Free Tuition, Mandatory Fees Available to Qualifying Students from Families Earning $100,000 or Less Beginning in Fall 2027

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— ���سԹ�-Webb University is opening new pathways to affordability through its Open Door Guarantee, which will provide eligible students with free tuition and coverage of specified university fees beginning in Fall 2027. Eligible new first-time freshmen and transfer students from families with an annual household income of $100,000 or less, as determined through the FAFSA, may qualify.

The program reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring that a private, Christ-centered education is within reach for more students and families.

“The Open Door Guarantee is about making the path to a ���سԹ�-Webb education clearer and more accessible for students and families,” noted ���سԹ�-Webb President Nate Evans. “We want more students to have access to a high-quality Christian university where they can discover their calling, prepare for their future, and grow in their faith. This is about opening doors, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that finances do not stand in the way.”

The Open Door Guarantee combines federal, state and ���سԹ�-Webb scholarships and grants to cover eligible tuition and mandatory fees. ���سԹ�-Webb will provide additional institutional funding when needed to close the remaining gap. Loans will not be used to fulfill the guarantee.

“We are incredibly excited to offer the Open Door Guarantee to prospective students and their families,” said Lauren Gullett, vice president of Enrollment. “Too often, students may rule out a private, Christian education because of the published cost without realizing what may actually be affordable for their family. The Open Door Guarantee removes some of that uncertainty by giving qualifying families a clear commitment: tuition and mandatory fees will be covered. This opens the door for more students to receive an exceptional ���سԹ�-Webb education and find a community where they belong while pursuing their goals with greater confidence in what is financially possible.”

How the Open Door Guarantee Works

Students entering in Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 should apply to ���سԹ�-Webb and complete the 2027–2028 FAFSA by March 1, 2027, for priority consideration. ���سԹ�-Webb’s FAFSA school code is 002929.

Eligible students must enroll full time in a traditional undergraduate degree program, pursue their first bachelor’s degree, live on campus and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). No separate Open Door Guarantee application is required. The program is open to eligible students from every U.S. state and territory.

The guarantee covers standard tuition and mandatory university fees, including fees for student activities, digital learning, the Student Health Clinic, residential amenities and orientation. It does not cover housing, meals, books, transportation or personal expenses, although students may qualify for additional aid for those costs.

Eligible first-time freshmen may receive the guarantee for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters if they continue to meet annual requirements. Transfer students’ eligibility will be based on accepted credits, academic standing and the time needed to complete their first bachelor’s degree.

More Than One Path to Affordability

The Open Door Guarantee is one part of ���سԹ�-Webb’s broader approach to college affordability. In addition, qualifying first-time freshmen with a weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher may receive a merit scholarship equal to 50% of tuition. The University also offers academic scholarships, grants and competitive awards based on achievement, leadership, service and financial need.

For additional information, eligibility requirements and FAQs about the Open Door Guarantee, visit gardner-webb.edu/opendoor.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—���سԹ�-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre.

“���سԹ�-Webb Choirs are honored to host the Choral Clinic for its 47th year,” shared Dr. Joshua Cheney, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. “This event provides an opportunity for choristers in North and South Carolina to rehearse and perform together with regionally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed conductors who are industry leaders in choral education and artistry.

Cheney is expecting over 300 students to attend, and they will participate in one of two festival ensembles. The High School Festival Chorus will be directed by Dr. Alissa Rowe, director of choral studies at Louisiana State University. The Middle School Treble Festival Chorus will be led by Dr. Eric Johnson, coordinator of music education at ���سԹ�-Webb.

Throughout the day, participants will rehearse in ���سԹ�-Webb’s music facilities, interact with university faculty and students, and experience campus life before presenting the evening performance.

Jennifer Duckworth, the choir director East Burke High School in Connelly Springs, N.C., has brought her students to the clinic for eight years and usually has some parents who attend the evening performance. “The ���سԹ�-Webb Choral Clinic is a valuable experience for students because they get the opportunity to work with collegiate level choral directors and sing with other students who have a passion for choral music,” she observed. “Not only are these students learning how to improve their vocal technique and music reading skills, but they are also learning to collaborate and communicate through music. The ���سԹ�-Webb Choral Clinic inspires students to learn more difficult music and creates excitement about doing a variety of choral music.”

The High School Festival Chorus will perform “Dies Irae” by Michael John Trotta, “I Dream a World” by Rosephanye Powell, “Sing Out, My Soul” by Marques L.A. Garrett and “The Music of Stillness” by Elaine Hagenberg.

The Middle School Treble Festival Chorus repertoire includes “Here Comes the Sun,” arranged by the Podd Brothers; “Quiet Sea” by Melissa Malvar-Keylock and Jill Friederdorf; “Kookaburra” by Melissa Malvar-Keylock and Jill Friederdorf; and “Shout for Joy” by Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse.

