Gardner–Webb University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master’s degrees and Doctorates.

In addition several departmental programs are accredited by the appropriate state or national agencies. The Education program is accredited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction oversees the public school system in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The DPI is headed by the State Superintendent and the North Carolina State Board of Education...

 and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education was founded in 1954 to accredit teacher certification programs at U.S. colleges and universities. NCATE is a council of educators created to ensure and raise the quality of preparation for their profession. NCATE is recognized by the U.S....

 (NCATE). The Music and Nursing programs are accredited respectively by the National Association of Schools of Music

National Association of Schools of Music

The National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music...

 and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The School of Divinity is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada. The Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The University is authorized by the immigration authorities of the United States for the training of foreign students.

Guest-speaker series

Dimensions is the University's weekly guest-speaker series; Dimensions counts as a 1/2 credit course per semester. Full-time students are required to attend a minimum of ten sessions of Dimensions for six semesters. Part-time students are required to earn the 1/2 credit for Dimensions for every fifteen hours in which they are enrolled at the University until a minimum of three semesters worth of Dimensions credits have been earned. Failure to attend all ten sessions with result with no credit. During Dimensions time there are no classes that take session.

Special academic programs

Gardner-Webb offers several special academic programs; some of these include the NOEL program, the Program for the blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, learning assistance, GOAL program, high school seniors, Honors program, ROTC, YMCA, and the study abroad programs.

The NOEL Program aids students with physical or mental disabilities. Students in the NOEL program are assigned to a disability specialist who works with the students while they attend Gardner-Webb. These students are assisted through note takers, interpreters, lab assistants and tutors. They are allowed extended testing time, and technology adapted to their disability. Their disability specialist helps them to achieve good study skills and helpful test-taking strategies.

The Program for the visually impaired gives orientation and mobility training to students to make the transition to Gardner-Webb. The audiovisual department, located in the campus library, provides technology and special equipment for all students.

The Program for the deaf and hard of hearing provided qualified interpreters for classes, campus activities and theatrical productions. Dorm buildings are equipped with specialized fire alarms and doorbell mechanism. Video phones are available for deaf students or students with deaf relatives.

The Learning assistance programs are available to students who need help to make the transition to college-level work. They may receive help through tutoring or other materials that help fit the student’s needs. The program offers interdictory level classes in reading, writing, and mathematics.

The GOAL (greater opportunity for adult learners) program offers majors for adult students who wish to continue their baccalaureate degree.

The High school seniors program is for upcoming high school students interested in completing their senior year while attending college classes and earning college credits. This program requires parental consent.

The Honors program is for academically gifted students. The program provides challenging opportunities for students.

The Army ROTC program offers courses in military science and leadership opportunities. There is no charge for participating in this program.

The YMCA professional studies program is a culmination of the Cleveland County YMCA and the Gardner-Webb Student YMCA. The program helps undergraduate students get ready for non-profit careers.

The Study abroad program highly advocates for undergraduates to explore new educational experiences in other countries. Gardner-Webb participates with schools in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica , officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east....

, England, Switzerland, Sweden, South Korea, France, Spain, Hong Kong, Malta

Malta

Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...

 and Germany.

Student life

Gardner–Webb University is home to many school-wide events. At the beginning of the school year, returning students come back a week early and act as big brothers and big sisters for the upcoming freshmen. During orientation week, students gather in their orientation groups and complete activities together. Later, these orientation groups become the freshmen student's University 111 class, a class intended to introduce students to the University and how it works.

Homecoming is a time of celebration at GWU. Central to Homecoming Weekend is the parade down Main Street in Boiling Springs. The weekend is full of special meals for alumni and students. One of the most popular traditions at Gardner-Webb is centered around the Friday night before the big Homecoming game. Students virtually "destroy" campus with rolls of toilet paper. The activity that is now condoned by administration is a major part of Gardner-Webb tradition. Although some students believe that it is a waste of time and toilet paper, most enjoy and partake in this tried-and-true Homecoming event. Others question the logic of toilet papering one's own campus.

Other popular activities include the spring formal, occasional movies on the quad (the grassy area in the center of campus), Earth Day activities, ski trips, Midterm Munchies, Beep Ball Baseball, Open-Mic Night at the coffee shop, participation in discount nights at Chick-fil-a, IHOP, Pizza Hut and Octoberfest (an event where the community and college students come together as an alternative for trick-or-treating).

