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 Hosts Greater Shelby Community Theatre Production This Month

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

The Greater Shelby Community Theatre (GSCT) will present “Greater Tuna” on Feb. 13-15 and Feb. 20-22 in the Millennium Playhouse at Gardner-Webb University. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on both Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, but admission is free for all Gardner-Webb students, faculty and staff with your GWU ID.
Life Coach to Speak at Gardner-Webb on Feb. 17

Office of University Communications and Brooke Kelly

Life coach and prolific conference speaker Tracey Mitchell will visit Gardner-Webb on Tuesday, Feb. 17, to speak at the University’s Dimensions program. Mitchell overcame difficult circumstances in her youth that acquainted her with the emotional chaos people face through painful experiences in life. Through her own trials, she discovered that God’s love and mercy can transform pain into purpose.
Former National Football League Kicker Offers Gardner-Webb Community Three Points for Life

Office of University Communications

John Kasay admits he has made many mistakes in his lifetime, but the former Carolina Panthers kicker now uses the lessons his decisions taught him to inspire youth and young adults to make the right choices in their lives, starting with God. The longtime National Football League (NFL) athlete recently shared what he calls the three most important life priorities with the Gardner-Webb community during the University’s Dimensions program. “You get to choose your master, your mission and your mate, and the order of those choices is very important,” Kasay offered.
Human Rights Advocate to Speak at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

A human rights advocate and slavery abolition historian will speak at Gardner-Webb University on Thursday, Feb. 5, in a program sponsored by a GWU student club that works to raise awareness of human trafficking. Dr. Ben Wright will present “Evangelicals and Slavery, then and now” at 7 p.m. in Faith Hall of the Tucker Student Center on Gardner-Webb’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Book Signing on Feb. 9 to Feature Work of GWU Employees

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a book-signing event on Monday, Feb. 9, for three faculty and staff members who recently published works. The event, set to begin at 2 p.m. in the Dover Memorial Library, will feature Dr. Joseph Collins, Dr. Kent Blevins and Annette Pendergraft. Collins recently released his first book, “What Does God Want Me to Do: Understanding and Responding to Calling.”
C.O. and Eliza Greene Lectureship Series to Feature Professor of Church History on March 3

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity will present a unique lecture as part of the annual C.O. and Eliza Greene Endowed Lectureship series, on Tuesday, March 3 beginning at 9 a.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium. Dr. Bill Leonard, the James and Marilyn Dunn Professor of Baptist Studies and Professor of Church History at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Lunch will be held in Ritch Banquet Hall, and afternoon lectures will take place in Dover Chapel.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Baptist Fellowship Global Missions Coordinator Steven Porter

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its next guest for the 2015 spring semester. Global Missions Coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Steven Porter will share his story on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
GWU’s Online Healthcare Management Degree Receives National Ranking

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has been honored for offering one of the best online healthcare management degrees in the nation, a valuable distinction for a program that trains leaders in a rapidly growing industry. Top Management Degrees recently ranked Gardner-Webb No. 16 in the nation for online graduate degrees in healthcare management, ahead of prestigious schools like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, N.C.), Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.) and Penn State University (University Park, Pa.). “Our healthcare program provides students the opportunity to work with experts, professionals and thought leaders in this discipline,” shared Dr. Denise Smith, associate professor of business at Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb The Magazine Wins Gold Award in National Competition

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University was named among the top in the nation in the 2014-2015 Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA) program. The elite program recognizes higher education organizations for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising and promotions of their institutions. Only five institutions were honored with a gold award for an individual magazine issue.
Gardner-Webb Hosts Former NFL Kicker John Kasay on Feb. 3

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its next guest for the 2014-2015 academic year. Former National Football League (NFL) field goal kicker John Kasay will share his story on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
Gardner-Webb Students to Compete in Fourth Annual NCICU Ethics Bowl

Office of University Communications

A team of students from Gardner-Webb University will be returning to the 2015 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Ethics Bowl. The event will be held at Campbell Law School near Raleigh, N.C., and will feature 20 colleges and universities from around the state. This will be the fourth year for the relatively new event, and GWU has participated each year.
Gardner-Webb University Joins Webster International Network of Schools

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has formally affiliated with Webster University by joining the Webster International Network of Schools (WINS) consortium. Joining the growing consortium of 35 affiliates allows Gardner-Webb to expand its study-abroad opportunities. Students may now study at any of Webster University’s International campuses in locations including Vienna, Thailand, Beijing, and Accra.
GWU Ranked Nationally Among Top 30 Online Master’s in Accounting for 2015

