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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, Atrium Health and Invision Diagnostics Host Mammogram Screening Event

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is partnering with Atrium Health and Invision Diagnostics to host a mammogram screening event on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Invision’s 3D Mammography Bus will be located at 110 S. Main Street in Boiling Springs.
Dr. Terry Fern, Gardner-Webb Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts, Passed Away on Sept. 14, 2024

Office of University Communications

Dr. Terry Fern is remembered for the ways he served the Lord, cherished his wife and family, and joyfully shared his musical talent with others. Fern, professor emeritus of fine arts at Gardner-Webb University, passed away on Sept. 14, 2024. He retired from GWU in 2010 after a 30-year career in the fine arts department.
Gardner-Webb Concert Choir Selected to Perform at Conference for N.C. Choral Directors

Office of University Communications

Since Dr. Joshua Cheney, Gardner-Webb assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, arrived on the University campus in 2020, he has challenged himself and his students to consistently strive for improvement. He’s also given the Concert Choir an opportunity to perform on an international stage in Paris to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Gardner-Webb Instructor Lisa Brummett Recognized for Mentoring Skills

Office of University Communications and Avery Copeland

“The most rewarding part of my job is sharing my passion for teaching with future teachers here at Gardner-Webb. I love mentoring students to help them succeed in their classes and future careers,” said Lisa Brummett, an instructor of Health, Sport and Physical Education (HSPE) at Gardner-Webb University. She received the Mentoring and Academic Advising Award at the University’s 2024 Faculty Assembly.
Gardner-Webb Bachelor’s in Mathematics Prepares Students for Various STEM Fields

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program provides students with a strong foundation in core concepts of higher mathematics, implementing both traditional and modern approaches throughout the curriculum. The program seeks to develop well-rounded graduates with strong problem-solving abilities and advanced quantitative and analytical reasoning skills who can make a positive, lasting impact on society in a variety of fields.
Gardner-Webb PA Studies Celebrates 100% Pass Rate on Certifying Exam

Office of University Communications

Faculty and staff in Gardner-Webb University’s Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies strive to inspire and prepare knowledgeable and compassionate professionals who excel as PAs. Students are equipped with a strong foundation in the basic medical, clinical and psychosocial sciences. To become licensed, graduates must first take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This year, the GWU Class of 2024 achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the exam, proving their clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and other medical skills.
Bo’s Battle ‘QUE Competition at Gardner-Webb Joins Southern BBQ Network

Office of University Communications

Bo’s Battle ‘QUE is back at Gardner-Webb Homecoming this year as a sanctioned event by the Southern BBQ Network (SBN), a 501c3 charitable organization. SBN was formed in 2010 by people who love to eat barbecue and share a passion for the art of preparing it. The mission of SBN is to preserve southern barbecue through qualified trained judges, while also improving communities through supporting charitable events.
Gardner-Webb’s Early Admission Advantage Offers Housing, Parking and Other Benefits

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University offers the Early Admission Advantage to college-bound students who are ready to finish the application process and prepare for what comes next. Students admitted through this program can begin planning for their new campus home with access to priority housing and free parking for the 2025-26 academic year. Other benefits include giveaways such as a semester of free housing and other prizes.
Gardner-Webb Office of Christian Life and Service Leads Mission Groups to U.S., Brazil and Kenya

Office of University Communications

“Mission trips orient students’ hearts toward God and their hands toward humanity (Mark 12:30-31),” asserted Dr. Josh Parrott, Gardner-Webb’s vice president and university chaplain for Christian Life and Service. “These trips allow us to live out our university motto: Pro Deo et Humanitate (for God and Humanity).”
Gardner-Webb Receives Grant to Empower and Celebrate First-Generation College Students in November

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First- Generation College Celebration initiative. This grant will enable Gardner-Webb to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community. The funds are provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from retirement provider, TIAA, and the Strada Education Foundation.
Gardner-Webb Alumna Caroline Leitten, ’17, Cares for Orphans in Peru

Office of University Communications

In Iquitos, Peru, one in 12 children under the age of 15 is abandoned to live on the streets or placed in foster care. The main reason is poverty: Parents simply don’t have money to care for their children. At times, the situation becomes overwhelming to Gardner-Webb University 2017 alumna Caroline Ashley Marvin Leitten. The needs are great, and her ministry, Go Love Peru, is only equipped for 24 orphans.
Gardner-Webb University Participates in No-Fee Direct Admission Program

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is one of 26 North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) participating in the NCICU Direct Admission Program for the 2025- 2026 academic year. This groundbreaking initiative simplifies the college application process for North Carolina high school seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Four-Time Paralympic Swimmer and New Mother Mallory Weggemann Earns Fourth Gold Medal

