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 to Host Fourth Annual Relay for Life

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Gardner-Webb University will be hosting its fourth annual Relay for Life Event on Feb. 17. The student-led fundraiser will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on GWU’s main campus. It is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to participate. Relay for Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society, and past Relays at GWU have raised up to $19,000.
Gardner-Webb Student Club Fights Human Trafficking Through Annual Awareness Week

Office of University Communications

An estimated 5.5 million children have been abducted, sold, or forced into slavery and around 21 million people worldwide are considered victims of modern-day slavery. In an effort to bring awareness to the global tragedy of human trafficking and empower members of the community to stand against it, the Gardner-Webb University club “Release the Captives” will host its annual Human Trafficking Awareness Week Feb. 20-25, featuring a range of events highlighting the issue. Planned by students under the guidance of club advisor Dr. Joseph Moore, GWU Assistant Professor of History and Special Assistant to the President for Academic Enhancement, several activities are scheduled to take place throughout the week.
GWU Human Trafficking Awareness Week: Feb. 20-25 Schedule of Events

Office of University Communications

Human Trafficking Awareness Week Schedule of Events
Gardner-Webb Alumnus Dedicated to Keeping Skiers Safe on the Slopes

Office of University Communications

Thousands of skiers travel to the majestic snow-covered mountains in Steamboat Springs, Colo., to experience a memorable day on the slopes. Beginners are focused on staying upright, but the experienced want to feel the rush of gliding down the trail. Charlie Reynolds, a Gardner-Webb University alumnus, is a member of a ski patrol team that keeps them all safe.
Gardner-Webb School of Performing and Visual Arts to Present Musical

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

The Gardner-Webb School of Performing and Visual Arts will present the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” on Feb. 23-26 in Dover Theatre inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on the main campus. The musical is a comedy by writer Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken. It follows a florist shop employee who raises a plant in hopes of winning the girl of his dreams, but his plan backfires when the plant becomes a carnivorous monster.
Gardner-Webb University’s Graduate Nursing Program Ranks Among Best in U.S.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree has been named a top-20 program nationwide by an education information website, yet another distinguished honor for GWU’s lauded nursing program. RNtoBSN.org, an online source for college and career information, honored Gardner-Webb as No. 20 in its “50 Best Online MSN Programs of 2017” list, a resource produced to help current and future nurses make smart choices about advancing their education and careers. The ranking earned GWU a place among schools like Penn State (University Park, Penn.), Gonzaga University (Spokane, Wash.), and The George Washington University (Washington D.C.).
GWU Classes Give Student Confidence to Teach English in Slovakia

Office of University Communications

On a mission trip to the European country of Slovakia, Angela Meade ’18 worked with students who were learning to speak English. At times her questions were met with silence, but Meade was prepared to wait, something she learned as an English as a Second Language (ESL) major at Gardner-Webb University. “I might have even been a little uneasy or uncomfortable if I hadn’t discussed previously in my classes that providing ample wait time for the students to stop and think about my question or how they might complete the task was natural,” Meade asserted.
Gardner-Webb Professor Shares Stage with Top Names in Music Industry

Office of University Communications

An Elvis Presley concert in 1976 introduced the trumpet to Tim Hudson, Gardner-Webb University Assistant Professor of Music. “The King” appeared on stage to a majestic trumpet fanfare. “That was the coolest thing I had ever heard,” Hudson recalled.

WGWG: Interview with Tim Hudson, Performing Artist, Recording Artist and Teacher of Trumpet at GWU
Gardner-Webb to Host Couple Who Understands Forgiveness

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

A couple who understands all too well the meaning of both loss and forgiveness will be speaking at Gardner-Webb University on Feb. 7 for the Dimensions program. This event will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on GWU’s main campus and is free and open to the public. Gentry Eddings, who is a Charlotte-based pastor, and his wife, Hadley, lost their two children in a car accident two years ago.
Gardner-Webb University to Host Military Photographer for Veterans

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb will host two-time Military Photographer of the Year Stacy Pearsall and the “Veterans Portrait Project” at the Charlotte campus on Feb. 27, and at the main campus in Boiling Springs on Feb. 28 as part of the University’s Distinguished Artist Series. The two-day event will kick off Pearsall’s art show in the Tucker Gallery at Gardner-Webb’s main campus. Pearsall, who served in the Air Force as a combat photographer, is a decorated veteran who started the Veterans Portrait Project (VPP) while recovering from wounds she sustained in active duty.

Youtube: What is the Veterans Portrait Project? | USAA
GWU Alum Served his Country While Earning Degree in Physical Education

Office of University Communications

When Ben Johnson ’11 of Boiling Springs, S.C., transferred to Gardner-Webb University in 2008, he was determined to complete his degree and uphold his commitment to serve his country. “I joined the Army after graduating from high school and was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 3/319th AFAR 82nd Airborne Division,” Johnson related. “I decided after three years that I wanted to go back to school, so I joined the North Carolina National Guard, HHC 505th Engineer Combat Battalion.”
GWU Alumna Combined Religious Studies and Chemistry to Prepare for Medical School

Office of University Communications

When she examines a patient to determine a diagnosis, Natalie Pippin Britt ’08 relies on the critical thinking skills she developed as an undergraduate at Gardner-Webb University. The first-year resident in family medicine at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga., began her educational journey as a religious studies major. She had considered vocational ministry, but soon realized her calling was outside the church.
New Position at Gardner-Webb University Focuses on Academic Enhancement

