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Gardner-Webb Hosts Panel Discussion For Women’S History Month, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Women gained the right to vote in 1920, the Equal Pay Act became law in 1963, and the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964. How did these historical moments affect local women? To celebrate Women’s History Month and explore these topics and others, the Gardner-Webb Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting, “Generational Panel: Exploring Women’s History Through Local Lives.”

Crying Out Together: Forming A Hermeneutic Of Powerful Suffering, Harley Burgess

MA in Religion Theses

Process theology, along with its connection to questions of suffering and theodicy, presents a perspective that is largely absent within biblical scholarship. Similarly, a lack of clear cohesion with the biblical text is an evident critique of process theology. A hermeneutic that is directly informed by process-oriented passibilism meets a need that is present in both biblical scholarship and process theology, allowing for a deeper understanding of biblical depictions of suffering. This thesis aims to incorporate the theological conclusions of passibilist process theology into a new hermeneutical strategy that will allow for a more comprehensive examination of suffering in the …

2020 - 2021, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Academic Catalogs (Combined Undergraduate & Graduate)

2020 - 2021, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. William Downs, president.

Austin Childress Among First Cohort In Accelerated Pastoral Ministries Program, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

The Accelerated Pastoral Ministries Program (APMP), launched in 2016 at Gardner-Webb University, provides students called to serve as pastors with both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years of study. The members of the first cohort received their Bachelor of Arts in discipleship studies in August 2019 and will earn their Master of Divinity degrees in 2021. Austin Childress, of Mocksville, N.C., joined the program for its obvious benefits: financial aid and community.

Rev. Dr. M. Vann Murrell Remembered By Gwu Friends, Colleagues And Students, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Members of the Gardner-Webb University community are remembering a friend, colleague and teacher, the Rev. Dr. M. Vann Murrell, who passed away Oct. 31 in Beulaville, N.C. He was a professor emeritus of religion and former chair of the GWU Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy. Murrell began teaching at Gardner-Webb in 1967, as it moved from two-year to four-year status.

October 2019: Sharpening Our Institutional Identity, Gardner-Webb University

President William Downs' Blog

Welcome to October, my friends.

As I have traversed campus and listened to faculty and staff over the past three months, one of the (many) recurring themes has been an undercurrent of some anxiety over whether Gardner-Webb University’s identity as a faith-based institution has eroded or been adrift for several years. The narrative, as I have heard it, is that GWU “might not be as Christian as it once was.”

Alumna Majored In Theatre And World Religions To Prepare For Ministry, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

At Gardner-Webb University, alumna Bekah Rhea tailored her education to her interests and goals. “I was originally only going to have one major, world religions. I decided that would be best as I pursued a career in cross-cultural ministry,” Rhea offered.

Gardner-Webb Recognizes Students For Service And Leadership, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University recently held a ceremony to recognize Student Leadership, Service, and Volunteerism. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities. In recognition of the award presentation, each student may choose one book for purchase by Gardner-Webb’s Dover Memorial Library. The book will be inscribed with the student’s name and the date of the award presentation.

Gardner-Webb University Recognizes Achievements Of Undergraduate Students, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University recently honored undergraduate students for academic excellence and outstanding service and leadership. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities. In recognition of the award presentation, each student may choose one book for purchase by Gardner-Webb’s Dover Memorial Library.

Gwu Undergraduate And Graduate Students Present Research At Annual Conference, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University students presented their undergraduate and graduate research recently at the 22nd annual Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference (LOTS-MC). More than 40 students gave presentations on a variety of subjects, including religious studies and philosophy, science, music, English, slavery and human trafficking, political science, psychology, business, and marketing. Jackie Leach, GWU director of diversity and intercultural initiatives, was the guest speaker.

Session Iii English, Religious Studies & Marketing Presentation 4: Unique You In A Fractured World, Barbara Lawrence

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

Taking the time to know ourselves at a deeper level, improves confidence, health, interactions with others, supports ethical and entrepreneurial decisions, and provides the capacity to learn new skills, connect with others at a deeper level, thereby supporting co-creation for the future.

More young adults have recently mentioned to me that they do not feel they fit in. Everyone feels that way at certain times. There are businesses, corporate identities, and other groups that may set a framework that encourages you to “fit it.”

