Gardner-Webb University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Gardner-Webb University (GWU), a private Baptist university nestled in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding as Boiling Springs High School in 1905. Over the years, it has evolved into a thriving institution with over 3,000 students, offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The university's commitment to Christian values and academic excellence has produced a diverse group of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

From High School to University: A Historical Overview

The story of Gardner-Webb University began on December 2, 1905, when Boiling Springs High School was chartered. This initiative was sponsored by the Kings Mountain Baptist Association and the Sandy Run Baptist Association, with the goal of creating a place "where the young…could have the best possible educational advantages under distinctive Christian influence." The Boiling Springs Baptist Church played a crucial role by offering its old church house, five acres of land, and $2,700 to the institution.

The location of the high school was strategically chosen near the border of the sponsoring associations, with easy access to brick building materials. On October 27, 1905, the name Boiling Springs High School was officially decided, and its charter was accepted shortly after. Willard Winslow Washburn, who initially proposed the idea of a Christian school in Boiling Springs, served on the board of trustees for the first 30 years. The town itself is named after the natural springs located on campus.

J.D. Huggins was appointed as the high school's first principal on July 25, 1907. By the fall of that year, the complete faculty of five teachers was hired, and classes began in October. Although the main building, the Huggins-Curtis Building, was not yet complete, students resided in community homes and utilized classrooms from the nearby elementary school until its completion in 1908.

Boiling Springs High School emphasized Christian education, as reflected in its motto, Pro Deo et Humanitate (for God and Humanity), inscribed on "the ageless granite arch" on campus. The original tuition was $76.05 for a nine-month term.

Read also: The Gardner Minshew Story

In response to changing educational needs, the high school transitioned into Boiling Springs Junior College on September 3, 1928. Despite challenges posed by the Great Depression, the college persevered through the dedication of its supporters. The initial curriculum comprised seven departments: English, mathematics, natural science, foreign language, social science, Bible, and education.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1942 when Governor O. Max Gardner dedicated his resources to strengthening the college. Consequently, on June 15, the trustees voted to rename the institution Gardner-Webb Junior College in honor of Gardner and his wife, Fay Webb-Gardner, effective August 27, 1942. This was followed by a $300,000 financial campaign.

The post-World War II era saw significant physical expansion and academic development, with new buildings and increased enrollment. On October 23, 1969, Gardner-Webb filed for an official name change to Gardner-Webb College in anticipation of its first four-year class in 1971. A significant milestone was achieved in December 1971 with full accreditation as a senior college.

In 1980, the college introduced a graduate program, which evolved into the Graduate School in the 1990s, along with the establishment of the School of Divinity. On November 12, 1991, the board of trustees approved Gardner-Webb's pursuit of university status.

In 2007, Gardner-Webb University, along with four other private North Carolina Christian colleges, initiated a process to gain more academic freedom and autonomy in selecting trustees, leading to a "good faith and cooperative" relationship with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina in 2009.

Campus and Academics

The main campus, located in Boiling Springs, spans 225 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between Charlotte and Asheville. The E.B. Hamrick Hall, constructed in the 1920s and dedicated to students who died in World War I, is the oldest building on campus and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was rededicated in 2021 to honor all students and alumni who died during military service.

Gardner-Webb offers nearly 80 undergraduate and graduate major fields of study across nine colleges and schools. As of spring 2025, the university had 132 full-time faculty members, with 71% holding a Ph.D.

Athletics

Gardner-Webb's athletic teams, known as the Runnin' Bulldogs, compete in 21 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level. The school colors are scarlet, black, and white. The Bulldogs are part of the Big South Conference, with the swim teams competing in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association and the wrestling team in the Southern Conference. Live bulldog mascots, with names like Butch, Chins, Victor, Barney, Roebuck, and Bo have represented Gardner-Webb throughout the decades.

Notable Alumni

Gardner-Webb University has produced a diverse array of successful alumni who have excelled in various fields, including sports, academia, ministry, and public service. Here are some notable individuals:

Arts and Academia:

Gladys Brooks Boroughs: A former GWU trustee who turned 100 in 2022, Boroughs has dedicated her life to living out the Gardner-Webb University mission. She and her husband established a scholarship through the Christian Service Organization.
Ron Rash: An acclaimed author and poet, Rash has received numerous awards for his literary works, including a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Scott Hahn: A prominent Catholic theologian and apologist, Hahn is known for his research on Early Christianity.
Robert M. Price: A New Testament scholar who advocates for the Christ myth theory.
Ben Witherington III: A Wesleyan-Arminian New Testament scholar and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Patricia Greene Palmer: Taught Biology, Botany, and Field Botany at Louisburg (N.C.) College from 1967 to 2000.

Athletics:

Artis Gilmore: A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Gilmore played in both the ABA and NBA.
Sara McMann: An Olympic silver medalist in wrestling and a mixed martial artist, McMann competes in Bellator MMA.
John Drew: A two-time NBA All-Star who played eleven seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Emilio Pagán: A professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds.
Blake Lalli: A former professional baseball player and current third base coach for the Miami Marlins.
George Adams: An American former professional basketball player.
Gil Dodds: An American middle-distance runner who held American and world records for the mile run in the 1940s.
Jim Blanks: An American former basketball player.
Mason Miller: Is evolving into legitimate MLB prospect at Gardner-Webb.
Gabe Wilkins: Former professional football player.

Ministry:

Kevin DeYoung: A Reformed theologian and pastor at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina.
Terry Eddinger: Was promoted to Rear Admiral in October 2020, becoming the highest-ranking Navy Reserve chaplain.
Kimberly D. Moore: The Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Gastonia, N.C.
Donald J. Harlin: Was an American Air Force major general who served as Chief of Chaplains of the United States Air Force.
Takayo Siddle: Head Basketball Coach at UNC Wilmington.

Public Service:

Linda Morrison Combs: A federal government official who served as the Controller of the Office of Management and Budget under three Presidents.
Jeffrey David Cox: The former National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Business:

Jon-Eric Sullivan: Is in his 18th season with the Green Bay Packers and fourth as co-director of player personnel.

Politics:

Maina Mwaura: Is the head of a family empire that feeds off the SBC.

Coaching:

Orlando Early: An American men's college basketball coach.

Olympics:

Mallory Weggemann: Swimmer sets second Paralympic record for second gold of Tokyo Games.

These alumni represent just a fraction of the many individuals who have benefited from a Gardner-Webb education and gone on to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields.

Read also: Scholarships and Aid Guide

Founders Day

Gardner-Webb University celebrates Founders Day annually to honor the individuals and groups who played formative roles in the University’s development. On Nov. 30, the Gardner-Webb community celebrated Founders Day to honor the names and legacies of the persons and groups who played formative roles in the University’s development. The day of celebration was highlighted by the posthumous presentation of this year’s Founders Medal to J.D.

James Dwyer “J.D.” Huggins, who came to be known as Professor Huggins, served as the first principal of Boiling Springs High School from 1905 to 1928. Huggins steadfastly lived his charge to care for the welfare, encouragement, and growth of the students of Boiling Springs High School.

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