John R. Dover Sr. to Receive Gardner-Webb’s Founders Medal for Generations of Support

The Dovers’ Commitment Through Grants and Scholarships has Shaped the University and Cleveland County

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Each year, Gardner-Webb presents the Founders Medal in recognition of significant and lasting contributions to the University. Since its founding in 1905, Gardner-Webb has benefited from visionary leaders committed to establishing an institution for Christian higher education in the foothills of North Carolina.

Among those early and ardent supporters is the family of John Randolph Dover Sr. The father of 10 children, Dover passed down to his family a legacy built on faith, hard work, and education. As a tribute to his lasting influence, Dover will receive the Founders Medal at the Festival of Lights Dinner on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. Accepting the award on behalf of the family will be his grandson, Charles D. Chamberlain.

Dover started Ella Mill in Cleveland County in 1907. He sold that first plant in 1917, then built Dover Mill in west Shelby in 1923. This was the real beginning of what later became Dover Textiles. Dover was not only a successful industrialist—he had a vision for building communities that valued the well-being of those who were a part of them. He understood the value of education and believed it was essential for the prosperity of his employees and their families. Each mill village had schools and churches, of which his own children and family attended.

Dover Sr. died in 1931, leaving management of the company to two of his sons: John R. “Jack” Dover Jr. and Charles I. Dover. Under their leadership, Dover Textiles became the largest employer in Cleveland County with nearly 3,000 people for many years. Annual sales peaked at around $200 million. Dover Textiles was known for its novelty or specialty operations, which included woven, knitted and tricot fabrics, and spun yarns. The family industry was sold in 1984.

As the company grew, the Dover family supported many projects at Gardner-Webb University and around Cleveland County. The two brothers served on the GWU Board of Trustees for many years and established the Dover Foundation in 1944 for the primary purpose of supporting Gardner-Webb. In the early 1950s, they donated $175,000 to build the first home of the John R. Dover Sr. library, which is now known as Craig Hall. Afterward, they continued to donate and raise money to purchase books for the library.

Other buildings and structures on the Gardner-Webb campus are constant reminders of the family’s legacy of support: the Charles I. Dover Campus Center, the John R. Dover Jr. Chapel, and the Kathleen Dover Theatre, named for Charles’ wife. The Dovers’ support of educational and human service organizations is also evident across Cleveland County, with the Dover Foundation YMCA and the Kathleen Dover Hamrick Hospice House.

Today, The Dover Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the well-being of Cleveland County residents. The foundation also awards a total of 12 scholarships each year to students who attend high school within the Cleveland County Schools system. Of the 12 awarded each year, four are designated for seniors who have been accepted at Gardner-Webb University.

Source: Dover Foundation Inc. and Gardner-Webb University Archives

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

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. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.