news-category: Campus News

Hootsuite, the Leading Social Media Marketing Platform, and Gardner-Webb to Host Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit

A graphic for GWU Hootsuite summit

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.

Previous News Article

New MyGWU Campus Portal Designed to Meet Evolving Technology Needs

Next News Article

High School Students Invited to Experience Gardner-Webb Campus Community on Dawg Day

Related News

  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb University ROTC Hosts Competition for Prestigious German Military Award

    German Officer will Evaluate Soldier Skills of Cadets from Seven Colleges and Members of Local Reserve and National Guard Units BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) detachment assigned under the Southern Guards Battalion is hosting a competition on Jan. 31 for the highly-respected German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB). Cadets from […]

    Veterans Day Service
  • News Article

    Gardner-Webb Football Announces 2026 Schedule

    Gardner-Webb Opens Kris McCullough Era with 12‑Game Schedule Highlighted by Road Tests and Rivalry Matchups Family Weekend set for Sept. 19; Homecoming and Military Appreciation is Nov. 7 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—First-year head coach Kris McCullough and the Gardner-Webb football team have announced their full schedule for the upcoming 2026 season. The Runnin’ Bulldogs, coming off […]

    Kris McCullough New Football Coach
  • News Article

    Dr. Tracy Arnold Appointed Dean of Gardner-Webb University’s College of Health Sciences

    Arnold Steps into the Permanent Role with a Strong Record of Leadership and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters has announced the appointment of Dr. Tracy Arnold as dean of the College of Health Sciences (CoHS). Arnold has served as interim dean since April 2025 and previously served […]

    Tracy Arnold stands in a simulation lab