news-category: Campus News ӴӴ Archives and Earl Scruggs Center Collaborate on Bible Exhibit By Office of University Communications On January 13, 2022 Sponsored by O. Max Gardner Foundation, Display Features Different Roles of Bibles in Society BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—By the late 18th Century, Bibles had become treasured family heirlooms—not just for the spiritual aspect, but because the pages were used to record marriages, births and deaths. In recognition of the secular ways the Bible was used in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the of Cleveland County have created an exhibit: “Bound by Faith: The Bibles of Cleveland County.” The exhibit, sponsored by the , will be featured through March 31 in the Ali Pouryousefi Gallery at Tucker Student Center. The formal exhibit opening and reception will be held Feb. 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The idea was proposed by Earl Scruggs Center Curator Zach Dressel, who approached the University Archivist Dr. Natalie Bishop, with the possibility collaborating on an exhibit that utilized artifacts held in both the ӴӴ Archive and Cleveland County Historical Collections. “I noticed that we had all these old Bibles in the Cleveland County Historical Collections, and I really wanted to find some way to display them,” Dressel noted. Earl Scruggs Center Curator Zach Dressel approached ӴӴ Archivist Dr. Natalie Bishop about collaborating on the Bible exhibit. As Dressel and Bishop reviewed their collections, they decided to create an exhibit that examines how the Bible has been used in society outside the scope of Biblical or spiritual study. The exhibit focuses on the role of the Bibles as a tool for family record keeping, historical research, political ceremonies and in the military. Included in the exhibit is a range of Bibles dating from 1648 through the early 1900s. Visitors can enjoy seeing the actual Bibles on display in protected cases and get a glimpse of the inside by viewing high-resolution scans of the pages. The Bible used by O. Max Gardner when he took the oath of office as North Carolina governor in 1929 is included in the exhibit. Also featured is a scanned page from the family Bible of James Milton Webb, with notations by his great-granddaughter Fay Webb Gardner (wife of former N.C. Gov. O. Max Gardner and ӴӴ namesake). Bibles of interest to genealogists include the Hamrick, Whitworth, and Young Bibles, all of which contain extensive family history pages. The Hamrick Bible includes a rare feature in family Bibles—several pages of tintype photographs, which are also included in the display. Panels also describe the importance and process of preserving Bibles for future generations. Included are videos demonstrating how artifacts, such as Bibles, are scanned and made available online. Visitors can learn about how to transcribe historical, handwritten family history pages and participate in transcribing Bibles in the exhibit. About the Earl Scruggs Center: The combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Mr. Scruggs was born and raised. About ӴӴ: ӴӴ is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ӴӴ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ӴӴ.edu. Photos by Rachael Bradley / GWU Photo Team Coordinator
News Article Alpha Sigma Lambda Celebrates Achievements of 17 Gardner‑Webb Adult Students Honor Society Recognizes Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Character BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—ӴӴ’s Gamma Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society recently inducted 17 students. They were honored for their academic achievements, excellent character, and civic responsibility. Dr. Wendy Athens, director of Academic Innovation and Digital Learning and Chapter Councilor, conducted the ceremony. She […] Office of University Communications | April 21, 2026
News Article Sigma Zeta National Math and Science Honor Society Inducts 24 New Members ӴӴ Beta Tau Chapter Also Recognizes Seniors and New Officers BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Zeta National Honor Society held its induction ceremony recently. Honored were 24 new members, who received membership certificates and a T-shirt. The new officers were installed. Graduating seniors were recognized and presented with honor cords to […] Office of University Communications | April 21, 2026
News Article Bulldog Nation Raises Over $2.5 Million for Double Dawg Day 2026 More Than 1,300 Donors Support ӴӴ Students, Academics and Athletics BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A shared sense of purpose and Bulldog energy fueled Double Dawg Day 2026 at Gardner‑Webb University, as alumni, parents, employees, students and friends rallied behind the institution’s mission. More than 1,300 contributed over $2.5 million to support scholarships, academics, athletics and campus […] Office of University Communications | April 17, 2026