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 Students Sponsor 5K to Rescue Enslaved Children

Office of University Communications

Since 2016, a 5K event started by students from Gardner-Webb University has raised more than $10,000 to help rescue 10 enslaved children in Ghana, Africa. This year’s Rescue Race will be held Sept. 14, during GWU’s annual Family Weekend. With help from the community, members of Release the Captives, a human-trafficking awareness club, raised more than $3,000 last year.
Gardner-Webb Announces Fundraising Initiative with Gift from the Broyhills

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has a 114-year history of providing a world-class education in a faith-based environment. To begin the University’s next chapter, GWU President Dr. William M. Downs is launching a yearlong fundraising initiative with the help of a generous lead gift from The Broyhill Family Foundation. Donations to Gardner-Webb 2020 will benefit the University’s Priority Fund.
GWU Office of Multicultural Affairs Offers Diversity Academy

Office of University Communications

Students, faculty and staff on the campus of Gardner-Webb University represent 19 countries around the world and come from 39 different states. The Office of Multicultural Affairs celebrates the unique worldview that each one brings to campus. To facilitate cross-cultural awareness, Jackie Leach, director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives, is offering a six-week series, “The Diversity Academy.”
Gardner-Webb Offers CrossFit to Students, Faculty and Staff

Office of University Communications

After becoming an officially licensed CrossFit affiliate last year, Gardner-Webb University is expanding its program this year. Recent renovations to Suttle Wellness Center have increased the space for CrossFit workouts, adding new flooring, equipment, rigs and weights. A full-time CrossFit Coach, 2011 alumna Melissa Battista, will teach free CrossFit classes for students, faculty and staff.
GWU Dual Degree Student Promotes Mental Health Awareness for Veterans

Office of University Communications

Chelsea West of Hickory, N.C., left her job as a high school English teacher to pursue a dual degree in Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in English at Gardner-Webb University. While earning her degree, West plans to continue promoting an issue that is close to her heart: mental health awareness. Her brother, a Marine veteran, struggled with depression and died by suicide in 2014.
Online MBA Program in Godbold School of Business Ranked Among Best in Nation

Office of University Communications

An independent higher education research firm has honored Gardner-Webb University’s Godbold School of Business. TheBestSchools.org ranked GWU’s online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems as one of the top 20 programs in the nation. Gardner-Webb is one of two North Carolina schools listed and the only private school in North Carolina to receive the honor.
Gardner-Webb University Welcomes New Faculty Members

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University welcomes 15 new faculty members to campus for the 2019 Fall Semester. The new professors are listed below in alphabetical order:
GWU Offers Four New Programs for 2019 Fall Semester

Office of University Communications

With the start of the 2019 Fall Semester, Gardner-Webb University is offering four new programs. Two are in the Hunt School of Nursing, one is in the School of Education, and the other is in GOAL—The Degree Completion Program.
GWU’s New President Welcomes Students to Fall Semester 2019

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s new president, Dr. William M. Downs, officially welcomes new and returning students in two programs to begin the 2019 Fall Semester. Downs, the institution’s 13th president, will preside over the Fall Academic Convocation on Aug. 27 and give an address to the student body on Aug. 29. Both programs will begin at 9:25 a.m. The Fall Convocation, which includes presentations of academic awards and scholarships, will be held in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.
Gardner-Webb Science Professors Help Alumnus Pursue Goal of Becoming a Dentist

Office of University Communications

When he was 10, Joshua McKoy wanted to be like his brother and become a dentist. Looking back, the 2018 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University realizes his reasons were superficial. “It wasn’t until 11th or 12th grade that dentistry became a passion for me,” McKoy reflected. “My best friend got braces.”
Gardner-Webb University Awards Nearly 200 Degrees at Summer Commencement on Aug. 3

Office of University Communications

Gardner–Webb University hosted Summer Commencement on Saturday, Aug. 3, in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center at 10 a.m. Nearly 200 traditional undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate program students were honored for their achievements during the ceremony. Dr. William M. Downs, Gardner-Webb’s new president, presided over his first commencement ceremony.
GWU Alumnus Shares the Wisdom He Learned in Divinity School with Others

Office of University Communications

As he entered the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, the Rev. Brack Ballard told his professors, fellow students and anyone who would listen that he did not want to become a pastor. “I said, ‘God can call me wherever he would like to call me, but I am not working in a church,’” he reflected. “I feel like those feelings are shared amongst a lot of millennials. Working in the church is tough, it’s hard. A lot of my colleagues are working in non-profits or working in a ministry outside of the church setting and that’s kind of what I wanted to do.”
Alumna Has Three Nursing Degrees from Gardner-Webb Hunt School of Nursing

Office of University Communications

Since earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Gardner-Webb University in 2014, Lyndsey Couch, of Kings Mountain, N.C., has been honored every year with an award or recognition for the care she provides to patients. Couch also has bachelor’s (2015) and master’s (2017) degrees in nursing from GWU. She began her career at Carolinas Healthcare System in Lincoln County, N.C., where she is now a critical care charge nurse.
Gardner-Webb University to Hold 2019 Summer Commencement on Aug. 3

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will award nearly 200 degrees during the 2019 Summer Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 3. The ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the GWU campus. The celebration will commemorate the achievements of students in traditional undergraduate, GOAL-The Degree Completion Program, and graduate programs of study.
GWU Hosts Math Academy Sponsored by Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, N.C.

