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

Former Web & Digital Marketing Communications Leader Brings Vision and Dedication to New Position

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans has named Theandra “Thea” Thompson as vice president of Marketing and Communications. Thompson, the former associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications, has served as interim vice president of Marketing since July 1.

As vice president of the Division of Marketing and Communications, Thompson directs a team that promotes the University’s mission and message. They develop engaging content for video, advertising, news and social media sites; provide marketing advice and strategies; produce creative graphic design projects; manage the University’s website; and lead the mascot program.

Evans stated, “Having worked closely with Thea for several years, I have seen firsthand the trust she inspires and the hard work she invests in strengthening Gardner-Webb’s message and mission. She approaches every challenge with professionalism, creativity, and a deep commitment to the University. Thea has earned the respect of colleagues across campus, and I am confident she will provide strong, strategic leadership for our marketing and communications efforts in the years ahead.”

While serving as interim, Thompson and her team have continued to strengthen the University’s brand, enhance and implement communication strategies and work to facilitate additional partnerships across campus. Thompson also worked closely with the Marketing and Communications team to lead the strategic development of a University brand campaign scheduled for launch in 2026.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Gardner-Webb in this role, and I want to thank President Evans for his trust and support,” Thompson asserted. “Gardner-Webb has been my home for the past five years, and I care deeply about the people and the mission that shape this University. I am especially grateful for our marketing and communications team. Their knowledge, creativity, and commitment are vital to our success, and I am honored to work alongside them.”

Thompson’s dedication during her interim term has laid a strong foundation for the next chapter in Gardner-Webb’s marketing and communications efforts. “As we move forward, my focus is on elevating Gardner-Webb’s visibility and ensuring our message reflects the strength, purpose, and heart of this community,” Thompson affirmed. “We have an incredible story to tell, and our talented team plays a central role in sharing it. I am excited to build on our progress and help show the world who we are and who we are becoming.”

Thompson joined the University in January 2020 as associate vice president of Web & Digital Communications. She 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. 

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.