Community News Archives - �۶�ֱ�� University

�۶�ֱ�� University Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

Office of University Communications — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:19:52 +0000

Campus Events Focus on Education, Advocacy, and Solidarity with Survivors

�۶�ֱ�� University’s Office of Student Development will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April with a series of educational programs and awareness events. For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has united survivors, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to ending sexual assault, abuse, and harassment through education, prevention, and support.

Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose, who also serves as the University’s interim Title IX coordinator, emphasized the importance of intentionally observing the month and engaging the campus community in meaningful ways.

“Honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month means choosing to see, to listen, and to act—because every voice matters, every story deserves dignity, and every community has a responsibility to create a culture of respect, consent, and accountability,” Villarose emphasized.

Building on this commitment, �۶�ֱ�� will host a variety of programs and initiatives this mont aimed at fostering awareness, education, and open dialogue around sexual violence, prevention efforts, and available campus resources.

Monthlong Book Display at Dover Library

�۶�ֱ��’s Dover Library will host a book display featuring books and educational resources focused on sexual violence awareness, prevention, consent, and survivor support. This collection is intended to encourage learning, reflection, and informed dialogue across the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the display throughout the month to explore these important topics and access available resources.

April 1

Start By Believing Day – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of the Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Held the first Wednesday in April, Start by Believing Day provides an opportunity for communities to unify with a single voice for survivors. “We hear you, we support you, and we will start by believing.”

April 8

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 7 p.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 9

Consent with Fries – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Tucker Student Center.

April 13

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 8:15 a.m., Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center.

April 15

Know Your IX: Title IX training session – 2 p.m., Football Training Room

April 16

Wear Teal Day: Free Slushies – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., front of Caf, Dover Campus Center.

Teal is the official color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to represent prevention, healing, and solidarity with survivors. “T.E.A.L.” represents Togetherness, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Learning.

April 29

Wear Denim Day

Denim Day originated in response to a widely criticized Italian court decision in the 1990s that raised serious concerns about the treatment and rights of victims. Women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity the following day, helping to spark a movement that is now recognized globally and supported by organizations such as Peace Over Violence.

Learn more about Title IX.

�۶�ֱ�� 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., �۶�ֱ�� 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. Become More at .

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Community Gathers at �۶�ֱ�� University for Parade of Tables to Benefit Local Students in Need

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:26:49 +0000

Fundraiser Strengthens Support for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, Serving 67 Children Each Week

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—One of the signature fundraisers for the Little Bulldog Backpack Program will be held at �۶�ֱ�� University this spring. The annual Parade of Tables is April 18 in the Tucker Student Center, beginning with table viewing at 6 p.m. and followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers decorate themed tables for eight guests, and tickets to the event support the organization’s mission to provide weekend meals for local children.

Hodges McCathern, a member of the Honors
Student Association, packs food for children.

The fundraiser supports the year-round work of the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, which provides weekly food bags for students at Springmore and Boiling Springs elementary schools. Each bag contains 15 to 18 items, including breakfast foods, lunch and dinner options, non-perishable fruit, and salty and sweet snacks. �۶�ֱ�� students, faculty and staff regularly lend support through packing food bags and contributing donations. Boiling Springs Baptist Church donates space for storage and for volunteers to pack the food each week.

This year’s event features tables designed by the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and the Hunt School of Nursing. Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service, will serve as emcee, and entertainment will be provided by �۶�ֱ�� alumna Lindy Bryson. Dinner will be catered by Aramark. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from Lou Ann Scates at 704-477-2455 or on campus from Debbie Hill, administrative assistant for the Department of English and World Languages, at dthill@gardner-webb.edu, 704-406-3035 or 704-406-4411.

The Parade of Tables was first held in 2017, when Lou Ann Scates, retired �۶�ֱ�� registrar, organized the event on the University’s campus. Paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraiser was revived in 2025 with Scates’ church, Boiling Springs Baptist, serving as host.

GWU Assistant Professor Dr. Mitch Porter helps with
the Little Bulldog Backpack Program every week.

The feeding program began in 2011, inspired by Scates’ visits to her son’s school for lunch. She often noticed children who wanted to buy extra food but lacked the money. “It’s hard to imagine a kindergartener or a fifth-grader going to bed hungry,” Scates reflected.

Scates shared her concern with biology faculty emerita Susan Manahan, and the two began pooling their resources. Working with the school’s social worker, they started buying food for 20 children every other week. Because Springmore’s mascot is the Little Bulldogs, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program quickly took shape as its own community organization.

Support grew as word spread across the �۶�ֱ�� campus and throughout the community. Today, the program is an established 501(c)(3) non-profit backed by local partners. “We have eight churches who help, and have received financial donations or food items from individuals, businesses, and Town of Boiling Springs officials,” Scates shared.

Now serving 67 children every week, the Little Bulldog Backpack Program continues to grow through volunteer support and community generosity. Together, local churches, volunteers, and members of the �۶�ֱ�� community continue to ensure that children in Boiling Springs and Springmore schools have the food they need each weekend.

To learn more or to support the Little Bulldog Backpack Program, contact littlebulldogbackpackprogramk5@gmail.com.

Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the GWU Honors Program, Dr. Wilson Hawkins, center, and members of the Honors Student Association help pack food bags each week.

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Celebrating Women Who Lead: A Gardner Webb Women’s History Month Series

Office of University Communications — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:55:09 +0000

Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters Highlights the Influence of Mentors and the Importance of Women’s Leadership

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Women’s History Month honors the mothers, mentors, and history‑makers who shaped lives and opened doors for generations. At Gardner‑Webb University, that legacy continues through the women who lead across campus, including five members of the GWU president’s cabinet. Throughout the month, they will share their stories, reflecting on the opportunities women have today and those who guided them along the way.

Today’s column is by Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters.

Career highlights:

15 years in higher education: joined the faculty of the Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) at �۶�ֱ�� University in 2011 and has served as a program chair, associate dean, and later served as its dean. She has also served as dean of the College of Health Sciences.
Doctor of Nursing Practice, �۶�ֱ��-University.
Master of Science in Nursing, Western Carolina University.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, �۶�ֱ�� University.
Associate Degree of Nursing, Gaston College.
Diploma in Practical Nursing, Cleveland Community College.

Waters reflects on celebrating women’s history.

Women’s History Month is a meaningful time to celebrate the accomplishments and significant contributions of women. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the impact of women today, and inspire the generations who will lead the future.

Throughout my professional journey, I have been inspired and influenced by both women and men whose leadership, mentorship, and example have made a lasting impact on me. Dr. Sharon Starr (former dean, Hunt School of Nursing and associate provost for College of Health Sciences) provided a strong example of women’s leadership in action. Her guidance and example were both meaningful and influential during my time working with her.

Likewise, during the time I worked with Dr. Ben Leslie (former provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs) he consistently supported and advocated for women leadership. He allowed an opportunity for women leaders on campus to be involved in a structured Women In Leadership (WIL) community. Because of his support in allowing this community of women leaders to meet regularly, the experiences had a lasting positive impact on me and provided an important network of encouragement, support, and shared learning.

I intentionally support other women by being present and accessible, building meaningful relationships, and engaging in individual conversations are important aspects of supporting and mentoring others. Being intentional about sharing knowledge and experiences creates opportunities for growth. We all learn from one another, and when we take the time to share and genuinely care, everyone benefits.

The one piece of advice I hope young women carry with them beyond �۶�ֱ�� is to be your authentic self, represent well, and be prepared to lead, influence, and co-create change. Never stop learning.

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Hart and Soul: �۶�ֱ��’s Andrea Hartman Beat Cancer, Earned Starting Spot

Office of University Communications — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:46:55 +0000

With Support from Family, Coaches and Teammates, Lacrosse Defender Fought Her Way Onto the Field

Written By Beth Ann Mayer

Courtesy of

No one likes to learn they need a filling during a routine dentist appointment. But it’s not out-of-the-ordinary news.

Less than two months before leaving California for her freshman year at �۶�ֱ��, where she was slated to play lacrosse, Andrea Hartman’s dental hygienist did, in fact, tell her she would need to have a cavity filled. But on three separate occasions, the hygienist also mentioned that Hartman’s thyroid was swollen. She advised her to get it checked out.

“I didn’t know anything about the thyroid,” Hartman said. “The only thing I knew was that my dog was having weight issues and that it was because her thyroid was not working. So, my initial reaction [was] not initial panic.”

But Hartman did want to get it checked out. She had no idea that a few months later, and at the age of 17, she’d learn that she had thyroid cancer. What Hartman did know was that she was no stranger to bumps in her athletic career. She spent her early childhood and school years in Maryland, where kids are basically handed out lacrosse sticks at birth.

Many of Hartman’s friends never put theirs down, but Hartman opted to start gymnastics. In middle school, she was diagnosed with osteochondritis in her elbow. The joint condition occurs when blood circulation is cut off from a bone (or, as Hartman said, “My bone died in my elbow”).

Hartman didn’t go back to gymnastics. Instead, she joined her friends in lacrosse. But her family decided to move to California during the pandemic. California is an emerging market for the sport, but it doesn’t have the same panache as Maryland. She made do, finding a high school with a solid program in Murrieta Mesa.

