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 Broadway Veterans to Lead Workshops and Perform at Gardner‑Webb Jared and Lindsay Bradshaw will Teach Masterclasses and Present a Public Concert on Feb. 12 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Department of Music will host Broadway performers, Jared and Lindsay Northern Bradshaw, on Feb. 12. During the day, they will share their expertise with students. At 7 p.m. in Dover Chapel, the couple will present a […] Office of University Communications | February 6, 2026
News Article Gardner-Webb University and Mitchell Community College Launch Strategic Partnerships Agreements Expand Degree Access and Nursing Pathways BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University and Mitchell Community College (MCC) in Statesville, N.C., have announced two landmark partnership agreements designed to streamline the transfer process and provide high-level educational opportunities for students in Iredell County and the surrounding regions. These agreements, signed in late December 2025, establish the “Bulldog […] Office of University Communications | February 3, 2026
News Article Brian Speer Promoted to Gardner-Webb Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations Former Director of Operations Administration is Experienced Servant Leader BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Vice President for Finance and Administration R. Thomas Welch has named Brian Speer as associate vice president of Facilities Operations. Speer previously served as the director of Operations Administration. In his new role, Speer will collaborate with various campus departments to elevate the student […] Office of University Communications | January 30, 2026
