Gardner-Webb University - President

For best consideration, complete applications should be received before September 23, 2025

Complete Information is available in the Search Profile.

Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian liberal arts institution located in Boiling Springs, NC, 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.

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, NC

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.