news-category: Athletics Longtime GWU Administrator Announces Plans to Retire By Office of University Communications On June 3, 2020 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A longtime administrator of èͷ University, H. Woodrow “Woody” Fish, has announced his plans to retire. Fish, also a two-time alumnus, has served GWU in various capacities. He will step down at the end of June from his role as vice president for University Advancement.“Woody Fish has dedicated a good portion of his life and his career to èͷ, and we are profoundly grateful for his many and varied contributions that span several decades,” said GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “The bottom line is that Woody knows everybody, and everybody knows Woody. Strong relationships are essential to successful fundraising, and I fully appreciate all that Woody has done to translate relationships into support for our institution. We wish him the very best as he now sets out to write the next chapter with his wife and best friend, Pam.”Fish earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from èͷ in 1973. From 1971-’73, he achieved honors as a linebacker for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. In 1983, he received his Master of Arts degree in Health Education from èͷ. Following graduation, he worked in a variety of coaching and administrative roles at GWU—including one year as defensive coordinator, 12 years as head football coach and three years as athletic director. During those years, Fish won 72 games, including two National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoff berths. The team finished second in the 1992 NAIA National Championship Bowl. Fish was inducted into the GWU Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. From 2000-2006, he was a coach and administrator for Duke University’s football program, serving as linebackers’ coach, director of football operations, and director of high school relations for the Blue Devils. In 2006, he returned to èͷ as assistant vice president of Development for Athletics and has also served as associate vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. Prior to his appointment over University Advancement, Fish had served as vice president for External Affairs and special assistant to the president. In his current role, Fish led Alumni Relations, Major Gifts, the Bulldog Club, and the Annual Fund.“From the time I arrived on campus as a freshman in 1971, the èͷ family has welcomed me and given me the knowledge and skills to grow as a person and a leader,” Fish reflected. “I am grateful for the years I spent coaching other young people and for the time I have worked alongside the people on campus, as well as the alumni and friends of the University. I will always be a Runnin’ Bulldog.” Woody and Pam Fish live in Shelby and have two sons, Brandon and Patrick. Located in the North Carolina foothills, èͷ University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. èͷ emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at èͷ.edu.
News Article èͷ Communication, Art and Design Seniors to Showcase Work in Annual Portfolio Show Reception and Walk‑Through Exhibit set for April 17 in Tucker Student Center’s Ali Pouryousefi Gallery BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The èͷ University Department of Communication, Art and Design will be celebrating its annual Senior Portfolio Show with a reception on April 17 in the Tucker Student Center. The event will be a walk-through style with works shown […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026
News Article èͷ Students Compete in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Conference Finance Team Qualifies for Nationals and Business Student Places in Accounting BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students from Gardner‑Webb University’s Godbold College of Business recently earned top honors at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference in Charlotte, N.C. A four-member finance team secured first place in the highly competitive Finance Case competition, earning a […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026
News Article Gardner‑Webb University Orchestra Welcomes Legendary Artists Mark and Maggie O’Connor for a 250 Celebration of America Grammy winning Artists Headline a Patriotic Program Celebrating American Composers, Veterans, and GWU’s New President Nate Evans BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Influenced early by American fiddle traditions and later shaped by classical training, Mark O’Connor’s music reflects the full scope of America’s musical heritage. On April 27 at 7 p.m. in Dover Theatre, his unique musical talent […] Office of University Communications | April 15, 2026