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 Partners with Gaston College to Help Students Complete Degrees

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Gaston College (Dallas, N.C.) announced a partnership that will further ease the transfer process for students who complete degrees in certain programs with coursework at both institutions. Officials for both schools signed agreements to create a seamless degree track for accounting, business administration, criminal justice, elementary education, entrepreneurship, human services and nursing students who begin their studies at Gaston College (GC) and finish them in GWU’s Degree Completion Program (DCP).
Doctoral Student Values Liberal Arts Education

Office of University Communications

With each step of his educational journey at Gardner-Webb University, M. Lamont Littlejohn has learned more about himself and the ministry. “Training for pastoral ministry is vital more now than ever,” he explained. “I have a greater sense of how to relate to the people I have the privilege to serve and the knowledge to administer church ministries in an effective way that will hopefully be impactful rather than simply impressive.”
Standout Student, Swimmer Finds Ultimate Success Through Faith

Office of University Communications

Before the sun sends rays through the glass surrounding Gardner-Webb’s Bost Pool, Connor Bos (’17) backstrokes through the water. His 5 a.m. practices several times each week are often followed by weight-lifting sessions and studying, all before he attends his first class of the day. The GWU junior’s constant work in the pool has already helped him shine in two years of collegiate swimming.
Gardner-Webb Student-Athlete Honored for Academic Success

Office of University Communications

Golf helped provide Matt Yelverton (’15) a course on which to pursue a college undergraduate education, and the sport’s Big South Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year plans to continue his academic pursuits in a Physician Assistant Studies program. Yelverton received the prestigious George A. Christenberry Award, which is named for a conference co-founder and annually honors the male and female student-athletes who attain the highest cumulative grade point averages (GPA) in their sports. Also a GWU Senior Scholastic Award recipient with a 4.0 career GPA at Gardner-Webb, Yelverton spent numerous hours on the golf course in middle and high school, in hopes of preparing himself to play for a college team.
GWU Students Offer Helping Hands During Fall Break Mission Trip

Office of University Communications

With paintbrushes in their hands and a spirit of joy in their hearts, nine Gardner-Webb University students spent their 2015 Fall Break helping people in an impoverished North Charleston, S.C., neighborhood. Just a few weeks after devastating South Carolina floods and only a few months after the Charleston church shooting tragedy, Dr. Tracy Jessup, vice president for Christian Life and Service and senior minister to the University, accompanied nine students to Charleston County, S.C., during fall break. The group worked with Metanoia Community Development Corporation and was privileged to attend church services at Mother Emmanuel AME Church, a predominantly African-American fellowship where nine people were shot to death during a Wednesday night prayer meeting on June 17.
Degree Completion Program Helped Alumna Realize Her Dream

Office of University Communications

Amber Parsons (’14) decided to earn her bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University when she realized she was bumping up against a professional paper ceiling. A self-proclaimed “Excel nerd” with a passion for crunching numbers, Parsons was thriving in her role as a staff accountant for Carolina Handling, a Raymond forklift dealership in Charlotte, N.C., when she applied for a promotion to supervisor. “My controller basically said, ‘Amber, I know you love this company, and you would be great in this role. But without your bachelor’s degree, the people at corporate are never going to allow us to promote you to supervisor,’” Parsons shared.
Gardner-Webb Named 2016 Military Friendly School

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s strong support of military members has been evidenced in the past year by multiple honors that recognize the institution’s exceptional educational services for troops and their families. A new accolade further affirms GWU’s commitment to providing post-military education while also spotlighting the University’s role in connecting veterans with career opportunities. Gardner-Webb has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, an organization owned by military veterans that provides service members and their families with information about the educational and professional programs that best meet their needs.
GWU Physician Assistant Students Set to Graduate as University’s First Top-Notch Cohort

