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 Mourns Loss of Assistant Athletics Director

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University community is mourning the loss of longtime athletics department administrator Mike Roebuck, who passed away this week at the age of 65. Roebuck was in his 14th season as assistant athletics director for academic services, and he previously served six years as the University’s director of financial aid. “We are devastated by the news of Mike’s passing,” said GWU Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch.
GWU’s Dr. Steve Harmon Serves as Keynote Speaker at Vatican II Symposium

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University instructor of Christian theology recently participated as a keynote speaker in a discussion on ecumenism held at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., as part of a four-year series of events with the theme “Celebrating the Legacy of Vatican II.” Dr. Steve Harmon was one of several internationally-recognized theologians and clergy members from around the country who took part in a conversation on ecumenism during last month’s symposium. Unitatis Redintegratio, the Decree on Ecumenism coming out of the Second Vatican Council, was the subject of a discussion between keynote speakers Harmon, William Rusch, D.Phil., of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Yale Divinity School; and the Rev. John Crossin, Ph.D., a priest in the order of the Oblates of St. Francis De Sales and a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Gardner-Webb Department Chairman Taking American Railroad Adventure

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

“All aboard!” Gardner-Webb Professor Dr. Bob Carey will hear this phrase many times in the next few weeks. The GWU Communication and New Media Department chairman is taking a trip across the United States via railroad with his camera as his companion.
Gardner-Webb Online Graduate Nursing Degree Named Top-20 Program Nationwide

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree has been named a top-20 program nationwide by an education information website, the third distinguished honor for GWU’s Hunt School of Nursing this year. SuperScholar, an online source for college and career information, honored Gardner-Webb as No. 19 in its “50 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs of 2015,” a resource produced to help current and future nurses make smart choices about advancing their education and careers. The ranking earned GWU a place among schools like Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Md.) and Duke University (Durham, N.C.).
Trio of Art Events Debut at Gardner-Webb in February

Office of University Communications

Artistic work will abound at Gardner-Webb University during the month of February as three separate exhibits open on the campus. Shows include work by GWU art students, a university professor and a resident of nearby Mooresboro, N.C. Tom Whitaker debuted his “Potter at Large” exhibition on Feb. 3, and it will continue through Feb. 27 in the art gallery in the Tucker Student Center.
GWU Alumna Named Army Spouse of the Year

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University graduate has been named Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) 2015 Army Spouse of the Year. Corie Weathers was recently named the branch winner for the Army, and is a finalist for the overall National AFI Military Spouse of the Year, to be announced in May. Weathers and her husband, Matthew Weathers, a U.S. Army Chaplain currently stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga., met at Gardner-Webb.
GWU Honors Career of Former Coach Eddie Holbrook

Office of University Communications

Former Gardner-Webb coach Eddie Holbrook helped put the University on the intercollegiate athletics map by building an elite basketball program in the 1960s and 1970s. Now Gardner-Webb has put Holbrook’s name on the University’s basketball court in Paul Porter Arena to honor his accomplishments as a coach and mentor. The University honored the former coach and celebrated the naming of Eddie Holbrook Court, with a reception and a halftime program on Feb. 26 during the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ home game versus Charleston Southern.

Youtube: Naming of the Eddie Holbrook Court at Gardner-Webb University
Southern Baptist Convention Leader to Speak at Gardner-Webb University on March 17

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a morning of free events featuring Dr. Frank Page, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee and a GWU alumnus, on Tuesday, March 17. Page will speak at the University’s Dimensions program at 9:30 a.m., and he will conduct a question-and-answer session with local ministers at 10:45 a.m. During the Dimensions program in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center, he will share experiences chronicled in his book, “Melissa: A Father’s Lessons from a Daughter’s Suicide.”
Gardner-Webb Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

Office of University Communications and Jill Blank

Gardner-Webb University professors and students will be contributing their skills to help members of the community by offering a free income tax preparation service. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be offered on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. in Hamrick Hall, located on the Gardner-Webb University Campus. All student and faculty volunteers have completed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) training and certification and will offer their services free of charge to families and individuals who earn less than $60,000 a year.
5K Race at Gardner-Webb to Benefit Community Members Battling Eating Disorders

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University invites the community to participate in a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Feb. 28 to increase awareness of eating disorders and raise money for people who suffer from body image illnesses. The “Everybody Knows Somebody 5K” will conclude a week of National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) events at the University. Preregistration and race day registration are $20 for community members and $10 for all GWU students, faculty and staff. Participants may register online in advance at gardner-webb.edu/everybody-5k, or in person in front of Gardner-Webb’s Tucker Student Center, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week & 5K Run/Walk Planned at GWU

Office of University Communications

In an effort to encourage the prevention of eating disorders and body image issues, Gardner-Webb University will be participating in National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Week, Feb. 23 through 28. This year’s NEDA theme is “Everybody Knows Somebody.” 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
Gardner-Webb Alum to Share His Story of Redemption

Office of University Communications

Musician, author and 1987 alumnus Jimi Ray will visit Gardner-Webb on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to share his spiritual journey during the University’s Dimensions program. The event is free and open to the public. Ray formed a band, Age of Faith, after graduating from Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb The Magazine Honored in Competition

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb The Magazine and its staff were recognized this week for excellence among higher education publications throughout the Southeast with a pair of awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The University magazine received a special merit award for print and digital publications, and Gardner-Webb The Magazine (Vol. 49, No. 1) earned a special merit award for cover graphic design in the 2014-2015 CASE District III contest. Honors were announced and presented Feb. 17 during the CASE District III annual conference in Orlando, Fla.
Higher Education Study Reveals Gardner-Webb University’s Economic Impact

Office of University Communications

A comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of higher education in North Carolina has found that Gardner-Webb University created $61 million in added economic value during the 2012-13 fiscal year. Overall, the state’s public and private colleges and universities had an impact of $63.5 billion in state, including payroll, operations, the purchase of goods and services, start-up companies, and spending generated by students and alumni. “While the true contribution of Gardner-Webb University is the positive impact on people’s lives, it is gratifying to know that the University makes a significant economic contribution to our region as well,” said GWU President Dr. Frank Bonner.
Renowned Carolina Brass Ensemble to Perform Free Concert at Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University will host a free concert by the Carolina Brass national touring ensemble on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center. The show is open to the public. Carolina Brass, regarded as one of the premiere music ensembles in the Southeast, regularly performs pops concerts, classical recitals and educational shows.
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.