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 Psychology Professor Offers Information on Holiday Stress & Anxiety

Office of University Communications

Getting stuck in traffic, helping little kids get ready for school, or managing family conflicts are daily tasks that can sometimes cause even the toughest of people to feel stressed out—particularly during the holiday season when demands on time or finances increase. Dr. Sharon Webb, assistant professor of psychology and counseling at Gardner-Webb University, says there are many psychological and physiological symptoms that people experience when they go through something they perceive as stressful. “Perception is probably the key word, because often stress is experienced through many different kinds of events we encounter,” Webb stated.

WGWG: Dealing with stress and anxiety
GWU Business Professor Remembered for His ‘Exuberant Personality’

Office of University Communications

Members of the Gardner-Webb University community are mourning the loss of Dr. Tom Meaders, Professor of Management Information Systems and Operations. Remembered by his colleagues for his enthusiasm and dedication to the University, Meaders passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at his home in Cary, N.C. “Tom Meaders was a bright spot on the faculty of the Godbold School of Business,” affirmed Dr. Van Graham, Associate Dean of the Godbold School of Business.
GWU Exercise Science Classes Prepare Student for Future in Medicine

Office of University Communications

London Schumacher (’18) admits she’s somewhat nerdy when it comes to studying anatomy and physiology. The Waynesville, N.C., native is majoring in exercise science to prepare for Physician Assistant (PA) school. One of her favorite classes has been Motor Behavior taught by Dr. Jeff Hartman, associate professor of exercise science at Gardner-Webb University.
Class Size in GWU Physician Assistant Studies Program Enhances Student Learning

Office of University Communications

Lauren Embry (’18) of Rock Hill, S.C., came to the Physician Assistant Studies program at Gardner-Webb University after graduating with her bachelor’s degree from a large university, where she felt like a face in the crowd. “I have truly valued the class size at GWU and the availability to get to know my teachers,” she reflected. “Having smaller classes allows the teachers to know your name and also different aspects about your life that don’t happen at larger universities. I have truly valued the friendships that I have made with both classmates and teachers.”
Gardner-Webb University Fall Commencement Set for Dec. 19

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will award nearly 240 degrees during the 2016 Fall Commencement exercises on Monday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena of the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, located on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. Many students who have earned degrees will don their caps and gowns to celebrate their hard work. The ceremony will honor students who have successfully completed undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate programs.
GWU Study Abroad Programs Provide ‘Experiences You Can’t Obtain in the Classroom’

Office of University Communications

Luke Powell (’18) studied German for three semesters at Gardner-Webb University before testing his communication skills during a spring break study abroad trip to Germany. “Being dropped in the country and forced to speak the language was beyond beneficial—these are experiences that you can’t obtain in the classroom,” Powell (’18) reflected. “The best part was seeing so much history, being in the heart of where the Cold War took place, Berlin, and seeing castles, palaces, museums and remnants of the wall. A close second was knowing that I was across the ocean from my home, where I had never left before, and was able to communicate.”
Student Finds Faculty in GWU Physician Assistant Studies Program Care About His Success

Office of University Communications

When Conrad Gorman (’18) of Mount Pleasant, S.C., came to Gardner-Webb to interview for the Physician Assistant Studies program, he realized the University would offer him the best preparation for his career. “The professors in the PA program are very passionate, and I could see how much they really wanted their students to succeed,” he reflected. “Then, when I considered that the class size was only 30 people, so I wouldn’t get lost in a crowd, I knew Gardner-Webb was the right fit, and I was fortunate to be offered a seat in the program.”
Student in GWU Physician Assistant Studies Program Appreciates Commitment of Professors

Office of University Communications

After months of studying anatomy, physiology and other healthcare topics in the Physician Assistant Studies program at Gardner-Webb University, Elizabeth Hawes (’18) of Valdese, N.C., welcomed the chance to apply her knowledge. The opportunity came in her Operating Room and Minor Surgery class. “In the midst of a rigorous summer semester, this class taught us to suture, scrub in and perform a number of small procedures,” she reflected.
Gardner-Webb University Dean Emerita of Libraries Passes Away

Office of University Communications

Members of the Gardner-Webb community are mourning the death of the University’s former public services librarian, director of the Dover Memorial Library, and dean of libraries. Valerie M. Parry, 70, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 2, 2016. Dr. Tracy Jessup, vice president for the Office of Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University, praised Parry’s commitment to GWU and her love for people.
GWU Students Achieve Recognition at Regional Model United Nations Event

Office of University Communications

Three students from Gardner-Webb University were recognized for their contributions during the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) Atlanta conference held in November. Universities from across the Eastern, Southern and Mid-west regions of the United States participated, representing 79 countries at the event. Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or other multilateral body, which introduces students to the world of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making.
Gardner-Webb Students Practice Job Interview Skills During Networking Event

Office of University Communications

Nervous chatter filled the room while students at Gardner-Webb University waited to present their speeches to business leaders from the community. The networking opportunity, arranged by GWU Assistant Professor of Business Sheldon Gathers, gives students in his Principles of Management classes practice for a job interview. Gathers collaborated with Lisa Yerrick, director of the GWU Office of Career Development, to offer the event and include assignments in his class that help students with their job search.
Gardner-Webb University’s Online Offerings Earn Top Ranking in U.S.

