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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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Celebrating Alumni – Lifelong Learner, Centenarian Gladys Brooks Boroughs

Office of University Communications

Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Selected as VP and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs has announced that Gardner-Webb alumnus, Dr. Josh Parrott, will serve as the new Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service. Selected after a national search by a committee representing the Gardner-Webb community, Parrott will begin on Feb. 15.
Dr. Steven Harmon Meets Pope Francis During Baptist-Catholic Dialogue

Office of University Communications

Dr. Steven Harmon, professor of historical theology in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, serves as co-secretary for the joint commission to the international dialogue between the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Catholic Church, which met Dec. 12-16, 2022, in Rome, Italy. Through these meetings, the BWA seeks to “promote understanding and cooperation among Baptist bodies and with other Christian groups, in keeping with our unity in Christ.”
Gardner-Webb Programs Highlight Service to Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Office of University Communications

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known for his ideals and leadership, but he was above all, a servant. According to the Nobel Foundation, King traveled over 6 million miles from 1957 to 1968 and spoke over 2,500 times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action. For these endeavors, he was arrested more than 20 times, assaulted at least four times, and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Students to Spring Semester 2023

Office of University Communications

As new and returning traditional undergraduate students prepare for the 2023 Spring Semester at Gardner-Webb University, Dean of Students Lesley Villarose offers the following reminders. Classes begin on Jan. 11, and all students may begin checking into residence halls, apartments, or suites on Jan. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet Rachel Gaura: Gardner-Webb’s Newest Tucker Scholar

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s 2022 Tucker Scholar, Rachel Gaura of Chapin, S.C., is known for her willingness to serve her church, school and community with a caring spirit and humble nature. The teacher who nominated her for the Tucker Heart, Soul Mind and Strength Scholarship described how Gaura was the perfect representative of GWU’s most prestigious award.
Gardner-Webb Names New Head Soccer Coach

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University VP and Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew Goodrich announced the hiring of Scott Wells as the Runnin’ Bulldogs head men’s soccer coach on Thursday.

“We empowered our men’s soccer student-athletes to discuss and develop the criteria and values they wanted from their next head coach,” said Goodrich. “They made it clear they wanted a person who cared deeply about the players on and off the field, a person with a proven NCAA championship pedigree, and a person who is skillful in helping diverse international and domestic players come together to play their best as a unified team. I am proud to say that we found all that and so much more in Scott Wells”
Gardner-Webb Officials Name New Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University have named Dr. Robert G. Prickett as the new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Prickett previously served as associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., a position he’s held for seven years. Prickett has worked at Winthrop in various administrative and teaching roles since 2010.
Gardner-Webb Announces 2022 Summer and Fall Graduates and Recognizes Academic Achievement

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce its 2022 Summer and Fall graduates and a new academic honor: The President’s List.

Undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours who have earned a 4.0 grade point average for the semester are named to the President’s List.

The Dean’s List is composed of undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours with a semester grade point average of 3.70 to a 3.99 with no grade lower than a “C.”

The Honor Roll is composed of undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours with a semester grade point average of 3.40 to 3.69 with no grade below a “C.”
Latest Issue of Gardner-Webb The Magazine Available in Digital and Print Formats

Office of University Communications

The 2022 issue of the official magazine for Gardner-Webb University—Gardner-Webb The Magazine—is available for viewing on the web. Recently mailed to alumni and friends, the publication offers the latest University news and specialty stories in a digital format online at gardner-webb.edu/magazine.
Celebrate Gardner-Webb’s Big South Championship with Top-Ranked Apparel

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University students, alumni and friends have an opportunity to own a part of history that celebrates the Runnin’ Bulldogs Big South Conference Championship. For a limited time, top-ranked championship apparel is available in the official GW Big South Football Championship pop-up team store. Only open through Jan. 3, 2023, the store offers T-shirts, hoodies and more.
GWU Students From Health Occupations and Nursing Sponsor Spring Blood Drive

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Student Nurses Association (SNA) are sponsoring a spring blood drive through OneBlood on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organization’s Big Red Bus will be located near the Caf.
Senior Nursing Students From Gardner-Webb Serve at Joni and Friends Camp

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb Hunt School of Nursing offered a new clinical experience this semester—a weekend serving teenagers with disabilities at Camp Caanan in Rock Hill, S.C. The camp was sponsored by Joni and Friends, a Christian organization that focuses on providing normal everyday experiences for people living with disabilities.
Gardner-Webb Recognizes 2022 Summer and Fall Graduates

Office of University Communications

Nearly 300 graduates participated in the 2022 Fall Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 10 at Gardner-Webb’s Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. After the 9 a.m. program, each of the four Colleges and the School of Divinity held separate recognition services, where graduates walked across the stage and received individual recognition and congratulations.
Gardner-Webb Honors Transformational Leaders of the Past and Present on Founders Day