Cheney noted that the clinic has become a longstanding tradition that enriches students and music educators throughout the region. In addition to the musical experience, Cheney values the opportunity to connect with fellow educators and inspire future members of the ���سԹ�-Webb choral program.

He added, “Personally, I look forward to this event every year because I am honored to provide this opportunity for my colleagues and their students in k-12 education, to be in community with them, to share in the stage with them, and to get to know future students and members of ���سԹ�-Webb Choirs. It really is a great day!”

The concert is free and open to the public and will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre on the ���سԹ�-Webb campus.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Students Gain Memorable Musical Experience While Sharing Their Talents on Nov. 13; Community Members Encouraged to Purchase Biltmore Tickets Early to Attend

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For many visitors, Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., is a treasured holiday tradition filled with sparkling lights, towering trees and seasonal music. This November, a group of ���سԹ�-Webb University students will become part of that experience, lending their voices to the festive atmosphere inside America’s largest home.

Members of ���سԹ�-Webb’s ���سԹ� Singers and Webb Chorale have been selected to perform at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., on Nov. 13 after successfully completing Biltmore’s audition process. The opportunity offers students a chance to perform for guests during one of the estate’s busiest and most celebrated seasons.

The University Chorales include ���سԹ� Singers, directed by Dr. Aaron Rice, professor of music and chair of the music department, and Webb Chorale, directed by Dr. Eric Johnson, assistant professor of music education. These non-audition ensembles are open to students of any major at ���سԹ�-Webb and regularly perform on campus and events in the local area.

Rice noted that the invitation reflects both the quality of the University’s vocal ensembles and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for students beyond the classroom. Rice helped lead a performance tour of France in 2024, and the department is currently raising funds for a 2027 performance trip to New Orleans. While those opportunities take students far from home, the Biltmore opportunity offers a unique chance to engage with one of North Carolina’s most iconic destinations.

“For us as an institution in the foothills, it makes total sense for us to connect with our region,” he observed. “Biltmore is literally in our backyard and intrinsically part of the North Carolina culture, and a really exciting opportunity. Many of our students have never been and even the ones who have been, even fewer have been at Christmas.”

The ensembles will perform in the house’s Winter Garden, where guests will encounter the choirs as they begin touring the historic home. ���سԹ� Singers will perform beginning at 1:45 p.m., followed by Webb Chorale from approximately 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

Among the students participating are brothers, Corwin and Thomas Stanley, who are members of the ���سԹ� Singers. Corwin, an Ignite Scholar, is a senior music and worship major and his brother is a sophomore. “I am so grateful for everyone who has invested in this opportunity for us and our friends in ���سԹ� Singers to go share our talents at the Biltmore House,” Corwin shared.

Before they sing, students will have an opportunity to tour the estate and enjoy lunch on site. Rice observed that shared experiences, such as this trip and other performances, mission trips and service opportunities, often become some of the most meaningful parts of a student’s college experience, creating memories and connections that endure for years.

Community members, alumni and friends who would like to attend the performances are encouraged to purchase admission tickets directly through Biltmore as soon as possible. Guests should select house entry times that align with the performances, particularly the 1:45 p.m., 2 p.m. or 2:15 p.m. entry windows, as availability may be limited during the Christmas season.

Tickets may be purchased through Biltmore at or by calling 800-411-3812.

The trip is being made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters of ���سԹ�-Webb’s music programs. Additional contributions are still being accepted to help offset costs associated with the experience. Community members who would like to support this and other performance opportunities may make a gift through ���سԹ�-Webb’s online giving portal.

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Office of Campus Unity and Connection Encourages Compassion, Hope and Engagement

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—From messages of encouragement to educational programming, ���سԹ�-Webb University’s Office of Campus Unity and Connection will offer several opportunities for the campus community to engage in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Activities will invite participants to honor survivors, remember loved ones and learn more about breast health and early detection.

The monthlong observance will begin Oct. 1 with a Breast Cancer Awareness and Remembrance banner displayed on the first floor of the Tucker Student Center near the rock-climbing wall. Students, faculty and staff are invited to sign the banner with messages of hope, solidarity and support.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives our campus an opportunity to come together in compassion and community,” said Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection. “Through these events, we want to honor the lives impacted by breast cancer, celebrate the strength of survivors, support those who are currently fighting, and remind everyone that even simple acts of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.”

The banner will hang near the rock-climbing wall throughout the month as a visible reminder of the many individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Activities will continue with Pink Notes of Kindness on Oct. 15 at noon in the Dover Campus Center. During the event, students will receive a cookie and a note featuring messages of hope, strength and support. Organizers hope the event will encourage students to spread kindness while raising awareness about breast cancer and its impact on individuals and families.

The month’s educational component will take place Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Tucker Student Center through Pack It Pink! Fill a Box (candy station) for Breast Cancer Awareness. Hosted in partnership with ���سԹ�-Webb’s Physician Assistant Studies Program, the event will offer students an opportunity to increase their understanding of breast cancer risk factors. While enjoying a sweet treat, they will learn about the importance of knowing personal and family health history, breast health awareness, early detection and available screening resources.

