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 Faculty and Staff to Serve Community During Week of Giving, Service & Prayer Annual Initiative Combines Volunteer Service, United Way Giving and Prayer Opportunities Nov. 16-20 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University faculty and staff will join together Nov. 16-20 for the University’s annual Week of Giving, Service & Prayer. The campus-wide initiative is designed to strengthen the surrounding community through volunteer service, United Way giving and intentional prayer. The […] Office of University Communications | November 11, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Veterans Day Observance Highlights Stories of Service and Sacrifice Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and GWU instructor Dr. Jim Rennie Encouraged Attendees to Learn from Veterans’ Experiences and Honor the Families who Serve Alongside Them BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—One of the most meaningful ways to honor veterans may be as simple as listening to their stories. That message was shared by Dr. Jim Rennie, a […] Office of University Communications | November 11, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb to Observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with Prayer Service in Dover Chapel U.S. Air Force Veteran and Gardner-Webb Adjunct Professor Jim Rennie to Speak at 11 a.m. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Joining communities across the nation in honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Gardner-Webb University will host a Veterans Day prayer service on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. Faculty, staff, students, alumni […] Office of University Communications | November 6, 2026