Job description

Boiling Springs, NC

For complete information, See the Profile here:

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/Gardner-Webb_President_2025-FINAL.pdf

Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, seeks an experienced, innovative, visionary, strategic leader with a passion and enthusiasm for student-centered, Christian liberal arts education to serve as the University’s 14th President.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Gardner-Webb (GWU) exists for God and Humanity (Pro Deo Et Humanitate), and the University has experienced remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity over its 120-year history. A flourishing regional institution of 3,200 students, it offers seven distinct degree programs with a highly qualified faculty on a beautiful campus situated on 225 acres. Historically, the University has played significant roles in teacher education and ministerial preparation for church-related vocations. GWU maintains a relationship with the Baptist State Convention of
North Carolina and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina.

Gardner-Webb enrolls approximately 3,200 students including undergraduate, graduate, and online students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, GWU offers a comprehensive academic program, with more than 80 undergraduate and graduate major fields of study offered through five colleges and schools.

GWU offers five undergraduate degrees: BA, BS, BM, BFA, and BSN; six graduate degrees: MA, MBA, MSN, MPA, MAC, and MSM; and doctoral degrees include EdD, DBA, DMIN and DNP.

Nationally recognized for its excellent academic core curriculum, Gardner-Webb students can engage in small, individualized classes taught by professors with prestigious educational backgrounds. GWU has 143 full-time faculty and 71% have a PhD or equivalent.

GWU is committed to the education of the whole person and considers students’ activities outside the classroom to be as important as inside the classroom. Student Life at Gardner-Webb offers something for every student—from a wide range of academic and cultural clubs; student ministry and community engagement; and athletic intramural opportunities. Home to the Runnin’ Bulldogs and a member of the Big South Conference, Gardner-Webb gives student-athletes a complete college experience with an emphasis on academic enrichment and an opportunity to compete in one of 22 NCAA Division I sports.

An award-winning institution of higher learning, Gardner-Webb University is the recipient of many awards. Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, recognizes Gardner-Webb University for its commitment to encourage and challenge undergraduate students to learn, develop their talents, and succeed. In fact, Gardner-Webb was named a 2022-2023 College of Distinction and a North Carolina College of Distinction. Gardner-Webb is among the top 10 North Carolina schools to earn additional recognition in the areas of nursing and career development, and GWU is one of the top 18 North Carolina schools to achieve exceptional recognition in business and education. Moreover, Gardner-Webb was the only North Carolina institution of higher education to be named a Christian College of Distinction. Furthermore, the New York Times ranked Gardner-Webb University No. 1 for campus safety on its list of 26 public and private colleges in North Carolina. Gardner-Webb is dedicated to higher education that engages scholarship in conjunction with Christian faith, intellectual development, critical reflection, and spiritual formation.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Gardner-Webb University is to prepare graduates for leadership and service in their professional careers and in their personal lives. Rigorous and innovative degree programs, combined with distinctive hands-on learning opportunities, shape students into thinkers, doers, and world-changers. Forged within a supportive and diverse Christian community, our students emerge ready to impact their chosen professions, equipped with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.

OUR STATEMENT OF VALUES

Christian Heritage: Acknowledging one God—Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of life; committing to the lordship of Christ and self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects the dignity and value of every person.

Baptist Heritage: Affirming historic Baptist values such as the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice, the freedom of individual conscience and the right of people to worship God as they choose, the priesthood of all believers, the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.

Academic Excellence: Encouraging visible enthusiasm for knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and scholarly endeavors; inviting pursuit of educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom for the joy of discovery; and inspiring accomplishment within one’s field of study.

Liberal Arts: Offering broad-based exposure to the arts, humanities, and sciences and to each field’s unique challenges, contributions, and life lessons; complementing the acquisition of career-related knowledge and skills with well-rounded knowledge of self, others, and society.

Teamwork: Working collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.

Student-Centered Focus: Working collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.

Community Engagement: Assisting campus, local, national, and global communities through education, outreach, and research; fostering dialogue and action in support of human welfare and environmental stewardship.

Diversity: Studying and celebrating our world’s rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities; respecting and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment, national origin, or disability.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University with responsibility for ensuring the success of the institution’s mission, academic integrity, fiscal stability and viability, enrollment management, fundraising efforts, personnel development, and physical plant management. In doing so, the President works closely with the Board of Trustees in developing, communicating, and executing a strategy consistent with the overall Christian mission and values of GWU to prepare graduates for professional and personal success, instilling in them a deep commitment to service and leadership, and equipping them for well-rounded lives of lasting impact.