Housing

The majority of full-time students at Gardner-Webb live in either the traditional residence halls or on-campus apartments. Costs for living on campus vary, depending on what a student choses: residence hall living, single-room residence hall living, suite living, or apartment living. Single accommodations for residence halls and group apartment living are subject to request of the Gardner-Webb Housing and Residence Education department based on room availability. Traditional residence hall living for the school year of 2009-2010 is $1,745 per student per semester. An additional $695 is for a single-occupancy room. Suite-style rooms and apartments are $2,260 and $2,780, respectively for the 2009-2010 school year per semester.

Decker is a female-only residence hall. This building's construction was completed in 1949 and originally was slated to be for men. Dover Memorial Library is across the small Decker parking lot in addition to the Suttle Wellness Center. Decker is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a girl who committed suicide in 1955 and was the subject of the 2006 film, The Legacy: A Ghost Story, which won the Gold Award at the 2006 Aurora Film and Video Festival.

Decker Hall is a multilevel building, containing a ground floor, first, second and third "loft-style" floor. Located on the central "Quad" area, Decker Hall has single, double, and triple rooms. All floors in this building are equipped with community-style bathrooms. Triple rooms are only available in the large loft attic in Decker.

H.A.P.Y., an acronym for the building's founders, Hoey, Anthony, Padgett, and Young, was built in 1946. H.A.P.Y is located in the central location of campus. H.A.P.Y is the only residence hall that is coed. However, Males and females are opposite wings Divided by the lobby. The main building sports suite-style bathrooms (where four students share one bathroom), while the wing has one community bathroom. H.A.P.Y. is a recently renovated building with nice carpet and furniture.

Honors House is a newer addition to the residence halls on Gardner-Webb's Campus. The old white home served as overflow housing at one time but now houses students in single and double rooms with private and suite-style bathrooms. It is farther from the campus and is the only coed residence hall. The house is split in two parts by sex. The two sides are connected by a main lobby, kitchen, and laundry room. Honors House was originally set up as a residence hall for honors students.

Royster, formally a hospital in Boiling Springs, is a men's residence hall located across College Avenue and off the main campus. The building is one story with a main hall and several wings. Young men enjoy community style and private baths along with large rooms and high ceilings. As a former hospital, Royster has the singular distinction of being the only residence hall with an unused morgue in its basement.

Stroup is another residence hall for the female students. The building has community baths and in each room there are sinks. The building is in line for some well-needed renovations.

Mauney Hall is one of the largest places for on-campus students to live. Mauney has four floors with two-person rooms and a communal bathroom shared by the floor. Mauney residents may use the three washing and drying machines and snack and drink machines. The students who occupy Mauney Hall enjoy community style living that involves meeting your hall mates and learning the campus together. Flag Football at Garnder-Webb University offers a time for residence hall competitions which largely involve Mauney and Lutz-Yelton Halls. Mauney is one of the most-sought places to live on campus, third to the University Apartments and to Lutz-Yelton.

Myers-Spangler halls are mostly female residence halls with the exception of the first floor of Myers, which houses some of the overflow males. At the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, Myers and Spangler will return to being all-female residence halls. They are located further off the main quad area connected by an outdoor corridor. The buildings have community style baths. Myers and Spangler were newly renovated this summer before the incoming freshman arrived.

Nanney is a two-story women's residence hall. (Over the last few years it has housed young men but was converted back to a women's residence hall in August 2008.) The building has carpet and long rooms with built-in closets. Bathtubs can still be found in the residence hall's bathrooms.

University Commons are student apartments and are considered on-campus housing. There are seven complexes located off of the main quad area across from Lake Hollifield. They have four bedrooms, two bath units, a kitchen, living room, and free laundry.

Clubs

Gardner-Webb is home to numerous clubs, organizations, and honors societies. One of the largest clubs is Campus Ministries United (CMU), which is composed of a large group of students who strive to learn more about God and help others through various Christ-centered programs such as prison fellowship, which is where a group of students go out to a local prison and spread the gospel to prisoners. Focus is another club supported by campus ministries. Students are placed with two leaders, usually placed on a team of ten or twelve. Each team meets weekly and prays about their week or struggles they might be having and reads scripture. The main purpose of Focus is for each team to go out at least once a semester to a church and lead a weekend or a particular service. Games, food, praise and worship music, skits, and scripture passages and teachings are crucial to Focus. Focus builds friendships among team members.

