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 Students Showcase Research

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University students showcased their original research in an array of academic disciplines during a pair of prestigious spring academic conferences. Nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students participated in the Life of the Scholar (LOTS) Multidisciplinary Conference on Gardner-Webb’s campus in March, and 22 of those undergraduate scholars were delegates to the Alpha Chi 2016 National Convention in Washington, D.C., in April. The Alpha Chi delegation was GWU’s largest since beginning its honor society chapter in 1972, and several students earned significant prizes for their national presentations.
Gardner-Webb Undergrad Expands Career Goals After Exploring Different Topics

Office of University Communications

When Sthefany Flores (’18) came to Gardner-Webb University she had already chosen to major in journalism. But as she explored other subjects and discovered her interests, she decided to minor in political science and theater. “I feel like I’ve gotten a stronger grasp of my career goals because of the classes I have taken,” Flores shared.
GWU Godbold School of Business Helps Undergrad Develop Skills as Financial Advisor

Office of University Communications

Logan Walker of Huntersville, N.C., (’17) came to Gardner-Webb University to play soccer and major in communications with a video and film concentration. However, an illness shortened his athletic career after one season as a Runnin’ Bulldog. At the same time, he discovered an aptitude for economics and finance that led him to change majors.
Gardner-Webb Research Experience Provides Opportunity to Explore Majors

Office of University Communications

He glides through the water with both grace and power. Each movement is calculated to precision. He stretches the capacity of his physical strength—hoping to shave seconds off his competiton time.
GWU School of Business Gave Small Business Owner Tools to be Successful

Office of University Communications

When it was time to declare her major, Amy Rizzuto (’09) had two choices: Follow her business instincts or her artistic abilities. Marketing concepts intrigued her, but she also wanted to develop her talent and passion for photography that began when she was 7 years old. After talking with her adviser at Gardner-Webb University, she chose to major in marketing and minor in communications with a concentration in photography.
GWU Exhibits to Feature Junior and Senior Artists

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Visual Art will showcase the works of junior and senior students at a pair of upcoming exhibits on campus. A Junior Exhibition and Undergraduate Show will be on display March 21-31 in the Communication Studies Hall on Main Street in Boiling Springs. Featured artists include Anna Culler, Autumn Dufield, Sarah Jo Joyce, Myla Keever, Kayin Mujahid, Tyler Myers and Alex Stewart.
Community Invited to Annual Gardner-Webb Health Fair on March 17

Office of University Communications

Dozens of local healthcare providers and organizations will be on hand to promote healthy living at Gardner-Webb’s annual health fair, scheduled for Thursday, March 17 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. Every year, the GWU Health 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.
GWU Alumna Pursues Passion to Protect the Persecuted

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb alumna is taking her passion for social justice to a whole new level after being appointed as the Student and Volunteer Relations Intern for International Justice Mission’s (IJM) United Kingdom partner office in Witham, England. The global organization works to protect the poor from violence in the developing world. In 2014, Caroline Nethery of Boiling Springs, S.C., graduated from Gardner-Webb with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Hunt School of Nursing Prepares Educator to Teach New Generation of Nurses

Office of University Communications

Ruthanne Palumbo (’16) started her educational journey by attending night classes to earn her GED. Over the next two decades, she worked, took care of her family, became a registered nurse and obtained her master’s degree. A nurse educator in Wilmington, N.C., she felt compelled to travel one more road, which led her to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Gardner-Webb University.
Life of the Scholar Event Planned Saturday, March 19 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 19, beginning at Dover Campus Center in Ritch Banquet Hall. The event is sponsored by Life of the Scholar (LOTS), an informal but dedicated group of GWU professors and students who work to take experiences from the classroom into the wider community. Other sponsors for the event are the Undergraduate Research program and Gardner-Webb’s chapter of Alpha Chi, the national multidisciplinary honor society.
GWU Department of Music Helped Alum Refine Skills for Music Career

Office of University Communications

A chance meeting with a fellow musician led to a career opportunity for Gardner-Webb University alumnus Phillip Snider (’12). He was asked to play the drums on the popular A&E reality show, Duck Dynasty, in Monroe, La. The show stars the Robertson family, who have made millions selling duck calls and decoys.
Gardner-Webb Community Welcomes Japanese Family with Open Hearts

Office of University Communications

Yoko Shigemi (’16) and her husband, Akihiko, moved to the United States from Yamaguchi, Japan, almost 20 years ago, so he could attend the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University. “He had graduated from seminary in Japan and had experience as a pastor in Japan,” Shigemi related. “We arrived with two suitcases, bags and our son, Aisaku, who had just turned 3.”
GWU Alumnus Phillip Snider (’12) Performs on A&E’s Duck Dynasty

Office of University Communications

A chance meeting with a fellow musician recently led to a career opportunity for Phillip Snider, a 2012 graduate of Gardner-Webb University. He was asked to play the drums on the popular A&E reality show, Duck Dynasty, in Monroe, La. The show stars the Robertson family, who have made millions selling duck calls and decoys.
Through GWU School of Education Graduate Studies, Educator Regains Purpose

Office of University Communications

While completing her master of arts in curriculum and instruction at Gardner-Webb University, Jessica Stump (’16) of King, N.C., expected to benefit intellectually. She didn’t, however, anticipate how her studies would affect her personally. “I have loved, loved, loved being back in the role of learner,” she observed.
Gardner-Webb University Music Department to Present Distinguished Artist Concerts

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music will present two upcoming concerts featuring renowned musicians as part of the School of Performing and Visual Arts Distinguished Artist Series. The free public events include the U.S. Army Ground Forces Band Trombone Quartet on March 15 and composer Pepper Choplin on March 17. A native of North Carolina, Choplin has composed hundreds of choral anthems and cantatas.
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.”