GWUSPORTS.COMGWUSports.com serves as the official athletics website of Gardner-Webb University, and provides up to the minute news on all Runnin’ Bulldog teams through the athletic seasons. The site provides media and fans with player profiles, photos, press releases and feature stories, in addition to game results, statistics, schedules and team rosters.

UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTSSchool Name: ............................................................... Gardner-Webb UniversityLocation: ............................................................................. Boiling Springs, N.C.Founded: .....................................................................................................1905Enrollment: ................................................................................................. 4200Nickname: .................................................................................Runnin’ BulldogsColors: ..........................................................................................Red and BlackTennis Venue: ................................................................... Webb Tennis ComplexAffiliation: .....................................................................................NCAA Division IConference: ......................................................................................... Big SouthPresident: ............................................................................ Dr. A. Frank BonnerAthletics Director: ............................................................................Chuck BurchAthletics Dept. Phone: ............................................................. (704) 406-4340Web site: .............................................................................www.GWUSports.com

GWU ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONSAssistant A.D. of Athletic Media Relations: ........................................ Marc RabbAssistant Sports Information Director: .............................................. Kevin DavisSports Information G.A/Men’s Tennis Contact: ............................ Saxon SimpsonEmail Address: .................................................... ssimpson@gardner-webb.eduOffice Phone: ........................................................................... (704) 406-3981Office Fax: ................................................................................ (704) 406-4739Mailing Address: Gardner-Webb University Department of Athletics P.O. Box 877 Boiling Springs, N.C. 28017

MEDIA GUIDE CREDITSThe 2013 Gardner-Webb University men’s tennis media guide was designed by Saxon Simpson. It was written and edited by Simpson using Adobe InDesign CS2 and Photoshop CS2 software (MacIntosh Platform).

Editor: .......................................................................................... Saxon SimpsonDesign: ......................................................................................... Saxon SimpsonCover Design: ............................................................................... Saxon SimpsonPhotos Provided By: ................................. A-Sun Photo Team, Big South Photos ........................................................................ GWU Photo Team, Saxon Simpson

A special thanks to head coach Mike Griffith for his assistance with this publication.

2013 Gardner-Webb Men’s TennisTABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents / Credits ......................................................................................12013 Roster ............................................................................................................22013 Schedule ........................................................................................................3Coaching Staff ..................................................................................................... 4-5 Head Coach Mike Griffith ...............................................................................4 Assistant Coach Evgeny Slexarev ..................................................................5 Assistant Coach Rafael Altmayer ...................................................................5Meet The Runnin’ Bulldogs ................................................................................ 6-11 Adam Knutsson-Sundblad .............................................................................6 Matthew Parker .............................................................................................7 Roman Piftor ..................................................................................................8 Ernest Alberch ...............................................................................................9 Brendan Dempsey .......................................................................................10 Joao Poli ......................................................................................................11 Benjamin Kaszás ........................................................................................12 Jonathan Walker ..........................................................................................12 Nikita Zverkov ............................................................................................ 13 2012 Season Statistics........................................................................................14 2012 Season Results ..........................................................................................15 All-Time Division I Letterwinners .........................................................................16 GWU Administration .............................................................................................17 President Dr. A. Frank Bonner .....................................................................17 V.P. for Athletics Chuck Burch .............................................................. 17 GWU Campus Life ................................................................................................18 Majors Offered at GWU ........................................................................................19

Gardner-Webb admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic ori-gin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Senior AdamKnutsson-Sundblad

Name Ht. Yr. Hometown/Previous SchoolErnest Alberch 5-11 So. Torello, Spain Brendan Dempsey 5-10 So. Dublin, Ireland/St. Michael’s CollegeBenjamin Kaszás Fr. Budapest, HungaryAdam Knutsson-Sunblad 6-2 Sr. Goteborg, Sweden/KatrinelundsgymnasietMatthew Parker 5-10 Sr. Marietta, Ga./Pope High SchoolRoman Piftor 5-10 Sr. Tashkent, Uzbekistan/R. College of Olimpic ReservesJoao Poli 5-11 So. Londrina, Brazil/Colegio Anglo-AmericanoJonathan Walker Fr. Elkin, N.C./Faith Christian SchoolNikita Zverkov Fr. Moscow, Russia

Back Row (from left to right): Ernest Alberch, Joao Poli, Adam Knutsson-Sundblad, Matt Parkerr, Roman PiftorFront Row (from left to right): Athletic Trainer Allie Mills, Jonathan Walker, Nikita Zverkov, Benjamin Kaszás, Brendan Dempsey, ,

