Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Established in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School, it later became a junior college in 1928 and finally a four-year college in 1942. The institution adopted its current name in 1945 to honor two prominent North Carolina Baptist leaders, Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife, Fay Webb Gardner. The university is affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and is known for its commitment to integrating faith and learning, as well as providing a well-rounded, student-centered education.
Key facts about Gardner-Webb University:
1. Location: Gardner-Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, a small town in Cleveland County, North Carolina, about 50 miles west of Charlotte. The campus spans approximately 225 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with landscaped grounds and a picturesque lake.
2. Academics: Gardner-Webb offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and divinity. The university is organized into several schools and colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the Godbold School of Business, and the School of Divinity.
3. Christian Identity: As a Christian university, Gardner-Webb emphasizes the integration of faith and learning, striving to create an environment that fosters spiritual growth and ethical development. Students are encouraged to explore their faith and engage in meaningful conversations about religion, ethics, and social issues.
4. Student-Faculty Ratio: Gardner-Webb is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, with a student-faculty ratio of approximately 13:1. This allows for close relationships between students and professors, facilitating academic and personal growth.
5. Campus Life: Gardner-Webb offers a vibrant campus life, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations catering to diverse interests, such as academic clubs, cultural organizations, recreational sports, and performing arts groups.
6. Athletics: Gardner-Webb University's athletic teams, known as the Runnin' Bulldogs, compete in NCAA Division I sports as a member of the Big South Conference. The university offers various varsity sports for men and women, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field.
7. Admissions: Gardner-Webb has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as high school transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. The university offers both Early Action and Regular Decision application options.
8. Financial Aid: Gardner-Webb is committed to making education accessible and affordable, offering need-based financial aid packages that may include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university also provides merit-based scholarships for exceptional students.
9. Notable Alumni: Gardner-Webb University has produced numerous accomplished alumni across various fields, including Artis Gilmore (former NBA player), Perry Fewell (NFL coach), and Donna Fargo (country music singer and songwriter).
In summary, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian university with a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning and providing a well-rounded, student-centered education. With a diverse range of academic programs, a vibrant campus life, and a commitment to fostering spiritual growth, Gardner-Webb offers an enriching educational experience that prepares students for success in their chosen fields.
