Theandra “Thea” Thompson Named Interim Vice President of Marketing for Gardner-Webb

Current Associate Vice President of Web & Digital Communications Joined the University in 2020

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Interim President Nate Evans has announced that Theandra “Thea” Thompson, associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications, will serve as interim vice president of Marketing. She will fill the role of Vice President of Marketing Richard McDevitt who is retiring on June 30 after nine years of service to GWU and nearly 35 years in the marketing and communications field.

McDevitt had the distinction of being Gardner-Webb’s first vice president of marketing. He developed a marketing and communications team that partners with the University’s academic and administrative areas to strengthen, promote and protect the GWU brand.

Evans stated, “Thea has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, creativity, and a clear understanding of how digital communications shape the way we tell the Gardner-Webb story. Her ability to manage complex projects makes her well-suited to step into this interim role. I’m confident she will continue to build on the great work of the team and lead with excellence during this time of transition.”

Evans also offered his congratulations to McDevitt on his upcoming retirement. “We are deeply grateful to Richard for his leadership and dedication over the past nine years,” Evans asserted. “His work has strengthened Gardner-Webb’s brand, elevated our communications, and built a foundation we can continue to grow from. We wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

Thompson joined Gardner-Webb in January 2020 to lead a team of professionals that manages the main university website, social media channels and email communication. Since coming to Gardner-Webb, Thompson has managed the University’s transition to a new website, helped create an interactive online map of campus, coordinated the revision of the calendar to include all campus events and academic schedules, and directed the development of a new interactive virtual tour of campus.

Thompson was instrumental in choosing the current live mascot for the University, and has supervised Bo’s care, campus appearances, and social media presence. She has also enhanced the University’s website to align with Webb Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and implemented a sustainable process for ongoing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, including continuous monitoring through a digital accessibility platform and annual reviews conducted by certified experts. 

Thompson shared, “It’s an honor to step into the role of interim vice president of Marketing at Gardner-Webb University, a place that has meant so much to me over the past five years. I’m proud to serve alongside such a dedicated team and look forward to continuing our work to elevate the University’s mission, voice, and impact.”

Prior to joining Gardner-Webb, Thompson worked as a digital analyst at Masco Retail Support Services and Food Lion Corporate as a digital engagement specialist for web and mobile app for three years and as digital marketing coordinator for two years.

She completed the HighEdWeb 2023 Leadership Academy in December 2023 and received a certificate in Digital Marketing in 2017 from Rutgers University Executive Education Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management and marketing from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

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.