As a unique spirit, you are not supposed to “fit it,” to conform, to give up …

Session Iii English, Religious Studies & Marketing Presentation 2: Critical T.H.U.G.: An Examination Of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give Using Critical Race Theory, Brandon J. Watkins

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

Examining Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give through the lens of racism is ordinary and allows us to raise questions about institutional and everyday racism in our communities and lives. We will also address the intersecting patterns of dominance across race, class, gender, and other markers of difference.

Session Iii English, Religious Studies & Marketing Presentation 3: From The Window: Liberating Michal Through A Prophetic Reading Of 1 – 2 Samuel, Harley Burgess

Life of the Scholar Multidisciplinary Conference

This presentation will discuss utilizing original languages and literary-feminist criticism to re-evaluate the role of Michal as a prophet in 1-2 Samuel.

Gardner-Webb Students Share Their Faith In York, England, Over Spring Break, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A group of 12 students from Gardner-Webb University traveled to York, England, over spring break to minister to youth in the local church and school. Led by Mindy Robinson, GWU coordinator for Community Engagement and Student Ministries, and her husband, Chase, the group partnered with UK-USA Ministries/Youth for Christ. A primary focus of their 10-day trip was teaching in the religious studies courses that are part of the Church of England School curriculum.

Undergraduate Research Scholar Studies Life Of Missionary And Author Elisabeth Elliott, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Sarah Lauren Traylor, a biblical studies major at Gardner-Webb University, has admired the late Elisabeth Elliot and drawn inspiration from her books for several years. Last year while researching Elliot’s complementarian view of marriage, she was surprised that there was very little biographical information available on Elliott. “She wonderfully exemplifies the motto of Gardner-Webb University, “Pro Deo et Humanitate” (For God and Humanity),” shared Traylor, a native of Staunton, Va.

Gwu Team Competes In Eighth Annual North Carolina Ethics Bowl, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A team from Gardner-Webb University recently participated in the Eighth Annual Ethics Bowl hosted by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). The two-day event was held at the North Carolina Legislative complex in Raleigh. The GWU students debated topics related to “Ethics and the Environment” and won three out of four rounds.

Gwu Team Prepares To Compete In Eighth Annual Ncicu Ethics Bowl, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A team of four students from Gardner-Webb University is preparing to compete in the eighth annual Ethics Bowl hosted by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). The event will be held Feb. 8-9 at the North Carolina Legislative complex in Raleigh. The topic this year is “Ethics and the Environment.”

2019 - 2020, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog, Gardner-Webb University

Academic Catalogs (Combined Undergraduate & Graduate)

2019- 2020, Gardner-Webb University Academic Catalog. William Downs, president.

Heroes In The Midst Of Gods: A Narratological Study Of Heroes And The Divine In Mesopotamian, Greco-Roman, And Abrahamic Otherworldly Journeys, Zachary James Dey

MA in Religion Theses

The project at hand uncovers two dominant morals of Western otherworldly journeys: herocentrism and theocentrism. The former moral stresses the heroism of the protagonist; the latter stresses God’s presence and power in the universe. Although otherworldly journeys from various traditions present certain similarities, the underlying morals provide profound differences that warrant consideration. Joseph Campbell’s “monomyth” and this thesis’ proposed Otherworldly Paradigm bring to light these underlying morals. This thesis demonstrates that Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman otherworldly journeys present a hero-centered moral, as shown through the monomyth, and the Abrahamic traditions present a Divine-centered moral, as shown through the proposed storyline.

Gardner-Webb Hosts Annual Meeting Of National Association Of Baptist Professors Of Religion, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University recently hosted approximately 70 professors and graduate students in religion for the annual meeting of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (NABPR). This was the University’s second time hosting the event. Dr. Steven R. Harmon, associate professor of historical theology in the GWU School of Divinity, is NABPR vice president and president-elect.

Gardner-Webb Alumna Accepts Challenge To Minister Around The World, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

“When will you come back?” The children’s innocent question tugged at Shelby Robinson’s heart. The 2017 alumna of Gardner-Webb University had played with them all afternoon in a slum in the Philippines.

Gardner-Webb University’S Pastors’ School Planned May 28 – 30, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University’s 2018 Pastors’ School, an annual three-day educational retreat for pastors and students of ministry and theology, is scheduled for May 28 – 30 at GWU. The 2018 School will feature guest speakers Dr. Guy Sayles and Dr. William Wilson, who will be sharing on the topic “Leadership in Perilous Times.” Sayles served as a pastor for over 30 years, most recently at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, N.C.

