BOILING SPRINGS, NC – It has truly been a happy new year thus far in 2007 for the Gardner-Webb University School of Business thanks to an outpouring of donations.  A number of recent financial gifts by both individuals and groups are coming at a time when the School of Business is thriving.

According to polls from The Charlotte Business Journal, Gardner-Webb’s School of Business has been ranked for seven consecutive years as one of The Top Business Schools in North and South Carolina.  Even though the GWU School of Business is the youngest of all programs ranked in the top seven, many of its graduates are already working for Fortune 500 companies, such as BMW, Wachovia, and Bank of America.

The recent donations to the GWU School of Business include a general program endowment for the Broyhill School from the Broyhill Family Foundation in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars.  This money continues a long time commitment to GWU from the Broyhill Family to further education at an institution with a Christian foundation.

Then there is a fifty thousand dollar estate gift that was presented by a Gardner-Webb School of Business faculty member.  Dr. Charles Tichenor, Professor of Business Administration and Distinguished Executive in Residence attended Duke and Harvard and has been a member of six U.S. and two foreign industrial companies.  Tichenor hopes other faculty members might help to take the School of Business to the next level.  “This is an incentive gift to encourage others to give in hopes of starting a Doctorate of Business program,” said Tichenor.

Next is a twenty-five thousand dollar gift from former Cleveland County businessman and GWU School of Business Board of Advisor member, John Godbold.  Godbold says he is proud of the business school, “For its size, Gardner-Webb’s School of Business in my opinion is the best in the southeast.”  The donation in particular will help assist the schools financial news center.  The center is located in Hamrick Hall and provides students and visitors with a variety of global business information, including up to date stock market listings and company ratings.  

There is also a ten thousand dollar donation from Stonecutter Foundation and Chairman, Jim Cowan of Spindale, NC.  This donation was given specifically as a way to bring in top name speakers with a message of inspiration.  One of the events for such a speaker would be for students at the annual GWU School of Business High School Symposium.

Dr. Anthony Negbenebor, dean of the Gardner-Webb University School of Business is thrilled with these developments.  “I have never seen such passion and interest as we’ve seen recently.  Excitement is growing and this support for our school will add needed resources for the students,” said Negbenebor.  Negebenebor gives credit to GWU President, Dr. Frank Bonner and Steve Varley, vice-president for Development in helping to open doors for the schools success.

While the School of Business couldn't’t be happier with all the latest financial news, they also know much more is needed for the future.  The Business School’s Board of Advisors is currently making plans for a major fund raising event that would be designated towards advancing technology in the school.

Tom Bell of Atlanta, GA, a Gardner-Webb Alumnus, Board of Trustees member, and on the School of Business Board of Advisors says there is a theory behind the future event.  “This fundraiser would be a way to reach out to former business students now in the work field.  It’s not about the amount someone gives, it’s about laying seeds for your university,” said Bell.  The proposed fund drive hopes to raise fifty thousand dollars to assist with the university’s overall commitment to technology upgrades for the school of business.  Plans are still being discussed with a date forthcoming.

The School of Business currently has a record number for enrollment of over 400 students and offers degree programs in MBA (Master of Business Administration), IMBA (International Master of Business Administration), and MACC (The Master of Accountancy).  For more information contact the GWU School of Business at 704-406-4489.