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 Alumna Honored by N.C. Governor for Volunteer Efforts After 2016 Hurricane

Office of University Communications

Dr. Michelle Taylor Skipper, an alumna of Gardner-Webb University, is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service, the highest honor a state employee may receive. She was recognized for helping with relief efforts in St. Pauls, N.C., after flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Her efforts extended to her neighbors and others who were stranded in town when major roads became impassable.
Students at Gardner-Webb Take on Month-Long Writing Challenge

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

November is one of the busiest months for Gardner-Webb University students, filled with papers, projects, and deadlines. Some students added to their full schedule this year by participating in National Novel Writing Month. “NaNoWriMo,” as it is called, is an annual event that challenges people to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.
GWU School of Divinity Prepared Alumna for Vocational Ministry

Office of University Communications

Sensing that God was writing a new chapter in her life and ministry, Rebecca Horner Shenton, a 2000 alumna, enrolled in the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University. She visited GWU once and knew it was the place she was supposed to be. “I felt that God was calling me to prepare for ongoing vocational ministry, even though I wasn’t exactly certain what it would look like,” revealed Shenton, now an adjunct professor at GWU. “My return to teach in the School of Divinity is a strong endorsement of how much I believe in the program, its faculty, and its students.”
Gardner-Webb Professor Gave Alumna Confidence to Pursue Doctoral Studies in English

Office of University Communications

Katie Garahan ’09 of Rock Hill, S.C., came to Gardner-Webb University to play Division I golf. She was impressed with Coach Tee Burton and also liked the school’s location and size. As she began her studies, she appreciated the professors’ genuine concern for students.
Research Experience at GWU Helps Alumna Gain Position in Grad School Program

Office of University Communications

As an undergraduate student at Gardner-Webb University, Amy Schmitt Boyer ’15 studied six-lined racerunner lizards at the Broad River. Although the research tested her patience, the experience helped her secure a position in the graduate program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. “I learned that experimental design and methods are crucial in performing a surveying experiment,” reflected Boyer, a native of Waxhaw, N.C. “It also taught me the best way to present my research to the public.”
Dimensions Program Focuses on Advent

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Leo Sayles, head women’s volleyball coach at Gardner-Webb University, will be speaking at Dimensions on Tuesday, Dec. 5. This event will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on GWU’s main campus. The free program is open to the public.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Helps Students Reach Their Goals

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

Haley Spurlin (‘17), a Gardner-Webb University alumna from Ennice, N.C., has taken the professional skills she developed as an undergraduate student all the way to Troy, Montana. Haley is five months into her National Service Year with AmeriCorps VISTA, working through Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) at Troy High School. Her job includes a variety of important responsibilities including counseling students on their post-secondary plans, strengthening community outreach efforts, and helping to create more internship opportunities for students.
Gardner-Webb to Offer Biomedical Sciences Concentration for Biology Majors

Office of University Communications

Students who are planning a career in a medical-related or research field have a new undergraduate option available at Gardner-Webb University. Beginning in fall 2018, the Department of Natural Sciences will offer a biomedical sciences concentration within the biology major. “These courses encompass the prerequisites for pharmacy school, medical school and dental school, while still providing a balanced education,” noted Dr. Meredith Rowe, assistant professor of biology.
Gardner-Webb University Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted more than 20 new members into the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society on Nov. 12. In a ceremony in GWU’s Tucker Student Center, 22 students and two honorary inductees joined the society as representatives of the University’s Degree Completion Program (DCP). Joining Alpha Sigma Lambda as honorary members were Dr. Sophia Steibel, vice chair of DCP Council and professor of Christian education and Jay Zimmer, chair of DCP Council and instructor of biology.
Gardner-Webb Welcomes Community to Annual Festival of Lights

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, will be returning to campus on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Activities begin in Dover Theatre, located next to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) on the main campus. “This is more than just the concert,” shared Dr. Paul Etter, chair of the Music Department and professor of music in the School of Performing and Visual Arts.
Grammy Award-Winning Violinist Mark O’Connor to Perform at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor will be the featured soloist in a concert on Monday, Dec. 4, with the GWU Orchestra and the Crest High School Orchestra of Shelby, N.C. O’Connor’s wife, Maggie, and other guests are also on the program, which will be held at 8 p.m. in Dover Theatre. “Mark O’Connor is a world-famous violinist who plays bluegrass, jazz, blues, and Americana,” shared Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music and director of Orchestral Activities.
GWU Dimensions Program will feature Pastor from Shelby, N.C.

