Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Speaker for 2024 December Commencement

N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson is a 2005 Alumnus

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Alumnus and N.C. Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson is the featured speaker for the December 2024 Commencement program at Gardner-Webb University. The University’s graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.

“I am honored and excited to be speaking at commencement,” said Dobson, who was sworn in as North Carolina’s 18th labor commissioner on Jan. 2, 2021, after serving eight years in the state House of Representatives. Dobson represented the 85th district covering Avery, McDowell and Mitchell counties located in the western part of the state.

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs noted, “It is appropriate that as we send hundreds of new GWU graduates out into the workforce that we hear from our state’s Commissioner of Labor. Josh Dobson is a Gardner-Webb product, and he is especially well positioned to speak to the Class of ’24 about what lies ahead for them in the world of work. We look forward to having one of our own—an alumnus who rose to serve in the Council of State—return home and provide remarks at Commencement.”

Dobson served as a McDowell County Commissioner from 2010 to 2012 before being appointed in 2013 to the 85th House district seat. Dobson subsequently ran and won re-election to the 85th district seat in 2014, 2016 and 2018. During his time in the Legislature, Dobson served as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the House Health Committee. In 2020, Dobson won a closely contested election for Commissioner of Labor. Dobson is not seeking reelection in 2024, and he will wrap up 14 consecutive years of service in elected office following this November’s general election.

Dobson earned a Bachelor of Science in social science from Gardner Webb and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University.

The N.C. Department of Labor is charged by statute with promoting the “health, safety, and general well-being” of more than 5 million workers across the state. Employee safety is Commissioner Dobson’s top priority.

Recognition Events

• 11 a.m., College of Health Sciences, Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC)
• 11 a.m., Godbold College of Business, Tucker Student Center
• 11a.m., School of Divinity, Dover Chapel
• 1 p.m., College of Education, LYCC
• 1 p.m., College of Arts & Sciences, Tucker Student Center

More information on Gardner-Webb University’s December 2024 Commencement is available here.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

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.