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University was ranked No. 16 among 30 top universities in the nation for its online accounting offering by Online Accounting Degree Programs (OADP). The rankings are based on program accreditation and the level of recognition schools have received from ranking authorities. OADP is an independent online publication dedicated to being a resource for students looking to earn a degree in accounting.
Cleveland County Astronomical Society to Host 23rd Annual Regional Meeting at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Ever been curious about the nighttime sky? Ever wondered about the constellations? Now you have your chance to ask any questions you have at the Cleveland County Astronomical Society (CCAS) 23rd Annual Regional Meeting of Amateur Astronomers, known as BoBfest.
Gardner-Webb Designated First Purple Heart University in State

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University is proud to announce it will be designated as a Purple Heart University for its military and veteran support, the first such honor for a higher education institution in the state of North Carolina. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and Gardner-Webb invite veterans to a ceremony to mark the honor at 10 a.m. on Jan. 28 in the University’s Dover Campus Center. The program will include a salute to veterans, a proclamation and plaque for the University and a presentation on the Purple Heart, which is bestowed on U.S. military members who are wounded by adversaries in combat.
GWU Orchestra Joins Renowned Carolina Brass Ensemble for Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Orchestra will partner with local musician groups and the world-renowned Summit Recording Artists Carolina Brass for a special concert on Saturday, Jan. 31 at The Foundation Performing Arts Center in Spindale, N.C. A 110-piece orchestra — also including the Crest High School Advanced Orchestra (Boiling Springs, N.C.) and The Symphony of Rutherford County, N.C. — will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the concert venue at Isothermal Community College. Dr. Patricia Sparti, chair of Gardner-Webb’s music department, will conduct the ensemble.
Youth Minister to Speak at Gardner-Webb’s Dimensions Programs

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its next guest speaker for the 2014-2015 academic year. Youth minister John Isley will share his experiences on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and also Thursday, Jan. 29 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). The event is free and open to the public.
Dimensions Speaker to Focus on Martin Luther King’s Legacy

Office of University Communications

The Dimensions program at Gardner-Webb University announces its next guest for the 2014-2015 academic year. Dr. Clifford Jones, Sr. will be discussing Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 9:25 a.m. in the Paul Porter Arena, located inside the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). This event is free and open to the public.
GWU Honor Society Plans Events in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Office of University Communications and Brooke Kelly

Gardner-Webb University’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta will host “A Day of Celebration and Service” in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. A variety of activities and events will be held on Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center, located on the GWU campus. Dr. Leshea Stuart, associate professor of English and faculty sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta, believes the event will emphasize the overall mission of Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb University’s Graduate Nursing Program Ranks Among Best in U.S.

Office of University Communications

Officials at Gardner-Webb University are committed to excellence in education and their graduate program in nursing is receiving special attention for its online offerings. College Choice, an independent online publication, has ranked the top-50 online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in the country and Gardner-Webb University is included at number 42. According to College Choice, “Our aim is to offer a ranking of the top online nursing programs that can be trusted to deliver excellence in education, flexibility, affordability, and results. The list was compiled based upon a variety of important factors, including faculty, technology, and student support, accreditation, and cost. Special attention was paid to the academic strength of the schools, along with their ability to both retain and graduate their students.”
Gardner-Webb to Host Distinguished Tubist on Jan. 15

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s Department of Music will present a concert featuring Joanna Ross Hersey, Yamaha Performing Artist and Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at UNC Pembroke, on Thursday, Jan. 15 in the Blanton Auditorium. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. and will include pieces such as Vivace from Sonata in E Minor by Jean-Baptiste Loelliet, Three Pieces for Violoncello and Piano by Nadia Boulanger, and Cavatina and Variations by Jean Baptiste Arban. Admission is free and the recital is open to the public.
Gardner-Webb University Ranks in Top Two Percent of Nation for Core Curriculum

Office of University Communications

An annual study on core curriculum requirements at over 1,000 colleges and universities from all over the United States has placed Gardner-Webb University at the head of the class for the fourth year in a row. Ranked among 23 institutions with an “A” grade, Gardner-Webb is the only school in the Carolinas to earn an “A” distinction for core curriculum standards. The 2014-2015 What Will They Learn? study, conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), ranks the core curriculum of all the major public and private colleges and universities in all 50 states.
Gardner-Webb to Host Distinguished Artist Concert

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Music will present a Distinguished Artist Concert on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Blanton Auditorium on campus. Set to begin at 8 p.m., the show will feature countertenor Gus Mercante and mezzo-soprano Jondra Harmon. The concert will also include tenor Justin Humphries and pianist Lillian Pearson.
Gardner-Webb University Hosts “Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical”

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host “Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical” presented by the Greater Shelby Community Theatre on Jan. 9-11 and 16-18. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.
GWU Offers Free Game Tickets for Food Donations

Office of University Communications

Community members can attend a Gardner-Webb University basketball game for free and help feed hungry children by donating a healthy food item at GWU’s Paul Porter Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Each fan who brings a healthy, non-perishable food item will receive a ticket to the Gardner-Webb men’s basketball game versus High Point University. The game begins at 7 p.m. in the arena, located in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on campus.