Office of University Communications

In the seventh annual Math Academy held recently at Gardner-Webb University, high school students studied mathematical functions and learned their applications in business and financial settings. The camp is sponsored each summer by the Stonecutter Foundation in Spindale, N.C. Dr. Jim Johnson, GWU assistant professor of mathematics, is the co-creator of the Math Academy.
New Scripture Plaques Serve as Visual Reminder of GWU’s Calling

Office of University Communications

The main entrances to every building on the Gardner-Webb University campus recently received scripture plaques that serve as visual reminders of the University’s calling. An initiative of the GWU President’s Council on Christian Mission and Identity, the signs are engraved with Mark 12:29-31.
Alumna Was Hired Full Time While Completing Her Degree in Criminal Justice Administration

Office of University Communications

A year before graduating from Gardner-Webb University with a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration and minor in psychology, Alexis Williams was hired by the city of Gastonia (N.C.) Police Department. After her internship there, the 2019 alumna was offered a job and worked full time as a police officer while completing her degree. "All of the criminal justice classes that I took were absolutely inspiring, and I learned so much about the criminal justice field,” Williams observed.
Alumna Majored in Theatre and World Religions to Prepare for Ministry

Office of University Communications

At Gardner-Webb University, alumna Bekah Rhea tailored her education to her interests and goals. “I was originally only going to have one major, world religions. I decided that would be best as I pursued a career in cross-cultural ministry,” Rhea offered.
Gardner-Webb and Blue Ridge Community College Sign Articulation Agreement

Office of University Communications

Blue Ridge Community College President Laura B. Leatherwood joined with Gardner-Webb University Interim President Dr. Ben Leslie to sign an articulation agreement designed to provide a clear pathway for students who want to earn an associate degree in accounting, early childhood, business administration, information technology, or criminal justice at Blue Ridge and then move on to work toward their bachelor’s degrees at GWU in related fields. “By following the course of study outlined in the articulation agreements, students can easily see how their course work will transfer, how it will apply to their bachelor’s degree program, and what courses they will have remaining to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dean for Business and Service Careers Brenda Blackburn said. “Blue Ridge students can gain valuable workplace training with their associate degree here, as well as fulfill their aspirations for a bachelor’s degree, by following these transfer pathways.”
GWU Alumna’s Research Could Save Thousands of Lives

Office of University Communications

In her classes at Gardner-Webb University, Kaylan Kelsey explored her interests in chemistry, discovering the properties of matter and chemical reactions. After graduating in 2018 with a major in chemistry and minor in mathematics, Kelsey is using her research skills to improve early detection of ovarian cancer, a disease that kills over 13,000 women a year. “I am fortunate to be in a research group I am passionate about, and one that resonates highly with me,” observed Kelsey, a native of Warner Robins, Ga.
Gardner-Webb and Southeastern Community College (SCC) partner with TAP program

Office of University Communications

Southeastern Community College (SCC) and Gardner-Webb University recently entered into a memorandum of understanding called the Transfer Admission Promise (TAP). Under the agreement, SCC graduates who complete Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science or Associate in General Education degrees will be guaranteed admission to GWU. “There’s no reason that transition from a North Carolina Community College to a 4-year institution shouldn’t be a seamless and painless process for the student,” according to Ben Leslie, interim president of GWU.
GWU Chemistry Professors Gave Alumna Confidence to Pursue Graduate Studies

Office of University Communications

After attending a larger college for a year, Makenzie Reynolds ’18 transferred to Gardner-Webb University because of the smaller school setting. “I thought back to a visit I had at GWU when I was in high school,” reflected Reynolds, a native of Forest City, N.C. “I knew I would get one-on-one communication with my professors at GWU.”
Carolina Crown Invites Community to View Run-Through Practice

Office of University Communications

Carolina Crown’s final run-through practice of its 2019 show will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 8:30 p.m. in Spangler Stadium at Gardner-Webb University. The community is welcome to attend the free event. The drum and bugle corps, which includes some of the world’s best young musicians, spends several weeks at Gardner-Webb each spring rehearsing its show in preparation of its annual tours and competition in the Drum Corps International World Championships.
Medical Mission Team From Gardner-Webb University Cares for Refugees in Thailand

Office of University Communications

A 12-member team from Gardner-Webb University served on a medical mission trip to Thailand from May 13-23. Led by Dr. Nicole Waters, interim associate provost of the College of Health Sciences, associate professor and dean of the Hunt School of Nursing, and Dr. Candice Rome, associate professor of nursing, the group included six nursing majors, two exercise science majors and two biology majors. Working with missionaries, team members provided basic health care in Thailand to approximately 300 refugees of all ages, from multiple countries.
GWU Executive Leadership Studies Program Ignites Educator’s Passion to Serve

Office of University Communications

While completing her Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies (MELS) from Gardner-Webb University, Heather Walker White was recognized as a leader by her school district and the South Carolina Department of Education. The Mooresboro, N.C., resident was chosen to serve on the state’s Performance Level Descriptor Committee for the End of Course assessment for English II. White, a 2019 and 2002 GWU graduate, was recommended for the position by the Cherokee County (S.C.) School District.