Gardner-Webb University honors its undergraduate students for academic excellence and outstanding service and leadership. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities.
The success of the laboratory experience for students in biology depends largely upon the quality of supervision performed by undergraduate laboratory assistants. Given by the Department of Natural Sciences, The Biology Service Award recognizes the student who has demonstrated diligence and excellence of work as a laboratory assistant for the Biology Program.
The success of the laboratory experience for students in chemistry depends largely upon the quality of supervision performed by the undergraduate laboratory assistants. Given by the Department of Natural Sciences, The Chemistry Service Award recognizes the student who has demonstrated diligence and excellence of work as a laboratory assistant for the Chemistry Program.
The Faculty of the Department of Exercise Science Service annually recognizes a student who has exhibited exemplary self-motivation, professionalism, and dedication. Additionally, the student has demonstrated diligence and excellence of service for the Exercise Science Program.
Service to the community, whether on the local or global scale, is a core value of the Global Studies major as well as the university as a whole. In the spirit of Gardner-Webb’s motto, For God and Humanity, each year the Global Studies major recognizes one of its students who has made an exceptional commitment to serving others.
The Peer Leader Program began 16 years ago and is a wonderful leadership opportunity for students. Those chosen to serve as Peer Leaders excel in academics, but also serve as role models, teachers, mentors, and friends to our first-year students. This award recognizes graduating seniors who have served as Peer Leaders for at least two years at Gardner-Webb University. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a high level of commitment and enthusiasm in helping first-year students successfully transition to University life.
The Religious Studies Association Service Award is given annually by the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy to a student who has provided exemplary leadership in the student-led Religious Studies Association. Additionally, the student demonstrates academic excellence, participation in other campus leadership positions, exemplary Christian character, lifestyle and commitment to and promise in the field of Christian ministry.
This award is given in honor of Pam Scruggs who has set an unparalleled example of dedication, service, and leadership for her co-workers, students, student-athletes, and all those who have had the privilege of knowing her.
This award recognizes SAAC members who have demonstrated a tremendous amount of dedication to the organization throughout the academic year. They have contributed to every endeavor of the organization, worked to carry out the mission of SAAC, and shown support to their fellow student-athletes in all athletic events.
The Dawg Pound annually presents this award to the student with the most school spirit at Gardner-Webb University athletic events.
Gardner-Webb University is full of strong student leaders. We are blessed with the privilege of serving alongside so many students who genuinely care about doing things that matter for the benefit of our campus, community, and humanity. Annually, the Center for Personal and Professional Development recognizes students for their efforts in leading others in serving our campus and community well through student organizations. These students have demonstrated strategic leadership with humility and a single-minded determination to make the Gardner-Webb experience even better for every student.
The Residential Service and Leadership Award is given to two individuals within the Gardner-Webb residential community. The award recognizes students who have shown great commitment to the Gardner-Webb University residential community by serving fellow residents, promoting an atmosphere conducive to curricular and co-curricular learning within the residence halls, and creating an environment centered on open communication and respect.
The winning contestant, 1st runner up, 2nd runner up and Most Talented contestants of the Miss Gardner-Webb Pageant are decided by a panel of judges at the conclusion of the pageant. The Miss Congeniality contestant is decided by her peers for being the most friendly, helpful, genuine and outgoing. The Most Photogenic contestant is decided by a panel of judges after viewing photo shoot photos prior to the pageant.
The Community Engagement Award recognizes students who have gone the extra mile in their commitment to being aware of and meeting specific needs in our community.
The Community Engagement Award – Degree Completion Program recognizes distance students in the Degree Completion Program who have gone the extra mile in their commitment to being aware of and meeting specific needs in their communities.
Student-Athlete who displays excellence in character and competition. Servant leader who elevates those around them by walking in faith with integrity and selflessness.
This award is presented in memory of Pamela Darnell. From the moment Pamela Darnell first set foot on the campus of Gardner-Webb University as a student in the fall of 2001, it became obvious to everyone who met her that this was one extraordinary young lady. As one student put it, “she almost instantly became one of the most recognized smiles on campus.” Pam was actively involved in the leadership of student ministries as a small group leader, mission trip participant, and the Women’s Ministry on campus. Pam died in June of 2005 after courageously battling both Crohn’s disease and Lymphoma while still attending Gardner-Webb University. Perhaps President Emeritus Frank Bonner said it best: “Pam was the ideal of what we would want every student to be.” The Pamela Darnell Christian Mission Award is given to the graduating senior who has most exemplified on our campus a passionate devotion to the global mission of God.
