News Article Tracy Jessup Retires as GWU Senior Minister and Vice President of Christian Life and Service ‘For 30 Years, It Has Been my Honor and Privilege to Serve my Alma Mater’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In 1985, Tracy Jessup arrived at Gardner-Webb University as a freshman music education major. Except for a brief time away to earn his Master of Divinity, Jessup has served the GWU campus and community for 30 years. He […] Office of University Communications | July 19, 2022
News Article GWU Webb Connections Panel Discusses Trends in Christian Higher Education Moderated by President Dr. William M. Downs, Panelists Explored Future of Christian Higher Education BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In the final Webb Connections event for the semester, Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs welcomed a panel of guests to discuss, “A Revival in Christian Higher Education: Building A Bigger Tent.” Webb Connections is an informative series […] Office of University Communications | May 19, 2021
News Article GWU President Names Interim VP for Christian Life and Service Neal Payne, Associate Minister for Student Ministries, Begins New Role on Aug. 1 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University President William Downs has appointed Neal Payne as interim vice president for Christian Life and Service, effective Aug. 1. Payne presently serves as associate minister for Student Ministries. He succeeds Tracy Jessup, who will retire at the end […] Office of University Communications | June 23, 2022
News Article Gardner-Webb Community Remembers the Lives of Rollins Tita and Dr. Sharon Creed-Hall Service of Prayer and Remembrance will be Held Wednesday, Feb. 24 The Gardner-Webb University community lost two of its own this week—Freshman Student-Athlete Rollins Tita and Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Sharon Creed-Hall. We pause to remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to the campus family. On Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 4:30 p.m., a […] Office of University Communications | February 24, 2021
Page Gallery of Distinguished Alumni The Gallery of Distinguished Alumni recognizes and honors alumni of Gardner-Webb University who have made significant contributions in their field of service and the communities in which they serve. Distinguished Alumni Inductees A full list of Gardner-Webb Alumni awarded Distinguished Alumni and Alumni of the Year dating back to the year 1957 Nominate someone today!
Page Campus Services Campus Departments and Services Christian Life and Service The Office of Christian Life and Service advances the Christian and Baptist identity of the University and nurtures students, faculty and staff in the development of a mature Christian faith. Varied opportunities are provided for expressing that faith through service to God and humanity. The Office of […]
News Article Scholastic Achievement Medals Presented to Gardner-Webb Students Awards Recognize One-, Two- and Three-Year Students with the Highest GPA BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Winners of the Gardner-Webb University Scholastic Achievement Awards were recently invited to receive their medals at an informal gathering. President Dr. William M. Downs presented the medals to each student. Congratulating the students were Provost Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie, Arts […] Office of University Communications | October 12, 2020
News Article GWU Will Rededicate Hamrick Hall During Its First Memorial Day Service on May 28 Public Invited to Remember Those From the GWU Community Who Died in Military Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will hold its first Memorial Day Prayer Service on Friday, May 28, in front of E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall to remember those from the GWU community and others who have died in military service to their country. […] Office of University Communications | May 25, 2021
News Article Gardner-Webb Honors Fallen Alumni During Its First Memorial Day Prayer Service Five Individuals From the GWU Community Remembered During Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University held its first Memorial Day Prayer Service on May 28 in front of E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall. The event honored the heroes—from the GWU community and elsewhere—who gave their lives in service to their country. In his remarks, GWU President Dr. William […] Office of University Communications | May 28, 2021
Media news-gwu-memorial-service2 From left, Vice President of Advancement Nate Evans, GWU President Dr. William M. Downs, and Vice President for Christian Life and Service Tracy Jessup led the Memorial Day Observance in front of E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall.
Media news-nc-gwu-tucker-praying-jackson Kyndal Jackson holds hands with her mom, dad and brother while Tracy Jessup says the closing prayer.