“Awareness is about more than wearing pink,” Raduly said. “It is about learning the facts, understanding personal risk factors, encouraging preventive care and showing support for those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. We hope these programs inspire both education and meaningful connection.”

In addition to Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, the Office of Campus Unity and Connection is highlighting several opportunities for students to connect and engage across campus during October, including Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Salsa Dance Lessons on Oct. 8, National LGBTQ Awareness Day’s Sweet Belonging event on Oct. 19 and Boo-Nfire on Oct. 23.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events

• Oct. 1 – Breast Cancer Awareness & Remembrance Banner, Tucker Student Center.
  
  
• Oct. 15, Noon – Pink Notes of Kindness, Dover Campus Center.
  
  
• Oct. 28, 2 p.m. – Pack It Pink! Fill a Box (candy station) for Breast Cancer Awareness, Tucker Student Center.

Other October Activities

• Oct. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, Salsa Dance Lessons, Stewart Hall, Tucker Student Center.

• Oct. 19, 4 p.m. – National LGBTQ Awareness Day, Sweet Belonging: Cupcakes. sponsored by the Pride Club, Tucker Student Center.

• Oct. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Boo-Nfire, s’mores, pizza and games, sponsored by the International Student Club, Patio, Tucker Student Center.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Campus Community Invited to Bring Donations and Help Stock Shelves for Students in Need

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— A jar of peanut butter. A box of pasta. A bottle of laundry detergent. Each may seem like a small contribution, but together they can make a meaningful difference for a ���سԹ�-Webb student facing hardship.

Beginning Oct. 2, those items and others like them will help stock the shelves of the new Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, a resource designed to ensure students have access to basic necessities while pursuing their degrees.

The University will celebrate the grand opening of the pantry on Friday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. in Tucker Student Center Room 302. As part of the event, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters are encouraged to “Bring a Little Bulldog Care” by donating items to the pantry.

“Consider bringing a nonperishable food item, personal-care product, laundry detergent, or other essential item for our students,” suggested Jessika Raduly, director of Campus Unity and Connection. “Together, we can fill the shelves and show our students just how much their ���سԹ�-Webb family cares.”

Raduly said the pantry concept began a few years ago with several staff members who responded to students struggling to meet basic needs, including having enough food. “What started as a small collection of items in an office grew into a larger effort as more people on campus wanted to help,” she explained. “The goal was simple: make sure no student had to choose between buying food and continuing their education.”

Bulldog Cares was formally established in the fall of 2022 as a joint initiative led by Student Development, Student Success, and Christian Life and Service. The program supports ���سԹ�-Webb students by providing emergency financial assistance intended to help prevent students from leaving the University due to unexpected financial hardships. It expanded the University’s ability to help students not only with food insecurity but also with other emergency needs that could interfere with completing their education such as emergency dental procedures or the need for prescription medications.

“Bulldog Cares is a reflection of who we are as a ���سԹ�-Webb community: a family that cares for one another, supports our students when they need us most, and believes that no Bulldog should have to face a difficult season alone,” Raduly shared.

Like colleges and universities across the country, ���سԹ�-Webb has seen demand for assistance increase as the costs of groceries, housing, transportation, and other necessities continue to rise.

“Many students experience financial hardships caused by rising grocery prices, unexpected medical bills, loss of employment, family emergencies, and transportation expenses,” Raduly stated. “Some students simply need extra help to lessen the burden of having to choose hardship over their education.”

Raduly hopes students who may be struggling will not hesitate to seek assistance. “Everyone needs help sometimes, and asking for assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness,” she said. “There may be times in all of our lives when circumstances change unexpectedly and we need someone to come alongside us. There is absolutely no shame in that.”

She emphasized that the pantry was created to support students through difficult seasons without judgment. “If you are a student who is hesitant to visit the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry, I would want you to know that you do not have to struggle alone,” Raduly said. “You do not have to explain or apologize for needing help. The pantry was created because we understand that food insecurity and financial challenges can affect anyone, including hardworking students who are doing everything they can to stay in school and reach their goals.”

The Bulldog Cares Fund and Food Pantry are supported by donations from faculty, staff, students, alumni, churches, local businesses, and community partners. Contributions from organizations such as Food Lion Feeds, the Physician Assistant Program, ���سԹ�-Webb Baseball, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and numerous campus groups help ensure students have access to essential resources throughout the year.

“This collective support from our ���سԹ�-Webb family and community partners has made it possible for the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry to continue serving students throughout the year,” Raduly said. “We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped make this resource possible and for their continued commitment to caring for our students.”

Looking ahead, Raduly hopes the pantry will continue to grow through partnerships, donations, and increased awareness.

