Gardner-Webb Trustees Appoint Interim President

Nate Evans, University Vice President for Advancement, Has 13 Years of Experience in Higher Education

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Board of Trustees met today (Feb. 24) and voted to name Nate Evans, University Vice President for Advancement, to serve as Interim University President, effective today.

Evans has served Gardner-Webb University since October 2020. During his tenure, he has expanded giving and led the Advancement Office in initiatives that have positively impacted GWU’s campus. Notably, he and his team have raised more than $30 million in gifts and gift commitments during Evans’ time at Gardner-Webb. His leadership has contributed to new construction, renovations, lab equipment purchases, and scholarship funding, to name a few. Evans values the importance of close and sustained collaboration, as evidenced by his development of transformative partnerships with alumni, donors, campus partners, and community stakeholders.

Evans has 13 years of experience in higher education, assuming increasing responsibilities every step of the way. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise and Sports Science from East Carolina University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Western Carolina University. Before his higher education career, Evans served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and also has experience working in the small business sector.

Nate is happily married to Dr. Brittany Evans, a Gardner-Webb alumna and visiting instructor in the College of Education. They enjoy supporting students at GWU events, being outdoors, motorcycle riding, and spending time with friends.

Evans stated, “I am honored and humbled that the Board of Trustees selected me for this responsibility. I am grateful to those who have led Gardner-Webb so well. I pledge to uphold our Christian values and build upon our University’s momentum and success.”

Board Chair the Rev. Dr. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. remarked, “I have known Nate since he arrived at GWU. He has been a constant presence on campus and has built strong relationships of trust with stakeholders across the University Community. He is a man of faith and will keep the University on its Christian Mission during this time of transition.”

Littlejohn continued, “Nate will hit the ground running. His work ethic is second to none. He has led University Advancement to new heights in fundraising and built an excellent Advancement team. His expertise is not limited to fundraising. He also possesses a remarkable grasp of University finances and will ensure that the University occupies a strong fiscal position. Nate recognizes that it’s all about the students and providing them with an excellent Christian education that will carry them forward to successful careers. He will work tirelessly to enhance the student experience and continue to grow enrollment. He will also promote a sense of ‘community’ among all faculty and staff, underscoring that everyone has value, and it will take ‘community’ pulling in the same direction!”

The Board of Trustees will move with all deliberate speed to form a search committee that includes members of the Board as well as representatives from the University community. To help secure top-flight candidates for this all-important position, the University expects to retain an executive search firm to assist with the search process.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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.