ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„

news-category: Campus News

Anonymous $1.5 Million Gift Advances Student Experience and Faith‑Centered Mission at Gardner‑Webb University

myers athletics renovations collage

Funding Strengthens Spaces Where Students ā€˜Live, Learn, Train and Grow’ Across Campus

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A significant $1.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will support student‑focused priorities at Gardner‑Webb University. The donor provided flexibility in directing the funds, allowing University leadership to focus on initiatives with immediate and lasting impact on students.

Gardner‑Webb President Nate Evans emphasized that every major project supported by the gift aligns with the University’s mission and commitment to holistic student development. ā€œThis gift allows us to invest intentionally in spaces and programs that serve students where they live, learn, train, and grow,ā€ Evans underscored. ā€œEach priority reflects our commitment to being a Christ‑centered university that places students at the heart of every decision.ā€

A portion of the gift will fund refurbishments to Myers and Spangler residence halls, including new furniture and upgrades such as flooring, paint, and general improvements. Additional funds will be directed toward targeted student housing improvements across campus. The work will be completed over the summer and will improve the student living experience while supporting an expansion of the University’s Faith‑Based Living‑Learning Community, a residential model that intentionally connects students’ academic, co‑curricular, and personal development around shared interests and values.

ā€œThis investment in Myers and Spangler represents far more than a facilities upgrade—it is a direct investment in the student experience at Gardner‑Webb University,ā€ affirmed Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose. ā€œWhen we enhance residential spaces, we strengthen the foundation for student success by creating environments where students can rest, study, and build meaningful relationships. Gifts like this elevate not only where our students live, but how they live—supporting their academic persistence, personal growth, and overall sense of belonging.ā€

Villarose emphasized that the expansion of the Faith‑Based Living‑Learning Community reflects the University’s intentional approach to integrating faith and learning within the residential experience.

She added, ā€œThese spaces will allow students to engage more deeply in shared values, spiritual development, and meaningful dialogue beyond the classroom. As this living‑learning community continues to expand, we are creating more opportunities for students to connect their academic journey with their faith in a supportive, residential environment.ā€

The philanthropic support will also fund a comprehensive renovation of the primary weight room located in the football center. The project will include new flooring, racks, weights, machines, and branded strength equipment to benefit the health, safety, and performance of student‑athletes across all sports. Additional funds will address football program needs and athletic facility improvements.

Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director Brendan Fahey described the renovation as ā€œtransformationalā€ and a ā€œtrue program‑changerā€ for the department. ā€œStrength training is essential to the development and well‑being of our student‑athletes, and this new, state‑of‑the‑art space will allow us to support them at the highest level,ā€ Fahey explained. ā€œBeyond enhancing daily training, it will play a key role in recruitment, retention, and the overall student‑athlete experience. We are incredibly grateful for this generous support and look forward to unveiling the new facility to our student‑athletes.ā€

Rendering one
This illustration shows an overview of the renovated weight room.

Reflecting the University’s commitment to developing the whole student, the gift supports a new instructional space along with updated academic technology across the University. Together, these investments support hands‑on learning, classroom instruction, and student preparation for professional success.

ā€œAcademic Affairs is grateful for the generous gift, which strengthens support for academic excellence and prepares our students to lead with confidence in their respective fields,ā€ noted Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicole Waters. ā€œThis support will significantly enhance experiential learning opportunities for students in our Department of Public Service programs by creating an authentic residential setting for crime scene investigation that simulates real‑life crime scenarios. This investment elevates the quality of instruction, deepens student engagement, and prepares graduates for the professional workforce.ā€

The hands‑on simulation lab will be located in Washburn House and will serve both students and regional law enforcement partners. Additionally, the donation will support broader academic needs across the University. Waters shared, ā€œThe gift provides technology enhancements to the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education. These upgrades will enable faculty to deliver more interactive instruction while ensuring our learning environments reflect the demands of a rapidly evolving world.ā€

Beyond its academic impact, the philanthropic support also advances efforts to better serve students across campus. Gardner‑Webb leadership designated part of the funds to create a one‑stop shop for key student services, including financial aid, student accounts, and registration. The consolidated space will improve coordination, communication, and customer service while creating a more seamless experience for students.

Collectively, these investments reflect Gardner‑Webb’s mission by supporting students academically, personally, and professionally.

ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ 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., ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ 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 .

Previous News Article

ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Mourns the Passing of Dr. Earl H. Godfrey Jr. on May 7

Next News Article

ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ Names Molly Hanley as Inaugural Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach

Related News

  • News Article

    ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Earns National Recognition for Preparing Future Elementary Teachers in The Science of Reading

    Elementary Education Program Achieves Top Marks in New Report from The National Council on Teacher Quality BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). The council’s report, ā€œTeacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,ā€ spotlights GWU’s College of Education […]

    students practice an activity in a literacy education classroom.
  • News Article

    Family Establishes Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss Music Scholarship at ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University

    Endowment Honors Cleveland County Couple’s Longtime Love of Music, Education, and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Music was woven into everyday life in the home of Robert and Evelyn Cabaniss of Cleveland County, N.C. The family listened to a wide variety and sometimes sang along. To honor their parents’ love for music, support for education and service […]

    music collage - featuring band, chorus students
  • News Article

    ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University Announces Y2K Kids for Webbstock 2026 Entertainment Lineup

    Popular 2000s Tribute Band Joins a Growing Slate of Music, Food Vendors, Local Artisans and Family-friendly Activities for Aug. 22 Community Celebration BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—ĆŪ¶¹Ö±²„ University has announced another addition to the entertainment lineup for Webbstock 2026. Y2K Kids will take the stage during the community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Brinkley Amphitheater. The […]

    Webbstock Newscenter STD