news-category: Faculty & Staff Gardner-Webb Names Steve Serck as University Counsel By Office of University Communications On December 18, 2019 New Position to Provide Guidance on Legal Affairs and Higher Education Compliance BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – “Steve Serck brings with him a wealth of legal experience to Gardner-Webb, and for thirty years he’s remained immersed in a wide range of higher education representation. We are fortunate to have Steve on board as University Counsel,” said GWU President, Dr. William Downs. Serck comes to Gardner-Webb from East Carolina University (Greenville, North Carolina) where he provided direction on state and federal laws and training in all aspects of faculty, staff and employment issues. His work at ECU also covered a wide cross section of matters relating to student and athletic engagements, academic affairs, disability support, equality and diversity, academic freedom, and higher education fundraising laws. “I feel blessed and honored to have this opportunity to join President Downs’ team as he builds on Gardner-Webb University’s tradition of excellence,” noted Serck. Serck also served at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as in-house legal counsel, and at the Ahlers & Cooney Law Firm (Des Moines, Iowa), where his expertise in higher education law offered opportunities to work with several colleges and universities. “We were looking for someone who could provide sound legal advice in a myriad of higher education-related topics, and there are many. Some of those include understanding interactions with the NCAA and the importance of Title IX and FERPA support. Gardner-Webb will benefit greatly from having an expert and leader like Steve here to guide us,” added Downs. Among other items, Serck’s work will also cover legal aspects of contract law, matters of human resources, general policy compliance, tax laws, law enforcement on a Christian college campus, information technology, and privacy and data security. Serck is GWU’s first in-house legal counsel; in the past Gardner-Webb has utilized outside resources. Serck holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law. In his role as GWU Counsel, he will report directly to the president. Serck begins his work at GWU this month. Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Receives Federal Grant Totaling $2.16M Over Four Years Funding Awarded to the College of Health Sciences to Address Behavioral Health Needs in Rural and Underserved Areas of North Carolina BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s College of Health Sciences has received the University’s first federally-funded grant. Presented by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the initial award is $550,000, which is renewable for three years […] Office of University Communications | July 17, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Student Film Selected for Real to Reel International Film Festival “Shaping the Old North State” to Screen at 26th Annual Event on July 26 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to announce that “Shaping the Old North State,” a documentary created by Gardner-Webb University students, has been selected for inclusion in the 26th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival. The film […] Office of University Communications | July 16, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule Season Features Nine Games Inside Paul Porter Arena BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Head Coach Alex Hinsey and the Gardner-Webb University volleyball team have announced the 2025 fall schedule, featuring nine games inside Paul Porter Arena and 14 Big South Conference contests. After a home pre-season intra-squad scrimmage on Aug. 16 and a road scrimmage at ETSU in […] Office of University Communications | July 15, 2025