Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, seeks an experienced, innovative, visionary, strategic leader with a passion and enthusiasm for student-centered, Christian liberal arts education to serve as the University’s 14th President.
Gardner-Webb (GWU) exists for God and Humanity (Pro Deo Et Humanitate), and the University has experienced remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity over its 120-year history. A flourishing regional institution of 3,200 students, it offers seven distinct degree programs with a highly qualified faculty on a beautiful campus situated on 225 acres. Historically, the University has played significant roles in teacher education and ministerial preparation for church-related vocations. GWU maintains a relationship with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina.
Gardner-Webb enrolls approximately 3,200 students including undergraduate, graduate, and online students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, GWU offers a comprehensive academic program, with more than 80 undergraduate and graduate major fields of study offered through five colleges and schools.
GWU offers five undergraduate degrees: BA, BS, BM, BFA, and BSN; six graduate degrees: MA, MBA, MSN, MPA, MAC, and MSM; and doctoral degrees include EdD, DBA, DMIN and DNP.
Nationally recognized for its excellent academic core curriculum, Gardner-Webb students can engage in small, individualized classes taught by professors with prestigious educational backgrounds. GWU has 143 full-time faculty and 71% have a PhD or equivalent.
GWU is committed to the education of the whole person and considers students’ activities outside the classroom to be as important as inside the classroom. Student Life at Gardner-Webb offers something for every student—from a wide range of academic and cultural clubs; student ministry and community engagement; and athletic intramural opportunities. Home to the Runnin’ Bulldogs and a member of the Big South Conference, Gardner-Webb gives studentathletes a complete college experience with an emphasis on academic enrichment and an opportunity to compete in one of 22 NCAA Division I sports.
An award-winning institution of higher learning, Gardner-Webb University is the recipient of many awards. Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, recognizes Gardner-Webb University for its commitment to encourage and challenge undergraduate students to learn, develop their talents, and succeed. In fact, Gardner-Webb was named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and a North Carolina College of Distinction. GardnerWebb is among the top 10 North Carolina schools to earn additional recognition in the areas of nursing and career development, and GWU is one of the top 18 North Carolina schools to achieve exceptional recognition in business and education. Moreover, Gardner-Webb was the only North Carolina institution of higher education to be named a Christian College of Distinction. Furthermore, the New York Times ranked Gardner-Webb University No. 1 for campus safety on its list of 26 public and private colleges in North Carolina. Gardner-Webb is dedicated to higher education that engages scholarship in conjunction with Christian faith, intellectual development, critical reflection, and spiritual formation.
The mission of Gardner-Webb University is to prepare graduates for leadership and service in their professional careers and in their personal lives. Rigorous and innovative degree programs, combined with distinctive hands-on learning opportunities, shape students into thinkers, doers, and world-changers. Forged within a supportive and diverse Christian community, our students emerge ready to impact their chosen professions, equipped with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Christian Heritage – Acknowledging one God— Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of life; committing to the lordship of Christ and self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects the dignity and value of every person.
Baptist Heritage – Affirming historic Baptist values such as the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice, the freedom of individual conscience and the right of people to worship God as they choose, the priesthood of all believers, the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.
Academic Excellence – Encouraging visible enthusiasm for knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and scholarly endeavors; inviting pursuit of educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom for the joy of discovery; and inspiring accomplishment within one’s field of study.
Liberal Arts – Offering broad-based exposure to the arts, humanities, and sciences and to each field’s unique challenges, contributions, and life lessons; complementing the acquisition of career-related knowledge and skills with well-rounded knowledge of self, others, and society.
Teamwork Working – collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.
Student-Centered Focus – Working collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.
Community Engagement – Assisting campus, local, national, and global communities through education, outreach, and research; fostering dialogue and action in support of human welfare and environmental stewardship.
Diversity – Studying and celebrating our world’s rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities; respecting and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment, national origin, or disability.
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University with responsibility for ensuring the success of the institution’s mission, academic integrity, fiscal stability and viability, enrollment management, fundraising efforts, personnel development, and physical plant management. In doing so, the President works closely with the Board of Trustees in developing, communicating, and executing a strategy consistent with the overall Christian mission and values of GWU to prepare graduates for professional and personal success, instilling in them a deep commitment to service and leadership, and equipping them for well-rounded lives of lasting impact.
The President of Gardner-Webb University is appointed by, and reports directly to, the Board of Trustees. Positions reporting to the President and serving as members of the President’s Cabinet include: Provost, VP of Finance and Administration, VP for Student Development and Dean of Students, VP for Advancement, VP for Athletics, VP for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain, VP for Institutional Effectiveness, VP for Enrollment, VP for Marketing, University Counsel. Overall, the President provides leadership for all the University’s 143 faculty and 275 staff.
Specific responsibilities for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Preferred qualifications include the following:
Gardner-Webb’s main campus is a beautiful backdrop to an environment of learning and faith. Gardner-Webb University is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Located just 50 miles west of Charlotte and 75 miles southeast of Asheville, the University is a vibrant landscape that provides a beautiful setting for personal and professional growth.
Located in Cleveland County, Boiling Springs’ beauty and nature make it a peaceful and quaint town bordered by the scenic Broad River. Boiling Springs is just one township within Cleveland County. Boiling Springs along with the other 14 cities and towns creates the perfect community. The County provides attractions for all such as the Don Gibson Theater and Earl Scruggs Center for the music enthusiast; American Legion World Series and local high schools sports for those who enjoy athletics; and cuisine that is unique and celebrated with national award-winning barbeque restaurants.
T he community also hosts events such as the Cleveland County Fair, Music on Main and Webb Stock. The area is known for its proximity to the mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking at South Mountain or Crowders Mountain or day trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Cleveland County School system, charter schools and a private school provide quality Pre-K and K-12 education. Atrium Health Care and other health care providers nearby offer medical services including dentists, specialists, mental health providers, and more.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.
Gardner-Webb University has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Search Committee for President in its identification and review of candidates. Brianna Douglas, Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is the lead consultant for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at [email protected].
Gardner-Webb University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in employment for any of its programs and activities.
We invite all members of the Gardner-Webb community to stay engaged throughout the search process. Additional details on progress updates, and opportunities for feedback will be shared here regularly.
If you have questions or comments on GWU’s presidential search process, please email us at [email protected].
We are committed to pursuing a transparent, inclusive process.
