Gardner-Webb Officials Announce Speaker for Spring Commencement

Local Pastor Skip Allen will Address Graduates on May 8 in Spangler Stadium

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A local pastor with ties to Gardner-Webb University will be the featured speaker for commencement on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Spangler Stadium. Skip Allen a lead pastor at Hope Community Church in Shelby, N.C., will address graduates and their families and friends.

Additionally, the ceremony will have a different format this year—all participating students will have the opportunity to have their name read and to walk across the stage for recognition. Doctoral students will also be hooded during the ceremony.

“Commencement is a time-honored tradition for our students, their families, and the rest of our campus community,” noted Interim Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans. “We are honored to have Pastor Allen join us to celebrate our graduates and their achievements. His commitment to faith and community aligns with the mission of Gardner-Webb, and I know he will inspire and encourage our students as they begin their next chapter.”

Allen is passionate about seeing lives transformed by the Gospel. A graduate of Crest High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in religion with a concentration in evangelism and church planting. Hope Community Church is a growing multi-site church where people gather each week to worship, grow in their faith, and reach their communities with the hope of Jesus.

He is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Jena, share a deep commitment to both their faith and family. Jena, a two-time graduate of Gardner-Webb University, has dedicated 17 years to serving mothers and newborns as a labor and delivery nurse at Atrium Cleveland in Shelby. Together, the Allens are raising five children—Haiden, Harrisen, Hadleigh, Hayes, and Halle—instilling in them a love for God and a heart for others.

Graduates who intend to participate in the ceremony, should RSVP by April 1. Graduating students can register here.

Visit the registrar’s webpage for more commencement information. If you need more information, contact [email protected].

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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.