Still, Hartman didn’t get many Division I looks. Eventually, then-�۶�ֱ�� head coach Kathleen Mirgon Crum’s name appeared in her inbox.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, my first D-I email—this is so cool,” Hartman recalled.

Hartman and Crum spoke on the phone and texted back and forth. She visited the campus in November and attended a camp a few months later.

“It was �۶�ֱ�� from there,” Hartman said.

Before going to �۶�ֱ��, Hartman had a cavity to fill, and she had items to pick up from an uncle’s house in Maryland. Another dental hygienist also flagged her swollen thyroid, so she saw an old family doctor there who ordered blood work. It came back clean.

But the bump was still there when she needed to get a physical upon arriving at school. She brought it up to the doctor, who encouraged her to come back in a few days to discuss it further.

“We decide that it’s worth it to get an ultrasound,” Hartman said. “At this point, it was so big, I guess that it wasn’t just a swollen thyroid. It was like, ‘There’s something there. There’s something like growing.’”

Was it a cyst? A nodule? Was it cancer? The ultrasound in September couldn’t say for sure, but Hartman’s care team could see that something was there. To learn more, she’d need to go for a biopsy. That step happened in October.

All the while, Hartman was participating in fall practices for the lacrosse program, now guided by head coach Chris Harris, who took over for Crum after she resigned in 2024. He liked what he saw of Hartman on film alone. “She was very responsive to everything, so I could tell that she was a mature young lady who was ready to roll,” Harris said.

Ready to roll on the lacrosse field? Sure. Ready to roll with what happened next? Not really. But to be fair, is anyone?

A week after the biopsy, Hartman got a notification that her lab results were ready, but she was unable to log in on her phone. She called the doctor’s office. “The secretary answers, and is like, ‘You need to come in and make an appointment. I can’t tell you anything about the results. You have to make an appointment,” Hartman said. “My mom and I hang up the phone, and we’re like, ‘We kind of know what this means.’”

The Hartmans were pretty sure that the secretary wouldn’t insist that they speak to the doctor in person if it wasn’t cancer. They were right. She was diagnosed with stage II papillary thyroid cancer. It was treatable with surgery, and she would not need chemotherapy.

And if there’s one thing that Megan Hartman, Andrea’s mom, knows all too well, it’s cancer. She herself has a BRCA2 gene mutation and had a preventative mastectomy. Her uncle had thyroid cancer later in his life. Other members of her family have gone through glaucoma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer, just to name a few. It was a diagnosis she had heard about so many times but never wanted for her own daughter, of course. “It was scary for a lot of reasons, but mostly because there’s such a high rate of cancer and so many different kinds of cancer in our family,” Megan Hartman said. “This is something she now has to deal with at 17. That was really concerning for us.”

It would be easy to say, “Put lacrosse on the back burner and focus on healing.” Yet there was a healthy amount of grief and angst over the cruel timing of Hartman learning of her diagnosis and the need for treatment right as she was getting her feet under her at school and in lacrosse, after an underdog’s journey to become a Runnin’ Bulldog in the first place.

“This moment collided with something she had worked toward for so long,” her mother said. “She worried about getting out of shape, letting her team down and watching her dreams slip away just as they felt within reach. This diagnosis came at a moment when she was just beginning to fully believe she belonged at this level, and that made the fear feel even heavier.”

The Runnin’ Bulldogs didn’t feel let down, though. So, Harris steadied her. Her team lifted her. “After I talked with her, I actually just sat down and just prayed about it, because it’s not an easy process,” Harris said. “But I wanted to make sure she knew that we were there for her and we were going to be with her every step of the way, no matter what the situation, whatever the results.”

Those words were a genuine promise that Harris and �۶�ֱ�� kept. “The team rallied around Andrea,” Megan Hartman said. “The coaches were so kind to her and flexible with her. The parents were absolutely amazing. We’ve been on teams for decades now, and I’ve never felt so supported by people who honestly didn’t even know us. They offered their homes for me to stay in so that I could be in North Carolina with her through all the appointments.”

Parents and players brought groceries so that Hartman and her mother were well fed. They sent gift cards and baskets and celebrated with her after the surgery, which conveniently and appropriately fell near her 18th birthday. But Hartman had a few months and a long road before she hit that milestone. And all the support was necessary. It took decisions and to-dos off the Hartmans’ plates, which were already overflowing with choices to make, appointments to attend, and information to process and act on quickly.