“The goal is to continue expanding resources so that every ���سԹ�-Webb student who is experiencing food insecurity knows that help is available and feels comfortable reaching out for support,” she said. “We want Bulldog Cares to be more than a pantry—we want it to be a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and reminded that they are part of a community that cares about their well-being and success.”

How Can Students Access the Bulldog Cares Food Pantry?

Currently enrolled ���سԹ�-Webb students can visit the pantry in the Tucker Student Center Room 302 during operating hours:

• Monday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Students unable to visit during those hours can email to request an after-hours appointment or special accommodation. The process is designed to be welcoming, confidential, and respectful so students can receive assistance without unnecessary barriers.

How Can I Support Bulldog Cares?

Community members can support Bulldog Cares by donating nonperishable food items, personal-care products, laundry supplies, school supplies, and other essential items. Find the complete list here. Financial contributions are also welcome. For more information, visit the Bulldog Cares website.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Health Sciences Students Assist ���سԹ�-Webb Alumna the Rev. Frances Webber with Diabetes Education Program

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For the last six years, students from ���سԹ�-Webb University’s College of Health Sciences have stepped beyond the classroom and into communities across Cleveland County through a partnership with Washington Outreach Ministry (WOM). While physician assistant (PA) and nursing students gain practical healthcare experience, they also help support a community-based diabetes education program taught by certified facilitators.

Dr. LaDonna Clark, director of clinical education and assistant professor in ���سԹ�-Webb’s PA Studies Program, recruited and supervises the group of PA and nursing students who participate in WOM’s eight-week Diabetes Education Maintenance and Control (DEMAC) program. Each week, students travel to Holly Oak Park in Shelby, N.C., to perform blood pressure screenings and weight checks for participants.

According to WOM co-founder and Executive Director the Rev. Frances Webber, the joint effort highlights how organizations can achieve greater impact when they work together to address health needs. “The best description I can give is collective impact,” Webber said. “The partnership closes the gap in making DEMAC a most effective healthcare tool.”

She created the diabetes education program for WOM after seeing the need for greater health education and support in marginalized and low-income communities. “We have discovered that people will not go to get help for various reasons, but if you take the help to communities, it’s transformational,” Webber acknowledged.

As she developed the program, Webber received support from the Dover Foundation YMCA and Healthy Together Cleveland and sought guidance from a ���سԹ�-Webb nursing faculty member. “We had conversations about what I was trying to accomplish,” Webber related. “When people don’t have food that leads to health issues. I always think about Maslow’s hierarchy. Give me what I need here, if you want me to get there. I won’t get there if I don’t have food. Food insecurity is huge in Cleveland County.”

According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Cleveland County is designated as a Tier 1 county, placing it among North Carolina’s most economically distressed counties. Through partnerships with organizations including ���سԹ�-Webb, Cleveland Community College, Atrium Health and the Cleveland County Health Department, WOM addresses nutritional and health needs through education, outreach and direct assistance.

Webber and her husband, Lewis, founded WOM in 1995. She earned both a business administration degree and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from ���سԹ�-Webb University. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown into Cleveland County’s largest emergency food pantry and serves as the Food Hub for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina/Feeding America.

Partnering with 20 hunger relief agencies, WOM distributes food to more than 16,000 clients each month with the assistance of volunteers at 13 churches across Cleveland County. The ministry also provides monthly food assistance to low-income senior adults through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and offers additional food support through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). More than 90 families from two elementary schools receive food through WOM’s backpack ministry, while the Summer Nutrition Program serves more than 3,500 meals to youth each year.

For the College of Health Sciences, the partnership offers students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge while serving others. “When the call came from Dean Tracy Arnold to help support this incredible program, I immediately knew it was something we had to be involved in,” Clark said. “The mission of Washington Outreach Ministry closely aligns with our commitment to serving underserved communities and improving health outcomes through education and outreach.”

Clark said students gain firsthand exposure to the social and economic factors that influence health outcomes. “Experiences like DEMAC help students better understand these realities while they are still developing their clinical and professional identities,” she said. “They learn to provide patient-centered care, communicate effectively across diverse populations and appreciate the broader factors that influence health outcomes.”

The experience extends well beyond recording blood pressure and weight measurements. “The students actually stay in class for the entire session,” Webber said. “I strongly believe that the students are fully engaged in this portion of the DEMAC class, which is very educational.”

Clark said participation in the program helps students understand challenges related to healthcare access, transportation, food security and health literacy that they are likely to encounter throughout their careers. Exposure to underserved populations is especially important in a state where many counties face shortages of healthcare professionals.

During the first five weeks of the program, Clark has witnessed meaningful connections form between students and participants. “The interactions have been overwhelmingly positive, and there has been a genuine sense of connection and trust developing between participants and the healthcare students serving alongside them,” Clark said. “Students are learning how to meet people where they are and gaining a deeper understanding of the unique challenges many individuals face when managing chronic health conditions.”

