news-category: Academics GWU Honors Program Gives Student Opportunities to Enhance Educational Experience By Office of University Communications On May 7, 2020 Joy Smith, ’20, Studies Wildlife Photography for her Thesis After graduating from Gardner-Webb University in May, Joy Smith, ’20, of Casar, N.C., will continue taking photos of people. However, in the future, she would like to become a wildlife photographer. Her interest in the well-being of animals led her to choose the topic for her Honors thesis, “The Positive and Negative Effects of Photography on Wildlife.” Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Smith and others presented their research during a Zoom teleconference. Q: Why did you choose your research topic? Smith: As a photographer and a lover of wildlife, I began to get curious and wondered if photography was ever harmful to animals. During my research, I learned that while there are many positives, wildlife can be negatively affected if the animal’s best interests aren’t met. It pains me to see animals mistreated, and it was a real eye opener to realize that sometimes people who think they are helping animals by photographing them and raising awareness for them are actually hurting them without realizing it. Q: What valuable lessons did you learn from doing your research? Smith: I learned a lot of useful information that is going to greatly benefit me as I continue on in my career. I learned to manage my time appropriately. There is so much to be done when completing a thesis; it is important to not let deadlines sneak up on you. I also learned to ask for help if you need it. Your advisor is there to help you, and they are happy to answer questions or assist you when you hit a roadblock. Q: How has GWU Honors Program enhanced your GWU experience? Smith: The GWU Honors Program has meant everything to me. I have been extremely involved since my freshman year. I have been on the Honors Executive Committee the past three years, serving as the Special Events Co-Chair my sophomore year and the Publicist my junior and senior years. I have traveled to multiple places, presented research at National Honors Conferences, met so many wonderful friends, and gotten the best education. I can’t imagine what my time at GWU would have been like if I hadn’t been involved in Honors. I am so thankful to have attended a school with such a wonderful Honors Program! I have been given unbelievable opportunities during my four years at GWU. I am so thankful to Dr. Tom Jones for everything he has done for me.
News Article Guided by Faith: Annagrace Earwood’s Dedication to Serving Others 2024 Dean’s Scholar Embarks on a Dual-Degree Journey BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As an undergraduate student at Gardner-Webb University, Annagrace Earwood’s favorite memory involves an act of service. She was vice president of the Religious Studies Association and volunteered with members at the Washington Outreach Ministry, a food pantry in Cherryville, N.C. “We went one Friday and […] Office of University Communications | November 14, 2024
News Article Ashley Hawkins and Darryl Simmons II Named Gardner-Webb Athletes of The Week Hawkins Led Women’s Basketball on Opening Night Win; Simmons Stands Out in Men’s Basketball Games BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After posting strong opening weeks of the season on the court, sophomore guard Darryl Simmons II of the Gardner-Webb University men’s basketball team, and senior guard Ashley Hawkins of the women’s basketball team, have been named GWU’s Athletes […] Office of University Communications | November 13, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb University Hosts Annual Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 Purple Heart Recipient and Pastor, Cpl. Brandon Blair, Speaks on Sacrifice and Surrender BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cpl. Brandon Blair, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and senior pastor of Langston Baptist Church in Conway, S.C., spoke at Gardner-Webb University’s Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. Gardner-Webb hosts the annual celebration of Veterans Day to honor […] Office of University Communications | November 11, 2024