GWU Bulldog Club, Led by Executive Director Wes Cogdill, Sets Record in Membership

Board of Trustees Chair Gary Smith Challenges Trustees to 100% Participation

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Since returning to Gardner-Webb University nearly a month ago, alumnus Wes Cogdill has sparked excitement among friends and fellow alumni as the new Bulldog Club Executive Director. Building on work started by GWU’s Office of Advancement, Cogdill has already grown the Bulldog Club to its highest membership in 10 years.

Cogdill is enthusiastic about achieving more records in membership over the next year and beyond. “The sense of pride and passion for Gardner-Webb is unrivaled and this is an exciting time for the University,” he observed. “People want to be part of this new chapter, and I want to help them understand how they can help and become part of something great. As we continue to connect and reconnect with friends and alumni, I believe we will see things continue to flourish. People want to support the Bulldog Club so they can directly support our student-athletes.”

Also catching the vision and encouraging the growth is Board of Trustees Chair Gary Smith. “I informed the Board of Trustees at our first Board meeting I served as Chair (Feb. 17, 2022) that one of my goals was for all Trustees to be members of the Bulldog Club,” he shared. “I set this as a goal because I believe it is important for our Trustees to be actively involved with all activities at Gardner-Webb University and to support the University financially. I believe that winning championships at Gardner-Webb University will have a dramatic impact on the overall success of the entire University.”

Smith added that he would like to see 100% participation by the Board of Trustees by their next meeting on Oct. 20. “I am very excited about the record membership level for participation in the Bulldog Club,” he stated. “I know Nate Evans and staff have worked tirelessly to achieve this result, and I know they want to be even more successful. I am also excited about the addition of Wes Cogdill as the new Executive Director of the Bulldog Club. Wes is a former Gardner-Webb athlete and understands the importance of enhancing funding for our athletics programs. Great things are ahead for the athletics programs at Gardner-Webb!”

Cogdill noted that it’s a great time to join the Bulldog Club to show support for the conference games for soccer, volleyball, and football, and the upcoming basketball, swimming, and wrestling seasons. “I would like to see the Bulldog Club continue to grow to new heights this year,” he asserted. “If you haven’t joined, now is the perfect time to help provide scholarship support to our more than 600 student athletes. Join here now.”

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.