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is being recognized for exceptional web-based learning opportunities and was recently honored as a 2016-2017 Best Online College by AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org for offering the best combinations of online program volume, breadth, and affordability available in today’s marketplace. Gardner-Webb ranked 35th out of the top 50 institutions of higher education in the nation, ahead of notable programs such as Auburn University, Villanova University, and New York University, among others. “We are delighted to see this ranking for GWU’s online programs by AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org,” said Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU Provost and Executive Vice President.
GWU Chorale Sponsors Concert to Benefit Community Food Ministry

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Chorale, under the director of GWU Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Morgan Soja, is hosting a concert Dec. 4 to benefit the food ministry of the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association in Shelby, N.C. The event will be at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 120 N. Lafayette St., Shelby. Donations of canned goods, toiletries, non-perishable food items and clothing will be accepted.
GWU Students Serve Big, Hectic City Through Small, Simple Acts

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

While handing out lemonade and preparing meals, students from Gardner-Webb University learned about serving others during a recent visit to the city of Boston. Not just a mission trip, the students’ time was divided between serving, sightseeing, and studying how big cities operate. Students participating were Kelsey Carithers of Gastonia, N.C., David Cole of Clover, S.C., Jeff Day of Lancaster, Pa., Hailey Dollard of Lebanon, Tenn., Brooke Hill of Flat Rock, N.C., Miranda Morris of Hudson, N.C., Luke Powell of Boiling Springs, Aubrey Winum of Stanley, Va., and Jared McMurry of Darlington, Ind.
GWU Alumna’s Quest for Olympics Began with Class Project

Office of University Communications

As an undergraduate and graduate student at Gardner-Webb University, Kristen Hurley (’14) — a new member of the U.S. National Bobsled Team — thrived on accepting academic and athletic challenges. Her determination paid off on the track and field team, where she was a seven-time all-conference performer, and in a class taught by Dr. Ken Baker, chair of the GWU Department of Health, Sport and Physical Education. She convinced Baker to let her do a research project on the selection process for the U.S. National Bobsled Team.
Gardner-Webb Begins New Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will offer a new undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice Administration, beginning in fall 2017. The Bachelor of Science program will incorporate the University’s liberal arts interdisciplinary education with knowledge in social, political, domestic and global criminal justice issues. Dr. Bobbie Cox, associate professor of criminal justice, devised the curriculum from her 30 years of experience in the criminal justice field and 25 years of teaching experience.
Gardner-Webb University Students Join Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted more than 25 new members into the Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society on Nov. 13. In a ceremony in GWU’s Tucker Student Center, 29 students and three honorary inductees joined the society as representatives of the University’s Degree Completion Program (DCP). oining Alpha Sigma Lambda as honorary members were Dr. Jeff Rogers, Associate Provost for Digital Learning; Dr. Candice Rome, DCP Director of RN to BSN Program and Assistant Professor of Nursing; and Dr. Dianne Sykes, DCP Program Coordinator for Social Sciences and Associate Professor of Sociology.
GWU’s Annual Festival of Lights Returns Dec. 1

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s annual Festival of Lights marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many families, shares Dr. Paul Etter, professor and chair of the music department. “It has become one of our most well-attended concerts,” Etter adds. “We enjoy doing this event, and people enjoy coming.”
Gardner-Webb Students Join Alpha Chi Honor Society

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University inducted 33 members into Alpha Chi, a national collegiate honor society, in a ceremony held Nov. 13 in Blanton Auditorium on the GWU campus. Alpha Chi promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction. Membership is open to students with junior and senior classification who demonstrate strong character and whose GPA ranks them in the top 10 percent of their academic classes.
Gardner-Webb University Joined by Crest High School for Orchestra Concert

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

The Gardner-Webb University and Shelby (N.C.) Community orchestra will be joined by the Crest High School Chamber Orchestra for a concert on Monday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. in Dover Theatre, located adjacent to the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) on GWU’s Main campus. The concert is free and open to the public. Conducted by Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music and director of orchestral activities, the concert will feature classical works by Shostakovich, Elgar and Rimsky-Korsakov, followed by “Assault on the Death Star” from “Star Wars,” written by Christian Jessup, a music composition and communication studies double major at GWU.
Gardner-Webb University Symphonic Band Set For Unique Concert

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

The Gardner-Webb Symphonic Band, an ensemble featuring music and non-music majors, will present a concert Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will be held in Dover Theatre, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on the GWU campus. Dr. Mark Cole, assistant professor of music education and director of marching band, directs the symphonic band.
Art Sale set for Beginning of December

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

Unique works by art students and GWU professors will be available at the annual Gardner-Webb Christmas Art Sale. Common items consist of mainly pottery, such as cups and bowls, but crafts, prints, and paintings are also available. The sale will be Dec. 1–3 in Faith Hall inside Tucker Student Center, located on Gardner-Webb’s main campus.
GWU Team Joins Mission to ‘Reach, Rescue and Restore’

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

Instead of taking time off to relax and rest, a team of 17 eager students and faculty from Gardner-Webb University spent their fall break in Atlanta, Ga., to pursue mission work. They partnered with various ministries of the Atlanta Dream Center, an organization whose mission is to “reach, rescue and restore men, women, and children so that the glory of God may be known.” Emily Hamilton (’18) of Everson, Wash., a psychology and Spanish major who participated in the trip, enjoyed her time in Atlanta and learned a lot from this experience.
Gardner-Webb University Community Delivers Food to Hungry Children

Office of University Communications and Bryton Mitchell

For Lou Ann Scates, taking care of hungry children in the surrounding area is extremely important and always has been. “When my son was growing up and going to school, I saw kids in his class that I knew were going to bed hungry,” recalled Scates, Gardner-Webb registrar. “I could not imagine a little kid not having enough to eat.”
GWU Hunt School of Nursing Celebrates Contributions of Nurse Practitioners

Office of University Communications

In recognition of the 51st 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. 13-19. The first nurse practitioner program was established at the University of Colorado (Boulder, Colo.), and now there are over 222,000 NPs licensed to practice in the U.S., with an additional 20,000 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.

WGWG: National Nurse Practitioners Week, Nov. 13-19