Award-Winning Documentary by Gardner-Webb Students to Air Locally on C19 TV

‘Shaping the Old North State’ Explores the Lasting Influence of O. Max and Fay Webb Gardner on the University and Beyond

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“Shaping the Old North State,” a documentary created by Gardner-Webb University students, will be featured locally on Spectrum Cable C19 TV on Sunday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 29. Each day, the film will air at 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A story that captures the extraordinary legacy of Cleveland County through the lens of O. Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner, the production won the Founder’s Choice Award presented at the 26th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival.

The film traces the Gardners influence far beyond politics and into the present day. They helped reshape not just North Carolina, but the nation. O. Max Gardner served as governor of North Carolina from 1929-1933. Despite living in Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C., the Gardners never forgot their hometown of Shelby, N.C., and what was then a junior college in Boiling Springs. Their devotion and financial support of the college was recognized in 1942, when the trustees voted to name the school, Gardner-Webb, after them.

Recent GWU graduate Carson Willoughby served as director, cinematographer and editor and was assisted by GWU students, Dakota Hawxwell, camera operator and editor, and Jonathan Holbrook, camera operator. The film was produced through Gardner-Webb’s Department of Communication, Art & Design in a documentary class taught by the film’s executive producers: Jessica Maloney, assistant professor of photography and design, and Dr. Chris Nelson, professor of theatre arts.

“I’m incredibly proud of Carson, Dakota, and Jonathan!” Maloney praised. “I’m so glad our documentary class was able to provide the time and space for them to explore the history of our university’s namesakes and bring their stories to life through film. Their achievement reflects the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit we strive to foster in the Communication, Art & Design department.”

The project also features contributions from GWU faculty and staff, including Dr. Natalie Bishop, dean of the GWU Library, Dr. Tim Vanderburg, professor of history, and voice talent from Jeff Powell, instructor of communication studies and general manager of WGWG Radio.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, 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.