This award is presented in memory of Charles Shelton and in honor of his wife, Sybil. Following his retirement from Bellsouth, Charles followed the call of God upon his life as a leader in volunteer mission service. His life and witness impacted many Gardner-Webb University students as they traveled with him on various North American and international mission trips. The Charles and Sybil Shelton Outstanding Christian Service Award is presented to a male and female senior who have provided outstanding servant leadership through opportunities offered by the Office of Christian Life and Service.
The Admissions Staff of the Traditional Undergraduate Program annually recognizes students who volunteer their time to take prospective students and their families on tours, talk about student life, entertain large groups, and most of all be wonderful representatives of this university.
The staff of the Dover Memorial Library gratefully acknowledges the efforts of many fine student assistants who have served over the years. This award is given each year to the student worker whose motivation and dependability best exemplifies the goals of the library in helping meet the informational needs of our library patrons.
Each year the Department of Exercise Science recognizes its most outstanding major in each of its concentrations. The recipients this year have demonstrated exemplary academic success, professionalism and servant leadership that is deserving of gratitude and recognition by the faculty.
This award is presented in memory of the founder of the GWU Hunt School of Nursing, Mrs. Grace C. Lee. The award is given annually to a graduating ASN student who, in the opinion of the faculty has demonstrated scholastic achievement, excellence in the clinical area, leadership ability and a positive attitude while in the ASN program.
This award is given annually to the BSN student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated scholastic achievement, excellence in the clinical area, leadership ability and a positive attitude while in the program.
The Health, Sport, and Physical Education Department presents The Outstanding Sport Education Major Award to the student who has excelled academically, professionally, and personally during their career at Gardner-Webb.
The criteria for selecting the recipient of the Criminal Justice Administration leadership award is based on displayed leadership in the classroom, criminal justice related activities and service to the Department of Public Service. This student(s) demonstrated considerable potential for success in the field of Criminal Justice.
The Criminal Justice Administration Senior Award is presented annually to the outstanding senior(s) who achieved outstanding academic achievement in the Criminal Justice Administration major.
The award is presented to a Criminal Justice Administration student(s) that achieved outstanding academic achievement and successfully completed a Professional Readiness Experience. This student demonstrated outstanding potential for success in the field of Criminal Justice.
The First Year Music Award is presented to a freshman music major, who has demonstrated outstanding potential and significant achievement during the first year of study in academic and musical studies.
This award recognizes the band member who has exhibited outstanding performance, participation and attitude in the Symphonic Band.
The Orchestra Award is given each year to the student who exemplifies excellence in preparation, devotion to the music and to the group entire, and in superb performance.
Presented by the Music Department, this award recognizes the student who has demonstrated outstanding musical achievement during the current academic year.
The Shelby Rotary Club presents this award to the graduating senior who has made the most significant contribution to the music program of the university, as well as significant academic and professional achievements.
Given in honor of Elizabeth Carlisle Jones, gifted artist, Bible teacher, wife, and mother, this award is given with thanksgiving by her daughter, faculty member Susan Carlisle Bell. The award is given to a student who exhibits exceptional creativity, productivity, craftsmanship and presentation in the areas of painting, drawing and printmaking, or other two-dimensional work.
This award is presented to a student who exhibits outstanding creativity, productivity, craftsmanship and presentation in the areas of ceramics or sculpture. The award is given in honor of Professor James Rash who taught ceramics, art appreciation, drawing and painting for Gardner-Webb University from 1965–1980.
The Art History Research Award is a monetary award presented to the student whose research results in a well-written paper that clearly presents an original idea in the field of art history.
The German Award is given to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement during his/her first year of German.
Is presented annually to a Spanish major or minor who has displayed superior aptitude and passion for the Spanish language and the literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
This award is given to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in the field of American Sign Language.
The French Award is for a student who has demonstrated the most dedication to the French program with excellent grades in General Studies courses and tutoring services.
The English Education Award honors a pre-service teacher who excels in English studies and classroom teaching.
Faculty in the teacher education unit in the School of Education strive to develop scholarship, leadership, service, skill, and creativity in students who plan to enter the teaching profession. With these categories as a guide to personal and professional excellence, the School of Education is pleased to honor graduating seniors who exhibit these attributes.
The Teacher Education Scholarship Award is presented to the graduating senior from the School of Education who has the highest overall grade point average.
The Elementary Education Student Teaching Award is given to a graduate from the elementary education program in Boiling Springs.
This award recognizes a graduate from the Degree Completion Program elementary education program.
This award is presented to a graduate of the K-12 teacher education programs who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom.
The Teacher Education Residency License Award is presented to Residency License completers, who demonstrated outstanding potential as elementary education teachers and completed the program with high academic achievement.
