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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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Blue Ridge Community College and Gardner Webb University Sign Articulation Agreement

Office of University Communications

To make transferring to a four-year university from a two-year college an even more seamless transition, Gardner-Webb University and Blue Ridge Community College signed an articulation agreement on Oct. 9. The unique contract ultimately guarantees admission to GWU for students who meet eligibility requirements. This agreement simplifies the process for students and helps them achieve their educational goals, noted Blue Ridge Vice President of Instruction Kathy Allen.
GWU School of Education is No. 1 in N.C. for Educational Leadership and Administration

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Education has been ranked the No. 1 Educational Leadership and Administration College in North Carolina. The honor was presented by Universities.com, an education information website. The recognition placed Gardner-Webb above the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wingate (N.C.) University, East Carolina University (Greenville, N.C.), N.C. State University (Raleigh) and other schools.
Award-Winning Documentary and Q&A About Last Male White Rhino to Screen in Shelby, N.C.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Life of the Scholar (LOTS) Program is partnering with the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and the Cleveland County Arts Council to present the award-winning documentary Kifaru in Shelby, N.C. The film follows a dedicated team of rangers in Kenya who are watching over Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino. Rampant poaching has decimated his subspecies, yet hope remains thanks to his incredible caregivers who are set on both preventing and recovering loss.
Blind and Visually Impaired Program Marks 40th Anniversary

Office of University Communications

The Noel Center for Disability Resources at Gardner-Webb University had its beginnings in 1977 with one program offered for the deaf. Two years later, college officials expanded services to students who were blind and visually impaired. “Nell Kilpatrick was hired to lead the program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year,” said Cheryl Potter, associate dean of the Noel Center.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Disabilities Employment Awareness Month

Office of University Communications

October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month. To understand the problems encountered by people with disabilities, the Gardner-Webb Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting a panel discussion featuring GWU alumni and advocates for people with disabilities. Co-sponsored by the GWU Noel Center for Disability Resources and the Center for Personal and Professional Development, “Without Limits: The Challenges of Disabilities in the Workplace Panel Discussion” will be held on Oct. 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center.
Gardner-Webb Undergraduate Researcher Discovers New Method to Synthesize Vanillin

Office of University Communications

For her Undergraduate Research Project, Cailen Blaire, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, discovered a new method to synthesize vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its characteristic taste and scent. She was one of 15 GWU students who received a grant from the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. She worked 40 hours a week for five weeks on her project, which she will present in a professional forum.
Gardner-Webb University 2020 Provides Scholarships That Make a Difference

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University 2020, launched in August with a generous gift from the Broyhill Foundation, benefits the University’s Priority Fund . The yearlong fundraising initiative is on pace to surpass the $1 million goal. Contributions directly support scholarship funding and other programs to provide high-impact learning and service opportunities.
First Students in Gardner-Webb’s 10-Month MBA Program Preparing to Finish

Office of University Communications

The first students in the 10-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Gardner-Webb University will finish in October. From its launch in January, interest in the master’s degree offered fully online has exceeded expectations.
Gardner-Webb University Celebrates Homecoming Oct. 11-12

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University welcomes alumni and friends to campus on Oct. 11-12 to celebrate Homecoming. “Homecoming is that one day of the year when alumni, faculty, staff, and students celebrate what makes Gardner-Webb University so very special: the relationships that have been forged because of time spent on our beautiful campus,” observes Leah Robinson Clevenger, director of Alumni Relations and a member of the Class of ’98 and ‘02.
Gardner-Webb Archives Launches Digitized Version of Fay Webb Gardner Collection

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Archives recently launched a digitized version of the Fay Webb Gardner Collection. In addition, a year-long social media campaign began in honor of Mrs. Gardner’s 134th birthday. Materials from Series 1 of the collection will be shared on Fridays with the hashtag #FayWebbFriday. Mrs. Gardner was the wife of former governor of North Carolina and U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, O. Max Gardner.
Gardner-Webb Department of Theatre Arts Presents Play About Human Trafficking

Office of University Communications

The Department of Theatre Arts at Gardner-Webb University is helping to raise awareness about human trafficking—specifically in the United States—with its fall production of “Everybody’s Moving.” Premiering Oct. 3-6, the original play was commissioned by GWU last year. “The play came about because Gardner-Webb has been working hard to increase awareness of human trafficking, and we wanted to do a play that tackled the issue in some way,” noted Dr. Chris Nelson, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts.
Gardner-Webb Students Help Pull 61 Tires From New River in West Jefferson

Office of University Communications

New and returning members of the Gardner-Webb University Honors Student Association recently participated in a GWU 18-year tradition. Faculty sponsor Dr. Tom Jones, 27 GWU students and eight guests traveled to West Jefferson, North Carolina, to join New River Conservancy’s cleanup event, Mud, Sweat, and Volunteers. Chelsea Blount, restoration director of New River Conservancy, said the GWU students were among a group of over 100 volunteers who covered approximately 23 river miles.
GWU Business Students Earn First Place for Strategic Management Skills

Office of University Communications

In an online program that simulates management of a global company, a team of business students from Gardner-Webb University climbed to first place, achieving three top-10 rankings for three weeks in a row. The students in Dr. Christine Sutton’s Business Strategy course competed against 546 teams from 35 colleges and universities in America and around the world. Through the GLO-BUS program, teams of students use strategic management principles to run fictional companies that are racing for global market leadership in two product categories: wearable video cameras and sophisticated camera-equipped copter drones.
Son of Charleston, S.C., Shooting Victim to Speak at Gardner-Webb on Sept. 30

