news-category: Alumni Celebrating Alumni: Dr. Madison Cates and Dr. Elisabeth Moore By Office of University Communications On August 24, 2022 Department of Social Sciences Recognizes Accomplishments of History Graduates BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. Additionally, through GWU’s supportive and diverse Christian community, students are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Two Gardner-Webb history majors have completed their Ph.D. and are employed as full-time assistant professors. Dr. Madison Cates Madison Cates, ’13, finished his Ph.D. in History, specializing in North Carolina and the South, at the University of Florida in Gainesville and has secured a full-time, tenure track, assistant professor position in history at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. Cates just completed a year as a visiting assistant professor at Georgia Southern in Statesboro and the prior year as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Florida. Dr. Elisabeth Moore Elisabeth Moore, ’16, recently received her Ph.D., specializing in Southern Appalachian history, from West Virginia University in Morgantown. She begins serving as an assistant professor at North Greenville University in Tigerville, S.C., this semester. While at Gardner-Webb, Moore won a prestigious award at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Chicago, Ill. Stay connected Gardner-Webb’s faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us: Contact a faculty member.Touch base with Alumni Relations.Share your story here. Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, 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.
News Article Festival of Lights on Dec. 3 to Welcome Christmas Season at Gardner-Webb University Annual Tradition to Feature Founder Recognition Dinner, Holiday Music, Tree Lighting and Fellowship BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The sights and sounds of Christmas will once again fill the campus of Gardner-Webb when the University hosts its annual Festival of Lights on Thursday, Dec. 3. The cherished holiday tradition brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members […] Office of University Communications | October 23, 2026
News Article Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of Gardner-Webb University Record-Setting Commitment Names the Tucker College of Health Sciences, Strengthens Academic Programs and Expands the Tucker Scholarship Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The family of Robert and Carolyn Tucker and Gardner-Webb University have announced a record-setting $11 million gift to name the Tucker College of Health Sciences and expand the Tucker Scholarship Program. The commitment, representing the […] Office of University Communications | October 21, 2026
News Article Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry Christian Studies Major Uses Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Roles and Service Experiences to Prepare for Ministry By Victoria Edwards, Intern for University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As a teenager, Ignite Scholar Jackson Hartley made one of the most important decisions of his life: following Jesus. “God saved my life when I was in high school,” noted Hartley. […] Office of University Communications | October 20, 2026