History and Mission

About Gardner-Webb University

The institution first opened its doors to students in 1907 as a boarding high school operated and supported by the Kings Mountain and Sandy Run Baptist Associations. As a high school, junior college, senior college, and beginning in 1993 as a university, the school has sought to provide quality education in a Christian environment.

A brief chronological history of Gardner-Webb leads to an understanding of the University as it is today and to an appreciation for all that has contributed to its growth and development.

The Mission of Gardner Webb University

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 experiential 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.

Gardner-Webb Traditions

Homecoming & GWU Online Student Barbeque

Homecoming is a distinctive event at Gardner-Webb. Each fall, on a home football game weekend, students, teachers, staff and friends return to catch up on the changes, renew friendships and check out the current group of students. Special events such as an exciting game of football, a dance, alumni reunions, banquets, and athletics galore (golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball) all happen on this weekend. RSVP for the GWU Online student barbeque and bring your family. 

Senior Pinning

A yearly tradition each spring, Seniors invite their families to come and be part of this special ceremony. Students are encouraged to visit with their classmates, parents and professors.

Festival of Lights

During the Christmas season at Gardner-Webb, we call upon others in the community to join us in ushering in Advent and anticipating Christmas. Our traditional celebration, featuring the University choirs, is held in late November or early December and is called Festival of Lights.

Honor Society

Alpha Sigma Lamba

Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society devoted to the advancement of scholarship and to the recognition of nontraditional students continuing their higher education. GWU Online students who meet the following qualifications will be invited to join Gardner-Webb’s chapter: 

• Has matriculated with a minimum of twenty-four graded semester hours taken through and graded at Gardner-Webb University in an undergraduate degree program. These college credits must not include transfer credits.
•  Members shall be selected only from the highest twenty percent of the class who have earned eight-eight overall credits and are matriculated in an undergraduate degree program.
• Those selected must have a minimum grade point index of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at Gardner-Webb University, as well as a 3.5 overall, including all colleges previously attended. The cumulative scholastic record of the student as interpreted by Gardner-Webb University shall be the basis for computing scholastic eligibility.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of nine credits in the semester of induction.
• Exemplifies excellent citizenship and character.

GWU Online undergraduate students are eligible to compete for ASL Scholarships.

University Alma Mater

Hammett–Hammett

At the foot of the mountain
Is our College; proud she stands, serving all who want her service,
Blessing all with outstretched hand
With our hands we will serve thee,
Gardner-Webb, our College fair; In our love we will uphold thee; Our wealth we’ll gladly share.

Chorus

Alma Mater, Alma Mater,
We sing our love to thee,
We pledge our hearts in deep devotion, Our faith, eternally