Alpha Chi is a special invitation academic organization that promotes and recognizes scholarship and elements of character which make scholarship effective. Another popular club is The Dawg Pound — the students involved go to sporting events, sit in the student section, sport red and black club T-shirts and painted faces to support their Runnin' Bulldogs. It was founded in 2001 by Lutz-Yelton residents Matt Hudler and Nic Watson.

Other clubs include the Honors Student Association (HSA), which is another special invitation academic club that encourages an atmosphere of challenged learning through advanced classes, special trips, and special academic opportunities. Student Admissions Association (SAA) is a group of Gardner-Webb students wholove Gardner-Webb and are handpicked by their admissions counselors to share that love with prospective students through tours, Dawg Days, and overnight visits. Student YMCA (GWSY) is a branch of the Cleveland County YMCA that offers programs to help the Cleveland County and the Gardner-Webb community. Web Spinners is a theater club that promotes interest in theatrical productions, specifically those at Gardner-Webb. They also try to foster personal development in the various components of stage performance and theatre.

Deaf Club is a club for deaf students, the American Sign Language (ASL) majors, and other students interested in ASL or the deaf culture. Joyful Hands is a performing group that promotes understanding of sign language

Sign language

A sign language is a language which, instead of acoustically conveyed sound patterns, uses visually transmitted sign patterns to convey meaning—simultaneously combining hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions to fluidly express a speaker's...

 and the deaf culture. The group signs songs for the deaf and hearing communities. Residence Hall Association (RHA) provides activities or services necessary to promote the welfare and interest of all the residential students.

The Student Nurses Association provides connections to the outside world of nursing for future nurses. Its purpose is to 'aid in the development of professional nurses, provide educational programs of interest to students, and encourage involvement in nursing organizations.' This is a program only offered to those students who are pursuing a career in the nursing or possibly health care field. Along with being a part of the Student Nurses Association, one could be part of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). Gardner-Webb provides the students involved in SNA the opportunity to be involved at the national level.

All clubs are chartered by the Gardner–Webb University Student Government Association (SGA). The purpose of the SGA is to represent the rights and opinions of the undergraduate student body in a manner consistent with its mission and constitution. SGA also works to promote positive relationships among the students, the faculty, and the administration.

The Verge

The Verge is a contemporary worship service, held in Dover Theatre, on every Tuesday night. It is one of the most popular extracurricular activities on Gardner-Webb's campus. The Verge features musical groups that perform throughout the service. A special prayer time begins 45 minutes before each service; students pray for other students, the Verge service, the school, and the community. It is supported by Campus Ministries and run mainly by students.

Athletics

Gardner-Webb offers seventeen varsity sports at the NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...

 Division I level. In football, the Runnin' Bulldogs compete in the football championship subdivision (FCS). The 2008-2009 academic year will see the Runnin' Bulldogs transition to the Big South Conference

Big South Conference

The Big South Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I. The conference's football teams are part of the Football Championship Subdivision...

 for all sports. The football team joined the Big South as an associate member in 2002. Since joining the Big South, the football team has had a record of 38-28. The first two years that they joined the Big South Gardner Webb won two conference titles in a row. Since then they have placed third every year. The Gardner Webb football team has played some difficult opponents including Georgia Tech, Appalachian State, Mississippi State, Wofford, and Ohio.The Gardner Webb football team has produced many All-Americans and athletes that have made it to the NFL the most recent was Brian Johnston, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 7th round.
Gardner-webb mens basketball has also been a growing program. Competing with the likes of #2 seeded Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Kansas state this past 2008-2009 season. While in the 2007-2008 season pulling an upset win against The university of Kentucky. Behind Head coach Rick Scruggs the running bulldogs mens basketball team have posted a record of (356-295) over the last 14 seasons. They have reached every national tournament on every level except for the NCAA Division I Men’s National Tournament.
In 2008, Gardner–Webb University's recently created men's swimming team (a group of 16 freshmen and 2 sophomores) placed third at the 2008 CCSA conference, setting several school records and finishing closely behind College of Charleston and Davidson. The women also placed third at the conference championships.
Before joining the CCSA conference the women’s team was a part of the NEC. As of 2007, the women’s team was four time NEC conference champions. In addition to winning conference titles, both the men and women’s swim teams are academic all-stars. The men and women’s team combined grade point average for the fall of 2008 gave them the highest GPA of the NCAA Division I schools that sponsor swimming programs. The teams combined GPA was a 3.475. The men’s team alone ranked first nationally with a 3.3 GPA, beating Georgetown University by 0.01. The women’s team ranked second, just barely missing first by 0.02 to Marshall University.

