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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

GWU Alumna Works for Organization That Helps Survivors of Human Trafficking

Office of University Communications

In her psychology classes, Kailey Ellis ’13 enjoyed learning about people and their behaviors, information that is relevant to her career. But the most life-changing lesson she received at Gardner-Webb University came from a music professor. Ellis majored in psychology and decided to minor in music and religion because she enjoyed the core classes.
GWU Psychology Alum Studies Connections Between Faith and Psychology

Office of University Communications

As a student at Gardner-Webb University, Juliette Ratchford (’16) explored various topics that developed her critical-thinking skills and prepared her for the next step in her educational journey. Originally from Demorest, Ga., Ratchford is pursuing a doctorate in psychological sciences at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. “My experience at GWU has allowed me to understand and practice the integration of psychology and faith here at Fuller,” Ratchford stated.
A President’s Response to the Changing Organizational Landscape at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Recently, Gardner-Webb University began offering a voluntary work force reduction program which provides employees the opportunity to leave the University voluntarily and with a severance package. Given the obvious sensitivity of this announcement, I am writing to explain the context for this action. Contrary to what some might normally assume, this is actually being undertaken from a position of strength.
Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference Planned at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host the Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference, an annual showcase of students’ undergraduate and graduate research on Saturday, March 25, in Tucker Student Center. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the conference, which was established in 1997 by Dr. Les Brown, GWU Professor Emeritus in Biology. “The Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference (LOTS-MC) is often a student’s first exposure to the kind of professional presentations they may be required to prepare and deliver in their future careers,” said Dr. June Hobbs, a LOTS-MC steering committee member and director of GWU Undergraduate Research.
Gardner-Webb Offers New Degree Programs in Graphic Design

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has finalized plans to offer new degree programs in the Department of Communication & New Media. Beginning in fall 2017, students can choose either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in graphic design. “Adding the associate’s degree is an innovative approach,” offered Dr. Bob Carey, Chair of the Department of Communication & New Media.
GWU Alumna Serves as Sign Language Interpreter While Researching Bilingual Education

Office of University Communications

Jessica Carter ’13 had a comfortable corporate job for six years that she left to fulfill a dream to be a first generation college graduate and study American Sign Language. She was content in her job until she met a group of deaf people and remembered the joy she had as a child learning sign language to communicate with deaf children in her school. As she spent more time with them, she realized she needed to follow her dreams.
Research Experiences at GWU Helped Alum Jumpstart Career as Biologist

Office of University Communications

Before graduating from Gardner-Webb University, Benjamin Humphrey ’15 was hired on the spot during an interview with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). After starting the job, he asked his supervisor why she knew he was the right choice. “Her response was, ‘When I asked you about the research you conducted, you were able to clearly explain it on the spot without hesitation. You sounded excited to talk about it,’” Humphrey recalled.
Gardner-Webb Announces Strategic Realignment Plan

Office of University Communications

Current trends in American business are clear. Operational efficiency and cost containment are frequently in the headlines and discussed on social networks. The business of higher education is no different. Affordability is also a major issue, and every institution must address this.
Experiences at Gardner-Webb Gave Alumnus Confidence in Corporate World

Office of University Communications

In the last 10 years, Larry Durham Jr. ’99, ’01 and his family have moved three times. Besides packing and unpacking moving boxes, Durham has adapted to three jobs and his wife and four children to new towns and experiences. The Gardner-Webb University graduate accepted each challenge with confidence and enthusiasm.
Gardner-Webb Professors Helped Alumna Prepare for Life of Ministry

Office of University Communications

Courtney Finocchiaro Stamey ’12 of Greensboro, N.C., is a bi-vocational pastoral resident who ministers in traditional, as well as unique settings. She divides her time between serving members of her congregation and working on a farm alongside of people with special needs. “My position has me with my feet in two places,” offered Stamey, an alumna of Gardner-Webb University.
GWU Nurse Practitioner Students Join Mission Trip to Dominican Republic

Office of University Communications

Five representatives from the Hunt School of Nursing at Gardner-Webb University recently spent a week providing medical care to people in the Dominican Republic. The short-term experience touched their hearts in lasting ways. “I know my life was changed, and I plan to make this a regular part of my life,” shared Dr. Sharon Starr, nursing school dean.
Veteran Pastor Enriched his Ministry with Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The Rev. James Louis Smith ’03 of Shelby, N.C., was a 20-year veteran of pastoral ministry when he decided to enroll at Gardner-Webb University. “The School of Divinity was a wonderful blessing in helping me to maximize my potential as a pastor,” Smith reflected. “While I was already gaining a lot from the practical side of ministry, I gained so much more in theory as a student. I really treasured my trips to the Holy Land, Greece, and Egypt.”
High School Senior Receives Gardner-Webb University’s Top Scholarship

Office of University Communications

A Clayton, N.C., high school student has been awarded a four-year, comprehensive scholarship to attend Gardner-Webb University, a Division I liberal arts Christian institution located in the foothills of the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. 18-year-old Michael “Mike” McCray, son of Michael and Marci McCray of Clayton, N.C., learned of the Ignite Excellence Comprehensive Scholarship award during a surprise ceremony at the school on March 2. Previously, he and more than 200 other students traveled to Gardner-Webb to interview for a chance to receive a tuition, room and board scholarship or one of four full-tuition scholarships.
Longtime GWU Staffer to Retire After Notching More Than 40 Years of Service

