Gardner-Webb Announces Formation of Presidential Search Committee

University Appoints Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Trustees to Help Select Next GWU President

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced the formation of the committee that will guide the search for the institution’s 14th President.

Dr. William M. Downs, who served Gardner-Webb from 2019 to 2025, left in February to prepare for his new role as president of Campbell University.

According to the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., GWU Board of Trustees Chair and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, the group will work in conjunction with Myers McRae to help secure qualified leaders as candidates for the position. A nationally-recognized executive search firm, Myers McRae has a proven track record for identifying highly qualified and trustworthy leadership for higher education institutions. With locations in Hartsville, S.C., and Atlanta, Ga., the firm’s proprietary database, which represents all 50 states and beyond, has more than 150,000 prospects.

“The Board of Trustees and I are excited to announce the formation of the Presidential Search Committee, tasked with identifying and recommending the 14th president of Gardner-Webb University,” Littlejohn shared. “This committee, comprised of members representing the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, Student Government, alumni, and community stakeholders, reflects the University’s commitment to Christian faith, transparency, and accountable leadership in this critical selection process.”

Littlejohn emphasized, “There is no doubt that each committee member will take the time and effort to do what’s necessary to identify the best candidates for the president of Gardner-Webb University. I ask that you pray for us, as we listen to and depend upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout this process.”

The team from Myers McRae will visit Gardner-Webb’s campus in May to host listening sessions. More information will be provided about these sessions when it becomes available.

Members of the GWU Presidential Search Committee include:

Chair:

• The Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., GWU alumnus, Board of Trustees Chair and Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby

Trustee members:

• David Brinkley
• Ed Cook, GWU Alumnus
• Verhonda Crawford-Diehl, GWU Alumna
• The Rev. Dr. Christopher Gash, GWU Alumnus
• Dr. Ashley Lowery, GWU Alumna

Faculty members:

• Dr. Cal Robertson, Professor of Biblical Studies, School of Divinity
• Dr. Mischia Taylor, GWU Alumna, Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing, Godbold College of Business

Staff members:

• Candice Thomas, Administrative and Special Events Coordinator, Staff Council Co-Chair
• Benjamin Flournoy, GWU Alumnus, Coordinator for the Learning Resource Center
• Dr. Josh Parrott, GWU Alumnus, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service

Community:

• Rev. Aaron Hinton, GWU alumnus, Pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C.

Gardner-Webb Student Government Association:

• Paul McElearney, Student Body President

Search Firm:

• Myers McRae

Updates on the search process will be offered here as information becomes available.

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.