In the fall of 2006, the Gardner-Webb soccer team won its conference and made it to the NCAA second round (a link to the roster of players that were involved in winning the 2006 Atlantic Sun Conference

Atlantic Sun Conference

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a college athletic conference operating in the Southeastern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I; it does not sponsor football. The conference was established in 1978 as the Trans America Athletic Conference...

 follows).
The Women's soccer team is currently coached by Kevin Mounce and assisted by Sarah Currie. Coach Mounce has had four winning seasons in the past seven years. During his ten seasons coaching at Gardner-Webb, he holds the highest winning percentage (.514). In 2001 the Lady Bulldogs were the National Christian College Athletic Association Champions, following that tournament Mounce was named NCCAA National Women's Soccer Coach of the Year. In 2002, at the conclusion of their season, the team was ranked second in the nation for first-year division I programs by Soccer Buzz. In 2003 the Bulldogs had their first appearance in the Atlantic Sun Championship, finishing 5th in the league. For this accomplishment Kevin Mounce was named A-Sun coach of the year. In 2004 GWU had a forward, Leaana Woddorth who led the nation in scoring. She became A-Sun player of the year and broke many school records. In 2000 the Lady Bullogs became a Division I program participating in the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 2008 the team transferred to the Big South Conference. In their first year competing in the Big South they finished 4-12-2.
The Gardner-Webb Bulldog cheer-leading team has been around for many years. As of today, the cheerleading team has a coach by the name of Andrew Day. He has been coaching for a little over a few years at Gardner-Webb but is also an alumnus and alumni cheerleader of Gardner–Webb University. When Coach Drew first cheered here, chairs were the stunts to do. Now, toss ball up cupie, and heel stretch full down and many more have become standard. The history of the cheerleading program has changed so much in the past 11 years. It went from not being competitive at all, to being one of the forefront teams in college cheerleading. The past 11 years they have been competing with NCA. They started in Division II and now have changed to Small Co-ed (4 guys or less). That means they compete against any Division I, II, or III teams. Our school officially became a Division IAA in 2002. In their first appearance in the Small Coed Division they placed 5th in the Nation and 1st in the Southeast. The team is fortunate to have a lot of returns to place hopefully even higher this year. The talent here has continued to get stronger and stronger. We are building a tradition of having great cheerleading.

Gardner-Webb sports requires dedication from not only the athletes and coaches, but also a committed strength staff. The athletics facilities for weight lifting and strength training are used on a daily basis to maximize athletes performance and to prevent injuries. The Gardner-Webb strength staff currently trains approximately 400 student-athletes. Teams are required to attend mandatory lifts and speed training while participating in a sport. The weight-training facilities are located in the GWU Football Center next to Spangler Stadium (Campus map). "In order to keep the athlete from adapting to the same training stimulus, causing a plateau effect, the program is changed every 4-6 weeks" (Bulldog Strength). The importance of strength training to [prevent injuries]is also a major part for a strength training staff. This includes instructing athletes on how to properly perform correct lifting techniques, prevention methods: such as stretching, warming up correctly and altering programs for athletes who are recovering from an injury to ensure proper rehabilitation and a speedy recovery.

Basketball scandal

The Gardner-Webb community was rocked by scandal in the fall of 2002 when ordained minister and Gardner-Webb president of 16 years, Dr. Christopher White', admitted to writing a memo two years before ordering a star basketball player's grade-point average to be calculated without the "F" he received for cheating in his religion class; thereby allowing the athlete to play. Without the change, Carlos Webb would have been ineligible in 2000–01, the season Gardner-Webb won the National Christian College Athletic Association championship. Carlos Webb was also named most valuable player that day. Two years later Gardner-Webb became NCAA Division I school. Under the university's honor code, a "cheating F" can never be removed from a student's transcript because it is a direct violation of the Gardner-Webb honor code. By removing the "F", some believed president White destroyed the power of the honor code and the integrity of Gardner–Webb University.

