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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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Gardner-Webb Class Travels to Cataloochee Valley to Study Elk Behavior

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University students in Biology 315 (animal physiology) recently made a trip to Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they viewed elk in their natural habitat. Assistant Professor of biology Jay Zimmer teaches the class and noted that the fall of the year is one of the best times to study elk behavior.
Gardner-Webb’s Department of Music Ushers in the Christmas Season with Festival of Lights

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s annual program to welcome the Christmas season— Festival of Lights—featured performances by GWU music groups, the reading of the Christmas story and carol singing. Additionally, for the first time in the celebration’s history, the GW Orchestra participated in the program.
Gardner-Webb’s First Living-Learning Community Helps Students Transition to Campus Life

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s Division of Student Success and Office of Housing and Residence Education offered the University’s first living-learning community (LLC) this semester. An LLC is a program where first-year students live together on campus and participate in a shared academic endeavor. They also have resources in their residence environment designed for them and engage in structured social activities that also emphasize academics.
Gardner-Webb Founders Day Celebrates Contributions of University’s Visionary Leaders

Office of University Communications

The founders of Gardner-Webb University were men and women with a bold vision to establish a Christian school in western North Carolina. On Dec. 2, 1905, they chartered Boiling Springs High School, which has evolved into a nationally-recognized university and leader in Christian higher education. Those who helped build GWU into what it is today gave generously of their time, talents and critical financial support.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity’s Annual Advent Devotional Begins on Dec. 2

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity presents its annual Advent devotional series Dec. 2-25. Edited by faculty and staff from the divinity school, these devotions are contributed by GWU administration, students, alumni, Board of Trustees chair and other faculty and staff from across the campus.
Gardner-Webb Associate Professor Reflects on Life and Legacy of Rosalynn Carter

Office of University Communications

Today, people all over the world are remembering the life of former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on Nov. 19. Gardner-Webb Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon also reflected on her special relationship with Carter. Lemon, chair of the Gardner-Webb University Department of Communication, Art and Design, serves on the advisory board for the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellowship. (https://mentalhealthjournalism.org/)
Gardner-Webb wins Second Straight Conference Championship

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs return to the FCS Playoffs for the second straight season, facing Mercer in the opening round on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. This is the second straight year Gardner-Webb has qualified for the FCS Playoffs. The Runnin’ Bulldogs earned the automatic bid to the playoffs from the Big South-OVC Football Association thanks to a 38-34 victory over UT Martin on Saturday, Oct. 28. GWU clinched their second straight conference championship with a 34-10 win over Charleston Southern on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Gardner-Webb Begins Transition to Blackboard Learn Ultra on Dec. 19

Office of University Communications

Beginning on Dec. 19, Gardner-Webb University will start the process of migrating to Blackboard Learn Ultra. In addition to a modern, clean look, this new version of Blackboard has enhanced features, such as a mobile app for Apple and Android. The change is necessary, because technical support will end next year for Blackboard Original, the learning management system currently used by the University.
Gardner-Webb’s Annual Festival of Lights Begins Celebration of Christmas Season

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb’s annual program to welcome the Christmas season— Festival of Lights—will be celebrated on Nov. 30, which coincides with the University’s celebration of Founder's Day (https://gardner-webb.edu/news/founders-day-pays-tribute-to-dedicated-leaders/(https://gardner-webb.edu/news/founders-day-pays-tribute-to-dedicated-leaders/). A beloved campus and community Christmas tradition since 1984, Festival of Lights will be held at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre. Featuring performances by GWU music groups, the program includes the reading of the Christmas story and carol singing.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Honored with Award from State and National Teachers of English

Office of University Communications

Chelsea Curtis, a 2023 graduate of the Master of Arts in English program at Gardner-Webb University, received recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE). Described as a passionate teacher who uses project-based learning to engage her students, Curtis was selected by both organizations as a 2023 High School Teacher of Excellence honoree. This award honors and celebrates high school classroom teachers who demonstrate excellent practices and contributions in the classroom.
Gardner-Webb to Recognize 2023 Summer and Fall Graduates

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will celebrate the achievements of nearly 500 graduates on Dec. 15. The commencement ceremony, which honors graduates who completed their degrees in the 2023 Summer and Fall semesters, will be at 9 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.
Gardner-Webb’s Brinkley Amphitheater Hosts Balsam Range and Fireside Collective

Office of University Communications

Balsam Range, winner of 13 awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)—including Entertainer of the Year—will headline the second concert in Brinkley Amphitheater at Gardner-Webb University. Special guest, Fireside Collective, will open the event on Nov. 18. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program starts at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are available below.
Gardner-Webb Honors Veterans at Service on Nov. 10

