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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GWU Student, Christian Jessup, Spends Summer as Intern for Composer Hans Zimmer

Office of University Communications and Emily Eidson

Ever wonder what it would be like to work for the mastermind behind the soundtrack for The Lion King or Pirates of the Caribbean? Gardner-Webb University student, Christian Jessup, got the opportunity to do just that this summer as he traveled to California to work for the acclaimed film composer, Hans Zimmer. A native of Shelby, N.C., Jessup is a senior double majoring in music composition as well as film and video.
GWU Alumnus Changes Course to go From High School Drop Out to Senior Engineer

Office of University Communications

“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky; And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” These words from “Sea Fever,” by poet John Masefield (1916) have echoed in Glenn Henson’s mind through the challenges in his life. The 91-year-old World War II veteran—who lives in Vienna, W.Va.,—heard the poem recited many times by Philip Lovin Elliott, president of Gardner-Webb University from 1943 to 1961.
Alumna Strives to be Like the Model Educators Who Influenced Her Life

Office of University Communications

Leslea Everett ’17 aspires to be the kind of teacher like the ones she had throughout school. “I firmly believe that good teachers encourage students to love learning,” she affirmed. “I want to give students what I had growing up: great role models, someone who cares, and someone who believes in them.”
Gardner-Webb Student, Alice Byrd, Spends Semester in the Nation’s Capital

Office of University Communications

“The most life-changing opportunities often come out of nowhere and scare you half to death. That’s what makes them worth doing.” Alice Byrd was undoubtedly terrified when she arrived in Washington D.C. for her four-month internship at kglobal, but, as she explains, the scariest opportunities are usually the most rewarding.
Gardner-Webb University’s Online Elementary Education Program Ranks Among Top in Nation

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is being recognized for the quality and value of its web-based learning opportunities and was recently honored for its online teacher preparation program. Affordable Colleges Online (ACO), based in Reno, Nev., ranked Gardner-Webb 26th in the nation among institutions that offer an online elementary education degree. “We are certainly gratified by the recognition by Affordable Colleges Online,” said Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU Provost and Executive Vice President.
GWU School of Education Announces New Concentration for Elementary Education Majors

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has finalized plans to provide select education students with a new program concentration option. The School of Education recently developed an Exceptional Children (EC) concentration, which will be offered to elementary education majors beginning next spring. “The average child no longer exists in today’s classroom,” shared Dr. Jason Parker, associate dean of GWU School of Education.
GWU Alumna Added English Major to Prepare for Career as a Lawyer

Office of University Communications

While majoring in music at Gardner-Webb University, Larissa Bixler Stein ’03 of Charlotte, N.C., began to question her future plans. “I love playing the piano and loved learning to appreciate music on a deeper level through studying music theory and history,” Stein revealed. “However, by my sophomore year, I realized that, much as I enjoyed music, I could not identify a music career path that felt like a good fit for me.”
GWU Music Professor Shares Insights on Benefits of Music Therapy

Office of University Communications

If a tune has ever transported you back to a specific time and place from your past, you may already be aware of the powerful tie between music and memories. One Gardner-Webb University professor recently shared insights on the benefits of music therapy for people battling memory disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s. “Music provides a valuable set of constructs to help people of any age increase their capacity for memory and awareness,” shared Dr. Mark Cole, GWU Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands.

WGWG: Music and Memory: Dr. Mark Cole discusses the way music is used to help those with dementia
Support of Faculty in Degree Completion Program Gave Alumna Confidence to Pursue her Dream

Office of University Communications

Pamela Hutchins McGee of Siloam, N.C., was new to online classes when she enrolled in the Degree Completion Program at Gardner-Webb University. She learned quickly, though, with support from her GWU professors and the technology team. “I was able to dive right in since all of the instructors offered help and were great at answering questions,” offered McGee, who graduated summa cum laude in 2017.
Gardner-Webb University Invites High School Students to Summer Business Program

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Godbold School of Business will welcome local high school students to campus in July to study entrepreneurship and other topics alongside local business professionals during the 12th annual B.E.S.T. (Bringing Entrepreneurs and Students Together) Program. The July 18 – 21 event will offer opportunities to learn professional skills for rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Activities will include business topic workshops, guest speakers, campus tours, outdoor programs and times to network with business leaders and other students.
Gardner-Webb University Trustee and Community Supporter Passes Away

Office of University Communications

A devoted supporter of Gardner-Webb University and several charities in Cleveland County, N.C., passed away June 16. Carl M. Spangler Jr., 84, was a 1952 GWU alumnus and currently serving his fourth term on the GWU Board of Trustees. In 2009, he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University for his contributions to the community.
GWU Elementary Education Major Hired While Completing her Student Teaching

Office of University Communications

On Lauren Hamilton’s first day of student teaching, the lesson she prepared fell flat. The children in the class didn’t pay attention or participate. To get back on track, Hamilton (’17) remembered the advice of her professors at Gardner-Webb University.
GWU President Dr. Frank Bonner Selected to Serve on NCAA Division I Board

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. Frank Bonner has been appointed to a four-year term on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. The 24-member board is comprised of representatives from the various conferences in Division I, the chair of the NCAA Division I Council, one faculty athletics representative, one senior woman administrator representative, and one student-athlete. Bonner is honored to represent Gardner-Webb at this national, high level of NCAA governance for Division I.
10 Students Participate in Gardner-Webb University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Office of University Communications and Emily Eidson