Office of University Communications

The first Physician Assistant (PA) Studies cohort at Gardner-Webb University, set to graduate in May 2016, is earning honors from professional organizations and gaining respect from their supervisors in clinical rotations. Known as preceptors in medical circles, these supervisors are experienced medical professionals who support students during hands-on learning experiences in a variety of healthcare fields. Dean and Program Director Lawrence Herman, a certified PA himself, notes, “Our physician and PA preceptors rate each student on 18 different criteria, and the class average has been between 90 and 99 percent on every single metric. These are A to A-plus students. Dozens of preceptors have said glowing things about the high level of ability of these students. These students are incredibly well-prepared to hit the ground running upon graduation.”
GWU to Share Faith Journey of War Prisoner, Olympian

Office of University Communications

A documentary chronicling the faith journey of a World War II prisoner and U.S. Olympian Louis Zamperini will be featured at Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program on Nov. 10. The event begins at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center on campus and is free and open to the public. The story of Louis Zamperini was the focus of “Unbroken,” a best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand and a recent movie directed by Oscar winner Angelina Jolie.
Student’s Career Path Became Clear After Studying Liberal Arts

Office of University Communications

During his sophomore year, Jacob Kirby (’16) felt a calling to switch his major from music education to discipleship studies. Kirby told his music professor and mentor Dr. Paul Etter that his passion was in ministry — not music — and the professor responded with encouragement. “He actually prayed for me, right there in his office, that God would guide me along the right path for me,” Kirby shared.
Concert at Gardner-Webb to Support Human Trafficking Awareness

Office of University Communications

Through a variety of awareness activities, Gardner-Webb University regularly spotlights the issue of human trafficking and offers support to its victims. The next opportunity to help people impacted by trafficking comes Nov. 18 as GWU hosts a fundraising concert in Dover Theatre. The performance, sponsored by the University’s Release Club, will feature the Rory Tyer Band and it will help raise money to support an organization that works to fight human trade.
Gardner-Webb to Host Annual Christmas Art Sale

Office of University Communications

Artwork by Gardner-Webb University students and other local artists will be available for purchase during the GWU Art Club’s annual Christmas sale Nov. 19-21. The club hosts the sale each year prior to Thanksgiving, with proceeds benefitting students and art events on campus. This year’s sale will offer a variety of items such as ceramics, paintings, jewelry, crochet hats and scarfs, photography, soaps and honey.
Partnerships with Professors Helped GWU Grad Chart a Course for his Future

Office of University Communications

In his graduate studies, Josh Johnson (’15) is developing and optimizing an instrument that could someday unlock the mysteries of Mars. His passion to explore the chemical makeup of the universe began at the Gardner-Webb University Laboratory Center in Withrow Mathematics and Science Hall. It was during a chemistry course that Johnson discovered a desire to research issues that really matter.
Elementary Education Major Gets Attention of Official at N.C. DPI

Office of University Communications

“We have to start teaching social studies in the younger years, as this is a time in the children’s lives when they begin to develop social, problem-solving, and certain societal attitudes and views that will influence the rest of their lives.” These words written in a blog by Sarah Haywood, a student in the Gardner-Webb School of Education, recently gained the attention of Fay Gore, Section Chief for K-12 Social Studies at N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI). “It was my second post of the social studies methods class, about why the subject of social studies was such a crucial subject to teach in elementary schools,” Haywood shared.
GWU Students Experience Service, Culture in Chicago

Office of University Communications

By serving the homeless at the longest-operating mission in the country and volunteering with a citywide 10K race to feed the hungry, a group of Gardner-Webb University students experienced service needs and opportunities during a recent trip to Chicago. For the second straight year, the University’s Community Engagement and Campus Recreation offices teamed to offer the Fall Break Service Trip, with assistance from Brian Arnold, assistant director of student activities, and Micah Martin, director of student leadership development and community engagement. “God calls us to serve others,” Martin explained.