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb alumnus Col. Jim Davidson was the guest speaker for the University’s Veteran’s Day Prayer Service on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. Davidson serves as state chaplain in the South Carolina National Guard.
Gardner-Webb Renews Radio Partnership with 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University Athletics has renewed its agreement with 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte (N.C.) to continue as the flagship radio station for 2023-2024 men’s and women’s basketball seasons.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates Veteran’s Day with Service on Nov. 10

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a Veteran’s Day Service on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. Col. Jim Davidson, an alumnus who serves as state chaplain in the South Carolina National Guard, will be the guest speaker.
Joe Waller Receives Full-Tuition Scholarship From the GWU School of Divinity

Office of University Communications

A!er graduating in May 2023 with a psychology degree from Gardner- Webb University, Joe Waller enrolled in the School of Divinity. He is pursuing a dual degree—the Master of Mental Health Counseling and Master of Divinity. Waller, who minored in biblical studies, is the 2023 recipient of the Dean’s Fellow Scholarship Award, given annually by the GWU School of Divinity.
Gardner-Webb Department of Music Presents Instrumental Concerts in November

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music presents three instrumental concerts over the next two weeks. The Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Orchestra—which feature students, faculty and some community members—will perform various selections from Christmas tunes and classical works to film scores and jazz standards.
Gardner-Webb Participates in Duke Energy Program to Install Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station in University Commons

Office of University Communications

In the next two years, CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/19/evcharging- industry-improvements.html) reports that automakers expect to spend billions of dollars to bring more Electric Vehicles (EV) to market. In response to the increased production and the state of North Carolina’s goals for a cleaner environment, Duke Energy introduced the Park & Plug program. Through this Duke initiative, Gardner-Webb University has opened an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at University Commons with three separate dispensers. Additionally, another EV charging station with two dispensers will open soon near the Brinkley Amphitheater
Joyful Hands Ministry Team from Gardner-Webb Presents American Sign Language (ASL) Worship Night on Nov. 9 at Crestview Baptist Church

Office of University Communications

The Joyful Hands Ministry Team of Gardner-Webb University invites everyone—Deaf, hard of hearing or hearing—to its American Sign Language (ASL) Worship Night on Thursday, Nov. 9. The event will be held at Crestview Baptist Church, 1090 Old Boiling Springs Road, Shelby, N.C.
Gardner-Webb Breaks Ground on New Soccer Field House

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University recently broke ground on a new Soccer Field House that will provide locker rooms, team meeting space, coaches’ offices and an athletic training space for the men’s and women’s soccer programs. This new facility was funded by generous donations from GWU supporters.
Ricky Skaggs Opens Gardner-Webb’s Brinkley Amphitheater to a Sold-Out Crowd

Office of University Communications

A spectacular autumn sunset provided the perfect backdrop as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder officially opened the Brinkley Amphitheater at Gardner-Webb University on Saturday, Oct. 28. An enthusiastic sold-out crowd welcomed the 15-time Grammy winner along with Gardner-Webb student Lindy Bryson and country artist Will Jones.
Gardner-Webb Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Class and Special Recognitions

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has announced the 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame class.

Jesse James (1985-87) will be the newest induction into the Hall of Fame, while Joan Cline Backhaus (1957-59) will be posthumously recognized for her induction at last year’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Long time Sports Information Director Marc Rabb will also be recognized.
Gardner-Webb Celebrates First-Generation College Students on Nov. 7

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is highlighting and celebrating first-generation college students on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Tucker Student Center. A first generation student is any student whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of other family members’ level of education. According to the Center for First- Generation Student Success (https://firstgen.naspa.org/), over half of college students in the United States are considered first-generation.
Gardner-Webb Team Serves Children with Critical Illnesses and Their Families

Office of University Communications

A team of 14 from Gardner-Webb University spent their fall break scooping ice cream, serving food, and giving hugs and high fives at Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) in Orlando, Fla. This 84-acre, non-profit resort serves children with a critical illness and their families. Everything is free—accommodations in fully-furnished villas, transportation, tickets to theme parks, meals, daily entertainment, and much more.
Gardner-Webb’s Physician Assistant Class of 2023 Achieves 94% Pass Rate on National Certifying Exam

Office of University Communications

Faculty and staff of the Gardner-Webb Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies are celebrating graduates’ recent scores on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The PA Class of 2023 achieved a 94% pass rate on the multiple-choice exam that assesses professionalism, and basic medical and surgical knowledge.