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University honored recipients of the Founders Medal on Dec. 1, a highlight of the revived celebration of Founders Day. Presented to individuals for significant and distinguished service to the University, two couples were recognized—John and Linda Godbold of Rock Hill, S.C., and the late O. Max and Fay Webb Gardner. Accepting the award for the Gardners was their grandson, O. Max Gardner III, who is carrying on their legacy by serving on the Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees.
Rachel Gaura of Chapin, S.C., Receives Gardner-Webb’s Full-Tuition Tucker Scholarship

Office of University Communications

A senior from Spring Hill High School in Chapin, S.C., is the 2022 winner of Gardner-Webb University’s most prestigious scholarship. In a surprise presentation at her home, members of the Gardner-Webb University Admissions Office along with Mac the Mascot brought the celebration to Rachel Gaura and her family. She is the winner of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship, which is presented annually to a candidate who exemplifies the principles and values representative of the GWU community.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Begins First Phase of GWU Outdoor Performance Complex

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University community celebrated the groundbreaking of the Brinkley Amphitheater on Nov. 30. Named in honor of longtime University supporters, David and Marie Brinkley, the 900-seat venue will be a home for performing arts, summer concerts, future Webbstock events, outdoor worship services and public lectures. With support from town, county and state officials, this new venue and outdoor performance complex has the potential to become a destination for visitors beyond the region.
Gardner-Webb Recognizes Over 500 Summer and Fall 2022 Graduates

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will officially award over 500 degrees for the 2022 Summer and Fall Semesters, and nearly 300 graduates will participate in Commencement Exercises on Saturday, Dec. 10. The ceremony is set to begin at 9 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb Offers Various Mental Health Awareness Programs and Initiatives

Office of University Communications

This fall, the American Psychological Association reported that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health challenge. The counselors at Gardner-Webb University, like others across the nation, are working to meet the needs of students through additional mental health awareness programs and initiatives. Gardner-Webb Counseling Services Director Stephanie Allen shared that her staff is available to students in three locations: the main office on the third floor of Tucker Student Center and satellite offices in Suttle Wellness Center and the College of Health Sciences.
Gardner-Webb Runs Through Eastern Kentucky Saturday to Advance in FCS Playoffs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb ran for 405 yards and used a 21-0 burst in the third quarter to push through Eastern Kentucky in the first round of the 2022 FCS Playoffs.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs (7-5) made the most of their first appearance in the event with a 52-41 win to advance to play at No. 5 William & Mary Saturday (Dec. 3). Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (ESPN+).
Gardner-Webb Headed to Eastern Kentucky to Begin 2022 FCS Playoffs

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb will play its first Division I FCS Playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Eastern Kentucky, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.

The matchup was announced Sunday, Nov. 20, as part of the 2022 FCS Playoffs bracket, with the winner of the GWU-EKU game heading to face No. 5 seed William & Mary on Dec. 3 in Williamsburg, Va.
Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C., Grateful for Gardner-Webb Support Since 2015

Office of University Communications

Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C., is fully dependent on volunteers to meet the needs of families in the community. Recently, Gardner-Webb University Instructor of Nursing Tara Hayes took her University Life 111 (UNIV 111) class to volunteer at the non-profit organization. She was surprised to discover some GWU connections already in place.
Gardner-Webb Students Help Pack Thanksgiving Food Boxes and Books for Families in Need

Office of University Communications

Earlier in the semester, Gardner-Webb Instructor of Nursing Tara Hayes arranged for her University Life (UNIV 111) class to participate in a service-learning day at Feeding Kids/Reading Kids of Cleveland County, N.C. They sorted and separated books into age-appropriate categories and liked the idea of helping children and families in the community. Upon returning to campus, the 18 students asked Hayes when they could go and help again.
‘Sup Dawgs Food Truck Serves Specialty Items for GWU Campus and Community

Office of University Communications

’Sup Dawgs—the new Aramark food truck on the Gardner-Webb University campus—provides a regular game day menu of specialty burgers, hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak. Seasonal and other select items will be added for spotlight events, and the truck is available by request for community functions.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Leaders of the Past on Founders Day, Dec. 1

Office of University Communications

From Gardner-Webb University’s origins as a high school through its evolution into a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education, each chapter of institutional history has been penned by men and women of profound vision and relentless dedication. Those who helped build GWU into what it is today gave generously of their time, talents and critical financial support. On Dec. 1, the Gardner-Webb community will come together on Founders Day to honor the names and legacies of persons and groups that played formative roles in the University’s development. The day of celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of two inaugural Founders Medals.