The Teacher Assistants to Teachers Award is presented to elementary education teacher assistants, who demonstrated outstanding potential as elementary education teachers and completed the program with high academic achievement.
The Teacher Assistants to Teachers Grit Award is presented to an elementary education teacher assistant, who persevered against the odds and completed the program with high academic achievement.
This award recognizes a graduate of the 9-12 teacher education programs who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom.
The Psychology award is given to students who have demonstrated academic excellence, scholarship, research and/or service.
The Godbold College of Business presents awards in eight major fields of study. The recipients of the awards are recognized for their outstanding academic performance, excellent analytical, personal, and leadership skills, high moral standards, and significant contributions to their fields during their careers at Gardner-Webb.
The Accounting Award recipient is selected by the Godbold College of Business faculty and is awarded to a senior majoring in Accounting. The recipient of this award displays exemplary leadership and skill in the Accounting discipline.
The Thomas J. Meaders Business Administration Award is named in memory of Dr. Thomas J. Meaders for his great contributions to the Godbold College of Business.
The Economics Award recipient is selected by the Godbold College of Business faculty and is awarded to a senior majoring in Economics. The recipient of this award displays exemplary leadership and skill in the Economics discipline.
The Finance Award recipient is selected by the Godbold College of Business faculty and is awarded to a senior majoring in Finance. The recipient of this award displays exemplary leadership and skill in the Finance discipline.
This award is presented to a senior in the Sport Management program who has maintained a grade point average above 3.40 and who demonstrates leadership in sport management, professionally enhances the sport management program, and demonstrates promise in the sport management field.
The Healthcare Management Award recipient is selected by the Godbold College of Business faculty and is awarded to a senior majoring in Healthcare Management. The recipient of this award displays exemplary leadership and skill in the Healthcare Management discipline.
The International Affairs Award is given to a student who has shown academic excellence, service and leadership in the pursuit of global understanding, as examined through the multidisciplinary work of International Affairs.
This award is named in memory of Professor Wallace Carpenter, who started the Management Information Systems program at Gardner-Webb.
This award is given to a senior in a business-related program within the Degree Completion Program. This recipient achieved his/her goal of academic excellence by successfully meeting the wide array of life’s challenges that are inherent in pursuing a career and a degree.
This award recognizes the student who best exemplifies faith, discipline and service. Because of the combined commitment to these values from the Godbolds and the Godbold College of Business Faculty, this award is considered one of the most prestigious awards given by the Godbold College of Business. Nominations were solicited from faculty, staff, and students.
This award is given in honor of Dr. M. Vann Murrell for his 27 years of outstanding service as a Professor of New Testament Studies and chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. The award is presented to a graduating senior in the Department on the basis of grades in all major courses, overall grade point average, and evidence of exceptional leadership in the future.
Each year the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy recognizes a graduating senior who majors or minors in Discipleship Studies. This award honors long-time faculty member Dr. Alice Cullinan, who impacted a generation of religious educators during her 30-year tenure at Gardner-Webb. It is presented to the student who has demonstrated excellence in and overall commitment to the field of Discipleship Studies.
This award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the Biblical Studies major.
The Missiology Award is given by the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy in honor of Jack Partain, who served as a missionary for sixteen years in Africa and fifteen years at Gardner-Webb University as a professor. His commitment to excellence in the classroom and his passion for the Missio Dei inspires us to recognize a student who performs well in the classroom and has a passion for the Mission of God.
This award is presented to an outstanding student in Sociology, which is the scientific study of humans as members of groups.
The First Year History Award is presented to an outstanding freshman in the Western Civilization sequence.
The Political Science Award is presented annually to the outstanding senior in Political Science. The award is named in honor of the late William H. Withrow, Sr., graduate of the United States Naval Academy, who retired from the navy with the rank of commander. After graduate studies at the University of North Carolina, Commander Withrow taught Political Science at Gardner-Webb for 14 years and served a term in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
This award was established in 1974 to honor the late Dr. J.O. Terrell, former Dean of Instruction and Professor of History at Gardner-Webb, and is awarded to an outstanding student of history.
The Global Studies Award is given to a student who has shown academic excellence, service and leadership in the pursuit of global understanding, as examined through the multidisciplinary work of Global Studies.
This award is presented in honor of Mr. Paul J. Stacy, whose devotion to the teaching of biology, and love of the students at Gardner-Webb spanned beyond three decades. The recipient’s name will be placed with others who have received the honor and displayed on a permanent plaque in the Department of Natural Sciences.
Success in a freshman level mathematics course is highly correlated to success in a wide range of studies. This award goes to a freshman who has demonstrated excellence in a freshman level mathematics course.
