Gardner-Webb Announces New Vice President for Finance and Administration

Mike Whiteman Brings 15 Years of Experience in Higher Education to the Position  

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb have named a new vice president for Finance and Administration—Mike Whiteman. He has 15 years of experience in higher education and his background includes work in public accounting, insurance and non-profit industries. He begins his duties at the University on July 24 and will report directly to GWU President Dr. William M. Downs.

Whiteman will serve as the Chief Financial Officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet. He is responsible for the fiscal integrity of the University. Whiteman will work closely with the University’s leadership to strategically and operationally advance Gardner-Webb’s financial and administrative position and functions. Previously, Whiteman served as vice president for Finance and Administrative Services at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N.C.

“Mike brings a breadth and depth of experience in key areas that GWU needs,” praised Downs. “He understands the importance of diversifying revenue sources beyond traditional tuition dollars. He understands that universities grow their way to greatness, rather than muddle through by cutting services or offloading assets. He’s managed a large, diverse enterprise at Central Piedmont and done it effectively. I’m confident Mike will contribute in essential ways to our ongoing efforts to build a culture of continuous improvement at Gardner-Webb, and I’m eager to have him join the leadership team.”

Whiteman noted that he is honored and enthusiastic about working with Downs, the cabinet and all the members of the Gardner-Webb team to help students achieve success in their educational journeys. “The most impressive characteristic that I immediately noticed is the tremendous sense of Runnin’ Bulldog pride shown by the Gardner-Webb leadership team and those I met during the interview process,” he affirmed. “The mission of Christian Higher Education hits home for me, and I look forward to contributing to the mission of the University.”

At Central Piedmont, Whiteman also reported to the president and served as a member of the cabinet team. He was responsible for all accounting, finance, maintenance and construction, and safety and security aspects of Central Piedmont, which included over 60 buildings, six campuses and two centers consisting of 4 million square feet of space. He managed annual fiscal resources totaling $225 million from several revenue streams. His finance and administrative team included approximately 125 full-time team members.

Whiteman joined Central Piedmont in 2009 as director of accounting and reporting. In 2010, he became controller and from 2015 to 2018, he was associate vice president of Financial Services.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1995 from Penn State University in Erie and is a registered Certified Public Accountant. Whiteman earned his MBA in 2016 from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.      

Whiteman and his wife have two children. He is a former collegiate soccer player and longtime board member and coach for the Strikers of Gaston County Soccer Association. He has coached several successful teams including a team that represented North Carolina in the United States Youth Soccer Association Regional Championship in Frisco, Texas.

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.