After eight days of students protesting, the school's trustees affirmed Christopher White's presidency after a 10-hour meeting on September 27, 2002 though they demoted a pair of administrators, one the vice president of academic affairs and the other his assistant, who had criticized White's actions. Initially three faculty members also resigned as a result of the scandal. In the end, eight faculty members and administrators (later called "The Group of 8") suffered professional hardship due to demotion, resignation, or firing. The group of eight which led the faculty revolt against White included Blackburn, Williams, and Price.

Opponents said White's action and the trustees' failure to punish him violates the spirit of Gardner-Webb's honor code, while the president's backers, including the chairman of the board of trustees, said they were convinced White did not violate the letter of any school rules and that he acted in a spirit of fairness toward Carlos Webb, who had been incorrectly advised he could get the "F" removed from his GPA by retaking the class. Trustees chairman Thomas Hardin said his board concluded that, while White's action was wrong, the president should not have been removed for a mistake made two years before. He said the demoted administrators were punished not for speaking out, but because in doing so they violated a student's right to privacy.

White states in The New York Times about why he made the decision to change Carlos Webb's grade. White said "In trying to make a decision, there are two guiding principles: One is the university's word. When we tell a student this is what he needs to do, we need to stand by that. The Second thing is, I'm very concerned with student rights. They are our customers. They are our clients. We don't exist for ourselves. We exist for them. They deserve to be treated fairly." Webb was incorrectly advised that if he took the course again and passed it, his F would be replaced.

For nearly two weeks students picketed on the corner of College Avenue and Main Street with signs calling for the president's resignation and questioning his integrity. Students were seen with copies of the Honor Code in their black frames taken from classrooms and the glass front busted and black tape over the poster. The scandal tore the Gardner-Webb community apart.

In early October 2002, Dr. Christopher White resigned as Gardner–Webb University’s president and the grade remained on the student athlete’s transcript. Gardner-Webb was put on NCAA probation for a five-year period that ended in early 2007.

University Police

Gardner–Webb University has a police force on campus at all times. University Police makes hourly rounds of the campus. Parking is mandated by the University Police in addition to an array of other services provided to Gardner–Webb University. Services include assisting with common car problems such as flat tires, dead batteries, and car-entry.

The Bulldog Escort program is also provided by University Police. The service is available from dusk to dawn. Should a student feel uncomfortable walking across campus, for any reason, the student can utilize this program to have a police officer from University Police escort them back to their dorm or car.

Renovations and expansion

Every summer Gardner-Webb strives to make the campus and its facilities better for its students. Recent renovations include carpet and furniture in Lutz-Yelton and Mauney halls, suite style bathrooms in H.A.P.Y., and improvements to apartment complexes.

One major renovation occurred over the 2006-2007 Christmas break in which Gardner-Webb completely renovated the cafeteria, called "The Caf", by students. The room is now home to a food court type serving area, numerous plasma screen televisions around the lower level seating area, and private TVs for each table in the upper level seating area. During the summer of 2007 Gardner-Webb renovated the snack bar area in the downstairs of the Dover Campus Center. The new area looks like a sports bar and coffee shop restaurant. It is a place where students can use their meal plan or cash to purchase prepared foods and snack foods. The new area was given the name "The Kennel" in reference to the Bulldog mascot. The Kennel has television sets like the ones that are found in the "Caf." In the summer of 2010 the "Kennel" was closed and renovations began to turn it into a Chick-fila express. Finally in the fall of 2010 the restaurant opened and now serves some Chick-fila items such as the classic chicken sandwich.

The fall of 2007 will boast the revealing of Gardner-Webb’s biggest capital campaign and expansion plan in history. The new plan is three phases and includes the building of a new Student Center (that will include a movie theater, food court, recreation area, prayer room, ballroom, and offices for major student clubs and organizations), a new science and math facility, and a new fine and performing arts building. The capital campaign will need to raise an initial $16 million for the first phase that will include the building of the new Student Center.

In the spring of 2010, Gardner–Webb University was honored with its largest financial gift to date. The University was awarded $5 million by the Tucker Family to assist in funding the construction of the Tucker Student Center. The new student center is slated to be built on Garnder-Webb's main campus, on the Lake Hollifield complex. In the fall of 2010, the University will officially break ground for this new facility.

Rankings and ratings

Ranked, U.S. News America's best colleges, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (Top Tier, Southern Region, Master's Level); Princeton review selectivity rating, 86 in 2006, 85 in 2007 (scores range from 60-99); Character-building college, Templeton foundation; Top 5, graduates with lightest debtload, 2006, 2007, U.S. News America's best colleges.
Recently Gardner-Webb was recognized as one of the top three Christian colleges in North Carolina by the Annual National College Survey.