Office of University Communications

President Dr. Frank Bonner has announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph Moore as Special Assistant to the President for Academic Enhancement. This new position recognizes Gardner-Webb University’s commitment to providing students with unique educational experiences. “I believe passionately in the value of special opportunities and academic enhancements for students,” Bonner asserted.
NASA Partner and Leadership Trainer to Speak at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

A leadership trainer who specializes in personal development and empowering individuals will be speaking at Gardner-Webb University on Jan. 31 for the Dimensions program. This event will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on GWU’s main campus and is free and open to the public. Ronnie Doss has organized leadership trainings internationally over the past several years.
GWU Head Basketball Coach to Serve as Guest Sandwich Artist at Local Subway Restaurant

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb head basketball coach Tim Craft will make a special appearance Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Boiling Springs Subway restaurant to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer. Craft will serve as a guest sandwich artist in the Subway location at 117 E. College Ave., in Boiling Springs from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday. Craft will be joined by local cancer survivors and representatives from the American Cancer Society and Subway to raise awareness and support for the fight against cancer.
Gardner-Webb Community Fosters Lasting Friendships, Academic Excellence

Office of University Communications

Chris Farthing ’09 appreciates the professors at Gardner-Webb who prepared him to excel in graduate school and business, but he is even more grateful for the lasting friendships he formed at the University. “Despite time and distance, the best friends I have right now are still the ones I made at Gardner-Webb,” he observed. His decision to attend GWU was based on the students he met while interviewing for a scholarship.
Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Helped Alumna Follow Call to Missions

Office of University Communications

The people of South Sudan flee their war-torn country looking for refuge in Uganda. Mostly women and children, they experience the trauma of losing husbands, fathers, siblings and their own self-worth. Jamie Elizabeth Efird ’16 has worked with mission groups to bring them a message of hope.
GWU Professor Offers Insights on the Unique Relationship Between the President and the Media

Office of University Communications

Whether contentious or complimentary, the relationship between media outlets and the U.S. President is as varied as the individuals involved. Members of the media understand that each inauguration can usher in significant changes related to the frequency of—and access to—presidential press conferences, photo opportunities, speeches, and more. “Throughout time, we have had different changes in technology,” said Dr. Bob Carey, GWU Professor of Communication and chair of the Department of Communication and New Media Studies.

WGWG: The President and the Media: an interview with Dr. Bob Carey
Communication Skills Help GWU Alum Follow Different Career Path

Office of University Communications

When George C. Millar II of Bradenton, Fla., came to Gardner-Webb to play football with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, he had a plan for his future. As he explained to his admissions counselor that he wanted to major in history or political science to prepare for law school, the counselor advised him to consider a different route. “I had a set path of where I wanted to be in five years, and he recommended a pre-professional English focus,” Millar recalled.
Gardner-Webb Education Helps Alum Prepare for Career in Public Service

Office of University Communications

Verhonda Crawford was raised by parents who instilled in her the importance of community service. Her father was a city councilman in Chesnee, S.C., and her mom volunteered for several groups. Before she graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2012, Crawford ran for city council in Chesnee and became one of the youngest-elected government officials in the state of South Carolina.
GWU Hunt School of Nursing Professor Shares Tips for Navigating Cold and Flu Season

Office of University Communications

Cold and flu season has arrived with a vengeance, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga., are reporting widespread outbreaks of influenza in North Carolina. As classes reconvene in countless educational institutions, officials warn that the spread of germs is likely to increase. Dr. Anna Hamrick is a practicing healthcare provider and serves as an assistant professor and is the director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Gardner-Webb.

WGWG: House Calls with Dr. Anna Hamrick: Cold and Flu Season
GWU Names New Vice President for University Advancement

Office of University Communications

President Dr. Frank Bonner has announced the selection of H. Woodrow “Woody” Fish to lead the Gardner-Webb University Office of Advancement. Prior to this appointment, Fish has served as Vice President for External Affairs and Special Assistant to the President. “I am excited about Woody’s new leadership role and believe he will bring enthusiasm and focus to GWU’s fundraising efforts,” Bonner asserted.
Gardner-Webb University Students Head to Washington D.C. for 58th Presidential Inauguration

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will once again send a contingency of students to the U.S. Capitol to participate in the country’s 58th inauguration ceremony, set for Friday, Jan. 20, in Washington D.C. University students have participated in presidential inauguration events for decades, regardless of political affiliation. Nate Allman, David Cole, Eli Hardin, Sydney Hardin, Bailey Hierholzer, A.J. Horner, Luke Kunkel, and Lauren Mahoney will attend inaugural events surrounding the swearing-in process for President-elect Donald Trump.
Art Alumna Chose GWU for Study Abroad Opportunities

Office of University Communications

One reason Haley Doolittle Johnston ’13 chose to attend Gardner-Webb University was for the study abroad programs. Since she was 10 years old, she had told her family she wanted to study in another country. “I only applied to colleges that had study abroad programs,” Johnston explained.
Exercise Science Degree Allows GWU Alum to Pursue Career in NASCAR

Office of University Communications

In 12 seconds, a six-member NASCAR pit crew can empty two 12-gallon gas cans, weighing 81 pounds each, change four tires and make minor adjustments to the car. Matt Skeen, a 2007 graduate of Gardner-Webb University, is one of the trainers who prepares the crew for the physical demands of the job. Skeen majored in health and wellness (now exercise science) and played football at GWU.