This award is given to a senior who has excelled in the study of mathematics as a major and performed well in all academic work.
The Computer Science Award is given to a graduating senior Computer Science major who has excelled in the major and performed well in all academic work.
This award is given to a senior Mathematics major who has excelled in both the study of Mathematics as a discipline and the student teaching experience.
The Senior English Major Award is presented to a senior English major for excellence in grades, character, leadership ability, and creativity.
The English Department recognizes an English major or minor who produces exceptional writing designed for the market place.
This award is presented to a senior majoring in Communication Studies. This award recognizes superior achievement in academics and service to the department and the university as a whole. Particular attention is paid to those characteristics that predict professional success in the communication industry.
The Journalism Award is presented annually by the Department of Communication and New Media to a student who has shown dedication and promise in broadcast and/or print journalism. The recipient has excelled in his or her studies and demonstrated superior writing and management skills in student publications or broadcast journalism.
The Department of Communication and New Media annually recognizes those students who have excelled at photography or photojournalism.
This award is presented to a senior majoring in Graphic Design. This award recognizes superior academic achievement, creativity, and work ethic. Particular attention is paid to those characteristics that predict professional success in the graphic design and/or visual communication industry.
This award is given to a public relations major who excels in the classroom and in utilizing public relations principles to support campus and community programs and projects.
Established in the 2008 Marching Band season, students from the Gardner-Webb University Band have voted for a student to receive a spirit award named for Sid Haton, Jr., the Director of Athletic Bands from 2006–2008. The recipient demonstrates Sid’s spirit by giving encouragement to others and bringing a joyful energy to rehearsals and performances. As Sid would say, the award winner “stood tall like a cheetah” and “helped others go to their happy place.”
This award was established in 2006 to honor Dr. Les M. Brown’s appreciation of nature, passion for teaching science, and involvement of students in research at GWU for nearly 40 years. The winner of this award exhibits commitment to academic excellence and research in the area of environmental sciences.
The Stefka Eddins Undergraduate research award recognizes a student in Natural Sciences who demonstrates a commitment to and excellence in undergraduate research by execution and completion of a collaborative student/faculty project.
The chemistry program prides itself on placing graduates in quality medical, dental, pharmacy, and graduate programs around the nation and the world. It provides outstanding instruction in all areas of chemistry including analytical, physical, organic, inorganic, environmental, and biochemistry. To assess the chemistry program’s strengths, a cohort of junior and senior science majors is asked to take the Educational Testing Service’s Major Field Test in Chemistry. This award is presented to the student who achieved the highest score on the exam.
This award is presented to a Homeland Security Administration student that displayed leadership in homeland security-related activities and service to the Department of Public Service.
The criteria for selecting the recipient of the Homeland Security Administration Academic Award is based on displayed leadership in the classroom, homeland security-related activities and service to the Department of Public Service. This student(s) demonstrated considerable potential for success in the field of Homeland Security.
The Crime Scene Investigation C.S.I. Award is award to a student who excelled at crime scene investigation.
This award is presented to a ROTC student cadet that displayed academic leadership in military science-related activities and service to the Department of Public Service.
This award is presented to a ROTC student cadet that displayed leadership military science-related activities and service to the Department of Public Service.
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association sponsors this award to assist students who are dependents of law enforcement officials or who are studying in the criminal justice field and express an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Named for Dr. Gil Blackburn, who served as Professor of History and Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs from 1968–2004, this award is given to an outstanding freshman or sophomore student in the Western Civilization courses.
This award recognizes excellence in stage performance by a student actor as exemplified in acting skill, professionalism, attitude and work ethic. The award encourages students to develop both technique and professionalism as a marketable stage performer.
The Excellence in Technical Theatre award recognizes superior achievement in technical production in the theater arts and superior contribution to theatrical production. The award encourages students to pursue and develop their education and skills in the technical and design area of theatre.
Alpha Psi Omega is the National Honor Society for students of Theatre. This award recognizes superior achievement in academic study in the theatre arts and superior contribution to theatrical production. The award encourages outstanding undergraduates to pursue their professional and educational goals in theatre.
The annual publication of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges includes the names of students from Gardner-Webb University who have been selected as national outstanding campus leaders.
The Library staff is proud of the Gardner-Webb students who receive recognition as recipients of a Leadership, Service and Volunteerism Award. In 2005, the library began celebrating the students’ accomplishments by offering them the opportunity to select a book for inclusion in Gardner-Webb’s library. Each book purchased in this honor book program is book-plated with the name of the award winner, the year and award received. The recipients of today’s awards will be contacted by the library and given a form to complete whereby they may select the book of their choice with a value of up to $50 to be added in their name.
