news-category: Athletics GWU President William Downs Elected to Big South Conference Executive Committee By Office of University Communications On September 19, 2022 Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs, right, presents the new Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dr. Andrew Goodrich, with a Runnin' Bulldog hat and shirt. Council of Chief Executive Officers Unanimously Approved Selections for 2022-23 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers unanimously approved the league’s Executive Committee for the 2022-23 academic year, and Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William Downs was elected to serve the Executive Committee as an At-Large Member. The University of North Carolina-Asheville Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cable has been elevated to Big South President, and Charleston Southern University President Dr. Dondi Costin is the new Vice President. The Big South Conference Executive Committee has the authority to make decisions, when necessary, for the Big South Council of Chief Executive Officers. Additionally, the Executive Committee hears any appeals regarding penalties imposed by the Commissioner. Dr. William Downs “Gardner-Webb is proud to compete in the Big South Conference, and I value the collaborative working relationships that we have with leaders of all the member institutions,” affirmed GWU President William Downs. “The landscape of college athletics is changing with unprecedented speed, and it is especially important that our University have a strong voice at the table as we work to shape the future.” Since his arrival on the GWU campus in 2019, Downs has enthusiastically supported the University’s over 600 student-athletes and 22 NCAA Division I teams. He also led the first athletics brand update in over 35 years. Downs’ career spans over two decades of service in higher education. Before GWU, he was dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, N.C. He had been at ECU since 2014 and was also the W. Keats Sparrow Distinguished Chair in the Liberal Arts and a professor of political science. He’s also held positions at Georgia State University and was a research fellow at Harvard University’s Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies. A Raleigh, N.C., native, Downs earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science (with a minor in journalism) from North Carolina State University (Raleigh) in 1988, and his Master of Arts (‘90) and Doctoral (‘94) degrees in political science from Emory University (Atlanta). Downs is married to Kimberly Harwood Downs, and they have two children, Rachel and Bradley. GWU President William Downs led the first athletics brand update in over 35 years. 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. Gardner-Webb President Dr. William Downs, right, presents the new Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dr. Andrew Goodrich, with a Runnin' Bulldog hat and shirt.
News Article Gardner-Webb College of Education Hires New Faculty Members Educators Bring Expertise in Curriculum and Instruction, STEM Education and Leadership BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University College of Education has announced the hiring of multiple new faculty members. These educators will enhance undergraduate and graduate programs with their knowledge and experience in curriculum and instruction, STEM education, and leadership. Dean of the College of Education […] Office of University Communications | April 26, 2024
News Article Department of Communication, Art and Design Presents Senior Portfolio Show Reception for 23 Seniors will be Thursday in Tucker Student Center Gallery BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Department of Communication, Art and Design presents its Senior Portfolio Show through May 2 in Ali Pouryousefi Gallery, Tucker Student Center. The group of 23 seniors will be honored at a reception on April 25 from 4-6 p.m. […] Office of University Communications | April 24, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb College of Arts and Sciences Recognizes Achievements of Students Awards Presented for Excellence in 11 Departments BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students in The College of Arts and Sciences recently received awards for their academic achievements in the 2024 Spring Semester. Dean Dr. Robert Prickett and Associate Dean Dr. Jennifer Buckner led the ceremony. Prickett welcomed students and guests to the event. “We are excited to recognize […] Office of University Communications | April 24, 2024