news-category: Academics Gardner-Webb Division of Student Success Brings Changes to Build Campus Relationships By Office of University Communications On August 9, 2023 The Gardner-Webb Division of Student Success: left to right, Cindy Rochester, Mikki Gaines, Crystal Carter, Edwina Rozelle, Kara Alves, Alyssa Vernacchio-Sloniger, Michele Wallen, Aubree Bell, Lauren Washington, Cheryl Potter, and Ryan Erck. Not pictured: Carrie Baker. Staff Pursues Mission to Empower Students to Succeed in Their Unique College Journey BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Division of Student Success and Executive Director Dr. Ryan W. Erck want to reintroduce themselves to the Gardner-Webb campus. They created a new vision and mission statement to define their purpose of helping students achieve their educational goals. Vision statement: All students are able to thrive in a community of growth. Mission statement: The mission of Student Success is to provide resources and support to educate, equip, and empower all students to succeed academically and personally in their unique college journey. “Our staff was already pursuing this mission, but I think when we put some language to it that helps to construct an identity of who we are as a division,” Erck stated. “We’re not this sort of ambiguous group of people on the third floor of Tucker who can help you. This mission compels us to go outside of Tucker. I want our staff to seek partnerships, initiatives and collaborative opportunities on campus.” Some of those ideas include going to the residence halls or the Caf to engage with students. Erck observed, “We need to get in students’ way—be in the places where students spend most of their out-of-class time.” The Student Success staff will also work to be campus partners, who volunteer to help with student events. While working alongside other staff members, the Student Success staff will become familiar with the jobs that other people do. “Then, when we are interacting with a student and realize they need assistance from another area, we know where to take them, because we have developed these relationships,” Erck explained. While enacting their mission, the Student Success staff also came up with values to guide them. “We have inward values, which we aim to demonstrate and personify amongst each other as we collaborate as a community,” Erck elaborated. “And we have outward values, which we publicly display and commit to work towards as pillars of support for our students.” The inward values are teamwork, inclusivity, empathy, positivity, growth, authenticity and integrity. The outward values include access, empowerment, inclusivity, partnership and growth. Erck commented that these values will affect every decision made by the Division of Student Success. “If we can commit to exemplifying these values in our work, I know that our students will be better positioned for success,” he asserted. “I know that we will do our best work, because we are doing it together, and I know we will be pursuing the larger purpose of the redemption of learners and learning.” Find more information about the Division of Student Success, 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. The Gardner-Webb Division of Student Success: left to right, Cindy Rochester, Mikki Gaines, Crystal Carter, Edwina Rozelle, Kara Alves, Alyssa Vernacchio-Sloniger, Michele Wallen, Aubree Bell, Lauren Washington, Cheryl Potter, and Ryan Erck. Not pictured: Carrie Baker.
News Article Gardner-Webb’s First Living-Learning Community Helps Students Transition to Campus Life Honors Pilot Group Values the Relationships and Community Created by the Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb’s Division of Student Success and Office of Housing and Residence Education offered the University’s first living-learning community (LLC) this semester. An LLC is a program where first-year students live together on campus and participate in a shared academic endeavor. They […] Office of University Communications | December 5, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb Class Travels to Cataloochee Valley to Study Elk Behavior Students Take Pictures and Present Their Observations in Poster Format BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University students in Biology 315 (animal physiology) recently made a trip to Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they viewed elk in their natural habitat. Assistant Professor of biology Jay Zimmer teaches the class and noted that the fall […] Office of University Communications | December 5, 2023
News Article Gardner-Webb Founders Day Celebrates Contributions of University’s Visionary Leaders J.D. Huggins Recognized Posthumously with Founders Medal BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University celebrated Founders Day on Nov. 30 by honoring the names and legacies of the persons and groups who played formative roles in the University’s development. The day of celebration was highlighted by the posthumous presentation of this year’s Founders Medal to J.D. Huggins, the […] Office of University Communications | December 1, 2023