Reports and Relationships

The President of Gardner-Webb University is appointed by, and reports directly to, the Board of Trustees. Positions reporting to the President and serving as members of the President’s Cabinet include: Provost, VP of Finance and Administration, VP for Student Development and Dean of Students, VP for Advancement, VP for Athletics, VP for Christian Life and Service and University Chaplain, VP for Institutional Effectiveness, VP for Enrollment, VP for Marketing, University Counsel. Overall, the President provides leadership for all the University’s 143 faculty and 275 staff.

Basic Functions

Specific responsibilities for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Strengthen and promote the Christian mission and values of the University.
• Provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership and oversight in budgeting, financial management, and administration to maximize the effective and efficient acquisition and use of resources.
• Provide academic leadership, along with the Provost, in recruiting, retaining, and motivating a high-quality faculty committed to the Christian values of the University.
• Provide exceptional leadership, including supporting senior leadership with recruiting, retaining, managing, motivating, and evaluating staff and all functional disciplines of the University.
• Champion liberal arts education in a Christian environment; promote initiatives to attract qualified students, increase retention, and support completion of degree programs by students.
• Promote an environment that ensures the safety of students; understand the importance of and show support for athletics, student activities and organizations; support activities consistent with character development and the GWU service leadership tradition.
• Actively participate in fundraising and development activities, major gift solicitations, and fostering growth to the endowment.
• Serve as the face of the University and seek appropriate opportunities to promote and market the University in the community, the region, and nationally (if desired by the Board) via the media, public relations activities, community activities, etc.
• Embrace the role of representing the University to all alumni, media, the academic community, the corporate community, local churches, and other institutions of higher education.
• Maintain regular and consistent contact with alumni, faculty, staff, and the student body to facilitate open communication; listen to ideas and concerns; collaborate in the development of opportunities and solutions.
• Suggest, develop, and implement strategies and/or directives as approved or determined by the Board of Trustees.
• Seek professional development opportunities and encourage others to take advantage of opportunities to further enhance professional knowledge, skills, effectiveness, and competence.

Requirements

Preferred qualifications include the following:

• Passion and enthusiasm for, and commitment to, academically excellent, student-centered, liberal arts education in a Christian environment
• Espouses principles based on strong Christian faith: integrity, honesty, sincerity, and compassion
• A visionary, strategic, and creative thinker; able to think innovatively and explore new ideas; understands the changing landscape in higher education; ability to articulate the University’s vision and strategy
• Proven record of successful leadership and managerial skills, whether within or outside of an academic environment
• Exceptional people skills and interpersonal abilities; accessible, energetic, and enthusiastic; able to build and maintain close relationships and engender trust; willing and eager to use these attributes for community relations and financial development
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; experienced public speaker; listens well and appreciates suggestions and ideas of others
• Dynamic fundraiser; preference for successful experience leading aggressive fundraising in support of endowment, programs, and/or facilities
• Superior business management skills along with a strong financial acumen
• Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions and take appropriate risks
• Desire to be involved in campus activities and participate in local churches, the town, the county, and the region
• Appropriate academic credentials; strong preference for a terminal degree; success in business or a professional career will be considered

BOILING SPRINGS

Gardner-Webb’s main campus is a beautiful backdrop to an environment of learning and faith. Gardner-Webb University is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Located just 50 miles west of Charlotte and 75 miles southeast of Asheville, the University is a vibrant landscape that provides a beautiful setting for personal and professional growth.

Located in Cleveland County, Boiling Springs’ beauty and nature make it a peaceful and quaint town bordered by the scenic Broad River. Boiling Springs is just one township within Cleveland County. Boiling Springs along with the other 14 cities and towns creates the perfect community. The County provides attractions for all such as the Don Gibson Theater and Earl Scruggs Center for the music enthusiast; American Legion World Series and local high schools sports for those who enjoy athletics; and cuisine that is unique and celebrated with national award-winning barbeque restaurants.

The community also hosts events such as the Cleveland County Fair, Music on Main and Webb Stock. The area is known for its proximity to the mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking at South Mountain or Crowders Mountain or day trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Cleveland County School system, charter schools and a private school provide quality Pre-K and K-12 education. Atrium Health Care and other health care providers nearby offer medical services including dentists, specialists, mental health providers, and more.

APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

How to apply

1) All application packets must include the following:

1. A letter of application that includes the candidate’s (1) interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) leadership philosophy, and (3) vision for Gardner-Webb University
2. Current curriculum vitae or résumé
3. At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)

2) Submit application materials online, preferably as PDFs. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before September 23, 2025.

Nominations

Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

Consultant

Gardner-Webb University has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Search Committee for President in its identification and review of candidates. Brianna Douglas, Vice President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is the lead consultant for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at [email protected].

Gardner-Webb University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in employment for any of its programs and activities.