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Skip Allen, teaching pastor at Hope Community Church in Shelby, N.C. will be speaking at Gardner-Webb’s Dimensions program on Tuesday, Nov. 28. 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. Allen was born and raised in Shelby and received his degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Non-Profit Leader Applies Principles From GWU Classes to Expand Services to Children

Office of University Communications

When William S. “Jack” Weller retired in 2009, he was free to spend more time working at his volunteer job. Since 2001, Weller has served as president of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland County, N.C. He believes in the mission of the club, which is to enable young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
GWU Students Connect with Puerto Rican Couple Affected by Hurricane

Office of University Communications

Students in a Gardner-Webb University social sciences course on “The Community” are taking their studies beyond the classroom. Taught by GWU Associate Professor Dr. Dianne Sykes, the class is raising money for a Puerto Rican couple who were affected by Hurricane Maria in September. “They are the grandparents of Marcesa Harper, a 2011 GWU alumna,” Sykes noted. “César and Maria Acosta need a generator and a solar panel or two. They have health concerns and live on a fixed income. We hope that what we can gather will be a blessing to this couple.”
Mission Experience Gives GWU Nursing Student a Look into Her Future

Office of University Communications

As a 15-year-old, Hope Still sensed God was calling her into medical missions. Her first step toward answering the call was choosing to major in nursing at Gardner-Webb University. A recent opportunity to spend three weeks at a mission hospital in South Asia helped to provide even more clarity for the junior from Harrisburg, N.C.
Gardner-Webb’s Thanksgiving Service will be Held at Nov. 21 Dimensions

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Thanksgiving Service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21, during the Dimensions program. Sarah Currie, vice president of Student Development and dean of students, will be speaking. This free event is open to the public and will be held at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center on the main campus.
GWU Department of Theatre Arts Presents Second Play of the Season

Office of University Communications

The second play of the season for the Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts is the dark domestic comedy by Yasmina Reza, “God of Carnage.” Performances will be Nov. 16-19 in the Millennium Playhouse, located behind the Communications Studies Hall, 141 S. Main St., Boiling Springs. The Tony Award-winning play is a story about two couples whose boys had a playground altercation.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Annual Christmas Art Sale

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

Gardner-Webb University’s annual Christmas Art Sale will take place on Nov. 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center. The sale features original pieces by Gardner-Webb students, alumni, faculty, and community members. A variety of items will be available for purchase including pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, fiber arts, and wood crafts, all of which make perfect gifts for the holiday season.
Gardner-Webb Students Compete in WorldQuest

Office of University Communications

A team of students from Gardner-Webb University recently tested their knowledge of world facts by competing in WorldQuest in Charlotte, N.C. The group of political science, global studies, history and biology majors were accompanied by Dr. Casey Delehanty, assistant professor of Global Studies. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, the event included approximately 600 students and community members from all around the greater Charlotte area.
GWU Grad Student Develops Plan to Help her Husband Expand His Business

Office of University Communications

Joy Greene ’18 entered the Godbold School of Business at Gardner-Webb University because she wanted a career change. She hadn’t expected one of her classes to also benefit her husband’s business. The assignment in Dr. Felice Policastro’s Entrepreneurial Management class was to develop a business plan.
Big Service in the Big Apple

Office of University Communications

A group of 16 students from Gardner-Webb University traveled to New York City on their fall break for a trip that combined sightseeing and service. Led by staff members from the GWU Division of Student Development, the team visited landmarks and volunteered in the Big Apple. “The students were able to see different ways in which they can serve,” reflected Brian Arnold, director of Student Activities, Campus Recreation and New Student Orientation. “We were able to take time to put the needs of others before ourselves.”
GWU Alumnus Serves Fresh and Local Dishes as an Executive Chef

Office of University Communications

As executive chef at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton, N.C., Gardner-Webb University alumni Jon Kirby prepares fresh, local food and exciting recipes for the residents. Kirby was hired at Grace Ridge four years ago as a sous chef and was promoted to executive chef last fall. This rewarding job gives him the chance to provide healthy meals while getting to know the residents’ tastes.
GWU Students Offer Physical and Emotional Support to Hurricane Irma Victims

Office of University Communications and Mallory Moore

During fall break, a team of seven Gardner-Webb University students traveled to Clay County in the Greater Jacksonville, Fla., area to help residents whose homes were damaged during Hurricane Irma. Dr. Tracy Jessup, vice president of the Office Christian Life and Services, served as the team’s leader. Partnering with Island View Baptist Church in Orange Park, they worked to remove mud, debris, and damaged furniture from flooded homes.
Growing North Carolina Company Employs Five Gardner-Webb Alumni

Office of University Communications

A business with five locations in the Piedmont region of North Carolina has several connections to Gardner-Webb University. Organized in 2010 by GWU Trustee Frank Stewart and his wife, Michele, UltraForce Staffing Services employs 20 people and five are Gardner-Webb graduates. These alumni value their GWU education and seek to serve individuals and employers in the community.
GWU Hunt School of Nursing Celebrates Contributions of Nurse Practitioners This Month

Office of University Communications

In recognition of the 52nd anniversary of the inaugural Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is honoring these health care providers during National Nurse Practitioners Week, Nov. 12-18. The first nurse practitioner program was established at the University of Colorado (Boulder, Colo.), and now there are nearly 235,000 NPs licensed to practice in the U.S., with an additional 23,000 graduating each year. In 2013, Gardner-Webb University established the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program track as part of the Hunt School of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing.