Gardner-Webb President

08/31/2026

Congratulations to 2nd Lt. Paul McElearney on his commissioning. It was a privilege to celebrate this important milestone and recognize his commitment to service and leadership. Proud to see another Gardner-Webb Bulldog take this next step.

08/30/2026

Grateful for Uptown Shelby businesses welcoming Gardner-Webb students and creating an opportunity for them to experience all that downtown has to offer.

08/22/2026

08/20/2026

First day of classes at Gardner-Webb!

Brittany and I enjoyed spending yesterday morning with students, along with Bo and members of the Cabinet. We served coffee and tea, helped students find their way around campus and shared a few words of encouragement as the new academic year gets underway.

Wishing all of our Bulldogs a great start to the semester!

08/18/2026

☕️ Start the semester with Grounds for Connection!

Join President Nate Evans, First Lady Brittany Evans and members of the President’s Cabinet on the Quad Wednesday, August 19, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. for free coffee or tea, conversation and a chance to connect with members of the Gardner-Webb community.

Stop by and start the semester with us!

08/17/2026

We’re welcoming several new dining options to campus this fall, giving our students more choices and greater convenience throughout the day.

These additions reflect the feedback we’ve heard from our students and what they want to see on campus. We’re especially glad to welcome Zoca back after hearing from students how much they wanted to see it return.

📅 Aug. 17: Bo’s Bagels soft opening, 8–10 a.m.
📅 Aug. 24: Bo’s Bagels grand opening, 8 a.m.
📅 This fall: Zoca and The Dawg House open
📅 Coming soon: BYTE Coolers with 24/7 grab-and-go options

https://gardner-webb.edu/news/new-dining-locations-open-across-campus/

08/16/2026

Move-in is more than boxes, carts and new beginnings. It’s a reminder of what makes Gardner-Webb special: people who show up, lend a hand and make sure every student knows they’re home.

Yesterday, our faculty, staff and students welcomed students back to Gardner-Webb with open arms, helping carry more than just their belongings. They helped carry the excitement, nerves and hope that come with starting something new.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Welcome home, Runnin’ Bulldogs. We’re so glad you’re here.

08/15/2026

Welcome home, Runnin’ Bulldogs. A new year begins at Gardner-Webb, and with it comes new experiences, new friendships and new opportunities to become more. Here’s to finding your place, making memories and making Gardner-Webb home.

08/12/2026

A meaningful example of what community support looks like at Gardner-Webb. First Baptist Church Shelby welcomed our football team, shared a meal with our players, and continues to show up for our student-athletes.

It was also great to have Coach Steve Patton with us. Coach Patton led the Runnin’ Bulldogs to back-to-back Big South championships in 2002 and 2003, leaving a lasting mark on Gardner-Webb football.

First Baptist Church, Shelby, NC, Gardner-Webb Football, Gardner-Webb University

08/12/2026

Service is at the heart of who we are at Gardner-Webb.

I am grateful for the faculty and staff that participated in Service Days on campus this summer. These individuals worked side by side to ensure our campus is looking its best and is ready for those we serve.

Thank you to everyone who helped out!