The first step was choosing a surgeon. They opted to work with a surgeon at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center because of its proximity to campus. “It made the most sense to us to do that, but that was stressful,” Hartman said. “You’re picking your surgeon. Hopefully, they do the best.”

Then, there was a matter of scheduling the surgery, which required a referral and consultation. “I was feeling like, ‘It’s already been nearly six months. I want this out. It’s stage II. Let’s not make it stage III,” Hartman said. “My coach did a really good job of keeping me calm. He said, ‘Don’t worry. If it were, if it were this big of a rush, they would be rushing.’”

The goal wasn’t to minimize her understandable fears. It was to provide steady confidence and unwavering support.

The next steps took a hard pivot when Hartman’s surgeon offered her another choice. She could remove half her thyroid as planned or all of it to lower the risk of recurrence. “I was like, ‘Wow, another big decision,’” Hartman said.

A big decision complicated by some serious whiplash.

“The same day, we go into a different office, and we see the endocrinologist, who is the doctor who’s going to be with me for the rest of my life, and she said, ‘We recommend you get only half out, because there’s no need to get the other half out,’” Hartman said. “So, it was like, ‘OK, I have a surgeon telling me to get the full thing out. I have my doctor telling me to get half. This is just a lot.’”

In the end, Hartman opted to have her entire thyroid removed. The surgery was successful, but the first night was sleepless for Hartman and her mother as she struggled to maintain calcium and hormone levels, a common but scary side effect. “She was convulsing, and it was incredibly, incredibly scary for me as a parent,” Megan Hartman said. “[The staff] knew exactly how to take care of her. There were definitely points where I was really, really scared and uncomfortable with what was happening, but very confident in her medical team.”

The confidence was well placed. The doctors tested lymph nodes that would not have been removed if Hartman had opted for the less-comprehensive surgery, and they turned out to be cancerous, too.

She will complete preventative radioactive iodine treatment this summer, once the lacrosse season ends. Leaving the game that she’s come to love behind? Never an option. “Quitting lacrosse never crossed my mind,” Hartman said. “I think having to take six weeks off was difficult.”

But she’s grateful for the timing, which “only” included the last two weeks of fall ball. The other four weeks occurred during holiday and winter breaks, giving her time to work her way back.

But unlike an ACL injury, which typically takes around 18 months to fully return from, there’s not a blueprint for making a comeback from thyroid cancer. Perhaps surprisingly, though, it’s much shorter than an ACL tear recovery. The doctor suggested that she avoid heavy weightlifting for two weeks and progressively work her way back up after. They told her she’d likely be good to go after six weeks. Hartman wasn’t just good to go. She was ready.

“It made me realize how much I loved lacrosse,” Hartman said. “Fall ball is hard, so I was craving winter break. Then, I had that last little bit of fall ball taken away from me, and I was like, ‘The only thing I want to do right now is go back to being on the lacrosse field, practicing at 6 a.m. in the freezing cold weather.’ When Coach says, ‘Get on the line,’ I’m grateful to be on the line.”

Hartman’s gratitude isn’t all that’s grown. She has, too. “She truly had to grow up quickly,” her mother said. “She now manages much of her own medical care, communicates directly with doctors, tracks appointments and makes decisions about her body and recovery in a way most teenagers never have to. There were moments where she was forced to process uncertainty, timelines and decisions like an adult. That experience didn’t change who she is, but it deepened her sense of responsibility, self-advocacy and perspective.”

Hartman’s strength has poured out onto the field. In January, she played like she had a fall, free of doctor’s appointments, a cancer diagnosis and missed practice time. She was finally able to play freely. “When she came back, she was hitting the ground rolling,” Harris said. “We put her in, let her get a couple of reps, just to build her back into the play. Then, once she’d shown she could take on more responsibilities, we just put her in bigger situations, and she was able to handle them as well.”

And so, Hartman learned that she’d start on defense for the Runnin’ Bulldogs first game of the season against Austin Peay. She again earned a start at Campbell. “I was proud of myself for coming back in those first few practices of spring and doing well,” Hartman said. “I had worked hard over winter break to build back up to everything. It paid off. When I got to practice, I was doing well. [I started] our first scrimmage and was like, ‘It’s all working out. Everything is going to be OK.’”

Harris sees a bright future for Andrea as a Runnin’ Bulldog. “We’re excited about the way she’s going to grow for this year and years to come,” he said. “In the years to come, she’ll be one of the ones who could teach the freshmen, ‘This is what we do. This is how we go about doing things, and this is the way we play.’”

Hartman has certainly shown she can play through adversity with grace. But the starting spot wasn’t the best news Hartman and her family received recently, nor is it the only reason to believe her future is, in fact, bright. Given her family history and now her own history of cancer, Hartman decided to go for genetic testing to see if she had biomarkers for other cancers.