Office of University Communications

When she walks away from her desk after more than 40 years of service at Gardner-Webb University, there is one thing that Vickie Webb Morrison promises she will not miss. Not one little bit. “Technology!” Morrison resolutely declares, quickly adding that when she retires from GWU later this month, she will miss the staff she works with, the friendships she has made, and the work itself.
Research Opportunities Prepared GWU Alumna for Job in Microbiology

Office of University Communications

“Ever since I can remember, science has been my calling,” asserted Keely Ford ’14 of Morganton, N.C., who came to Gardner-Webb University to develop her skills in scientific research. “I primarily focused on wild life biology and ecology,” she added. “The ocean was my second home. From around 10 years old, I have been studying and learning more and more about marine life.”
Columbia University’s Teachers College Plans Training at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Columbia University (New York, N.Y.) has once again joined forces with Gardner-Webb University to present leadership training to K12 educators throughout the state of North Carolina at GWU on March 16. The Urban Education Leaders Collaborative (UELC) at Columbia University Teachers College has delivered its “Teacher Leadership Institute” training around the country in multiple urban settings, including Los Angeles, Calif. “Gardner-Webb was invited to partner with Columbia University to present a training in the Charlotte area last fall,” shared Dr. Doug Eury, dean of the GWU School of Education.
Gardner-Webb Gallery Features Work of Stacy Pearsall

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

The works of two-time Military Photographer of the Year Stacy Pearsall are on display at Gardner-Webb University through March 24 in Tucker Gallery inside Tucker Student Center on the main campus. Pearsall is a decorated veteran who served in the Air Force as a combat photographer. She holds an honorary doctorate from The Citadel, where she has been on the advisory board of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences since 2009.
Gardner-Webb Students Compete in Annual Ethics Bowl

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

Four students from Gardner-Webb University competed in the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ (NCICU) Ethics Bowl on Feb. 17 and 18. The event was held in the N.C. Legislative Complex in Raleigh and included teams from 22 private schools. The GWU team consisted of junior Harley Burgess of Forest City, N.C., freshman Cassie Craig and senior Will Haas of Lenoir, N.C., and freshman Austin Lunde of Cartersville, Ga.
GWU Professor Tim Hudson Performs with Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

Office of University Communications

Tim Hudson, Assistant Professor of Music at Gardner-Webb University, plays an average of 250 performances each year. He shares the stage with artists like Tony Bennett and Josh Groban and tours with The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, appearing March 21 at 8 p.m. at Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby, N.C. The concert is part of the GWU Distinguished Artist Series.
Gardner-Webb University to Host Community Health Fair

Office of University Communications

Dozens of local healthcare providers and organizations will be on hand to promote healthy living at the annual Community Health Fair, scheduled for Thursday, March 9 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center at Gardner-Webb University. The event is free and open to the public. Every year, the fair enables students and members of the community to build relationships with local health agencies, promoting awareness about the latest health-related trends and offering the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue healthy lifestyles.
Business Management Principles Help Lance Olive (’13) Lead his Town

Office of University Communications

When Lance Olive (’13) decided to run for mayor of his hometown, Apex, N.C., he promised to be a leader that people could trust. Since his election in 2015, he has worked to provide vision and direction for the city council and represent the interests of residents. “I want to be an example of an elected official with strong ethics, deep knowledge and solid leadership,” he reflected.
GWU Alumna Appreciates Professors Who Helped her Succeed in Graduate School

Office of University Communications

Bonnie Baczewski ’13 suffered four injuries as a young athlete and spent a lot of time in rehab and physical therapy. “I was impressed with the physical therapists and their knowledge of the human body and rehabilitation and found the rehab process interesting,” Baczewski reflected. “I decided to do a short internship at the clinic and take a few anatomy classes before going to college, and this just further solidified my passion for physical therapy.”
Actor Will Portray C.S. Lewis as Part of Gardner-Webb Distinguished Artist Series

Office of University Communications and Katie Furr

An off-Broadway actor will give two faith-based performances at Gardner-Webb University on Monday, Feb. 27, and Tuesday, Feb. 28. Tom Key, artistic director of Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, will speak at Dimensions and also give a performance as part of the University’s Distinguished Artist Series. Key will present his portrayal of author C.S. Lewis Monday at 8 p.m. in the Millennium Playhouse, located behind the Communications Studies Hall on Main Street in Boiling Springs. “We invited him because he is a Christian artist who can do a faith-themed live performance and also do masterclasses in performance with our students,” shared Dr. Christopher Nelson, assistant professor of theatre and department chair.
Gardner-Webb Student Publishes First Novel

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University senior Jen Guberman has released her debut novel, Eos. It is available for purchase online through Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Eos is a dystopian story set in a future where criminals are exiled to towns designated for different types of crime.
Gardner-Webb University Announces New Vice President for Enrollment Management

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb have announced the selection of a new member of senior staff to lead the University’s traditional undergraduate admissions operations. On Feb. 23, President Dr. Frank Bonner revealed that Kristen J. Setzer will serve the University as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management and will direct the offices of Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, and Retention. Most recently, Setzer served as vice president for Higher Education Consulting at Clark Communications in Asheville, N.C.