GWU at a Glance

Mission Statement

Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian, Baptist-related university, provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate education that is strongly 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 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 for God and humanity in an ever-changing global community.

Location: Gardner-Webb University, a private Christian University, is located 50 miles west of Charlotte in the Piedmont area of Western North Carolina. Main campus of 200 acres is located in Boiling Springs, NC. 

School Type: Four-Year

Students: Over 4,300 students including the day program, graduate studies, and the GOAL program (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners).  63% female, 37% male from 37 states and 21 foreign countries.

Faculty: 147 full-time, 79% with Ph.D. or equivalent.  Faculty to student ration is 1:13. Average Class Size is 25.

Curriculum: A total of 5 professional schools, 2 academic schools, and 11 academic departments offer nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate major fields of study.  Approximately 33% of students major in business field, 30% in social sciences, and 17% in nursing.

Athletics: NCAA Division I; member of the Big South Conference

Religious Affiliation: Baptist

Number of Registered Organizations: 43

History Highlights: Founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School; became Boiling Springs Junior College in 1928; renamed Gardner-Webb College in 1942 in honor of Governor O. Max Gardner and his wife Faye Webb Gardner-Webb; became a university in 1993; hosted 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials-Cycling; completed $34 million capital campaign in 1998; reclassification to NCAA Division I athletics in 2000; added first doctoral program (Doctor of Ministry) in 2011. Gardner-Webb celebrated 100 years of educational service in 2005.

President: Dr. A. Frank Bonner (July 1, 2005-Present)