Gardner-Webb Announces Formation Of Presidential Search Committee, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Officials at Gardner-Webb University have announced the formation of the committee that will guide the search for the institution’s 13th President. Dr. A. Frank Bonner, who has served Gardner-Webb for more than 30 years—including the last 13 years as the University’s president—will retire from his post early next year. According to David Royster III, GWU Board of Trustees member and chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, the group will work in conjunction with the Charlotte-based executive search firm Coleman Lew + Associates, Inc. to help secure qualified leaders as candidates for the position.

Gwu Alumna Becomes First Woman To Serve Mississippi Congregation As Senior Pastor, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A Mississippi church is celebrating a milestone in 48 years of history by calling a woman to serve as senior pastor. Courtney Finocchiaro Stamey, a 2012 alumna of Gardner-Webb University, will be the eighth pastor to lead Northside Baptist Church in Clinton, Miss. She joins the church’s associate pastor of 23 years, the Rev. Susan Meadors, to become the church’s first all-female pastoral staff.

The Cost And Value Of Your Education, T. Perry Hildreth

Journal of Counseling and Psychology

This brief address explores the issue of the dominance of the economical way of valuing education over a more traditional idea of education as moral formation. An education in a Christian liberal arts university uniquely gives priority to the idea that education should shape the student's moral understanding and consequent actions. The address is an invitation to consider how one, professionally and personally, might serve members of a culture shaped largely by the idea that human meaning and purpose are reducible to economic value as merely producers and consumers.

Gwu Professor To Lead Dimensions Holy Week Service, Office Of University Communications, Alice Byrd

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University will celebrate Holy Week during Dimensions on Tuesday, March 27. Dr. Paula Qualls, GWU professor of religion, will speak at the event, which begins at 9:25 a.m. in Stewart Hall of Tucker Student Center. The program is free and open to the public.

Degree In Religious Studies And Philosophy Gave Gwu Alumnus Foundation For Graduate School, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Several years before he came to Gardner-Webb University, Brian G. Chilton experienced doubt about his Christian beliefs. Before he could continue serving as a pastor, he had to prove the Bible’s reliability. “I left the ministry for seven years during which time I became fascinated with Christian apologetics,” shared the 2011 GWU alumnus. “My faith was greatly strengthened by studying the works of Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, Gary Habermas, Ravi Zacharias, and William Lane Craig. In 2007, God called me back into the ministry in a vivid fashion by saving me from a horrible lightning storm. I knew God wasn’t …

Support Of Gwu Faculty Prepared Alumna For Success In Dental School, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Dr. Ashley Lowery, a dentist in Spindale, N.C., could have earned prerequisites for dental school most anywhere, but Gardner-Webb University offered her something other schools didn’t. “Gardner-Webb is like a family if you will allow it to be,” she reflected. “While the educational and religious side of GWU is extremely important, it is really more than that to me. It’s a place of happy memories and a time in life where I felt completely supported. The staff and professors will be there for you from your freshman days until graduation.”

Gwu Classes, Online Student Publication And Internships Prepared Alumna For Journalism Career, Office Of University Communications, Chelsea Snydor

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A Gardner-Webb University alumna has found a way to combine her lifelong love of reading and writing into a career in journalism. Jennifer Ortiz ’15 had the opportunity to prepare for the field by writing and editing for GWU-Today, Gardner-Webb’s student-run online news publication. According to Ortiz, this experience was beneficial to her because many aspects of journalism and other media careers must be learned by doing.

Gardner-Webb Team Finishes In Top Four At Annual Ethics Bowl, Office Of University Communications, Chelsea Snydor

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

A team of students from Gardner-Webb University advanced to the semi-finals during this year’s North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Ethics Bowl. Held recently at the State Legislative Complex in Raleigh, N.C., GWU finished among the top four teams from the 24 private colleges and universities that participated. Senior Harley Burgess of Forest City, N.C., as well as freshmen Destiny Neesmith of Kings Mountain, N.C., Carlee Winstead of North Topsail Beach, N.C., and Darby Yates of Hickory, N.C. made up this year’s team.