Gardner-Webb University Launches Operations at New Charlotte Center

Last Modified: 05/21/2012

Building Symbolizes University’s Commitment to Lasting Presence in Charlotte

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – As part of its commitment to establishing a greater presence in Charlotte, Gardner-Webb University recently launched classes at the University’s new Charlotte Center, conveniently located at the Arrowood Road exit off Interstate 77 in Charlotte. The University-owned facility will house undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as office and conference spaces for the University’s development efforts in Charlotte.

Gardner-Webb’s Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL) program has been operating in Charlotte since 1983. But by purchasing its own facility, Gardner-Webb established a permanent presence in Charlotte and enabled the development of new academic programs geared specifically toward the Charlotte community.

“Our long-term goal is to design several graduate programs, particularly through the Godbold School of Business, that will address the particular needs of those living and working in Charlotte,” said Gardner-Webb President Dr. Frank Bonner. “For example, we’re investigating a trust and wealth management program, and possibly even a banking program. Charlotte is the nation’s second-largest banking center, so we hope the Charlotte Center will become a real hub of activity for professional and graduate education in that area.”

Gardner-Webb purchased the two-story, 25,000 sq. foot facility outright, and renovated the top floor to include seven classrooms, several office areas, meeting rooms, and open study spaces. The University plans to lease the bottom floor, which will reimburse itself for the purchase of the building in just eight years. Classes in the GOAL program, the Godbold School of Business, and the School of Education opened at the Center this summer.

The facility is highly visible and easily accessible, standing as a gateway to opportunity for thousands of drivers along I-77 every day. “The Center just has such fantastic potential,” said Charlotte Operations Manager Robert Mellbye. “Just our very presence here, and having people drive by and see us every day, will allow people to learn about the excellent programs we offer.” In fact, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the Charlotte Center's location on I-77 is one of the most heavily trafficked in the state.

"We also want to be a good neighbor, and partner with other organizations in the community who may want to offer tuition assistance to their employees. There may be some organizations that would like daytime use of our facilities. In other words, we're not just doing our business; we really want to be be part of the community," said Bobbie Cox, Assistant Provost for the Gardner-Webb College of Adult and Continuing Education.

Wayne Johnson, associate vice president for operations at Gardner-Webb, added, “We have as rich an academic program as any University in the Charlotte area, and now we have a facility and a presence that indicates that quality.”

Degree programs currently offered at Gardner-Webb’s Charlotte:

GOAL
*Accounting
Business Administration
Criminal Justice
*Health Management
Human Services
*Computer Information Systems

*Major classes online

Godbold School of Business
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A)
Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.)
International Master of Business Administration (I.M.B.A.)

School of Education
Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Master’s of Elementary Education
Master’s of Middle Grades Education
Master’s of Executive Leadership Studies

For more information about the Charlotte Center, contact Robert Mellbye at rmellbye@gardner-webb.edu

For more information about the GOAL Program, call (866) GWU-GOAL, or email goal@gardner-webb.edu

For more information about the Graduate School of Business, call (877) 498-4723, or email Dr. Felice Policastro at fpolicastro@gardner-webb.edu

For more information about the School of Education, contact Dr. Doug Eury at (704) 406-4402 or aeury@gardner-webb.edu

Press Release Contact:

Noel T. Manning, II Director for University Relations and Chief Communications Officer (704) 406-4631 ntmanning@gardner-webb.edu	Paul Foster Assistant Director for University Relations (704) 406-3221 pfoster@gardner-webb.edu
Matt Walters Assistant Director for Executive Communications (704) 406-2237 mbwalters@gardner-webb.edu	Mark Houser Senior Communications Specialist (704) 406-4637 mahouser@gardner-webb.edu