Office of University Communications

”The vision of getting behind the starting blocks in Paris at my fourth Paralympic Games and looking to the stands and seeing Jay holding our daughter has been something that has been ingrained in my mind and heart long before we knew Charlotte was Charlotte. A vision that gave me strength when I needed it most, grounding me in my purpose when I felt overwhelmed and anchored me in my ‘why’ when the journey felt all consuming.”
Gardner-Webb Family Weekend Features Football, World-Renowned Magician, Tailgate & Concert

Office of University Communications

Families are invited back to Gardner-Webb University on Sept. 27-29 to experience their student’s campus home. Throughout the weekend, families and their students are encouraged to attend social programs, including a worship service, football game, and volleyball match.
Davis Hospital Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to Gardner-Webb Hunt School of Nursing

Office of University Communications

The James W. Davis Hospital Foundation Inc., of Statesville, N.C., is a longtime supporter of the Gardner-Webb University Hunt School of Nursing (HSON). For more than 30 years, the Foundation has provided funding for scholarships and operations.
Gardner-Webb Lacrosse Honored for Academic Excellence

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb Women’s Lacrosse team has been recognized by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) as an honor squad for the 2023- 2024 academic year. To qualify for this prestigious honor, the team must have posted a 3.2 or higher team GPA for the academic year.
Gardner-Webb Marching Bulldogs Take Fans to (Bruno) Mars

Office of University Communications

Less than three weeks ago, new and returning members of the Gardner- Webb University’s Marching Bulldogs gathered for the first time. After a whirlwind band camp and rehearsals on 90-degree days, the 60 musicians are enthusiastic about bringing the “Sound of the Springs” to Thursday’s home game against Wofford College at 7 p.m. in Spangler Stadium.
Gardner-Webb Begins Academic Year with Fall Opening Convocation

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University marked the start of the academic year with the Guest bagpiper, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip McDevitt provided the processional and recessional music. Fall Opening Convocation. A time for faculty, students and staff to rea!irm their commitment to scholarly pursuits, the annual event also welcomes first-year students and celebrates GWU’s newest scholarship recipients. The featured speaker, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins, challenged students to “Make. It. Count!”
Gardner-Webb Remembers Tom Watson

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University community mourns the loss of Tom Watson, a beloved alumnus, former trustee, and tireless advocate for education, who passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the age of 81. Watson’s life was marked by a deep commitment to Gardner-Webb, where he – competed as a student-athlete on a championship squad, served as a dedicated member of various boards, and was a constant presence in the university’s athletic and academic circles.
Gardner-Webb University Caf Serves up Tropical Delights to Celebrate Grand Reopening

Office of University Communications

With the smell of meat smoking and a feast waiting inside the new Caf, Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs noted to those gathered for the ribbon cutting the most important feature of the building. “There’s a cross on that glass façade that means a lot to us,” he asserted. “It’s very special. It’s important. It reminds us that first and foremost, this is a place that nourishes souls. This is, and shall forever be, a Christian university.”
Summer Fellow Reese Jones Analyzes Metal Contaminates in Old Books

Office of University Communications

For her Summer Scholar Fellowship, Gardner-Webb University senior Reese Jones learned how to use the new X-Ray Fluorescent (XRF) Spectrometer in the Department of Natural Sciences. The instrument was purchased recently with a grant from the Cannon Foundation. Working with her mentor, Professor of Chemistry Dr. Venita Totten, Jones gained valuable experience for the next steps in her educational journey to become a pediatrician.
Two-Time Reigning Football Champs Begin 2024 Season on Aug. 29 in Spangler Stadium

Office of University Communications

The two-time reigning conference champion Gardner-Webb football team opens its 2024 season poised to build on a winning legacy that spans over a century. The first football team took the field in 1920. Since then, the program has earned 18 conference titles. Four of those titles came in Division I play—2002, 2003, 2022 (Big South) and 2023 (Big South-OVC).
Gardner-Webb Football’s First Victory Day An Evening to Remember

Office of University Communications

Backed by a line of Gardner-Webb football players, the quarterback crossed into the end zone. The crowd erupted into cheers. The GWU Band blasted the fight song— and many parents and spectators smiled while holding back tears.
Summer Fellow Caleb Roten Studies How to Improve Social Interactions

Office of University Communications

In a digital society where most people communicate via text and social media, Gardner-Webb University student Caleb Roten wants to improve face-to-face communication. With a Summer Scholar Fellowship, the senior psychology major spent the second summer session on campus interviewing individuals and studying their body language and nonverbal behavior.
Gardner-Webb Summer Fellow Kyndal Jackson Furthers Research on Antimicrobials

Office of University Communications

Through a Summer Scholar Fellowship, Gardner-Webb University senior Kyndal Jackson extracted essential oil from ground caraway seeds. A meticulous process, her research could someday play a role in helping scientists discover purified compounds that inhibit bacterial growth (antimicrobials). The project is part of an ongoing set of experiments conducted by students in the Department of Natural Sciences.