news-category: National Interest

GWU Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Sponsors Forum on Impacts of COVID-19

man working on laptop taking notes

Event Features Top Executives from Business, Education and Healthcare

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—What lasting impacts will the COVID-19 pandemic have on society? Join Gardner-Webb University Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) for a virtual forum with top executives to discuss overcoming the pandemic and looking to a bright future. “Post COVID-19: Back to the Future—Challenges, Opportunities & Growth,” will be held from 10:30 to noon on Sept. 24, 2020.

This free event features leaders from different sectors of the economy who will share thought-provoking ideas and suggestions about the future beyond COVID-19. They will reflect and discuss civil liberties, economics, politics, education, business and healthcare. Questions will be received from the audience via chat, and GWU deans from the schools of education, business and nursing will also be in attendance.

Panel members, from left, are Dr. William Downs, Dr. Matthew Martin, Jennifer Marion Mills and Brian Gwyn.

Panel members include:

  • Dr. Matthew Martin, regional executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Va. As the regional executive, Martin is responsible for engaging business, banking, and community leaders throughout North and South Carolina to gain a real-time understanding of the state of the economy and the challenges facing communities.
  • Dr. William Downs, GWU President and political science scholar. His research and teaching expertise lies at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations. His work addresses four interconnected themes: 1) political extremism and the politics of rejection, 2) elections and electoral behavior, 3) decentralization, regionalism, and the politics of place, and 4) legislative institutions.
  • Jennifer Marion Mills, chair of the GWU Board of Trustees. She is also Vice President of Randy Marion Automotive in Mooresville, N.C., the #1 GM Volume Dealer in the Southeast. In addition to representing all GM brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC, Randy Marion Automotive also represents Ford, Lincoln, Subaru, Isuzu, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks. The company serves the greater Charlotte area and sells commercial vehicles across the United States.
  • Brian Gwyn, Senior Vice President, Market President-West for Atrium Health Cleveland, Atrium Health Kings Mountain, and Atrium Health Lincoln. He was previously President over Atrium Health Cleveland and Atrium Health Kings Mountain since 2009.  From 2008-2009, he served as Chief Operating Officer for both facilities.

Individuals from Canada, Colombia (South America), Mexico and Peru have already registered. Upon registration, participants will receive a link to join the forum on Sept. 24.

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.

Previous News Article

Gardner-Webb President Names Brian Arnold as Interim Vice President of Student Development

Next News Article

Alumnus Began His Ministry in Gardner-Webb’s Lutz Residence Hall, Room 111

Related News

  • News Article

    Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at Gardner-Webb

    By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about Gardner-Webb University, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […]

    Harley Buff SRA Tour Campus
  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb’s Searight PACE Program Expands Professional Development Opportunities for 2026-27

    From Social Media Management to Customized Corporate Training, New Programs Support Career Advancement and Organizational Success BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program is expanding its portfolio of workforce development, professional education and lifelong learning opportunities with several new programs launching during the 2026-27 academic year. The new offerings are designed […]

  • News Article

    Examining U2’s Theology: Gardner-Webb Professor Explores the Band’s Search for Faith, Hope and Meaning

    Dr. Steve Harmon’s New book, ‘U2’s Theological Imagination’ and a Limited Podcast Series, ‘Hearing Hope’ Trace Spiritual Questions Woven Throughout the Music of U2 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—What if theology isn’t confined to a classroom, a seminary or a Sunday sermon? What if it can be found in a rock song, a concert arena or the […]

    U2 book cover and Steve Harmon