News Article GWU Campus Community Invited to Webb Connections Panel Discussion on April 20 Moderated by President Dr. William Downs, Panelists will Explore Impacts of Christian Higher Education BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs invites the campus community to attend the final Webb Connections event for the semester, “A Revival in Christian Higher Education: Building A Bigger Tent.” Webb Connections is an informative series hosted by Downs […] Office of University Communications | April 9, 2021
News Article Alumnus Began His Ministry in Gardner-Webb’s Lutz Residence Hall, Room 111 Clayton King, ’95, Has Shared Life-Changing Power of Jesus with People All Over the World On New Year’s Eve in 2019, Gardner-Webb University alumnus, Clayton King, and his wife, Sharie, shared the Christian message to 100,000 people in Uganda’s Mandela Stadium. It was the biggest crowd they’ve ever spoken to, and organizers believe, one of […] Office of University Communications | September 22, 2020
News Article GWU’s Annual Festival of Lights will Premiere in Virtual Format on Dec. 3 A Community Tradition for Over Three Decades, Service will be Shown on Facebook and YouTube BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, a beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, will continue this year in a virtual format. This annual start to the holiday season for the GWU community will premiere on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. […] Office of University Communications | November 18, 2020
News Article Gardner-Webb Selects Second Recipient of Tucker Scholarship Kyndal Jackson, of Gaffney, S.C., Presented the Prestigious Undergraduate Award BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A high school senior who excels academically and shares her faith enthusiastically is the second recipient of the Tucker Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. Kyndal Jackson, of Gaffney, S.C., was honored in a formal presentation of the award on […] Office of University Communications | December 22, 2020
Article By God’s Grace Clayton King, ’95, Has Shared Life-Changing Power of Jesus with People All Over the World On New Year’s Eve in 2019, Gardner-Webb University alumnus, Clayton King, and his wife, Sharie, shared the Christian message to 100,000 people in Uganda’s Mandela Stadium. It was the biggest crowd they’ve ever spoken to, and organizers believe, one of […]
News Article Gardner-Webb Community Remembers the Life of Dr. Bob Lamb, 91, Dean Emeritus of the School of Divinity Lamb’s Career in Education and the Ministry Spanned Over Seven Decades Written By Dr. Lamb’s granddaughter, Kathryn Manning, 2018 Gardner-Webb alumna, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Spanish In the 116-year history of Gardner-Webb University, numerous faculty pioneers have engineered components of campus life and curriculum. One of those influential professors, Dr. Robert L. […] Office of University Communications | October 20, 2021
Post Robert L. Lamb Dean Emeritus, School of Divinity In the 116-year history of Gardner-Webb University, numerous faculty pioneers have engineered components of campus life and curriculum. One of those influential professors was Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Lamb, (1930-2021) dean emeritus of the M. Christopher White School of Divinity. “While we are all deeply saddened by Dr. Lamb’s passing, […] Office of University Communications | August 25, 2022
News Article Gardner-Webb Hosts Memorial Day Prayer Service on May 27 N.C. Senator Ted Alexander is Guest Speaker for Event to Remember Fallen Soldiers BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will observe Memorial Day on Friday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. with a prayer service in front of E.B. Hamrick Memorial Hall on Quinn Circle. The guest speaker for the program is N.C. District 44 Senator Ted Alexander, […] Office of University Communications | May 17, 2022
Media news-gwu-webb-connections-speakers The four panelists are, from left, Dr. James Howell, Dr. Kimberly Moore, Dr. William Willimon and Dr. Tracy Jessup.
Page Fall 2021 Commencement Gardner-Webb University is pleased to announce over 360 students will receive degrees during spring commencement exercises held on December 11, 2021. Students earned associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from a variety of university programs. The University salutes these students and congratulates them for their significant achievements in higher education. Commencement Video List of Graduates […]
News Article Gardner-Webb Hosts Virtual Commencement on Dec. 12 for Fall Graduates Digital Event will be Shown on GWU Website, Facebook Page and YouTube Channel BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will host a virtual commencement on Dec. 12 to honor fall 2020 graduates. The digital celebration will recognize the accomplishments of these students, who will not be able to participate in an in-person event due to the coronavirus […] Office of University Communications | November 19, 2020
Post Oland Summers Professor Emeritus of Music Education Dr. Oland Summers (1934-) was born in South Bend, Ind., to Charles and Gladys Summers. He graduated in 1952 from James W. Riley High School in South Bend. He then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music teacher education at Indiana State University, his education specialist degree in music […] Office of University Communications | August 25, 2022
News Article Crossroads Camps Return to Gardner-Webb for Sold-Out Week in July Alumnus Clayton King Happy to be Back Home in Boiling Springs BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University alumnus Clayton King is bringing a week of Crossroads Camps back to the GWU campus this summer—and it’s already sold out. King founded the non-profit Christian ministry in 1995 when he was a senior at Gardner-Webb. “We are still […] Office of University Communications | February 19, 2021
News Article Gardner-Webb University Joins Pastors to Present Video Prayer Vigil Leaders Challenge Community to Place Candles in Windows During Covid-19 Crises BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—”Gardner-Webb will light candles in the Dover Chapel as symbolic reminders that there is great brightness in our world and a firm assurance of better days ahead each and every night until we have passed through the worst of this storm,” promised […] Office of University Communications | March 31, 2020