The program has made an impact on Katie Bowyer, a PA student in the Class of 2028. “I have had the chance to learn so much about interacting with patients and educating them in real time about their blood pressure,” Bowyer said. “We have been able to discuss topics like diet, stress and exercise and how these can impact health. It has been rewarding to apply what we learn in the classroom in a real-world setting.”

Program participant Pattie Hunt said the classes have inspired her to make lifestyle changes and increased her awareness of factors that can contribute to diabetes, including stress and traumatic experiences. She and her grandson now take regular walks together, and she pays closer attention to nutrition and portion sizes.

As DEMAC enters its sixth year, Webber said the program continues to open doors for GWU students while expanding resources to local residents. “We are more productive together as a team and not working in a silo,” she shared. “We are better together. This partnership allows the students to have hands-on experience and additional training on what to expect before completing their degree. Having GWU in the community is valuable to the school and the community.”

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.

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Class of 1981 Marks 45th Reunion by Welcoming Alumni from Six ���سԹ�-Webb Classes

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When members of ���سԹ�-Webb University’s Class of 1981 return to campus for a homecoming reunion in November, they will reconnect with longtime friends to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their graduation. The event began as a conversation between 1981 classmates Carla Hill Potter and Lynne Colley but soon evolved into something bigger.

Rather than celebrate alone, the Class of 1981 chose to invite alumni from the Classes of 1979 through 1984 to join the occasion. With guidance from Shannon Hovis, director of Alumni Relations, the gathering has grown into an opportunity for these classmates and friends to share life updates and reflect on the experiences that shaped their years at ���سԹ�-Webb.

In addition to enjoying the regular Homecoming festivities, the Classes of 1979-1984 and their guests will share a meal following the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Nov. 7. The gathering will begin with registration at 5:30 p.m. “We hope that everyone feels invited and comes to reminisce and catch up and share updates on their lives,” Colley said.

The enthusiasm has spread largely through personal connections, a fitting development for a reunion centered on relationships that have lasted long after graduation.

Many alumni from that era never lost touch. Colley points to her friendship with Fred Glennon, Class of 1979, as one example. For more than 30 years, the two exchanged letters twice each year, once on each other’s birthdays. Over time, those letters helped build friendships that extended beyond the two classmates. Fred and his wife, Lindy Glennon, also a member of the Class of 1979, eventually visited Colley and her husband while the couple was living in England. The visit led to lasting friendships among all four.

Colley also remains connected with Marti Christensen and June Buchanan Snelson, both members of the Class of 1979 and affectionately known around campus as “the girls from Washington State.” Earlier this year, Colley and her husband traveled to Washington to visit June and her husband, Greg, while Christensen now lives in Boiling Springs.

The friendships formed on campus are only part of what makes the era memorable. In the spring of 1980, Colley made ���سԹ�-Webb history when she was elected the first woman president of the Student Government Association. For Colley, the accomplishment was about earning the trust of her classmates, not making history. “I wanted people to vote for me not because I was a woman, but because they trusted me to know or to learn the things I would need to know,” she said.

Colley also credits ���سԹ�-Webb faculty with helping her discover capabilities she did not realize she possessed. An English major, she arrived on campus as a first-generation college student uncertain of what to expect. Her academic advisor, the late Dr. Jim Taylor, was one of the first people to recognize and nurture her potential. During their first meeting, Taylor determined she needed more rigorous coursework than the standard freshman schedule. “It was the first time anybody had believed I was smart,” Colley observed. “His manner offered me a confidence I was sure I did not have but wanted to find.”

Looking back, Colley views Taylor’s encouragement as part of a larger culture during the late 1970s and early 1980s that shaped students both inside and outside the classroom. “The spirit that pervaded the campus focused on servant leadership. It was a principle you could see in every facet of college life,” she explained. “As we selected our areas of study, determined our on-campus activities and set goals for ourselves beyond college, how we could serve others was always a factor.”

While alumni have taken many different paths since graduating, they share similar reasons for returning to campus this fall.

Potter, who spent her career in education, and her husband, Phil Potter, an English major who worked in aviation, are looking forward to reconnecting with former classmates and hearing the stories of where life has taken them. Phil’s father, Jerry, helped ���سԹ�-Webb University establish a program for the Deaf in the fall of 1977. The couple, who now live in Supply, N.C., have returned to campus several times for past Homecomings but have never attended a class reunion. Their most recent visit was in July 2026.

Reflecting on their ���سԹ�-Webb experience, the Potters remember a campus community that felt like family. “I think it was the family atmosphere and the way we all felt connected with both our fellow students and the faculty,” Carla offered. “It was the feeling of being on our own for the first time, but still protected.”

The couple also sees the reunion as an opportunity to strengthen bonds that have endured for decades. “We are mostly looking forward to catching up with friends and meeting new friends at the reunion,” the Potters said. “It will be so much fun hearing the stories of our classmates and finding out where life has taken them. The most rewarding part of reconnecting with classmates is realizing that most of us are now retired and free to travel, and that somehow makes the roads seem shorter and gives us hope that we will be able to spend more time together.”

