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 Hootsuite, the Leading Social Media Marketing Platform, and Gardner-Webb Host Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit Event Attended by Social Media Professionals from 15 Universities Across Six States and Canada BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Hootsuite, the industry-leading social media marketing platform for enterprise organizations, and Gardner-Webb University welcomed social media professionals from 15 universities across six states and Canada to the Second Annual Higher Ed Social Media Summit held June 5-6. A one-of-a-kind […] Office of University Communications | June 11, 2025
News Article Theandra “Thea” Thompson Named Interim Vice President of Marketing for Gardner-Webb Current Associate Vice President of Web & Digital Communications Joined the University in 2020 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has announced that Theandra “Thea” Thompson, associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications, will serve as interim vice president of Marketing. She will fill the role of Vice President of Marketing Richard McDevitt […] Office of University Communications | June 10, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans Names New Vice President of Finance and Administration Thomas Welch Joins the University with 20 years of Financial Management Experience BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has announced a new vice president of Finance and Administration. Thomas Welch of Brewer, Maine, will begin his duties at GWU on June 16 and will report directly to the president. Welch, a certified public accountant, […] Office of University Communications | June 6, 2025