News Article GW Athletics Hosts NCAA Championships Sendoff for Zack Byers Tuesday Event will Celebrate GW’s First Golfer to Qualify for Championships BOILING SPRINGS–Gardner-Webb University Athletics will host an NCAA Championships sendoff for men’s golfer Zack Byers on Tuesday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m. at Tucker Student Center. The event will be held on the first floor patio of the facility. All staff, faculty and fans […] Office of University Communications | May 23, 2022
News Article Gardner-Webb Remembers Fallen Soldiers During Memorial Day Prayer Service N.C. Senator Ted Alexander is Guest Speaker for Ceremony BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—North Carolina District 44 Senator Ted Alexander spoke at Gardner-Webb University’s Memorial Day Prayer Service on Friday, May 27. He urged those gathered to remember the soldiers who died and the American principles they sacrificed to protect. The service was held in front of […] Office of University Communications | May 27, 2022
News Article GWU Officials Announce Appointment of New Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Aubrey Begins Her Responsibilities at GWU on March 21, 2022 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University officials are excited to announce that Dr. Karen Aubrey, of LaGrange, Ga., has been named to the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs. Her predecessor, Dr. Ben Leslie, will be returning to the classroom to serve […] Office of University Communications | January 5, 2022
News Article Community Invited to Attend Gardner-Webb’s Annual Festival of Lights Celebration Event Returns to Campus with Live Performances, Luminarias and Lighting of the Tree BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The community is invited to begin the celebration of the Christmas season at Gardner-Webb University’s Festival of Lights, which returns to a live event this year. A beloved Christmas tradition since 1984, the performances and festivities will be held on […] Office of University Communications | November 17, 2021
News Article Gardner-Webb Campus Honors Military During Veteran’s Day Prayer Service Speaker, Adjunct and Air Force Veteran Jim Rennie, Issues Challenge to Spend Time with Veterans BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University campus and community celebrated Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, with a prayer service at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel. In his opening remarks, President Dr. William Downs noted the significance of the date: “At the 11th […] Office of University Communications | November 11, 2021
News Article Gardner-Webb Campus Community, Including New Mascot Bo, Gathers for 2021 Fall Academic Convocation Students Honored for Academic Achievements; President Dr. William M. Downs Expresses Thanks, Encourages Action BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs opened his remarks at the 2021 Fall Academic Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, by expressing his gratefulness. “Thanks to the grace and glory of God, we are together again in this […] Office of University Communications | August 24, 2021
Post Advent Reflection: Day 26 Thursday, December 24 Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20 Leland Thomas observes, “In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts we find its meaning.” Although my children are now young adults, I remember the joy Christmas morning would bring. Our daughter would awaken our son, and together […] Office of University Communications | November 12, 2020
News Article Gardner-Webb University Will Host First Virtual Commencement on Oct. 24 Event Celebrates May and August 2020 Graduates Written by: Claire Coile, ’20, Intern for Office of University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will host its first virtual commencement in school history on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. The digital event will celebrate the May and August 2020 graduates who did not receive ceremonies due to the […] Office of University Communications | October 5, 2020
Post November 2019: Launching a New Strategic Plan Gardner-Webb University is now due for its next five-year plan. GWU 2020-2025 will map out our institutional priorities and help guide resource allocations across a range of essential areas. Too frequently, complex organizations such as universities can get so mired in the daily minutiae that they fail to take time to think big…to aspire…to dream. We are […] Office of University Communications | November 1, 2019
Post Advent Reflection: Day 27 Friday, December 24 Isaiah 52: 7–10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1: 1–12; John 1:1–14 It was an unlovely tree in an unlikely place with an unmistakable message. The tree sat on a hill along Interstate 30 just outside of Fort Worth, Texas—a mimosa tree that seemed lifeless, except at Christmas. Each December, for over thirty years, […] Office of University Communications | December 24, 2021
News Article High Schoolers From Six States Attend Gardner-Webb Honors Experience BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A group of 26 high school students, from 26 different schools in six states, recently spent a week on the campus of Gardner-Webb University previewing college life. As participants in The Honors Experience, the teenagers were introduced to dorm living and eating in the cafeteria, attended credit-bearing college courses, and completed service projects. […] Office of University Communications | July 20, 2020
News Article GWU Alumnus Promoted to Rear Admiral in U.S. Naval Reserves Chaplain Community Terry Eddinger, ’88, Serves Navy While Holding at Least Nine Other Titles In his 25 years of service to the U.S. Naval Reserves, Rear Adm. Terry Eddinger, Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters, has held at least nine other titles. The 1988 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University was an Old Testament professor and college administrator […] Office of University Communications | December 1, 2020
