news-category: Campus News Hootsuite, the Leading Social Media Marketing Platform, and Gardner-Webb to Host Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit By Office of University Communications On March 25, 2025 Free Event on June 5-6 Targets Social Media Professionals Who Work in Higher Education BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— Hootsuite, the industry-leading social media marketing platform for enterprise organizations, and Gardner-Webb University are hosting the Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit on June 5-6 in Tucker Student Center. This one-of-a-kind event is created especially for social media professionals who work in higher education. Through interactive, peer-led sessions and thought-provoking discussions, participants will discuss challenges, strategies and ideas, as well as network with industry leaders and peers. Nicole Foster Nicole Foster, senior account executive with Hootsuite, noted why Gardner-Webb was the clear choice to host this year’s summit. “Since our partnership began in 2017, the University has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and strategic excellence in social media management, making it a model for other institutions,” she said. “Gardner-Webb is a true Hootsuite Social Campus—your team has taken a structured, strategic approach to social media, ensuring best practices are embedded across the institution.” Gardner-Webb Vice President for Marketing Richard McDevitt noted his team’s excitement to host the national event. “We’re thrilled to have Hootsuite on our campus,” he said. “As a recognized national leader in social media management and strategy, they’re excellent partners for Gardner-Webb. We’ve been committed to expanding our communications footprint for some time now, and well-aligned and strategic social content across all our platforms remains a priority. We have an excellent story to tell at GWU and we need to tell that story everywhere we can.” Foster commended McDevitt’s leadership as well as guidance from Thea Thompson, assistant vice president for Web & Digital Communications. “Out of 2,000+ higher education customers, Gardner-Webb was chosen because of its exemplary social media leadership and strategic execution,” Foster said. “Hosting this summit not only highlights Gardner-Webb’s expertise but also expands its visibility, as we will be promoting the event to millions of Hootsuite customers and partners globally.” Last year’s Summit, held at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., was a tremendous success. Feedback from past attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with 97.5% gaining actionable insights and 95% rating the event 4 or 5 out of 5. Attendance to the event is free; attendees pay for their own travel and lodging. Registration and more details are available here. About Hootsuite Hootsuite pioneered social media management in 2008, and has since evolved into the category leader for social media marketing and social intelligence. Powered by AI and the largest set of realtime social media data, Hootsuite lets users schedule, post, and track performance across all of their social media networks from one powerful dashboard. Hootsuite, which recently acquired social listening platform Talkwalker, helps organizations unlock the value of their social media relationships by turning social insights into clear action and measurable business impact. Learn more here. About Gardner-Webb Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Commencement Programs Celebrate Achievements of Over 500 Students Alumnus and National Security Expert Patrick Woody Challenges Graduates to Stay ‘FIRED’ for Lifelong Growth and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University celebrated the achievements of over 500 graduates on May 8 in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Traditional undergraduate students were honored at 9 a.m., with graduates from master’s and doctoral programs recognized at 2 p.m. Each […] Office of University Communications | May 8, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb’s Annual Community Memorial Day Observance Scheduled for May 22 Lt. Col. Michael A. Cooper, ROTC Leader is the Featured Speaker for the Service at 9 a.m. BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Each year, Gardner-Webb University joins communities across the nation in pausing for a Memorial Day observance to honor the lives of those who have died in military service to their country. First recognized nationally in 1868, […] Office of University Communications | May 7, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb University and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Establish Partnership Gryphon-Bulldog Collaborative to Bring New Opportunities for Thomas Jefferson Students BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) will soon have expanded access to college‑level coursework through a new partnership with Gardner‑Webb University. The initiative was formalized with the recent signing of the Gryphon‑Bulldog Collaborative. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding […] Office of University Communications | May 6, 2026