For Ralph Smith of Greer, S.C., the reunion will provide an opportunity to revisit a campus he has not seen in several years and reconnect with classmates he seldom encounters. Smith, who majored in religious education, worked in ministry and higher education before retiring from the automotive industry. He also served as student government vice president during Colley’s term as student body president.

Although his family lived less than an hour away from ���سԹ�-Webb when he was a student, Smith rarely went home on the weekends. He would rather spend time on campus with his friends and support the athletic teams at home. He also traveled to several away games. “I think for the most part the student body was fairly a closeknit group who enjoyed their time at GWU,” he reflected. “I have seen very few people over the years that I went to GWU with, so I guess I’m looking forward to rekindling some old friendships and possibly making some new ones.”

Smith hopes fellow classmates will take advantage of the opportunity to return. “Many folks may be like me and may not have been on campus in a long time,” Smith noted. “I would just like to encourage everyone who was a part of the classes from 1979-84 to come on out and enjoy seeing faces that you may not have seen in many, many years and reminisce about our years at GWU.”

Alumni returning to campus will have the opportunity to enjoy a full weekend of Homecoming festivities, including Bo’s Battle Que BBQ Competition, Hall of Fame Gala, the Homecoming Parade, alumni tailgate, and the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ football matchup against Lindenwood. Find more information on Homecoming events .

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Annual Celebration Features Class Reunions, Traditions, Athletics, and Opportunities to Reconnect

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“There’s just something special about coming home to ���سԹ�-Webb,” said Shannon Hovis, director of alumni and parent relations. “So many memories, so many friendships, and always a place to call home.”

That sense of connection is at the heart of ���سԹ�-Webb University’s Homecoming 2026, set for Nov. 6-8. The annual celebration will bring alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends together for a weekend filled with traditions, fellowship, and Runnin’ Bulldog pride.

“I think what keeps drawing our alumni home is the connection they still feel to ���سԹ�-Webb and to one another,” Hovis said. “When they come back for Homecoming, they’re not simply returning to campus, they’re returning to a place that helped shape who they are.”

Alumni and friends can also show their Bulldog pride with the official Homecoming 2026 T-shirt, available for preorder through Oct. 20. Designed especially for this year’s celebration, the limited-edition shirt is $19.05 and can be picked up during the Alumni & Friends Tailgate on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Place orders .

The Homecoming celebration begins Friday with Bo’s Battle ‘Que, a growing Homecoming tradition that brings the Bulldog community together around good food, friendly competition, and fellowship. Teams will spend the evening preparing their best barbecue and signature dishes before competing for top honors, with winners announced during Saturday’s football game. Registration and complete competition rules may be found here. Register before Oct. 30.

Friday evening will also feature the ���سԹ�-Webb Athletics Hall of Fame Gala at 6:30 p.m. The event honors and celebrates outstanding Bulldog athletes. The University will announce this year’s Hall of Fame inductees soon. The gala is open to the public, and registration is available through Nov. 1.

Saturday’s Homecoming festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the Alumni & Friends Tailgate, where everyone gathers for food, fellowship, and Bulldog spirit before heading to the day’s activities. Tailgate guests will also have an opportunity to take part in the People’s Choice competition for Bo’s Battle ‘Que. Participating teams will prepare pork barbecue for sampling, and attendees can purchase People’s Choice tasting tickets in advance to sample entries and vote for their favorite. The deadline to register for the tailgate meal and to purchase tickets for the People’s Choice tasting is Nov. 3. Registration and tickets are available .

After the meal, spectators line the streets for the annual Homecoming Parade. This year’s parade will welcome former Homecoming queens and alumni who wish to participate with vintage cars and golf carts. The Marching Bulldog Band, along with student clubs and organizations, will add to the excitement of the festivities.

Homecoming football remains one of the weekend’s signature events as the Runnin’ Bulldogs host the Lindenwood Lions at 1:30 p.m. Purchase tickets . During the game, ���سԹ�-Webb will recognize the 2026 Homecoming Court and announce the winners of Bo’s Battle ’Que.

Throughout the day, the celebration will include activities for current students as well. The University’s Student Engagement Team is partnering with Hope Community Church to offer music, games, activities, and other entertainment. Alumni can also visit the Academic Tent, where representatives from the University’s colleges and schools will be available to share updates and provide ���سԹ�-Webb giveaways.

���سԹ�-Webb is also excited to welcome back the Class of 1981 and the Class of 2016 for special Homecoming reunions. Members of the Class of 1981 will celebrate their 45th reunion and have invited the Classes of 1979 through 1984 to join them to reflect on the memories and experiences they shared at ���سԹ�-Webb more than four decades ago. The Class of 2016 will mark its 10th reunion, gathering with fellow alumni to revisit campus, renew friendships, and celebrate the accomplishments of the past decade. Both classes will take part in special reunion gatherings on Saturday evening as part of the Homecoming festivities.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with Worship at the Webb, when members of the ���سԹ�-Webb family come together for a time of worship, reflection, and fellowship. The gathering provides a fitting close to a Homecoming weekend that celebrates the friendships, traditions, and sense of belonging that continue to bring Bulldogs back to campus year after year.

