news-category: Academics GWU Hunt School of Nursing Recognizes BSN Student in Celebration of National Nurses Month By Office of University Communications On May 10, 2020 Charity Bennett, ’20, Follows in Footsteps of Grandparents Who Were Medical Missionaries Charity Bennett, a senior in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Gardner-Webb University, can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be a nurse. “Growing up, I always heard stories about my grandparents who were medical missionaries in South Africa,” she shared. “Hearing how my Grandma brought both physical and spiritual hope to patients through nursing inspired me to follow in her footsteps.”The World Health Assembly designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse” long before the Coronavirus pandemic began. The celebration recognizes the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of nursing. Further, the American Nurses Association, which traditionally observes National Nurses Week May 6-12, has expanded the recognition to the entire month of May. In recognition of National Nurses Month, Bennett shares more about her experience in the Hunt School of Nursing and her plans after graduation. Q: How have your nursing professors and GWU classes prepared you to enter the field of nursing? Bennett: Gardner-Webb has prepared me for nursing by challenging me to be a better student, person, and Christian. The nursing professors are always so encouraging and do their best to make sure we succeed—both in the classroom and out. Whether it’s praying with me after I’ve had a long day, or spending time outside of the classroom to review hard concepts, the nursing professors have supported me through every step of my journey. Q: How have your classes changed since social distancing began? Bennett: All of my classes are now completely online, where we meet in virtual classrooms instead of face-to-face. While I am so glad that the overall instruction I am receiving is the same, I have genuinely missed being in the same room as my peers and instructors. However, in the midst of all of the change, I have been so grateful for how encouraging, helpful, and understanding my professors have been throughout this period. Q: What have you learned about health care and in general from experiencing the pandemic? Bennett: The pandemic has shown me the strength and selflessness of healthcare workers. It has given me so many inspiring stories of nurses that I want to emulate as I want to move forward into my career. Living through this pandemic has also inspired me to be grateful for what I have and to embrace the time I spend with loved ones. I have also learned through this that everyone can play a vital role in supporting each other and keeping each other safe. Q: What’s next after graduation? Bennett: I will be taking the NCLEX to obtain my RN. I have accepted a job with Novant Health in Charlotte, N.C., in the ER with their New Grad Residency program. Q: In thinking about 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and the 200th anniversary of nursing, what are your thoughts about the profession you are preparing to enter? Bennett: I am so humbled for the opportunity to be a nurse in a time with so much need. I think nursing is such a special profession because you get to reach into people’s lives and walk with them through some of their most vulnerable moments. I have been blessed to know and work with some wonderful nurses throughout my lifetime, and I cannot wait to impact others as much as they have impacted me. I chose nursing, because I am passionate about people. I love how nurses are the ones at the patients’ bedside, helping them through some of the hardest, most vulnerable moments of life. Learn more about the Hunt School of Nursing.
News Article Gardner-Webb Leads the Pack: 85.90% of University’s Student-Athletes Named to 2024-25 Big South Presidential Honor Roll More Than 80% of Big South Student-Athletes Achieved a 3.0 Grade Point Average in 2024-25 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Big South Conference announced today that student-athletes from Gardner-Webb University are at the head of the class. For the first time ever, Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs led all Big South institutions, as GWU had 85.90% (335) of its […] Office of University Communications | June 26, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Hosts All-State Youth Choir of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina Group of High School Students to Present Free Concert on July 17 at 10 a.m. in Dover Chapel and Tour Surrounding Area BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The All-State Youth Choir (ASYC) of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) of North Carolina will be in concert on July 17 at 10 a.m. in Gardner-Webb University’s Dover Chapel. The theme of […] Office of University Communications | June 25, 2025
News Article On June 24, The Dawg Tag Digital ID Adds Webb Card to Smartphone Wallet or Device Users Can Tap Their Android, iPhone or Apple Watch Anywhere the Card is Accepted BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Beginning on June 24, Gardner-Webb University will launch its new digital ID, The Dawg Tag. This program brings the convenience of the traditional Webb Card to a smartphone. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the Dawg Tag allows […] Office of University Communications | June 23, 2025