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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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HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County Establishes Endowed Scholarship for Physician Assistant Studies at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The HealthCare Foundation of Cleveland County, its board of directors and Executive Director/CEO Dick Baker announced today (Jan. 18) the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. The fund will support students in the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. Preference will be given to PA students who are residents of Cleveland County, N.C., and/or who are committed to practicing in Cleveland County.
Gardner-Webb Psychology Degree Leads to Success

Office of University Communications

Natalie Bada graduated in May 2023 from Gardner-Webb University—after 13 years and two distressing life events—to earn a bachelor’s in psychology. Although difficult and painful, her experiences led to new opportunities and a fulfilling job working with children and their families.
Gardner-Webb Student is Youth Volunteer of the Year

Office of University Communications and Ashley Rich

Prompted by John Miller, an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University, Ashley Wilson, ’25, found a new passion. Miller talked to his class about volunteering at HOPEworks, a free after-school program for middle- and high-school students in Rutherford County, N.C. Wilson had time in her schedule, so she decided to give it a try.
Erik Solberg Named Gardner-Webb’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs has named Erik Solberg the next head coach of the GWU women’s soccer program, the Department of Athletics announced on Friday, Jan. 12. Solberg joins GWU after four seasons as the head coach at the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff" (UAPB).
Lily Streeton of High Point, N.C., Receives Gardner- Webb’s Prestigious Tucker Scholarship

Office of University Communications

Lily Streeton, of High Point, N.C., is the 2024 recipient of Gardner-Webb University’s highest honor for incoming undergraduate students, the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength Scholarship. She is the fifth student in the history of the scholarship to be recognized with this honor. Established in 2019 by Carolyn and Robert Tucker, the award includes full-tuition, room and board for eight semesters.
Gardner-Webb Office of Diversity and Inclusion to Host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University O!ice of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a weeklong celebration, Jan. 11-18, 2024, to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events will recognize the immense significance of King in the nation’s history and serve as a time to reflect on his tireless e!orts to promote justice and equality.
Gardner-Webb Recognized 2023 Summer and Fall Graduates on Dec. 15

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University celebrated the achievements of nearly 500 graduates on Dec. 15. The commencement ceremony was held at 9 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Graduates who completed their degrees in the 2023 Summer and Fall semesters were honored. Scholastic awards were presented to online and traditional undergraduate students. Doctoral candidates received their hoods, and Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs conferred undergraduate and graduate degrees on all graduates.
Gardner-Webb University Welcomes New Head Football Coach Cris Reisert

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University welcomed new Head Football Coach Cris Reisert on Thursday, Dec. 14. Students, student-athletes, faculty and sta! were joined by alumni, the community and media for the event held in the GW Football Center at Spangler Stadium.
Gardner-Webb Campus Community Remembers Life of Dr. Dianne Sykes

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University campus community is remembering a friend, colleague and professor. Dr. Dianne Sykes, associate professor of sociology, passed away on Dec. 11, 2023.
Gardner-Webb University Names Cris Reisert Head Football Coach

Office of University Communications

University President Dr. William M. Downs has named Cris Reisert as Gardner-Webb’s next head football coach. An introductory news conference is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14 (https://calendar.gardner-webb.edu/event/reisert), at 11 a.m. in the Gardner- Webb Football Center at Spangler Stadium.
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.