Historical timeline

1905-Chartered as Boiling Spring High School, a private boarding school established by the Kings Mountain and Sandy Run Baptist Associations.

1928-The institution was transformed into Boiling Spring Junior College.

1942-Renamed Gardner-Webb College, in honor of former governor of North Carolina O. Max Gardner (1929–33) and wife Fay Webb Gardner.

1947-O. Max Gardner, appointed by Truman to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom, dies on the eve of his departure for England.

1971-Gardner-Webb receives full accreditation as a four-year school.

1970s-With talent-rich teams that included Artis Gilmore and John Drew, the Bulldogs ascend the junior-college rankings. Their reputation for athletic ability and aggressive play earns them an adjective, as they become known as the Runnin Bulldogs, a nickname that has stuck. (An apocryphal account.)

1980-Gardner-Webb offers its first Master of Arts Degree in education.

1992-The Gardner-Webb board of trustees votes to establish the Gardner-Webb School of Divinity.

1992-Gardner-Webb loses in the closing seconds of the NAIA Football National Championship Game to Central State Ohio. The GW team, led by Coach Woody Fish, features All-Americans and future professional players, including Gabe Wilkins.

1993-Gardner-Webb College becomes Gardner–Webb University.

1998-The Divinity school is renamed the Christopher White School of Divinity, in honor of the school's sitting president.

2000-Gardner-Webb Baseball Team advances to the NCAA College World Series.

2000-Gardner-Webb athletics moves to NCAA Division I status.

2002-President Christopher White is embroiled in a grade-changing scandal involving one of the school's basketball players. The story makes national news and in the months that follow, White resigns as students, faculty, and alumni call for his removal. By 2004, the NCAA has placed Gardner-Webb on probation for "lack of institutional control." The probation expires in March 2007.

2004-Dr. Frank Campbell is named interim president of Gardner–Webb University.

2005-Gardner-Webb celebrates its 100-year anniversary as an educational institution.

2005-Dr. Frank Bonner (Ph.D., English, UNC Chapel Hill) is installed as Gardner-Webb's twelfth president.

2006-The men's soccer team, led by long-time coach Tony Setzer, defeats Stetson in overtime to claim their first conference title in soccer as a Division I school. Gardner-Webb then defeats heavily-favored University of Alabama at Birmingham in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament. The season is brought to an end the following week as Gardner-Webb falls to the Clemson Tigers, 3-1.

2007-Gardner-Webb President Dr. Frank Bonner announces that as on August 6 the university will become North Carolina's first tobacco-free campus.

2007-Gardner-Webb athletics makes national news when the basketball team routs the University of Kentucky, 84-68, at Rupp Arena.

2010-Gardner-Webb opens the new John Henry Moss baseball stadium and Bill Masters field.

Notable alumni

• Brook Collins: CEO Bizzy Bee Exterminators (President NPA 2007; National Pest Association), Atlanta Business Journal Man of the Year 2006. U.S News and World Report young business professional of the year 2006. Forbes 2007 list.
• W.J. Cash: Author of Mind of the South (1917-18 while Boiling Springs High School; Cash's sister Bertie attended 1928-30 as Junior College student)
• Ron Rash
  Ron Rash
  Ron Rash , an American poet, short story writer and novelist, is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University. Rash was born in Chester, South Carolina, in 1953, grew up in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and is a graduate of Gardner-Webb...
  
  : Award-winning novelist and poet.
• Martha Mason
  Martha Mason (writer)
  Martha Mason was a writer born and based in Lattimore, North Carolina.-Early life:Afflicted with polio at age 11, Mason was sent home from the hospital in an iron lung, in which she remained for her entire life...
  
  , writer
• Joe DePriest: Journalist
  Journalist
  A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
  
   for the Charlotte Observer.
• Artis Gilmore
  Artis Gilmore
  Artis Gilmore is a retired American Hall of Fame basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association...
  
  : ABA
  American Basketball Association
  The American Basketball Association was a professional basketball league founded in 1967. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger in 1976.-League history:...
  
   player, NBA All-Star
  All-star
  All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
  
  .
• Gilmer Blackburn: Provost
  Provost (education)
  A provost is the senior academic administrator at many institutions of higher education in the United States, Canada and Australia, the equivalent of a pro-vice-chancellor at some institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland....
  
   and Vice-chancellor
  Chancellor (education)
  A chancellor or vice-chancellor is the chief executive of a university. Other titles are sometimes used, such as president or rector....
  
