden LEAF Foundation’s inception in 1999, more than $60 million in scholarships has been awarded to over 29,000 students. These scholarships are presented to students in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities.