# Gardner–Webb University

> university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina

**Wikidata**: [Q3551409](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3551409)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardner–Webb_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gardnerwebb-university

## Summary
Gardner–Webb University is a private not-for-profit university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, founded in 1905. The university is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and is named after Oliver Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1905 in Boiling Springs, North Carolina
- Private not-for-profit educational institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention
- Named after Oliver Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner since 1942
- Has a student enrollment of approximately 3,536 as of September 2020
- Classified as a "doctoral university: moderate research activity" by the Carnegie Classification
- Located at Main St, Boiling Springs, NC with postal code 28017-0997
- Known for its athletic teams called the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
- Maintains an endowment of approximately $65.96 million as of June 30, 2020

## FAQs
### Q: When was Gardner–Webb University founded?
A: Gardner–Webb University was founded in 1905. Originally established as a junior college, it has evolved through several name changes to become the university it is today.

### Q: Who is Gardner–Webb University named after?
A: The university is named after Oliver Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner, whose names were adopted by the institution in 1942 when it became Gardner–Webb Junior College.

### Q: What type of institution is Gardner–Webb University?
A: Gardner–Webb is a private not-for-profit educational institution classified as a doctoral university with moderate research activity. It is also described as a church college affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

## Why It Matters
Gardner–Webb University serves as an important educational institution in western North Carolina, providing higher education opportunities in a region with limited university options. As a church-related university, it integrates faith-based values with academic rigor, serving students who seek education within a religious framework. The university's classification as a doctoral university with research activity positions it as a contributor to both undergraduate and graduate education in the state, while its history dating back to 1905 demonstrates its long-standing commitment to education in the region.

## Notable For
- Affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, distinguishing it as a church-related university
- Unique athletic identity as the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs across multiple sports
- Carnegie Classification as both a doctoral university and high undergraduate institution
- Rich history dating back to 1905 with multiple name changes reflecting its evolution
- Distinction of being named after two individuals (Oliver Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner) rather than a single benefactor

## Body
### History and Naming
Gardner–Webb University was founded in 1905 and has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It was originally established as Boiling Springs Junior College, later becoming Gardner–Webb Junior College in 1942 when it was renamed in honor of Oliver Max Gardner and Fay Webb Gardner. The institution evolved into Gardner–Webb College before finally becoming Gardner–Webb University. The university maintains its religious affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, established since its founding.

### Academic Profile
Gardner–Webb University operates on a semester academic calendar system and is classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as multiple categories: doctoral university with moderate research activity, high undergraduate institution, research doctoral: professional-dominant, four-year medium primarily residential institution, four-year medium full-time selective higher transfer-in institution, and professions plus arts & sciences with some graduate coexistence. The university admits approximately 78% of applicants with an admission yield rate of about 11%.

### Institutional Information
The university employs approximately 630 individuals and serves a student population of around 3,536. Its financial health is supported by an endowment of $65,959,069 and total assets valued at $150,371,986 as of June 30, 2020. Gardner–Webb is accredited by various bodies and maintains its institutional identifiers including ISNI 0000000105792703, VIAF ID 158589057, and ROR ID 02gj0v433.

### Location and Facilities
Situated in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Gardner–Webb University is located at Main St with coordinates 35.2475°N, -81.6706°W and postal code 28017-0997. The campus features facilities including Campus Lake, which is represented in its visual identity. The institution maintains active social media presences on platforms such as Twitter (@gardnerwebb), Instagram (@gardnerwebb), and YouTube (handle: gardnerwebb1905).

### Athletic Identity
The university's athletic teams are known as the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, competing in various intercollegiate sports. The athletic program represents the university in competitions and contributes to campus spirit and community engagement.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. Open ISNI for Organizations
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://ncnonprofits.org/members/member-directory)
5. [Source](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WPS-KJptUJ-o8SXtg00llcxq0IKJu8eO6Ege_GrLaNc)
6. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 3 August 2021](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20210803)
7. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 17 February 2022](https://archive.org/details/OpenGLAM_Survey_20220217)
8. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 27 June 2023](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20230627)
9. [Open GLAM Survey, version of 16 May 2024](https://archive.org/details/open-glam-survey-backup-20240516)
10. Freebase Data Dumps
11. [Source](http://www.gardner-webb.edu)
12. [Source](https://gardner-webb.edu/)
13. GRID Release 2016-05-31
14. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
15. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
16. YouTube API
17. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
19. National Center for Education Statistics