Gardner-Webb to Recognize Graduates from 2025 Fall Semester

Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 12 will Celebrate Achievements of Nearly 300 Graduates

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will celebrate the achievements of nearly 300 graduates on Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The commencement ceremony honors students who completed their degrees in the 2025 Fall Semester.

“Commencement is one of the most meaningful days in the life of our University,” affirmed GWU President Nate Evans. “It represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance by our students, along with the support of families, faculty, and staff who have walked alongside them. We are proud of every graduate crossing the stage and stepping forward into their calling.”

Senior Scholastic awards will be presented to traditional undergraduate and online students, and doctoral candidates will receive their hoods. Evans will confer undergraduate and graduate degrees on all graduates.

The speaker is Dr. Robert Canoy, who served as dean of the Gardner-Webb M. Christopher White School of Divinity for 16 years. This semester, Canoy taught part time and will retire on Dec. 31.

He joined the School of Divinity faculty in 2000. Through the years, he led classes in Christian theology, Greek, eschatology, the Revelation of John, and The Ministry of Worship, a Doctor of Ministry seminar. In addition, Canoy regularly led study tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, and Rome.

Canoy’s primary area of research is New Testament theology, having written articles and books on eschatology, and Eucharistic theology. He is the author of “Atonement in the Apocalypse: An Exposé of the Defeat of Evil.”

He served as pastor in Shelby, N.C., Maryland (in the Washington D.C. area), Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky before returning to an academic career. His teaching experience began at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as a doctoral student and then Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Mo.

Canoy has also served as interim pastor and guest teacher in churches across North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Iowa, and Missouri. Canoy hails from Mississippi. He is married to Cynthia, and they are the parents of two adult sons and four grandchildren. His hobbies include hunting, woodworking, traveling, and working outdoors.

The 9 a.m. ceremony is also available for live streaming on The University’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

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.