In 1961, Gardner-Webb was Ready for Transition to Senior College Status

University’s Eighth President, Dr. E. Eugene Poston, Led the Effort

The push for Gardner-Webb College to achieve accreditation as a senior college began in 1961, shortly after Dr. E. Eugene Poston was named the college’s eighth president. Poston  introduced his 10-year plan for growth that included transitioning to four-year status by 1971.

Here’s a look at the timeline of events leading up to accreditation on Dec. 1, 1971.

• 1961 to 1967 – A building program adds: the Spangler Stadium, Charles I. Dover Campus Center, the A.T. Withrow Science building, the Bost Physical Education Plant and swimming pool, the Lutz-Yelton Residence Hall for Men, and the Myers, Nanney and Mauney residence halls. A capital fund drive reached $2.6 million.

• November 1968 – The Baptist State Convention voted to grant the request of the president and the board of trustees to allow the Gardner-Webb to seek senior college status. Read more here.

• Nov. 12, 1969 – Gardner-Webb prepared for the arrival of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Accreditation Advisory Committee in Spring of 1970. The committee would study many aspects of the college: the number of students able to sit in the library; the money spent on each student’s education, the amount of residence space, faculty qualifications, facilities and administration. Read more here.

• Fall 1969 – The Baptist State Convention approved the official name change to Gardner-Webb Senior College. Gardner-Webb began the preparation of a status report which had to be submitted to the accrediting body before December 1969.

• January 1970 – The North Carolina State Board of Higher Education voted to allow Gardner-Webb to grant the four-year baccalaureate degree. This meant that the state board would recognize Gardner-Webb graduates as coming from an accredited institution.

• Spring 1970 – An advisory committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) visited the college and later filed a report of its finding to the college.

• October 1970 – The SACS Committee on Admissions to Membership reviewed the status of the college and suggested further steps toward accreditation that should be taken by the college.

• Dec. 1, 1971 – SACS grants senior college accreditation, retroactive to May 16, 1971, when the first four-year students graduated.

Sources: “Dreaming, Daring, Doing…The Story of Gardner-Webb University,” “The Pilot Student Newspaper,” and University Communications and Media Relations archives

Other stories in this series:

Gardner-Webb Alumni Remember Transition to Senior College Status (50 years ago)

Gardner-Webb is a Place Where Lasting Friendships are Forged

First Theatre Arts Majors Appeared on TV Twice During Four Years

Former Gardner-Webb Faculty Members Remember Transition to Four-year College

In late 60s, Gardner-Webb Gave Professors, Like Tony Eastman, Incentive to Earn Doctorates

Professor Emeritus Came to Gardner-Webb When First Baccalaureate Class Were Freshmen

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.