Head Coach Mike Griffith

2013 Roster2 GWU Men’s Tennis

2013 Schedule Date Opponent Location Time

Sat, Jan. 19 UNC at Chapel Hill, N.C. 5:00 p.m. Fri., Jan. 25 - Sun., Jan. 27 Army Tournament at West Point, N.Y. All Day Sat., Feb. 2 USC Upstate at Spartanburg, S.C. 1:00 p.m. Tue., Feb. 5 Davidson at Davidson, N.C. 4:00 p.m. Thu., Feb. 7 Augusta State Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Wed., Feb. 13 Wofford at Spartanburg, S.C. 2:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 15 Brevard Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:30 p.m. Wed., Feb 20 Charlotte Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 23 *Coastal Carolina at Conway, S.C. 1:00 p.m. Sun., Feb. 24 Francis Marion at Florence, S.C. 1:00 p.m. Sat., Mar. 2 *Campbell Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Tue., Mar. 5 UNC Greensboro Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Thu., Mar. 7 Chattanooga Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Fri., Mar. 15 Texas Pan-American Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Sat., Mar. 16 *Longwood Boiling Springs, N.C. 12:00 p.m. Sat., Mar. 23 *Liberty Boiling Springs, N.C. 11:00 a.m. Mon., Mar. 25 *Presbyterian Boiling Springs, N.C. 2:30 p.m. Fri., Mar. 29 *Winthrop at Rock Hill, S.C. 3:00 p.m. Thu., Apr. 4 *UNC Asheville Boiling Springs, N.C. 3:00 p.m. Wed., Apr. 10 Lees-McRae at Banner Elk, N.C. 2:30 p.m. Fri., Apr. 12 Appalachian State at Boone, N.C. 2:30 p.m. Sat., Apr. 13 *Radford at Radford, Va.

Thu, Apr 18 - Sat., Apr 20 2013 Big South Tournament * at Rock Hill, S.C. All Day

Home Matches In Bold* = Big South Conference matchesAll match times Eastern time and subject to change

GWU Men’s Tennis 3

4 GWU Men’s Tennis

Head Men’s Tennis Coach • Eleventh SeasonHead Men’s Tennis Coach • Eleventh SeasonMike Griffi th

Gardner-Webb head coach Mike Griffith is entering his eleventh year at the helm of the Runnin’ Bulldog men’s tennis program.

During the 2011-12 campaign, Griffith pioneered a senior-less Runnin’ Bulldog team during a season of growth. Despite posting a winless conference record (0-7) for the season as well as its lowest win total in the past five years (6-16), GWU posted upset wins on the road against SoCon frontrunner Davidson (5-2) as well as A-10 heavyweight Charlotte (4-3), showing signs of good things to come for the young squad.

In 2010-11, Griffith lead GWU men’s tennis to a dual record of 11-12. The Runnin’ Bulldogs entered the Big South Tournament as the No. 4 seed after posting an even 3-3 mark in Conference play. Despite exiting the Tournament early with a first-round loss to UNC Asheville, Coach Griffith’s Runnin’ Bulldogs experienced a successful season which included a 4-3 road win over perennial MEAC front-runner South Carolina State.

In 2009-10, Griffith guided the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a 12-14 overall record. The Runnin’ Bulldogs finshed in fifth place in the Big South regular season standings, yet upset the fourth seeded Liberty Flames in the first round of the Big South Tourna-ment before falling to the top-seeded Radford Highlanders.

Griffith’s top player, Evgeny Slesarev earned 2010 Big South Conference Men’s Ten-nis Player of the Year honors, becoming the first GWU men’s tennis player to earn such honors. He was also named Player of the Week three times, while earning All-Conference honors in singles and doubles. Fellow senior Rafael Altmayer also earned Doubles All-Conference honors, as he partnered with Slesarev throughout the season.

Griffith guided Gardner-Webb to a nine-win campaign during its inaugural season in the Big South Conference. The Runnin’ Bulldogs finished fourth in the regular season standings, but were upset by the fifth seeded Liberty Flames in the first round of the Big South Tournament.

In addition to the nine-win season, Griffith’s No. 1 player Evgeny Slesarev earned Big South Singles and Doubles All-Conference accolades. Slesarev also posted the best single-season record in GWU tennis history, going 21-5 in 2009. Fellow teammate Rafael Altmayer also earned Doubles All-Conference accolades as he and Slesarev finished 3-2 in Big South action last season.

Griffith also guided the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a No. 4 seed in the 2007 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship tournament, the highest-ever seeding for GWU in the post-season conference tournament. The Runnin’ Bulldogs saw two members receive post-season honors as Slesarev was named first-team All-Atlantic Sun and named to the A-Sun All-Freshmen team. Fellow classmate Grant VanRensburg the garnered Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team accolades. In March, Slesarev became

the first-ever GWU men’s tennis player to earn the Atlantic Sun Men’s Tennis Player of Week Award.

During his tenure at Gardner-Webb, Griffith has had 17 of his athletes named In-ter collegiate Tennis Association Academic All Americans and has also seen both the men’s and women’s teams be named as an ITA All-Academic Team twice dur-ing his time in Boiling Springs. GWU’s men’s team also won the ITA All-Academic Team award in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2004. The prestigious award is given to teams with a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and individuals with a GPA of 3.5 or higher while being a varsity letter winner. In 2010, his men’s tennis team was awarded the Big South Conference Team Sportsmanship Award.

Along with his coaching resume, Griffith also boasts an accomplished tennis career. While at Anderson Junior College, Griffith’s team won the 1986 National Champion-ship. After transferring to Winthrop, Griffith earned all-Big South Conference honors in 1987 and 1988.

