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GWU Alumna Heather Roka Completes English Channel Swim
Office of University Communications
With each stroke through the 64-degree waters of the English Channel, Heather Roka, a 2008 Gardner-Webb University alumna, thought about all the people in her life who inspire her. Roka started her solo swim Aug. 24 and finished Aug. 25 in 12 hours, 13 minutes and 53 seconds, making her the fifth fastest swimmer of 29 successful crossings this year. The 31-year-old first talked about crossing the channel when she was a member of the GWU swim team.
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Gardner-Webb University Announces New Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) Dean
Office of University Communications
Officials at Gardner-Webb University are thrilled to announce that Dr. Nicole Waters has been appointed as the new dean of the Hunt School of Nursing. Waters replaces Dr. Sharon Starr, who retired as dean earlier this year. “The Hunt School of Nursing has a legacy of providing a faith-based nursing education within a close-knit, supportive learning environment,” Waters shared.
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GWU Physician Assistant Studies Program Prepares Alumnus to be Lifelong Learner
Office of University Communications
When Adam Benfield ’16 of Hickory, N.C., began looking at schools for Physician Assistant (PA) Studies, Gardner-Webb University was at the top of the list. A native of Fallston, N.C., Benfield had attended a larger university for his undergraduate degree but wanted the “hometown feel of a small campus and small class sizes for graduate school,” he shared. He became a member of GWU’s first class of PA students and as he got to know his professors and classmates, he was grateful for the opportunity.
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Professors in GWU Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program Challenged Students to Keep Learning
Office of University Communications
“Work harder, study more and test better.” Caitlin Heredia heard this phrase often as a student in the Gardner-Webb Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program. Heredia was a member of the program’s first graduating class in 2016.
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GWU Alumna’s Education Prepared Her for the Most Important Job of Motherhood
Office of University Communications
Since she left Gardner-Webb University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in religious education, Jill Mayo Forbes of Hanahan, S.C., has worked in a variety of ministries and jobs from retail sales and wedding planning to student ministry, missions and teaching children and adults. Her studies prepared her for each of those roles, as well as her most important job of being a mother. “I use what I gained in the classroom every day as a mom. Every day,” she emphasized.
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GWU School of Education Plans for a New Birth to Kindergarten (BK) Education Degree
Office of University Communications
Gardner-Webb University is finalizing plans to provide education majors with a new degree option. The School of Education recently developed a Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten (BK) Education degree program, pending accreditation approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). “Research has proven that strong early childhood programs can have a positive lifelong impact on a child’s academic, social, cognitive, and communication abilities,” said Dr. Jason Parker, GWU Associate Dean for the School of Education.
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GWU Tucker Gallery Displays Works by William Paschal Mabry
Office of University Communications
William Paschal Mabry, who died in 2011, was a talented artist who enjoyed exploring different mediums. He worked with clay, metal and wood, painted with pastels and watercolors, and drew in charcoal and ink. He loved photography and also wrote poetry and rap songs.
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Coach’s Path to Success Began at Gardner-Webb
Office of University Communications
Kevin Cantwell became head coach of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball team in 1981 when he was 32 years old. Some might say a string of coincidences or luck landed him there, but Cantwell gives the credit to God. The New York native believes God directed his path to Gardner-Webb University in 1967, where he met players and coaches who would later help him get the job.
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Following God’s Call
Office of University Communications
They lived nearly 200 miles apart. Evelyn Krause grew up in the foothills of North Carolina, and Zeb V. Moss was from Ashley Heights near Pinehurst, N.C. The two came to Gardner-Webb University for the same reason: to prepare for a life of Christian ministry.
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Gardner-Webb Recognizes Baptist Children’s Home President with Honorary Doctorate
Office of University Communications
Gardner-Webb University bestowed its highest recognition of merit, the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, to Dr. Michael C. Blackwell during its Summer Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 5. For nearly 35 years, Blackwell has served as president of Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) in Thomasville, N.C. Founded in 1885, the organization has ministry points in 22 North Carolina communities with an affiliated orphanage in Guatemala.
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GWU Alumna Gains Experience by Working in Mission Hospital in Zambia
Office of University Communications
Ebony Stowe, a 2017 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, could have completed her internship in healthcare management anywhere, but she felt led to work at a hospital in Zambia, Africa. Her intuition was confirmed when she received a check a few weeks before she left that paid for all costs associated with the trip. “The Lord made a way for me to pursue this opportunity, so I hopped on the flight in obedience,” Stowe reflected.
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Gardner-Webb University Awards Over 200 Degrees at Summer Commencement on Aug. 5
Office of University Communications
Gardner–Webb University hosted Summer Commencement on Saturday, Aug. 5 in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center at 10 a.m. More than 200 traditional undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate program students were honored for their achievements during the ceremony. Many graduates participated in the ceremony through prayer and scripture readings.
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Graphic Designer Gained Knowledge and Experience at GWU
Office of University Communications
Allison Drennan ’13 had no interest in taking art classes, but discovered her passion for graphic design as an editor for her high school yearbook. She enrolled at Gardner-Webb University to develop her talent and learn about the public relations field. “Coming in as a freshman at GWU, making wallpapers for my computer was about the extent of what I knew,” she revealed.
