Gardner-Webb Spring 2021 Enrollment Breaks Records for Geographical Diversity

Students Represent 23 Foreign Countries, 91 North Carolina Counties and 43 States

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the spring 2021 semester, Gardner-Webb University welcomed students from the most diverse geographical areas in school history. According to Dr. Jeff Tubbs, vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness, the students represent 23 foreign countries, 91 North Carolina counties and 43 states, breaking school records in each category.

Gardner-Webb’s total spring enrollment—in undergraduate, non-traditional undergraduate and graduate programs—is approximately 3,389, with 1,106 students living on campus.

The rich diversity of the GWU community is a result of many factors, noted Kristen Setzer, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Our degree programs are expanding at an exciting and rapid pace as students learn about the life-changing opportunities that our world-class education can provide,” Setzer affirmed.

Setzer also noted that Gardner-Webb Admissions recruiters expanded their outreach and diversified recruitment efforts. They have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by offering virtual visit options and have been available for virtual meetings. For those students who requested an in-person visit to campus, the staff followed all health and safety-related protocols.

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs praised the efforts of the Admissions recruiters and the campus community for helping students discover the University’s uniqueness. “Gardner-Webb is a place where we actually get to know our students, to learn their stories, and to equip them for the future,” he observed. “We are excited to welcome these students.”

While the majority of students this semester are from North Carolina (2,408) and South Carolina (422), the next highest numbers of students come from Georgia (113) and Virginia (59). The top five counties in North Carolina include Cleveland (348), Mecklenburg (247), Gaston (231), Wake (110) and Rutherford (103). The top two countries are Germany and Canada, with five students from each one. Next is Brazil (4), then France, Norway, Serbia, South Africa and the United Kingdom with three students from each country.

For more information about Gardner-Webb Admissions, email [email protected] or call 800-253-6472.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.