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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GWU to Host Events Promoting Positive Social Change

Office of University Communications

Through a series of upcoming events, Gardner-Webb University will seek to inspire students and community members to create solutions for positive local and global change. “Building Bridges: Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Emphasis” will offer free public presentations and discussions March 14, 21 and 22 on the GWU campus. “We want to stimulate students to realize personal fulfillment through the creation of service enterprises benefiting their communities,” shared Dr. Tom LeGrand, director of the GWU Center for Christian Ethics & Social Responsibility, one the week’s many sponsors.
Gardner-Webb Created Career Path for Art Alumna

Office of University Communications

From the moment she observed an art survey class during a visit to Gardner-Webb, Kiah Ann Bellows began creating a new family and an art career through the University’s Department of Visual Arts. “I already knew I wanted to pursue something in the art field,” Bellows remembers. “The first time I had the privilege of hearing Professor Susan Bell teach was the beginning of a great relationship with the entire art department. I discovered that the faculty at Gardner-Webb offers one-on-one time and looks at each student as a unique shape and size, allowing students to approach art in a way that works for them.”
GWU Community Supports Divinity Student in Educational Journey

Office of University Communications

After attending a School of Divinity Preview Day at Gardner-Webb University and meeting students and faculty, Sherlene Alford (’18) was nearly convinced she’d found the right place to obtain her Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling. The one thing holding her back was the three-hour drive from her home in Laurinburg, N.C. “The deal sealer on attending Gardner-Webb actually occurred the very next day when I received a follow-up call from Kheresa Harmon (School of Divinity Director of Admissions),” Alford elaborated.
Gardner-Webb Provided Support for Student Battling Rheumatoid Arthritis

Office of University Communications

Kathryn “Katie Grace” Kibler (’11) of Winston-Salem, N.C., was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis six months before she was to enter Gardner-Webb University as a freshman. While she didn’t understand all the ways her life was about to change, her admissions counselor worked to get her registered with the Noel Program for students with disabilities, so she could receive necessary accommodations without delay. “At this point there was no doubt that Gardner-Webb was where the Lord had purposed me to be,” affirmed Kibler, who received a degree in studio art.
School of Divinity Student Finds a Family at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

In one visit to the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, all the questions Daniel Rushing (’16) had about going back to school were answered. “The School of Divinity offered classes that fit the schedule of someone already in active ministry and the value was unbelievable,” Rushing explained. “I was impressed with the distinguished faculty and the campus.”
Gardner-Webb Helps Undergrad Determine a Course for her Future

Office of University Communications

Kaitlyn McNeilly of Forest City, N.C., had pretty much made up her mind: She wasn’t going to college after high school. With no clear major in mind, she planned to take at least a year off to figure out her career path. But she met a determined admissions counselor from Gardner-Webb University before the start of her last semester in high school.
GWU Student Appreciates Opportunity to Refine Skills in Art

Office of University Communications

A mother of four, Deborah Hamilton was 40 years old when she came to Gardner-Webb University to begin work on her bachelor of fine arts degree. “This was a dream-come-true opportunity for me and I am so thankful,” she shared. “I am majoring in art because it is one of my great loves. It gives me pleasure to create, and it gives me even more pleasure to combine my love of art with my greatest love, Jesus Christ.”
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 comprehensive scholarship to attend Gardner-Webb University. 18-year-old Bridgette Turner, who attends Clayton High School (Johnston County, N.C.), learned of the Ignite Excellence Comprehensive Scholarship award during a surprise ceremony at her home last week. She and more than 200 other students traveled to Gardner-Webb earlier this year to interview for a chance to receive a tuition, room and board scholarship or one of four full-tuition scholarships.

Youtube: Ignite Excellence Scholarship Delivery
Gardner-Webb’s Helpful Community Further Inspired Alum to Aid Others

Office of University Communications

In the remote northern reaches of Canada’s Ontario province, miles from the nearest service roads, Gardner-Webb University alumnus Dr. Taylor Ferrier has provided medical care. The residents in communities such as Moose Factory, Attawapiskat and Polar Bear Provincial Park are closer to the brilliant light shows of the aurora borealis than the comforts of a modern medical facility. But Ferrier has flown in to meet their health needs with the skills he has developed in his own life journey.
GWU Alum’s English and Psychology Studies Ignited a Passion to Help Others

Office of University Communications

While studying English and psychology at Gardner-Webb University, Lauren Quesenberry (’09) aspired to do more than talk about social justice principles. “As I pursued these courses, I was overwhelmed with the vast disconnect between academic discourse and activism,” Quesenberry shared. “I began to ask questions and seek opportunities to serve at the local domestic violence shelter, a pregnancy center, and other agencies.”
Alumnus Combines GWU Academic, Athletic Experiences to Help Launch Pro Golf Career

Office of University Communications

Kris Gray’s choice to move from his home in England to the United States to attend Gardner-Webb paid off in the form of an all-conference collegiate golf career and a position as the University’s assistant coach. But it has also advanced his dream of playing professional golf by allowing him to combine his athletic skills and academic interests. Originally uncertain of his intended major, Gray enrolled in a marketing course in his first semester at Gardner-Webb and discovered he enjoyed the subject and the GWU marketing program’s faculty.
Gardner-Webb Gave Alum Opportunities to Explore Future Career

