news-category: Admissions Gardner-Webb Welcomes Fourth Largest Freshmen Class in School History By Office of University Communications On August 20, 2020 Class of 2024 Began Their First Fall Semester on Aug. 19 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Earlier this week, Gardner-Webb University welcomed the fourth largest freshmen class in school history. The 469 members of the Class of 2024 began their first fall semester on Aug. 19. Gardner-Webb’s total fall enrollment—in undergraduate, Degree Completion and graduate programs—is approximately 3,500, with nearly 1,200 students living on campus. “We’re excited for these new Runnin’ Bulldogs to join us, and we have great things in store for them,” noted Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs. “Their GWU journey is just beginning, and we commit to making it an exceptional and rewarding experience.” Downs pointed to several reasons for the record enrollment, including the Board of Trustees commitment to freeze tuition for a second year in a row and the diligent work of the GWU enrollment and marketing teams. “In the crowded marketplace of colleges and universities, Gardner-Webb is standing apart from our competitors who continually raise the cost burden on students,” Downs observed. “Most importantly, we are doing this without compromising the outstanding quality of instruction and the world-class caliber of our degree programs.” While holding the line on tuition costs, several other financial incentives were offered, such as the Foothills Commitment to residents of Cleveland, Gaston and Rutherford counties, and the expansion of church-matching and minister’s dependent scholarships. The University also instituted a tuition freeze for students in Gardner-Webb’s Degree Completion Program and began an aggressive marketing campaign to increase transfer enrollment by offering free room and board to students transferring from a four-year college. “We targeted specific communities and regions in the southeast with financial incentives and especially transfer options,” said Vice President of Marketing Richard McDevitt. “We believed in the current environment that students and families would be looking for options for their undergraduate experience. We have been very pleased with the results, especially in our transfer numbers, which are up substantially.” Additionally, the GWU faculty approved a revision of the general education requirements. The restructured curriculum reduces the number of required credit hours by a third, creating a more transfer-friendly pathway, opening space for most students to pursue a minor, and reducing the time to graduation for everyone. “Gardner-Webb now has a core that prepares every student for the key skills that society demands: critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to solve complex problems while working in teams,” Downs observed. “As we move deeper into the 21st century’s third decade, a generation of future Runnin’ Bulldogs will be that much better prepared to make positive and lasting differences for their professions and for their communities.” For more information about Gardner-Webb Admissions, email [email protected] or call 800-253-6472. 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.
News Article CBS Analyst Gene Steratore is Featured Speaker for Gardner-Webb Baseball’s First Pitch Celebration on Feb. 1 Event Includes Dinner, Silent Auction and Introductions of the 2025 Division I Roster and Coaching Staff BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Now in its fifth year, Gardner-Webb baseball’s First Pitch Celebration has become a must-attend event. Scheduled for Feb. 1 in Tucker Student Center, the featured speaker is NFL and NCAA Rules Analyst Gene Steratore. A native of […] Office of University Communications | December 4, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb to Recognize Graduates from 2024 Summer and Fall Semesters Over 400 Graduates will be Honored at Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 13 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will celebrate the achievements of over 400 graduates on Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. The commencement ceremony honors graduates who completed their degrees in the 2024 Summer and Fall semesters. “This will truly be one […] Office of University Communications | November 26, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Names New Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Gregory D. Pillar will Join the University on Jan. 6 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey has named Dr. Gregory D. Pillar as assistant provost for Academic Affairs. He will officially start his new position on Monday, Jan. 6. His duties include helping the provost foster academic […] Office of University Communications | November 26, 2024