news-category: Campus News President Downs to Resign By Gardner-Webb University On February 17, 2025 Downs will resign from the office effective Feb. 18, 2025 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb University’s President, Dr. William M. Downs, has announced he will resign from the office effective Feb. 18, 2025. Dr. Downs, GWU’s president since 2019, has accepted a new position as president at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C., and will begin there in July. He wishes to devote his full energies to preparing to take on his new role. “Dr. Downs’ bold leadership and dynamic energy will leave a lasting mark on Gardner-Webb” said the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., chair of the Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees. “We wish him every success as he begins this next chapter.” The Board of Trustees will move with all deliberate speed to form a search committee that includes members of the Board as well as representatives from the University community. To help secure top-flight candidates for this all-important position, the University expects to retain an executive search firm to assist with the search process. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. About Gardner-Webb University 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 Gardner-Webb School of Divinity Hosts Church Historian Dr. João B. Chaves for Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to Gardner-Webb University on Oct. 27 […] Office of University Communications | September 15, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Takes Steps to Strengthen Financial Position Addressing Projected Needs for the University’s Long-term Mission Gardner-Webb University implemented a series of budget and organizational changes designed to address approximately $6.7 million in financial needs over the next few years and strengthen the University’s financial position for the future. Gardner-Webb ended the last fiscal year with an approximately $2 million deficit. That result, combined […] Gardner-Webb University | September 14, 2026
News Article Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at Gardner-Webb By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about Gardner-Webb University, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […] Office of University Communications | September 9, 2026
