news-category: Campus News Gardner-Webb Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer Selected for Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition By Office of University Communications On April 8, 2025 First Round is April 22-23 in Wilmington, N.C.; Winner Moves to Nationals in Napa, Calif., in July BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer has been invited to participate in the 2025 Aramark Culinary Experience Competition. He will compete in the East Region cookoff on April 22-23 against university chefs from North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Impressed by Tessneer’s passion and creativity in the kitchen, Aramark’s regional executive traveling chefs and regional managers selected him for the contest. He travels to UNC-Wilmington for the first-round event. If he wins, he will have a chance to compete in the national showcase on July 16 in Napa, Calif. The competition utilizes American Culinary Federation (ACF) standards to celebrate and spotlight Aramark’s culinary talent. The ACE competition provides growth and development while continuing to build the global culinary culture for Aramark’s chefs. 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.
News Article Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Hosts Church Historian Dr. João B. Chaves for Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 27 […] Office of University Communications | September 15, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Takes Steps to Strengthen Financial Position Addressing Projected Needs for the University’s Long-term Mission Gardner-Webb University implemented a series of budget and organizational changes designed to address approximately $6.7 million in financial needs over the next two years and strengthen the University’s financial position for the future. Gardner-Webb ended the last fiscal year with an approximately $2 million deficit. That result, combined […] Gardner-Webb University | September 14, 2026
News Article Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at Gardner-Webb By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about Gardner-Webb University, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […] Office of University Communications | September 9, 2026
