news-category: Faculty Gardner-Webb Divinity School Professor Dr. Steve Harmon Featured on Spectrum Local News By Office of University Communications On February 26, 2025 Harmon Shares About Meeting Pope Francis in 2022 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square this week to pray for Pope Francis, Gardner-Webb Professor of historical theology Dr. Steve Harmon remembered meeting the Pope in 2022 and joined the world in praying for the Pope’s recovery. Harmon reflected on the time he spent with Pope Francis in a story by Spectrum News Anchor Rachel Loyd. The segment aired on Feb. 25 on Spectrum Local News. Harmon met the Pope through his work with the Baptist World Alliance. Read more here. “It was certainly an honor to meet Pope Francis,” Harmon said. Their 2022 meeting was just as Harmon imagined it would be. “Pope Francis was as many people experienced—warm, very personable, very engaged with the people and concerned about them,” he said. “Pope Francis was as many people experienced—warm, very personable, very engaged with the people and concerned about them.” Watch the Spectrum story here. 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. Interested in the School of Divinity? Start your journey here.
News Article Gardner-Webb University Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in Gardner-Webb University’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb Grant Writing Certificate Equips Professionals to Meet Community Needs Participants Gain the Tools to Bring Ideas to Life BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Professionals from across the region recently completed Gardner-Webb University’s Grant Writing Certificate program, developing proposals designed to address real needs in education, public safety, healthcare, and community development. Now equipped with practical skills and grant plans, participants are positioned to pursue funding and turn […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026