“She tested negative for every single genetic marker, for every single type of cancer in our family and every single type of cancer that they even have a genetic marker for,” her mother said. “She tested negative.”

Does it mean she’ll never receive another diagnosis? That no one can say. But cancer has less of a fighting chance without the markers. Hartman, on the other hand, has a fighting chance to make a name for herself and help turn around the program at �۶�ֱ��.

USA Lacrosse Staff Writer Beth Ann Mayer is a Long Island-based writer. She joined USA Lacrosse in 2022 after freelancing for Inside Lacrosse for five years. She first began covering the game as a student at Syracuse.

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�۶�ֱ�� Double Dawg Day 2026: Be Part of the Momentum

Office of University Communications — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:18:00 +0000

Kick Off the Next Decade of Impact by Joining the University’s 24‑hour Giving Celebration

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—After surpassing records in 2025, Gardner‑Webb University’s Office of Advancement is building momentum for the 11th annual Double Dawg Day. The 24-hour celebration of generosity and community kicks off its next decade of giving on April 16. Supporters are invited to make 2026 another milestone year for student scholarships, academics, and athletics.

The focus is on broad donor participation from alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends. Every gift of any size is a vote of confidence in Gardner‑Webb’s mission and a tangible show of support for students.

“Your gift shapes our future,” noted Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Communications Kanisha Fowler. “With multiple areas to support, your impact reaches far and wide. This Double Dawg Day, we’re aiming for more—more partnerships among our community, more support for University priorities and more donors giving to their passions. We need you. Unite with us and give on April 16.”

Ways to Give on Double Dawg Day

Donors can direct their support to the people, programs, and causes that matter most, including:

University Priority Fund – Addresses the University’s most immediate and strategic needs.
Annual Fund – Supports student scholarships and the overall student experience.
School/College Priority Funds – Gives deans the flexibility to respond quickly to new opportunities and strengthen academic programs.
Athletics – Supports all 22 NCAA Division I teams.
Bulldog Club – Enhances student‑athlete scholarships and provides the tools athletes need to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
Campus Programs and Departments – Allows donors to support specific initiatives and areas of passion across campus.

Make your donation .

In addition to making a gift, supporters can sign up as Social Media Ambassadors (also known as advocates) to spread the word and build momentum throughout the day. Register and learn more .

With community involvement at its core, Double Dawg Day 2026 aims to unite as many donors as possible—because the real power of the day comes from participation. Whether someone gives, shares, encourages classmates, or cheers on a favorite department or team, their involvement fuels a transformative student experience at Gardner‑Webb.

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Phillip Lewis Returns to �۶�ֱ�� as Associate Vice President for Web & Digital Communications

Office of University Communications — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:22:23 +0000

Experienced Digital Strategist to Guide University’s Web Presence and Online Engagement

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—�۶�ֱ�� Vice President for Marketing and Communications Thea Thompson has named Phillip Lewis as the University’s associate vice president for Web & Digital Communications. He brings more than 15 years of experience in website management, digital content strategy, and online communications, including previous service as GWU’s senior web developer and positions with major organizations across the Charlotte region. In his new role at �۶�ֱ��, Lewis will lead a team of professionals in managing the main University website, social media channels, and email communication

Phillip Lewis

“As higher education continues to evolve, our digital presence plays a critical role in how prospective students and families discover and engage with �۶�ֱ��,” Thompson stated. “Phillip brings the experience, technical expertise, and strategic perspective needed to lead that work, along with a deep understanding of our mission and what makes this university distinctive. Having worked with him previously, I’m excited to welcome him back and confident his leadership will help strengthen our digital presence and support �۶�ֱ��’s continued growth.”

Most recently, Lewis served as senior digital marketing manager for AvidXchange, where he oversaw the company’s main website, worked closely with departments across the organization, and helped guide its overall online presence.

Before that, as Gardner‑Webb’s senior web developer, he ensured the University’s website remained accurate, user‑friendly, and aligned with institutional goals. He also supported major projects, including the design of the University’s capital campaign website.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to �۶�ֱ�� and support its mission and vision,” Lewis affirmed. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus to help advance the university’s goals as we work to move this wonderful institution forward.”

Earlier in his career, Lewis spent more than a decade with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (formerly the Charlotte Chamber), where he managed the organization’s websites, led several major redesigns, supported marketing initiatives, and developed online tools to serve businesses across the region.

He also brings a strong foundation in graphic design, creating visual concepts for websites, marketing materials, digital campaigns, and other projects. This creative background enhances his ability to pair clear communication with strong visual presentation.

