Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian, Baptist-related university, provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate education firmly grounded in the liberal arts while offering opportunities to prepare for various professions. Fostering meaningful intellectual thought, critical analysis, and spiritual challenge within a diverse community of learning, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to higher education that integrates scholarship with the Christian life.
By embracing faith and intellectual freedom, balancing conviction with compassion, and inspiring a love of learning, service, and leadership, Gardner-Webb prepares its graduates to make significant contributions to God and humanity in an ever-changing global community.
Acknowledging One God - Creator and Sustainer of life, and Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord committing to self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects every person's dignity and value.
Affirming historic Baptist values such as the freedom of individual conscience and the right of people to worship God as they choose, the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice, the priesthood of every believer, the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.
Encouraging visible enthusiasm for knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and scholarly endeavors inviting pursuit of educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom for the joy of discovery and inspiring accomplishment within one's field of study.
Offering broad-based exposure to the arts, humanities, and sciences and each field's unique challenges, contributions, and life lessons complement the acquisition of career-related knowledge and skills with a well-rounded knowledge of self, others, etc. and society.
Working collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity. Providing students an environment that fosters intellectual and spiritual growth encourages physical fitness, service, social and cultural enrichment, strengthens and develops moral character, and respects every student's value and individuality.
Assisting campus, local, national, and global communities through education, outreach, and research fostering dialogue and action in support of human welfare and environmental stewardship. Studying and celebrating our world's rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities, respecting, and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment, national origin, or disability.
It is our purpose to advance the Kingdom of God through Christian higher education. Our comprehensive academic program features one of the nation's highest-rated core curriculums for quality and breadth and over 55 major and minor special study programs. Our graduates are a Runnin' Bulldog nation known for integrity, professional tenacity, and innovative leadership. Our brand of "Christian college" is characterized not by coercion but by an enduring commitment to faith, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility.
The Student Development Division supports the University's mission by providing quality student services, promoting total growth and development opportunities, and encouraging individual learning in a caring community based upon Christian principles while valuing the individual student's uniqueness.
The Student Development Division includes the Counseling Center, Housing & Residence Education, Personal & Professional Development, Student Activities, Title IX, ADA Compliance, Multicultural Affairs, and University Police. Professional staff and student leadership in these areas are committed to ensuring your time at Gardner-Webb are purposeful.
Gardner-Webb University has experienced remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity. The institution began as a boarding high school and later became a junior college. Today Gardner-Webb is a thriving regional university with growing masters and doctoral programs.
From a movement initiated by the Kings Mountain Baptist Association in 1903, and later joined by the Sandy Run Baptist Association, the Boiling Springs High School was chartered on December 2, 1905, as an institution "where the young...could have the best possible educational advantages under distinctive Christian influence." This close relationship of the institution to the area churches continues today.
In response to the area's changing educational needs, the institution was transformed into the Boiling Springs Junior College in 1928. The Great Depression created many College problems, but the sacrifices of many loyal supporters secured its survival.
In 1942, Governor O. Max Gardner began devoting his energy, time, and wealth to strengthening and guiding the College. So significant was his influence that the institution's name was changed to Gardner-Webb College in honor of the governor, his wife Fay Webb Gardner, and their families.
The decades following World War II were years of physical growth and academic development. New buildings went up as enrollments increased. A significant step in the institution's development was its full accreditation as a senior college in 1971. In 1980 the institution began offering a Master of Arts degree in education.
The institution officially became know as Gardner-Webb University in January 1993, culminating years of preparation. Today Gardner-Webb is a flourishing regional institution, which offers eight distinct degree programs, has a highly qualified faculty, and beautiful campus of over 225 acres.
Historically the University has played significant roles in teacher education and ministerial preparation for church-related vocations. Education programs and experiences designed to prepare teachers and ministers continue to be significant objectives of the University.
Although there have been many changes over the years, Gardner-Webb University remains closely related to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The University holds in high esteem its commitment to Christian principles and values as the best foundation for developing human personality and social order.
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