GWU President Names Robin Hamrick Interim VP for Finance and Administration

Alumna Has Worked in Several Financial Areas Since 1998

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs has named Robin Hamrick as interim vice president for Finance and Administration, effective Dec. 1, 2020. Hamrick, a two-time GWU alumna, came to work at the University in 1998. Mike Hardin, who has nearly 30 years of service to Gardner-Webb, is retiring as vice president for Finance and Administration on Nov. 30, 2020.

“I am grateful to Robin Hamrick for stepping up to serve GWU in this capacity at such an important time,” noted Downs. “She has comprehensive knowledge of our university finances, she is committed to the continuing success of our institutional community, and I’m confident she will be an effective leader during this transitional period.”

As interim vice president, Hamrick will report directly to the president and lead a team charged with realizing the finance and administration goals articulated in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025. She will also provide leadership and overall management of the Division of Finance and Administration, which includes the following units: Accounts Payable, Campus Post Office, Campus Shop, Human Resources, Payroll, Student Accounts, and Technology Services. For the duration of this transition period, Plant Operations will report directly to the president.

Hamrick graduated from Gardner-Webb in 1999 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and in 2000 with her Master of Business Administration. “As a military child, I never really had a place I could call home,” she shared. “After graduating from Gardner-Webb, it was a privilege to be able to begin my career here, and 22 years later, this has become my home. As interim vice president it is my goal to provide stability during this time of transition, and I look forward to being a part of the continued success of Gardner-Webb University.”

Her first job at GWU in 1998 was telecommunications coordinator. She’s also held the positions of telecommunications manager and financial accountant (2001); assistant comptroller and telecommunications manager (2002); and comptroller (2004). In 2006, she was named assistant vice president for finance and controller. In 2014, she was promoted to associate vice president for business and finance and supervised the areas of Accounting, Payroll, Student Accounts, Campus Shop, Post Office, Summer Camp Program, Institutional Insurance, and University Vehicle Fleet.  

Gardner-Webb has retained the firm of Buffkin/Baker to assist in conducting a national search for a new chief financial officer.

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.