WGWG: Gardner-Webb Students Serve, Explore Chicago on Fall Trip
GWU Basketball Standout Excels Academically

Office of University Communications

Tyrell Nelson (’17), Gardner-Webb University basketball standout, looked for a college environment where he could excel academically as well as athletically. Born in Washington, D.C., Nelson was in the eighth grade when his family moved to North Carolina. He played at Metrolina Christian (N.C.) Academy under Coach Michael Wilson and earned all-state honors as a senior.
Exploring Big Things in Far Away Places

Office of University Communications and Mariana Mellado

Upon closing the last box, she packed it into her two-door Toyota Yaris. All of her essential belongings—her clothes, a laptop, and several books—were inside the car. She shut the door, put the key in the ignition, and drove ahead.
Founder & Director of Global Nonprofit to Speak at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

The founder and director of an organization that shares stories of hope in the midst of tribulation will speak at Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3. David Johnson of Silent Images will be the featured guest at the program, which will be held in Tucker Student Center at GWU and is free and open to the public. Johnson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2006 to start Silent Images.
Gardner-Webb to Host Jazz Orchestra, Swing Dance

Office of University Communications

Some of North Carolina’s best jazz musicians and educators will perform on the campus of Gardner-Webb University on Nov. 6. The concert in Stewart Hall of the Tucker Student Center will be followed by a swing dance. Both are free and open to the public.
Patriotic Concert to Honor Veterans on Nov. 10

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University and Isothermal Community College (ICC) will honor the nation’s past and present military service personnel with a special concert, “Celebrating Our Veterans,” at The Foundation Performing Arts Center in Spindale, N.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m., will feature patriotic music by the Gardner-Webb University Orchestra, the Symphony of Rutherford County, the Crest High School Advanced Strings and the Rutherford Community Chorus. At the conclusion of the show, there will be a fireworks display over the lake adjacent to the Foundation facility on ICC’s campus.
Show to Spotlight Music Legend at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

The works of renowned American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie will come alive on a Gardner-Webb stage in November as the University presents a one-man multimedia show focused on his folk music, writing and traveling experiences. Writer-actor Randy Noojin will present “Hard Travelin’ with Woody” in GWU’s Millennium Playhouse on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. The show, which includes music as well as images and text from Guthrie’s various biographical accounts, is part of the University’s School of Performing and Visual Arts Distinguished Artists Series.
Corie and Matthew Weathers to Speak at Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 27

Office of University Communications

Professional counselor Corie Weathers and her husband, Capt. Matthew Weathers, a chaplain in the U.S. Army, will be visiting Gardner-Webb University on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to speak at the University’s Dimensions program starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Corie is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with families and individuals for over 15 years. Currently, both Corie and Matthew live in Augusta, Ga., and share the ministry of Insightc2, a marriage ministry that offers support and education for military soldiers, spouses, and others affected by military life and culture.
Gardner-Webb Professor Honored by Psychology Website

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University professor has been recognized among the top 10 psychology professors in the Charlotte region. Dr. James P. Morgan, who teaches numerous psychology and counseling courses at Gardner-Webb, was recently chosen for the distinguished list by the editors of CareersinPsychology.org. Morgan was surprised by the honor, but pleased to represent and promote GWU.
Gardner-Webb University Announces Establishment of New Digital Commons

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University John R. Dover Library has established an open access online data storage center to showcase scholarly and creative works created by university faculty, staff, and students. Digital Commons @ Gardner-Webb University is an online institutional repository that will include faculty and student papers, conference and event information, on-campus publications, multimedia presentations, and more. According to Mary Roby, GWU Dean of Libraries, current collections housed in Digital Commons include theses and dissertations, a faculty and staff book gallery, library page with university archives and open access eBook collection, and links to the Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership (JOEL), as well as other university publications.
Gardner-Webb University ASL Students Volunteer for Community Deaf-Blind Camp

Office of University Communications

Three Gardner-Webb American Sign Language (ASL) students volunteered at a 10-week camp for the deaf and blind over the summer at Lake Norman, N.C. Hosted by the North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates, Camp Dogwood entertains hundreds of weekly visitors for recreational enjoyment through myriad outdoor activities. ASL senior Natalie Cardwell and juniors Madison McMahon and Marissa Richardson served as support service personnel (SSP) for campers on the weekend of Sept. 10-13.