While many college students will be spending their summers lying by the beach under a shady umbrella, 10 Gardner-Webb students have chosen to spend their break working on an extensive project that could potentially shape the course of their academic careers. The Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (SURS) is specifically designed for students such as these, who are looking to broaden their horizons during the summer months. “The Undergraduate Research Program’s mission is to involve students and professors in scholarly projects that come to fruition outside the boundaries of the classroom,” says Dr. June Hobbs, creator and director of the Summer Scholars program.
Gardner-Webb Coach and 5 Students Participate in Summer Mission Trip to Capitan, New Mexico

Office of University Communications

The summer is the perfect time for adventure, and Gardner-Webb University’s assistant track and field coach, Evan Brusich, is ready to venture to Capitan, N.M. with a group of five students, including Merideth Byl, Ashleigh Cleveland, Laine Parker, Keaton Poole, and Annamarie Warley, for an enlightening weeklong mission trip. Once there, the mission team plans on combining their shared love of athletics and Christ in order to demonstrate their faith to the people of Capitan and learn a little bit about themselves along the way. While in New Mexico, Brusich and his group intend to work with Lone Tree Camps, mission-based camp, which uses the outdoors to share the love of Christ and build meaningful relationships with fellow campers.
Gardner-Webb University Artists Participate in the Annual Cleveland County Artists Competition

Office of University Communications and Emily Eidson

Currently, the Cleveland County Arts Council is hosting its annual Cleveland County Artists Competition. The exhibit provides local artists with an opportunity to display their own creations and compete for numerous awards. Many Gardner-Webb professors, staff, students, and alumni are exhibiting artwork in this year’s competition, and several have already received some prestigious honors.
GWU Professors Help Chemistry Student Pursue Goals

Office of University Communications

Tyler Hemingway ’18 wasn’t familiar with Gardner-Webb University when he came for a visit as a high school senior. A resident of Cape Coral, Fla., Hemingway was looking for a college with an exceptional science department and research opportunities. “I first heard of Gardner-Webb at a college fair held in Fort Myers, Fla.,” Hemingway recalled.
GWU School of Education Helps Experienced Educator Enhance her Skills

Office of University Communications

When Cynthia E. Wortham completed her School Administration Certificate at Gardner-Webb University in 2014, she was energized and ready for the next step. “That ‘forever-a-student’ part of me became as strong as ever,” Wortham recalled. “My appetite for knowledge was greatly whet again. Even though I have been in education for almost 30 years, I saw that I have so much more to learn. I decided to pursue my Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction almost immediately upon completing my administration work. So here I am with my final defense the only thing left in this doctoral experience. The experience has changed my life – both professionally and personally.”
GWU Criminal Justice Degree Was First Step in Alum’s Successful Career

Office of University Communications

Tom Anderson ’04 of Statesville, N.C., believes that personal success doesn’t happen by accident. An alumnus and adjunct professor for Gardner-Webb University, Anderson tells students that academic and career success is a combination of intentional steps, goal setting, and a high level of commitment. To reach his goals, the first intentional step he took was to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Internship Leads to Full-Time Job for GWU Exercise Science Alumnus

Office of University Communications

Haden Baker finished his exercise science internship the summer before his senior year at Gardner-Webb University. Working at a fitness center in Morganton, N.C., he applied the principles and skills he had learned from his professors. “The internship experience was probably the most rewarding class that I completed at GWU,” observed the 2017 graduate.
GWU Undergraduate Research Project Earns Accolades and Opportunities for Music Student

Office of University Communications

As a rising junior, Christian Jessup ’17 took on the ambitious project of developing a completely original score for the 1977 blockbuster, Star Wars. His work was made possible by a grant from the GWU Undergraduate Research Scholars program. During the five-week research experience, students are mentored by a faculty member and receive on campus room and board as well as tuition remission, if applicable.
GWU Exercise Science Alum Accepts Position with Navy in Aerospace Division

Office of University Communications

Seaver Wait ’17 stepped out of his comfort zone several times while working on his exercise science degree at Gardner-Webb University. Each situation was a chance for Wait to strengthen his critical-thinking skills. “My professors, Dr. Jeff Hartman and Dr. David Granniss, taught me how to think at a high level,” observed Wait of Candler, N.C.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Annual LifeWay Kids Camps June 12 – July 28

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb will welcome more than 2,500 children and adults to the University during the next seven weeks as the campus hosts a LifeWay Kids Christian camp series for the third consecutive year. CentriKid, a children’s ministry of the international Christian resources organization LifeWay, offers youth in grades three through six opportunities for Bible study, worship and recreational experiences. Camps are organized and led by teams of young adults, including college and seminary students, who help serve as directors, pastors and worship leaders.
GWU Alumna Adjusts Education and Career Goals to Follow God’s Calling

Office of University Communications

Called into ministry at 16, Megan G. Brown of Fridley, Minn., came to Gardner-Webb University with clear goals in mind. She would be the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and then serve in youth ministry. Her plans started to unravel as she approached graduation in 2005.
GWU Criminal Justice Alumnus Gains Knowledge to Effectively Solve Problems

Office of University Communications

Every spring, the population of the town of Wilkesboro, N.C., grows by around 75,000 for Merlefest, a musical tribute to the late folk and bluegrass guitarist Merle Watson. Ensuring the safety of visitors and residents during the four-day event requires a team effort of hundreds of people. Chief of Police Craig Garris, a 2000 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, coordinates his department’s role in the effort.