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GWU School of Divinity Helped Young Pastor Grow and Mature in Christian Ministry
Office of University Communications
As a student in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, Matt Rollins soon discovered he had plenty to learn about church history, the Bible and pastoral ministry. The reading assignments were lengthy and writing papers was a challenge. Sometimes he questioned his decision to attend seminary while working.
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Gardner-Webb University Alum Wins Amateur Disc Golf World Championship
Office of University Communications
In 2013, when AJ Carey (’17) was a 17-year-old senior at Crest High School (Shelby, N.C.), he was diagnosed with cancer. The devastating discovery of a malignant tumor sent him into surgery and through weeks of follow-up chemo and radiation therapy. He felt the walls closing in. So, after his treatments, he found respite playing disc golf with his friends.
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GWU Education Prepared Hack Wall and Dan Kingsmore for Successful Careers
Office of University Communications
Hack Wall didn’t have career plans when he showed up at Gardner-Webb University in 1962. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., he came to play football, work on his math skills and have some fun. Along the way he gained some lifelong friends, discovered a talent for playing the drums and learned some valuable lessons.
WGWG: Interview with GWU alumni from 1962-1964 Hack Wall and Dan Kingsmore
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Gardner-Webb University Ranks in Top Two Percent in U.S. for Core Curriculum Standards
Office of University Communications
An annual study on core curriculum requirements at over 1,100 colleges and universities from all over the United States has placed Gardner-Webb University at the head of the class for the sixth year in a row. Ranked among 25 institutions throughout the nation with an “A” grade, Gardner-Webb is the only school in the Carolinas to earn an “A” distinction for general requirement standards. The 2016-2017 What Will They Learn? Study, conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), ranks the general education curriculum requirements of all the major public and private colleges and universities in all 50 states.
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Gardner-Webb University to Hold Summer Commencement Exercises on Aug. 5
Office of University Communications
Gardner-Webb University will award nearly 225 graduates during the 2017 summer commencement exercises on Saturday, Aug. 5. The ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. The event will commemorate the achievements of students in traditional undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate programs of study.
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GWU Alumnus Leads the way as S.C. School System Bridges Homework Gap
Office of University Communications
Researchers estimate that seven out of 10 homework assignments require use of the Internet, which is not accessible to every student. Educators refer to this dilemma as the homework gap. Gardner-Webb University Alumnus Dr. Mike Cory, principal of Richard H. Gettys Middle School in Easley, S.C., led the way when leaders in his school district of Pickens County, S.C., started working to bridge the gap.
WGWG: Dr. Mike Cory discusses how his school is tackling the digital divide
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GWU Exercise Science Program Recognized for Excellence in Education
Office of University Communications
The Department of Exercise Science at Gardner-Webb University has received recognition from a prestigious organization in the fitness industry. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), which represents more than 45,000 professionals, has listed GWU in its Education Recognition Program (ERP) for undergraduate strength and conditioning. “This is our first application and recognition for the NSCA ERP distinction,” noted Dr. Jeff Hartman, professor of exercise science and exercise science program coordinator.
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GWU Alumna Enjoys Creating Graphic Designs for her Clients
Office of University Communications
Switching her major was the best thing Brooke Smith Rozmus of Charlotte, N.C., did in her educational journey at Gardner-Webb University. “Being a graphic designer can hardly be considered a job, as it is always fun,” Rozmus shared. “There is never a dull moment, and I am constantly offered new learning opportunities in a fast-paced, exciting and vibrant environment. One of my all-time favorite quotes is: ‘I am going to make everything around me beautiful — that will be my life,’ by Elsie de Wolfe. I am overjoyed that I have the opportunity to make the world a prettier place through my career.”
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GWU Education Prepared Alumnus for Success in Intense Work Environments
Office of University Communications
As senior vice president of America’s largest footwear business and trade association, Andy Polk ’02 educates and advises chief executive officers and executives at Fortune 500 companies. The job requires the ability to process information and determine the best course of action, a skill he learned as an undergraduate at Gardner-Webb University. “In today’s world where technology and innovation is changing how we live and work, and disrupting political and business models, critical thought is key to understanding change and how to not just survive it but succeed,” Polk explained.
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Gardner-Webb’s Criminal Justice Program Prepared Alumnus for Promotion
Office of University Communications
Mark Lineberry ’15 joined the Asheboro (N.C.) Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer. He aspired to follow the example of his grandfather, who was also in law enforcement. As he serves the community, Lineberry’s goal is to make a difference in someone’s life.
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GWU Alumna Follows Outstanding Example Set by Professors in the School of Education
Office of University Communications
Julie Stanley of Winston-Salem, N.C., taught elementary students for nearly 10 years. Now, she’s preparing to stand in front of a classroom of adults. A 2017 graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Stanley was recently hired as a full-time instructor in the College of Education at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.
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GWU Alumnus Honored for Innovative Leadership of Surry County (N.C.) Schools
Office of University Communications
An alumnus of Gardner-Webb University has been honored for his contributions to education. Dr. Travis L. Reeves, superintendent of the Surry County (N.C.) School district, was named the Region Five Superintendent of the Year by the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium, a collaboration of public school districts and higher education institutions in central North Carolina. The honor recognizes Reeves as one of the top eight superintendents statewide and places him in the running for the A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.
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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