Hovis hopes the weekend will be meaningful for returning alumni as well as current students.

“I hope Homecoming gives our current students a glimpse of what it truly means to be a Bulldog for life,” she said. “When they see alumni coming back five, ten, twenty, or even fifty years later to reconnect with friends and with ���سԹ�-Webb, they get to see that the relationships they are building right now can last far beyond graduation.”

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Distinctions Recognize Professional Achievement, Leadership, and Lasting Impact on Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—���سԹ�-Webb University officials have announced faculty promotions and tenure appointments for the 2026-27 academic year. These distinctions recognize excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and leadership among members of the University’s faculty.

The promotion and tenure process involves a comprehensive review that includes evaluations by department chairs or directors, deans, the provost, and the president.

“The achievement of Promotion and Tenure is a significant celebration for our faculty and the university community,” noted Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters. “It recognizes a faculty member’s commitment to teaching excellence, scholarship, and meaningful engagement in the life of the campus. These accomplishments reflect not only their guidance and mentorship of students but also their leadership in university activities and service. We honor our colleagues whose dedication to excellence in their field, their students, and the institution itself strengthens the foundation of our mission.”

Promotion recognizes a faculty member’s demonstrated excellence and professional growth throughout their career at ���سԹ�-Webb. As a teaching-centered institution, the University places primary emphasis on outstanding teaching and student engagement while also considering scholarship, professional achievement, university service, student mentorship, and community involvement. Advancement in rank reflects a sustained record of accomplishment, leadership, and commitment to the University’s mission and values.

Tenure is among the highest professional honors awarded by the University and recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated long-term excellence, integrity, and dedication to ���سԹ�-Webb’s educational mission. The tenure review process evaluates teaching effectiveness, scholarly and professional contributions, service to the University and broader community, and commitment to supporting students within a Christian learning environment. Earning tenure reflects the University’s confidence in a faculty member’s continued leadership and future contributions.

“Our faculty are at the heart of the ���سԹ�-Webb experience,” shared GWU President Nate Evans. “These promotions and tenure appointments recognize not only professional achievement, but also a sustained commitment to our students and our mission. I am grateful for the way these faculty members invest in their students, strengthen our University, and model the excellence we strive for every day.”

Promotion and Tenure Recipients

Dr. Mitch Porter – Associate Professor and Tenure

Porter serves as Quality Assurance Coordinator for the College of Education and brings a diverse background in educational research, assessment, and language instruction to his work in higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Foreign Languages from the University of Idaho, a Master of Arts in Linguistics from California State University Long Beach, and a Ph.D. in Educational Research and Assessment from The University of Alabama, where his dissertation focused on developing and validating a vignette-based academic grit scale. Prior to joining ���سԹ�-Webb, Porter held teaching, curriculum development, and assessment positions in both the United States and China, including appointments at The University of Alabama, Full Sail University, Beijing Language and Culture University, and the National Education Examination Authority in China. His scholarly interests include quantitative methodology, psychometrics, assessment development, educational psychology, and non-cognitive skills. He has presented research at national conferences, including the American Educational Research Association, and has contributed to publications focused on educational measurement and student success.

Dr. Aaron Rice – Professor and Tenure

Rice also serves as chair of the Department of Music, where he has led significant growth and innovation since assuming the department chair role in 2022. Under his leadership, the department expanded by more than 30 percent between 2022 and 2024 through strategic recruitment and program development efforts, earning him the University’s Faculty Rising Star Award in 2025. An accomplished choral conductor, educator, and church musician, Rice has held previous faculty and leadership positions at Shorter University and Chowan University and has prepared ensembles for performances at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall. He also serves as Coordinator of Music and Worship Leadership Studies at ���سԹ�-Webb and as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he combines academic expertise with practical ministry leadership. Active in the American Choral Directors Association and committed to mentoring future musicians and worship leaders, Rice holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Church Music with a concentration in Choral Conducting from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Music in Sacred Music from East Carolina University, and bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies and Comprehensive Music from Southeastern College at Wake Forest.

Mischia Taylor – Associate Professor and Tenure

Taylor also serves as Dean of the Godbold College of Business, where she combines academic leadership with extensive professional experience in business, sales, and higher education administration. A three-time ���سԹ�-Webb graduate, Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Master Plus in Marketing from the University before completing her Doctor of Business Administration at Saint Leo University. She teaches a wide range of courses, including Principles of Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Advertising and Promotion, Market Research, International Marketing, and Business, Faith & Ethics. Her research interests focus on consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and internships and career placement. Prior to her current role, Taylor served as ���سԹ�-Webb’s Director of Admissions and as Vice President of Sales for Playground Safety Services, Inc. Committed to serving both the University and the broader community, she is involved with organizations including Leadership Cleveland County, the American Red Cross, and the Cleveland County Junior Charity League. Her contributions have been recognized with the President’s Award for Community Engagement, reflecting her dedication to student success, community partnerships, and business education.

