Gardner-Webb Receives $1.85 Million Transformative Gift

Donation Enhances Athletics, Residence Halls and Academics

Gardner-Webb University has received one of the largest single contributions in the last 25 years—an initial $1.75 million. Just one week later, the donors added an additional $100,000, bringing the total to $1.85 million. This generous donation will impact all areas of campus life.

“This transformative gift is a powerful affirmation of Gardner-Webb’s mission and the life-changing impact this institution has on our students and their families,” said Interim President Nate Evans. “It reflects not only deep gratitude but also great vision, investing in our facilities, academic programs, and student life so that Gardner-Webb can continue to change lives. We are incredibly grateful for this generosity and inspired by the trust it places in our future.”

The $1.85 million gift is funding a series of athletic, residential and academic enhancements—many of which are already completed or nearing completion. Over the summer, new turf was installed at Spangler Stadium, and the court in Paul Porter Arena has been replaced. A major renovation of Nanney Hall took place, along with updates to additional residence halls and apartments. The final portion of the gift is enhancing technology, equipment and computers for the Department of Communication, Art and Design.

The donors were motivated to give because they saw the positive impact that the GWU community—faculty, staff and students—had on their son’s Christian walk. “Gardner-Webb is a unique and rare gem in higher education,” they said. “The school has blessed our son in a variety of ways. GWU offered an environment where he could thrive and grow both professionally and spiritually. He was also instrumental in identifying certain areas that would benefit from our financial support, and we wanted to honor that as well.”

They felt strongly about directly supporting the Gardner-Webb mission and encourage others to financially support the University. “God has his hand on GWU and this is evident every time we set foot on campus,” the donors said. “God’s calling to support GWU was an easy ‘YES.’ We hope that other families with the capacity to give will experience the same calling.”

With their contribution to Gardner-Webb, they wanted to bless the people who had become friends over the last four years. “Our son developed strong relationships with his peers, academic, administrative and coaching staffs,” the parents said. “We have developed meaningful relationships with some key administrators and have enjoyed our many visits to Shelby/Boiling Springs. We feel a real connection to GWU, and it’s all because of the people.”

Upgrades to Nanney and other residence halls will directly impact the daily lives of Gardner-Webb students, observed Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose. “We are excited about the transformation this will bring,” Villarose said. “The investment in new residence hall furniture is more than just a physical upgrade—it is an investment in the comfort, well-being, and community experience of our students. These refreshed living spaces will enhance students’ ability to rest, study, and connect with others, helping to create a true home away from home.”

The turf and basketball court upgrades will provide a foundation to improve the student-athletes’ experience. Interim Vice President of Athletics Chuck Burch noted the previous football turf was installed in 2014. “Turf fields usually last eight to 10 years, so our field has held up well considering how much we have used it,” Burch noted. “Replacing the turf and shock pad under the turf allows us to provide our student-athletes the safest environment possible.”

Additionally, Burch explained the need for a new arena court. The Runnin’ Bulldogs are playing on the same court surface since the Convocation Center opened in 1982. “After multiple sanding and refinishes, there were numerous dead spots throughout the court,” he stated.

The equipment for the Department of Communication, Art and Design will support numerous academic programs. Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jennifer Buckner assessed the gift’s impact. “This lab provides industry-standard technology that will support photography, videography and digital designs in a tech-forward learning environment, preparing students for future careers,” Buckner said. “We are excited to see how this lab enhances department strengths, such as our sports and commercial photography or our student-produced films for the International Real to Reel Festival.”