news-category: Alumni Celebrating Alumni: Dr. Madison Cates and Dr. Elisabeth Moore By Office of University Communications On August 24, 2022 Department of Social Sciences Recognizes Accomplishments of History Graduates BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Two Gardner-Webb history majors have completed their Ph.D. and are employed as full-time assistant professors. Dr. Madison Cates Madison Cates, ’13, finished his Ph.D. in History, specializing in North Carolina and the South, at the University of Florida in Gainesville and has secured a full-time, tenure track, assistant professor position in history at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. Cates just completed a year as a visiting assistant professor at Georgia Southern in Statesboro and the prior year as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Florida. Dr. Elisabeth Moore Elisabeth Moore, ’16, recently received her Ph.D., specializing in Southern Appalachian history, from West Virginia University in Morgantown. She begins serving as an assistant professor at North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C., this semester. While at Gardner-Webb, Moore won a prestigious award at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Chicago, Ill. Stay connected Gardner-Webb’s faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us: Contact a faculty member.Touch base with Alumni Relations.Share your story here. Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article From Microbiology to Mentorship: Susan Manahan Retiring After Three Decades at Gardner-Webb Honored as Faculty Emerita, Assistant Professor of Biology Leaves a Legacy of Service and Student Success BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Gardner-Webb begins its 2026 Spring Semester on Jan. 12, Assistant Professor of Biology Susan Manahan won’t drive 70 miles to teach her classes that day. After 31 years at the University, Manahan is retiring on Dec. […] Office of University Communications | December 4, 2025
News Article Jessika Raduly Appointed Director of Campus Unity and Connection at Gardner-Webb GWU Alumna Brings Institutional Experience and Proven Commitment to Student Well-Being to Her New Role BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose has named Jessika Raduly, previous associate director of Student Engagement, as the new director of Campus Unity and Connection. Raduly earned both her Bachelor of Science […] Office of University Communications | December 4, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumna Kim Rivera Realizes Longtime Goal with USTA National Victory University Tennis Pioneer Celebrates a Career Highlight After Decades of Dedication to the Sport BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Kim Rivera, a 1984 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, recently achieved a goal she’s been striving for since high school. She is a member of the Rock Hill, S.C., team that won a United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Championship. […] Office of University Communications | December 3, 2025