  , University of Virginia's College at Wise.
• Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D.
  Ph.D.
  A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
  
  , President of Anderson University
  Anderson University (South Carolina)
  Anderson University is a private comprehensive university located in Anderson, South Carolina, offering bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in approximately 60 areas of study. Anderson is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is accredited as a Level V institution by the...
  
  
• Gerry Vaillancourt: Broadcaster
  Presenter
  A presenter, or host , is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies is a person that hosts or presents a show...
  
  , New Orleans Hornets
• John Drew
  John Drew (basketball)
  John Edward Drew is a retired American professional basketball player. A 6'6" guard/forward from Gardner-Webb University, he played 11 seasons in the NBA. Drew was a two-time NBA All-Star, and was one of the earliest casualties of the drug policy instituted by commissioner David Stern.- Amateur...
  
  : NBA player
• Woody Fish: College football coach
• Eddie Lee Wilkins
  Eddie Lee Wilkins
  Eddie Lee Wilkins is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the New York Knicks in the 6th round of the 1984 NBA Draft. A 6'10" forward/center from Gardner-Webb University, Wilkins played in 6 NBA seasons. He played for the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers...
  
  : NBA player
• Jim Washburn: Defensive Line Coach of the Tennessee Titans http://www.titansonline.com/team/coaches/staff.php?PRKey=7
• Blake Lalli: Catcher Tennessee Smokies
  Tennessee Smokies
  The Tennessee Smokies are a Minor League Baseball team based in the Knoxville, Tennessee metropolitan area. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball as of the 2011 season...
  
   (Class AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs
  Chicago Cubs
  The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
  
  )
• Zach Ward: Pitcher New Britain Rock Cats
  New Britain Rock Cats
  The New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. They compete in the Eastern League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut.-History:...
  
   (Class AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins
  Minnesota Twins
  The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
  
  )
• Jim Maxwell
  Jim Maxwell (American football)
  James Maxwell is an American football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the NFL New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
  
  : Linebacker
  Linebacker
  A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
  
   in the NFL and CFL
  Canadian Football League
  The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
  
  
• Gabe Wilkins
  Gabe Wilkins
  Gabriel Nicholas Wilkins is a former American Football defensive end who played for the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers in a six year career that lasted from 1994 to 1999 in the National Football League....
  
  : Former Defensive End
  Defensive end
  Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
  
   Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers
• Cara Saunders
  Cara Saunders
  Cara Veron Saunders is a Bahamian sprint and long jump athlete. She won two gold medals in the 100 meters and the long jump, respectively, and one silver medal in the 4 X 100 meter relay at the 2001 Junior Olympics in Orlando, Florida, USA...
  
  : Bahamas Olympic Track and Field Team member
• Dr. Linda Combs: Controller
  Comptroller
  A comptroller is a management level position responsible for supervising the quality of accounting and financial reporting of an organization.In British government, the Comptroller General or Comptroller and Auditor General is in most countries the external auditor of the budget execution of the...
  
   of the Office of Management and Budget
• Brian Johnston: Former Defensive End
  Defensive end
  Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
  
   Kansas City Chiefs
  Kansas City Chiefs
  The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
  
  , Currently picked up by the Miami Dolphins
  Miami Dolphins
  The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
  
   for the 2010-2011 Season.
• Orlando Early
  Orlando Early
  Orlando Early is an American men's college basketball coach. He is currently an assistant coach at North Carolina State University under head coach Mark Gottfried....
  
  : Head men's basketball coach at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
• Kelvin Wylie: Known as "Hometown Kid" on AND1 Mixtape Tour
• Dobson Collins: Wide Receiver with Philadelphia Eagles
• Tyler Kettering, MLS player, Chicago Fire
• Dennis Puckerin, Former member of the Trinidad & Tobago National Men’s Soccer Team.
• Samantha Staton- Opera singer [Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Master of Music]
• Johnny Hunt
  Johnny Hunt
  Johnny M. Hunt is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is currently the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock, in Woodstock, Georgia.- Early life :...
  
  , former president of the Southern Baptist Convention
  Southern Baptist Convention
  The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
  
  

External links