Lewis earned bachelor’s degrees in communications with a concentration in marketing and English literature from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. His career reflects a commitment to helping organizations communicate effectively and connect audiences with the information they need.

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Gardner‑Webb University Announces Women’s History Month Events and Wellness Series

Office of University Communications — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:06:59 +0000

March Programming Celebrates Creativity, Connection, and The Power of Community

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner‑Webb University will mark Women’s History Month with a series of uplifting, community‑centered events designed to honor the strength, creativity, and connections of women across campus and beyond. The month’s theme, “Celebrating the hearts that shaped ours,” will be reflected through creative expressions of gratitude, simple wellness practices, and opportunities to build meaningful bonds.

“Women’s History Month is a celebration of the community, creativity, and connection that bonds women today,” observed Director of Campus Unity and Connection Jessika Raduly. “This month, we are honoring the spirit of womanhood by leaning into the power of small, intentional gestures. Whether we are reflecting on our gratitude through handwritten thank you notes, weaving together the literal and symbolic threads of friendship bracelets, or finding beauty in growth while making fresh flower bouquets, we are celebrating the unique ways women nurture the world around them.”

As the month unfolds, the focus expands beyond creativity to emphasize collective strength and well‑being reflected in the Walk & Talk wellness series. “To me, these gatherings represent the true essence of this month: taking the time to listen to one another’s stories, supporting our mental and physical health, and building a future where every woman feels seen and celebrated,” Raduly added.

Women’s History Month Events at Gardner‑Webb University

Walk & Talk: Women’s Wellness Series

Thursday, March 5, 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2 p.m.
- Meet at the Tucker Student Center (rain or shine).
- A casual, connection‑focused walk emphasizing movement, conversation, and simple practices for holistic well‑being. Move. Chat. Connect.

Women Who Inspire Us: A Thank You Card Celebration

Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m.
- Tucker Student Center
- Participants are invited to write heartfelt thank‑you notes to mentors, friends, family members, teachers, and community leaders who have encouraged, supported, and inspired them. “Honoring the hearts that guided us, the hands that lifted us, and the voices that believed in us.”

Fresh Flower Arrangement: Bloom & Bouquet

Monday, March 23, 3 p.m.
- Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center
- A hands‑on, fresh‑flower arranging workshop that celebrates the beauty, growth, and daily influence of women. “Bloom in honor of the women who inspire us.”

Friendship Bracelet Creations

Tuesday, March 31, 3 p.m.
- Third floor, Tucker Student Center
- A welcoming session to design and create friendship bracelets with intention and care—celebrating connection, creativity, and the meaningful bonds between women. “Friendship, crafted with care.”

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Gardner‑Webb Ethics Bowl Team Earns Three Wins at 15th Annual Statewide Event

Office of University Communications — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:30:18 +0000

Students Apply University Values to Real‑World Ethical Dilemmas at North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Competition

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner‑Webb University’s Ethics Bowl team delivered a standout performance at the 15th Annual North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Ethics Bowl. They earned three victories in four rounds while showcasing disciplined preparation and mission‑centered ethical reasoning.

The event brought together 17 student teams for two days of arguments, and resulted in a historic victory for Johnson C. Smith University as the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to prevail as champion. The competition centered on the theme, “Ethics in Leadership,” and the GWU students argued their positions on the topics of corporate responsibility, Olympics, atomic bomb, and funding for public schools.

�۶�ֱ��’s six-member team is advised by Dr. Anna Sieges‑Beal, associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy, and Dr. Shea Stuart, professor of English. “We represented GWU well as our ethical framework is based on the University’s motto ‘pro Deo et Humanitate,’” Sieges-Beal stated. “We evaluate ethical situations according to the principles of life, goodness, justice, and truth telling.”

The team was also supported by Kalem Griffin, a 2025 alumnus from Thomasville, N.C., who competed last year. A graduate student in �۶�ֱ��’s Master of Sport Management program, he provided valuable insight and support to the team throughout the competition. Between rounds, Griffin encouraged the team to remain confident, keep their presentation direct, and stay positive. “It was fascinating to be introduced to this year’s Ethics and Leadership cases at the Ethics Bowl for the first time, and I was highly impressed by how the team had prepared for and handled them,” Griffin praised. “As always, our team was exceptional, consistently showing noticeable growth and improvement through each round, and generally being one of the best-performing teams in the entire event.”

�۶�ֱ�� began preparing for the event in October 2024 by researching nine cases. They don’t find out the topics they will be arguing until the competition. They faced students from William Peace University, Montreat College, Salem College and the University of Mount Olive.

