Shannon Hovis Named Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Gardner-Webb University

Alumna will Focus on Building Relationships Through Opportunities for Engagement and Support

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb 1995 alumna Shannon Hovis has been named the University’s director of Alumni and Parent Relations. In this new position, she will create and execute strategies to foster meaningful, enduring relationships with alumni and parents.

Hovis reports directly to the interim vice president for Advancement and will collaborate closely with members of the Advancement Team and the Office of Student Engagement.

Interim Vice President of Advancement Karen Bruce shared, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Shannon Hovis back to Gardner-Webb in this new role! Shannon’s passion for people, her heart for this community, and her infectious energy make her the perfect person to lead our Alumni and Parent Relations. She brings a wonderful mix of experience, vision, and genuine care, and we can’t wait to see the incredible ways she’ll strengthen connections and create new opportunities for our Bulldog family to engage, celebrate, and grow together.”

Hovis has spent much of her career working in management and relationship-building. “I was drawn to this role because I believe in the power of connection and community,” she affirmed. “Serving as the director of Alumni and Parent Relations allows me to help strengthen the bonds that make our university so special. As Philippians 2:4 reminds us, ‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ I see this work as a way to live out that calling—building bridges, nurturing relationships, and supporting a shared journey of lifelong engagement.”

To strengthen connections within the Gardner-Webb community, Hovis will plan a wide range of events and activities, such as homecoming, reunions, networking opportunities and more. She will establish and strengthen regional alumni chapters and engage alumni and parents in philanthropic giving. By developing newsletters and social media content, Hovis will keep alumni and parents informed about GWU news, events and engagement opportunities.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in marketing from Gardner-Webb, Hovis worked 20 years at the Cleveland County Family YMCA in Shelby, N.C., where she held leadership roles and was committed to helping staff and members grow and thrive. She concluded her YMCA career after serving six years as the executive director of the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA in Boiling Springs.

In 2019, Hovis transitioned into the financial services industry, joining Gragg Financial. There, she worked closely with both prospective and current clients, offering personalized service and guidance through every stage of their financial journey. She also supported the firm’s managing partner with SEC compliance and regulatory reporting, helping to maintain the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

Hovis and her husband, Jason, live in Mooresboro, N.C., and have been married 30 years. They have two children, Nicholas and Abbigail, who is married to Jordan. They are active members of Pleasant City Church in Shelby. Hovis is a member and past president of the Boiling Springs Area Rotary Club and currently serves as the public image chair.

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.