Office of University Communications

One of Michael Peterson’s favorite photos is a picture of himself in front of the U.S. Capitol. More than a souvenir from a vacation, the picture represents what Gardner-Webb University means to the 2015 graduate. “I never would’ve thought my journey at Gardner-Webb would take me from Boiling Springs, N.C., to Capitol Hill,” Peterson declared.
Gardner-Webb Prepared Alumna for Career in Public Relations

Office of University Communications

In high school, Alyssa Gutierrez (’14) wanted to be a journalist, but a teacher warned her the newspaper business was dying. “I knew I still wanted to stay in the same realm, so I did some research into public relations,” Gutierrez shared. “I came to find out that it was the perfect combination of media relations, writing, human interaction and networking. Public relations is what I was called to do.”
GWU Biblical Studies Degree Helps Graduate Determine her Future

Office of University Communications

While completing her degree in biblical studies at Gardner-Webb University, Chelsea Hearne (’12) became clear about her future. “I want to be a psychiatric nurse. By way of many conversations with my professors, I can say with confidence that my skill set is in mental health issues,” Hearne assessed.
For 40 Years, Gardner-Webb University Instructor has Offered Students Keys to Music Success

Office of University Communications

At age six, Betty Bennett began playing the piano alongside her church’s choir. That was nearly six decades ago, and Bennett has continued to play the piano and teach others ever since. She started teaching at Gardner-Webb in the fall of 1976 after deciding it was time in her life to switch jobs.
For Me, Community Made the Difference

Office of University Communications and Becca Leap

As a kid, Gardner-Webb University was one of my favorite places in the world. Playing tag on the quad, feeding the geese at Lake Hollifield, and splashing around in the University pool were treasured activities I looked forward to all year. I spent a week on the campus nearly every summer since my uncle, Mike Simpson, moved to Boiling Springs to pioneer Gardner-Webb’s women’s swim team in 1999.
Gardner-Webb Students Compete in Annual Ethics Bowl

Office of University Communications

For the fifth consecutive year, a team of students from Gardner-Webb University participated in the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Ethics Bowl. The event was held Feb. 5-6 on the Meredith College campus near Raleigh, N.C., and featured 22 colleges and universities from around the state with the theme “Ethics in Technology.” Dr. Kent Blevins, professor of religious studies, serves as coordinator for the Gardner-Webb team.
GWU Alumnus Making a Difference for Deaf Children

Office of University Communications

Antwan Campbell was inspired to earn a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) because he witnessed how awkward it was for his deaf brother to communicate through a female interpreter. “I felt that he, being a black male, wasn’t being represented as much as he should be,” Campbell explained. “Caucasian females are the majority in the interpreting profession. There are very few male interpreters available, if any at all. My brother is three years younger than I am and seeing him have to go without an interpreter or have a female talk for him was a very eye-opening experience. This made me want to pursue an interpreting career.”
GWU Program to Feature Evangelist Clayton King

Office of University Communications

Evangelist and Gardner-Webb alumnus Clayton King (’95) will return to GWU to share an inspiring message during the University’s Dimensions program on Feb. 23. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 9:25 a.m. in Paul Porter Arena, inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). King began preaching in 1987 at the age of 14 when he sensed a call from the Lord to be an evangelist.
Gardner-Webb University to Host Eating Disorder Awareness Events March 14-19

Office of University Communications and Tyra Montour

In an effort to encourage the prevention of eating disorders and body image issues, Gardner-Webb University will host an eating disorders awareness week, March 14-19. The National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) week is recognized Feb. 21-27. NEDA is a collective effort of volunteers, including health professionals, students and educators, who are committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment.
Expert on Healthy Relationships to Speak at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

Kristin Rollins, an expert on the steps to building healthy relationships, will speak to the Gardner-Webb community during the Dimensions program on Feb. 16. The program, free and open to the public, begins at 9:25 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) on GWU’s campus. Rollins has worked with Safe Harbor, an organization that provides support to adults and children impacted by domestic violence.
Gardner-Webb University to Hold Casting Call for Upcoming Play Production

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts will hold auditions Feb. 16 for roles in the upcoming comedy production of “The Servant of Two Masters.” Members of the Gardner-Webb and greater community are invited to contact the play’s director, Dr. Chris Nelson, at cnelson2@gardner-webb.edu to schedule a 10-minute audition time from 6:30-9 p.m. Parts are available for a variety of roles.
GWU Grad Student has a Passion for Helping Young Educators

Office of University Communications

An educator for 21 years, Brian Sherman of Campobello, S.C., has experienced all levels of the profession, from teacher and coach to administrator. Now serving as assistant to the superintendent and district ombudsman for Greenville County (S.C.) Schools, he is responsible for helping parents resolve issues involving their child’s education. But he also has a passion to help young educators grow in their careers and is working to complete his doctor of education degree at Gardner-Webb University.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Passing on Love of Music to Elementary Students

Office of University Communications

When asked to reflect on her experience at Gardner-Webb University, Samantha Collins (’14) realizes her thoughts center on one word: Relationships. “I formed friendships. I met my husband, Kenny. I made relationships that will last a lifetime,” she elaborated.
Gardner-Webb Alumnus is Vocalist for Celebrity Cruises

Office of University Communications

A specialty vocalist for Celebrity Cruises, Otto Reynolds III (’11) of Charlotte, N.C., has experienced success on a variety of stages, including an MTV reality show. The Crouse, N.C., native discovered a desire to perform in middle school when a friend asked him to audition for a play. He started performing in local theater groups and singing at church and school.