Junior Maeve McGinley commented on how rewarding it was to see all the months of preparation come together in real time. “Even when I was nervous, I felt proud of how our team approached cases with humility and intellectual honesty rather than just trying to win,” she said. “I appreciated how we sharpened one another’s arguments, challenged each other respectfully, and built responses that were stronger because they were communal. It also built a real sense of camaraderie.”

Alaena Locklear, a sophomore, said being at the actual competition was a relief after spending so much time working on the cases. “The nerves settled after the first round, and as a team, our concentration shifted to improving after every debate and strengthening our weak points,” she noted. “I think the best part of being on the team was how strong our teamwork was. Every judge we talked to said wonderful things about how well we worked together, and it really came through in the debates we won.”

Junior Hodges McCathern agreed with his teammate. “It was great to be surrounded by such talented and intelligent people; they make things easy,” he asserted. “Great teams have confidence in each other, know their roles to play, and trust that each person will do their job. I know that I have five teammates I can confidently say are capable of tackling any challenge they may face. I am very thankful for this experience these past two years.”

Issa Cogdell, also a junior, has enjoyed participating in debate competitions since high school. “It was amazing to compete after all the preparation, because you’re able to practice your stance and defend it in real time,” he said. “The best part of being on the team is seeing everyone’s individual strengths shine throughout the preparation period and during the Ethics Bowl itself.”

Initially, sophomore Sophie Boss didn’t know what the commitment involved, but she embraced the opportunity and found the experience deeply rewarding. “It was unlike anything I had ever done before—such an amazing experience that I would definitely do it again,” Boss affirmed. “The most beneficial thing I learned from this event was how important public speaking skills are, as well as how ethics are part of everyday life more than we think. Every conversation can be an ethical conversation, and it is cool to see things from a new perspective now. I would recommend this to everyone to get out of their comfort zone and participate in something like this that will stretch their minds. “

Brock Nikkari, a senior, competed for the second year in a row. “The best part of being on the team is spending time with my friends and representing Gardner‑Webb University,” Nikkari stated. “The most beneficial thing I learned was how to convey my thoughts in a professional and orderly manner. I have found the Ethics Bowl has greatly helped my public speaking skills.”

The team’s accomplishment highlights the depth of talent at �۶�ֱ�� and underscores the value of experiential learning and the power of teamwork. McGinley summed up the lasting impact of the opportunity. “Ethics Bowl requires you to make a clear claim, defend it with reasoning, and respond to critiques without becoming defensive,” she observed. “I learned how important it is to listen carefully, acknowledge strong points from opposing teams, and refine my thinking on the spot. That skill feels incredibly transferable to both academic work and future vocational settings.”

Team Roster

Maeve McGinley — Chapin, S.C., psychology and Christian studies with a concentration in discipleship.
Alaena Locklear — Lawndale, N.C., accounting.
Hodges McCathern — Lexington, S.C., biochemistry.
Issa Cogdell — Winston‑Salem, N.C., computer science.
Sophie Boss — Melbourne, Fla., elementary education.
Brock Nikkari — Milton, Fla., Christian studies with a concentration in biblical studies.

Ethics Bowl Sponsors

The success of the 2026 Ethics Bowl was made possible by the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of NCICU, which raised almost $80,000 in sponsorships. Gardner‑Webb’s 2026 team participation was made possible in part by sponsorship from Fortinet and NFP.

Other sponsors included: Aramark, BHDP, The Budd Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Cherry Bekaert, The Council of Independent Colleges, CPL, Duke Energy, French Broad Electric, Guilford College Center for Principled Problem Solving, Huntington National Bank, IMA Financial Group, Jesse and Kay McCartney, Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Old North State Trust, Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation, Liz and Steven Riley, Sageview, Truist Bank, A. Hope Williams, and the Wren Foundation.

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Gardner‑Webb Launches Searight PACE Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Series

Office of University Communications — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:15:06 +0000

New Three‑Course Series Blends Soil Science, Global Food Systems, and Business Fundamentals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—United by a commitment to the future of farming and food, two Gardner‑Webb administrators and faculty members have developed a new Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program that connects science with practice for today’s agriculture. Drawing on complementary strengths in soil science, global food systems, and agricultural economics, Dr. Greg Pillar and Dr. Anthony Negbenebor created the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series to equip working producers, aspiring agribusiness owners, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving food landscape.

Dr. Greg Pillar

The three-course agribusiness series is practical and grounded in real science and current business practice. The courses are offered online and face‑to‑face, with a schedule designed for working adults and professionals. “What makes this program distinctive is that it connects three areas that are often taught separately: global food systems, soil science, and agribusiness entrepreneurship,” Pillar stated. “Participants do not just learn how to grow. They learn how the system works and how to build a viable operation within it. This will give them the foundation from which they can continue to learn on their own and/or through other programs.”

