news-category: Academics Gardner-Webb Students Join Alpha Chi Honor Society By Office of University Communications On January 16, 2020 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University inducted 33 members into Alpha Chi, a national collegiate honor society, in a ceremony held recently in Blanton Auditorium in Hamrick Hall. Dr. June Hobbs, Alpha Chi sponsor, presided over the induction service. Honorary member, Dr. Pam Dennis, performed the processional and recessional on the piano. Soprano Sydney Hardin, an Alpha Chi member, presented a musical selection. Alpha Chi promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction. Induction into Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor bestowed upon any group of students at Gardner-Webb. Membership is open to students with junior and senior classification who demonstrate strong character and whose GPA ranks them in the top 10 percent of their academic classes. The GWU North Carolina Zeta Chapter of Alpha Chi was established in 1972. Gardner-Webb’s Alpha Chi chapter earns consistent national recognition for its academic achievements, including honors and scholarships for presentations at the annual Alpha Chi National Convention. Inductees, who participate in the ceremony, choose a faculty sponsor to thank them for the valuable influence they have had in the students’ education. 2019 Inductees and their sponsors, include: Zoha Aamir, a junior biology major from Cherryville, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Venita Totten Timothy Bennett, a junior exercise science major from Fishers, Ind., sponsor: Dr. Jeff Hartman Garrett Blanton, a senior graphic design major from Rutherfordton, N.C., sponsor: Taylor Alexander Jasmine Dee, a junior psychology major from Dallas, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Paula Qualls Emily Dyment, a junior exercise science major from Whitby, Ontario, sponsor: Dr. Jeff Hartman Isabel Eigenbauer, a junior exercise science major from Dacula, Ga., sponsor: Dr. David Granniss João Vítor Espinheira, a junior international business major from Salvador, sponsor: Dr. Felice Policastro Makayla Fewster, a junior computer information systems major from Harrisburg, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Natalie Bishop Cullen Fields, a junior biology major from Marietta, Ga., sponsor: Dr. Tom Jones Gabriel Gavin, a senior political science major from Lincolnton, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Amato Linda Gelzer, a junior American Sign Language major from Bellevue, Wash., sponsor: Prof. Russ Gribble Sara Houff, a junior economics/finance major from Caryville, Tenn., sponsor: Dr. Teresa Phillips Thomas Manning, a junior from Boiling Springs, N.C., sponsor: Prof. Jeff Powell Lisa M. Martinat, a senior journalism major from Lenoir, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Bob Carey Taylor Mills, a senior psychology major from Lillington, N.C., sponsor: Dr. David Carscaddon Brianna Mullinax, a senior nursing major from Lawndale, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Tina Lewis Richard Mullins, in absentia, a junior exercise science major from Birmingham, Ala. John O’Connell, a junior global studies major from Holly Springs, Ga., sponsor: Dr. Casey Delehanty Aalliyah Perkins, a junior business administration major from Bessemer City, N.C., sponsor: Prof. Deirdre Pettis Haley Pierce, a junior biology major from Jamestown, N.C., sponsor: Prof. Jessica Herndon Jordan Plummer, a junior business administration major from Mocksville, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Christine Sutton Brittany Polburn, a junior theatre arts major from Charlotte, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Chris Nelson MacKenzie J. Quattlebaum, a senior music major with emphasis on business and industry from High Point, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Patricia Sparti Emily Rhew, a junior psychology major from Mooresville, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Paula Qualls Allyson Rideout, a senior elementary education major from Old Fort, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Brianne Leggat-Johnson Ben Schade, junior from Morrisville, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Buckner Steffen Smith, in absentia, a senior business administration major from Alpharetta, Ga. Chloe Townsend, a junior English as a second language major from Sherrills Ford, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Jennifer Buckner Emily Walker, a junior sport management major from Stanley, N.C., sponsor: Dr. Jerry Gilsdorf Sierra Warren, a senior psychology major from Shelby, N.C., sponsor: Dr. David Carscaddon Hannah Wermuth, a senior American Sign Language major from Rutherfordton, N.C., sponsor: Prof. Bob Moore Samantha Wilkie, a junior English major from Hendersonville, N.C., sponsor: Prof. Matthew Duffus Avery Woods, a junior discipleship studies major from Jacksonville, N.C., sponsor, Dr. Paula Qualls Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Gardner-Webb University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,” spotlights GWU’s College of Education […] Office of University Communications | July 23, 2026
News Article Family Establishes Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University Endowment Honors Cleveland County Couple’s Longtime Love of Music, Education, and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Music was woven into everyday life in the home of Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss of Cleveland County, N.C. The family listened to a wide variety and sometimes sang along. To honor their parents’ love for music, support for education and service […] Office of University Communications | July 17, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb University Announces Y2K Kids for Webbstock 2026 Entertainment Lineup Popular 2000s Tribute Band Joins a Growing Slate of Music, Food Vendors, Local Artisans and Family-friendly Activities for Aug. 22 Community Celebration BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University has announced another addition to the entertainment lineup for Webbstock 2026. Y2K Kids will take the stage during the community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Brinkley Amphitheater. The […] Office of University Communications | July 13, 2026