Dr. Aihua Zhang – Associate Professor and Tenure

Zhang is a scholar of modern China, East Asian history, women and gender studies, transnationalism, and global history. Before joining ���سԹ�-Webb, she served as a visiting assistant professor at Stockton University. Zhang earned a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.A. in History from Bowling Green State University, and a B.A. in English from Northwestern Polytechnic University in Xi’an, China. An accomplished researcher, she is the author of The Beijing Young Women’s Christian Association, 1927–1937: Materializing a Gendered Modernity (Lexington Books, 2021), the first full-length study of the YWCA in a Chinese city, and has published extensively on women’s history, gender, citizenship, leisure culture, and social change in modern China. At ���سԹ�-Webb, she teaches courses including Pre-modern Chinese History, Modern China, Chinese Culture, Revolution and Democracy in East Asia, East Asian Traditions and Culture, World Civilizations, and Histories of Feminism, helping students develop a global understanding of historical and cultural issues.

Dr. Tina Lewis – Associate Professor

Lewis, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN, CEN, is a dedicated nurse educator and clinician, who brings extensive experience across a variety of healthcare settings, including urgent care, inpatient palliative care, trauma and emergency nursing, home health, emergency management, and healthcare leadership. A ���سԹ�-Webb alumna, she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner degrees from the University before completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Frontier Nursing University. Throughout her career, she has maintained multiple professional certifications, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Certified Emergency Nurse, and Certified Medical Examiner for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Emergency Nurses Association, and Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association, Lewis is committed to advancing nursing education, clinical excellence, and the preparation of future nurse leaders.

Stacie Smith – Assistant Professor

Smith is dedicated to helping students in the Department of Natural Sciences build a strong foundation in the life sciences. A ���سԹ�-Webb alumna, Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University before completing a Master of Science degree at Frostburg State University. Her primary area of academic interest is Anatomy and Physiology, and she teaches courses including Human Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. Through her commitment to student learning and hands-on scientific education, Smith helps prepare students for success in healthcare, science-related professions, and advanced study in the biological sciences.

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to ���سԹ�-Webb University on Oct. 27 as the featured speaker for the 2026 Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures.

“The School of Divinity is looking forward to hosting Dr. João Chaves,” said Dr. James R. McConnell Jr., interim dean of the School of Divinity. “Dr. Chaves is a church historian who focuses on religious history in Central and South America. Dr. Chaves will bring two lectures that will explore the influx and influence on Latin America of Christian missionary movements from the United States.”

Presented under the theme “Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas,” the annual lectureship includes these presentations by Chaves:

• 10 a.m. – Missionaries of Domination: Genealogies of Power and the Anti-Democratic Architecture of Christian Supremacy.
• 1 p.m. – Evangelists of Dissent: Jesus, Nietzsche, Xangô, and the Futures of Rights-Based Societies.

Chaves joined Baylor University’s Department of Religion in 2023 after serving at both Princeton Theological Seminary and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

He is an award-winning author and has published extensively on Baptist missions, Pentecostal and charismatic movements, and the role of faith in public life. His book, “Migrational Religion,” received the 2022 Hispanic Theological Initiative Book Prize. His research has been supported by major organizations and institutions, including the Lilly Endowment and Princeton Theological Seminary.

In 2023, Chaves and co-author Mikeal C. Parsons received national recognition when their book, “Remembering Antônia Teixeira: A Story of Missions, Violence, and Institutional Hypocrisy,” was named a finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in Biography.

Beyond academia, Chaves has contributed opinion articles to publications including The Washington Post and The Christian Century. He has served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Baptist World Alliance and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion.

Registration Information

• Date: Oct. 27.
• Location: Dover Memorial Chapel, ���سԹ�-Webb University.
• Cost: Free; registration required and includes lunch.
• Registration deadline: Oct. 20; register .
• For additional information, contact Lisa Hollifield at lhollifield@gardner-webb.edu.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

About the Mary Washburn Wilson Lectureship

The Mary Washburn Wilson Lectureship is supported by the Mary Washburn Wilson Visiting Scholar Endowment, established in honor of Mary Leigh Washburn Wilson (1922-2003) through a generous gift from her daughter, the Rev. Tillie Duncan, a member of the ���سԹ�-Webb Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, and her husband, Shannon Duncan. The lectureship is designed to expose students to new ideas and encourage thoughtful engagement with perspectives and concepts they may not have previously considered.

About ���سԹ�-Webb

���سԹ�-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ���سԹ�-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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