Office of University Communications

In the summer of 2015, Sharonda Coleman Singleton gathered with fellow church members for Wednesday night Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. The group welcomed a visitor, Dylann Roof. Suddenly, Roof took out a gun and began shooting.
Gardner-Webb University Recognized for Dynamic Learning Opportunities

Office of University Communications

Colleges of Distinction, an organization that ranks universities on the basis of student engagement and outcomes, recently recognized Gardner-Webb University in several categories. In addition to honoring GWU as a 2019-2020 Christian College of Distinction, the educational resource has named Gardner-Webb to the following lists: North Carolina Colleges of Distinction, Business Colleges of Distinction, Education Colleges of Distinction, Nursing Colleges of Distinction, Career Development Colleges of Distinction.
Undergraduate Researcher Studied Ways to Enhance Gardner-Webb’s First-Year Experience

Office of University Communications

Mallory Baucom, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, hopes that the research she conducted through the Gardner-Webb University Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, will make a difference for future GWU students. Baucom, who graduates in December 2019 with a degree in psychology and a minor in discipleship studies, was one of 15 GWU students who received a research grant during the summer term. Students work 40 hours a week for five weeks on their projects, which they are required to present in a professional forum.
Dr. Reggie Williams to Deliver Inaugural Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Dr. Reggie Williams, associate professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, will deliver the inaugural Mary Washburn Wilson lectures for the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 14-15. On Monday, Oct. 14, he will speak on the theme “Bonhoeffer Learning Discipleship in Harlem,” and on Tuesday, Oct. 15, his lecture will be “What We Must Do to Be Free: Black Aesthetics and Christian Discipleship.” The lectures will be delivered at 1 p.m. on both days in Dover Chapel on the Gardner-Webb University campus in Boiling Springs.
Gardner-Webb University Dimensions Program Welcomes National Leadership Coach

Office of University Communications

A leadership coach with more than two decades of experience will be the guest speaker at Gardner-Webb University on Sept. 24 at 9:25 a.m. for Dimensions. Jeff Raker works with athletes and business professionals in individual and group settings. The GWU program is free and open to the public and will be held in Stewart Hall inside Tucker Student Center.
Gardner-Webb License Plate From North Carolina DMV Supports Priority Fund

Office of University Communications

The North Carolina specialty license plate program through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows supporters of Gardner-Webb University to display school pride while providing financial support to GWU. Gardner-Webb receives $15 for each purchased plate, and those funds are designated for the GWU Priority Fund. From scholarships to study abroad opportunities, technology and lab equipment as well as athletic scholarships, the 2020 Priority Fund will ignite Gardner-Webb’s growth and provide opportunities for students.
Gardner-Webb Presents First Concert of Distinguished Artist Series

Office of University Communications

The Bechtler Ensemble String Quartet will be featured in the season opener of the Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series. The ensemble will give a free performance on Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. Presented by the GWU School of Performing and Visual Arts in Collaboration with the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Fund, the program is titled, “An Afternoon of Latin American Music and Art.”
GWU Criminal Justice Program Equips Police Lieutenant With Leadership Skills

Office of University Communications

Lt. Lori Miller, of Taylorsville, N.C., has served the Hickory Police Department for nearly 13 years. She’s the second female in the history of the department to achieve the rank of lieutenant. She also teaches students in the BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) and DOCC (Department of Community Corrections) programs.
GWU Fall Semester Begins by Celebrating Academic Excellence and Christian Mission

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs recently began the semester by presiding over the Fall Academic Convocation and giving a special address to students as part of the Dimensions series. During both programs, Downs focused on Gardner-Webb’s mission. “I want to underscore one important message as we launch this new year,” Downs stated at the Fall Convocation. “And the message is this—we are a private university with a very public mission, and it is incumbent upon all of us to live up to that public mission in some way.”
Gardner-Webb University Sponsors Drive for Children in Foster Care

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University welcomes families to campus for Family Weekend, Sept. 13-15. This year, while enjoying the food, fun, football game and worship, the Office of Student Activities is asking students, their families, faculty, staff and the community to think about the thousands of North Carolina children living in foster care. In partnership with Miss GWU 2019, Sarah Bragdon, the Office of Student Activities is sponsoring a drive for these children.
Gardner-Webb’s Ali Pouryousefi Gallery Features Works by Local Painter and Printmaker

Office of University Communications

Artwork by painter and printmaker Gary Wayne Freeman will be featured in the Ali Pouryousefi Art Gallery in Gardner-Webb University’s Tucker Student Center through Sept. 27. Freeman, a GWU adjunct art instructor, teaches art at Thomas Jefferson High School in Mooresboro, N.C. The opening reception is Sept. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m., with Freeman giving a gallery talk at 5 p.m.
Gardner-Webb’s Online Elementary Education Degree Receives Top 25 Ranking

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Education has received national recognition for its online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree. TheBestSchools.org, an education resource website, named GWU to its list of the top 25 schools in the nation. Additionally, Gardner-Webb was one of three North Carolina schools in the ranking and the only N.C. private school to be honored.