The first course in the program, Principles of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship (PACE 560) will be on March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. The class is taught by Negbenebor and will meet on the GWU campus. It covers the basics, along with the business skills needed to identify and create an opportunity in agribusiness. Students will be encouraged to develop their own real business ideas, and they will be guided in their decision making. At the end of this course, students will present their new ideas feedback and improvement. The cost is $99 and includes 3 CE credits from �۶�ֱ��.

Dr. Anthony Negbenebor

A professor of economics, Negbenebor also serves as GWU’s assistant vice president of Business Partnerships. His research focus is on agricultural economics, agri‑tech, and global food sustainability, with professional experience across agri‑industries. He grew up on a farm, and his interest is also shaped by his faith. “Food is spiritual,” Negbenebor added. “God said in Genesis 1:29: ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’”

Pillar, �۶�ֱ�� assistant provost and professor of environmental chemistry, has a background in agronomy and global food systems. He studied soil and water chemistry both from the standpoint of environmental protection, crop productivity and land management.

“This certificate gives both farmers and aspiring agribusiness owners a stronger scientific and systems‑level understanding of how food production really works today,” Pillar affirmed. “Participants gain practical insight into soil health, resource management, and the global food system, along with the business foundations needed to turn production into a viable enterprise.”

Courses are designed for a wide audience, including:

Current or aspiring agribusiness owners.
People exploring small‑scale or start‑up food production ventures.
Career changers interested in agriculture or food systems.
Extension staff, educators, and community food leaders.
Farmers and growers seeking updated science and soil knowledge (or a refresher).
Community college and university students.
Anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how our food system works.

Pillar explains that working farmers will gain updated science, data, and best practices they can apply directly to improve soil productivity, resource use, and long‑term soil value—plus context on supply chains and market forces that shape pricing and demand. New or small‑scale entrepreneurs will acquire the skills needed to evaluate and launch viable ventures at modest scale, including intensive methods, season extension, and smart soil management. All producers will be able to make more‑informed decisions about input, crop, and land management to protect margins and sustainability.

Negbenebor emphasized the urgent, industrywide need. “Artificial intelligence and other technologies are rapidly changing agriculture and food supply,” he related. “Agribusiness plays a critical role in ensuring food security, driving innovation, and strengthening economies.”

He added, “Studying agribusiness entrepreneurship opens doors across the sector—from supply chains and food processing to agri‑tech and consulting. The field provides a chance to make a real impact while building a strong career. Our Searight PACE courses prepare learners to identify gaps, build ventures, and contribute to a resilient food system.”

To learn more about the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series and register for the first class on March 20, visit the PACE website here.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the Searight PACE tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the Searight PACE official Admissions page.

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�۶�ֱ�� Specialty License Plates Now Feature Updated Runnin’ Bulldog Athletic Brand

Office of University Communications — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:46:32 +0000

Available in North and South Carolina, Money Received from Sale Goes to the Annual Fund

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Supporters of �۶�ֱ�� University in North and South Carolina can now display their school pride with specialty license plates featuring the revamped Runnin’ Bulldog athletic brand. The updated look offers a distinctive way for the GWU community to show its spirit across the Carolinas.

Shannon Hovis

Beyond the new look, the plates also provide meaningful support for the University, with a portion of each purchase and renewal contributing directly to the Annual Fund.

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Shannon Hovis said the specialty plate offers both a visual celebration of Bulldog pride and a tangible benefit to the University. “Seeing our new logo on the �۶�ֱ�� specialty license plate is a point of pride for our entire Bulldog family,” she noted. “Even more meaningful is that every plate purchased directly supports the �۶�ֱ�� Annual Fund. These gifts make an immediate impact—providing scholarships, strengthening academic programs, and supporting campus initiatives wherever the need is greatest. It’s a simple way to show our Bulldog pride while investing in the success of our students.”

North Carolina

Alumni in North Carolina may purchase a �۶�ֱ�� specialty plate through any N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or . A portion of each specialty plate fee supports �۶�ֱ�� University’s Annual Fund, providing ongoing support for student scholarships and institutional priorities. Additional fee information and personalization options are available through the N.C. DMV website.

South Carolina

Alumni in South Carolina may obtain a �۶�ֱ�� specialty plate or at their local DMV office. A portion of each specialty plate fee benefits �۶�ֱ�� University’s Annual Fund, helping enhance scholarships and the overall student experience. For detailed fee and renewal information, visit the S.C. DMV website.

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