Gardner-Webb University has prepared the following frequently asked questions to provide additional information about recent financial and organizational changes and what they mean for our students and University community.
Why is Gardner-Webb making these changes? Gardner-Webb is addressing a $6.7 million financial need over the next two years. Like colleges and universities across the country, we are navigating demographic shifts, rising costs, changing enrollment patterns and increasing pressure on affordability. We are addressing these realities directly by better aligning our expenses with available resources and revenue to strengthen the University’s financial position for the future.
Without making structural changes now, that financial need would continue to carry forward from year to year. A one-time infusion of funds could provide temporary relief, but it would not address the underlying imbalance between the University’s ongoing revenues and expenses. The goal is to create a more sustainable financial model for Gardner-Webb’s future.
What does the $6.7 million need represent? The approximately $6.7 million represents the financial adjustment Gardner-Webb needs to make over the next two years to better align its expenses with anticipated revenues. The University is addressing that need through a combination of expense reductions, organizational changes, and efforts to increase revenue through enrollment, philanthropy and partnerships. The goal is to create a more sustainable balance between what the University spends and the resources available to support its mission.
What changes has the University made? The University is reducing operating expenses and making organizational and staffing changes, including the reduction of approximately 3.7% of staffed positions across the University.
How will these changes affect current students? Gardner-Webb’s priority is to protect students’ education and their current academic experience. Classes are not being canceled as part of these changes. Current courses and schedules will remain the same. Campus services and operating hours will not be impacted as part of these changes. Student scholarships and financial aid will not be impacted as part of these changes. Gardner-Webb’s athletic teams’ current competition schedules will remain the same.
Why are staffing reductions necessary? The University looked at operating expenses first. Trying to address the full financial need through operating budgets alone would significantly reduce operational capacity, preventing departments from serving our students and supporting our mission.
These decisions were difficult because they affect valued members of the Gardner-Webb community who have contributed to the University and its students.
How were decisions made about which positions were eliminated? The University considered its financial needs, organizational structure and the work necessary to support our students and mission. Decisions considered where work could be reduced, reorganized or handled differently as Gardner-Webb aligns its resources with its priorities and financial realities. These decisions were about positions and how work is structured moving forward, not the value of the individuals who have served in those roles.
Will there be additional staffing reductions? There are no additional rounds of staffing reductions planned at this time.
Is Gardner-Webb only cutting expenses? No. Gardner-Webb recognizes that it cannot cut its way to long-term success. In addition to reducing expenses, the University will continue pursuing enrollment growth and student retention, increasing philanthropic support, developing partnerships, identifying new sources of revenue and making thoughtful investments that support the University’s mission and future.
These decisions reflect Gardner-Webb’s commitment to responsible stewardship: making thoughtful choices about where resources are reduced while continuing to invest in areas important to students and the University’s future.
Is Gardner-Webb closing? No. Gardner-Webb has a storied history and a strong future. For more than 120 years, the University has adapted to changing circumstances while remaining committed to its mission and its students. These decisions allow Gardner-Webb to meet today’s challenges head on, strengthen the University and continue building toward its next century of service and impact.
What happens next for Gardner-Webb? Gardner-Webb will continue to fulfill its mission and remain grounded in the core values that have long defined the University, including our Christ-centered identity, commitment to excellence, and focus on students. Those commitments remain unchanged.
At the same time, the University will work to strengthen enrollment and retention, increase philanthropic support, develop strategic partnerships, identify new revenue opportunities, and make thoughtful investments that support Gardner-Webb’s long-term sustainability and growth.