During summer months, Griffith is very active in tennis camps and recruiting. Over the years he has worked at Lehigh, Clemson, Furman, William & Mary, Wofford and Alabama. Griffith takes pride in the 2006-07 freshman class, which was voted one of the top early signing classes of Division I schools by tennisrecruiting.net.

Griffith also currently serves as the chairperson for the Big South Conference men’s tennis coaches committee. The Greenwood, S.C., native earned his associate of arts degree from Anderson in 1986 and his bachelor of arts degree from Winthrop in 1988.

Griffith and his wife, Donna, currently reside in Gastonia, N.C., where Donna is an elementary school teacher for Gaston County Schools. The couple has an nine-year old son, Carson.

GWU Men’s Tennis 5

Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach • Third SeasonAssistant Men’s Tennis Coach • Third SeasonEvgeny Slesarev

Evgeny Slesarev is enterising his third season as assistant coach for Gardner-Webb University’s men’s tennis program.

Slesarev recently wrapped up his playing career as the most decorated men’s tennis player in Gardner-Webb history.

His 70 singles and 46 doubles victories are both school records at the Division I level, and was named Big South Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Year following the completion of his senior year. Slesarev was the first male student-athlete from Gardner-Webb to earn Player of the Year honors from the Big South.

Slesarev also earned All-Conference accolades each of his four years as a Runnin’ Bulldog.

The Krasnoyarsk, Russia native recently earned his undergraduate degree from Gardner-Webb, majoring in Business Administration. He is currently enrolled in Gardner-Webb’s Godbold School of Business, pursuing his master’s degree.

Rafael Altmayer is enterising his second season as volunteer assistant coach for Gardner-Webb University’s men’s tennis program.

From Porto Alegre, Do Sul, Brazil, Altmayer was a four-year letter winner for Gardner-Webb and Head Coach Mike Griffith, completing his final season at GWU in 2009-2010.

Altmayer was an invaluable member of Gardner-Webb’s men’s tennis team during his playing career, racking up over 30 singles wins. Altmayer’s versatility showed through during his playing time at GWU, as he saw time at five different singles positions.

Altmayer was named to both the Big South Presidential Honor Roll as well as the Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team during his four years as a Runnin’ Bulldog.

Volunteer Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach • Second Season Volunteer Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach • Second SeasonRafael Altmayer

6 GWU Men’s Tennis

6’3” • Senior • Gothenburg, Sweden • Katrinelundsgymnasiet6’3” • Senior • Gothenburg, Sweden • KatrinelundsgymnasietAdam Knutsson-Sundblad

2012: Went 6-14 in singles play, seeing most action at the No. 2 position (3-8) ... Battled back to earn a key win (7-5, 3-6, 7-6) at No. 2 singles in the Runnin’ Bulldogs 5-2 road win over Davidson ... Part of six doubles wins on the season for Gardner-Webb ... Mem-ber of the 2011-12 Big South Presidential Honor Roll

2011: Teamed with GWU’s Korhan Ates to earn Big South flight champion honors at the #3 doubles slot ... Went 8-14 in singles competion on the year ... Won three matches at the #3 position on the year for Gardner-Webb ... Notched a 4-2 record at the #5 spot late in the year for the Runnin’ Bulldogs ... Teamed with GWU’s Korhan Ates to form a doubles tandem that went 11-2 overall and 6-0 in Big South play ... Was a part of a team-high 14 doubles wins on the season ... ITA Scholar-Athlete for 2011

2010: Played in 25 singles matches, winning eight ... Was 1-0 at the No. 1 position ... Took part in 17 doubles matches with five different partners ... Won four doubles matches, including at top-ranked University of Virginia ... Member of the Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll

High School/Club: Competed for Katrinelundsgymnasiet un-der coaches Tommy Stjernros and Ludde Jarpmyr ... Also played for Gothia Tennis

Personal: Born September 30, 1990 in Gothenburg, Sweden ... Son of Hakan Knutsson and Lena Sundlad ... Majoring in Sociology

Singles Doubles2010: 8-17 4-13

2011: 8-14 14-5 2012: 6-14 5-14 Career: 22-45 23-32

GWU Men’s Tennis 7

Matt Parker

2012: Formed a formidable duo with teammate Ernest Alberch at the No. 2 doubles position, combining for a record of 9-8 on the season ... Teamed with Alberch for an 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles against Winthrop ... Notched a record of 2-1 in singles play, all at the No. 6 position, in 2012 ... Member of the 2011-12 Big South Presidential Honor Roll

2011: Posted an 8-8 singles record on the year, including a 7-6 mark at the #6 slot ... Won in straight sets in the regular season match win against UNC Asheville ... Took a win in singles play in the road victory over Charlotte ... ITA Scholar-Athlete for 2011

2010: Took part in four singles matches throughout the season, posting a 3-1 record ... Was 1-0 at the No. 5 position ... Participated in nine doubles matches throughout the course of the season ... Teamed with Roman Piftor to earn a doubles victory against Pfeiffer

High School/Personal: Trained at the Universal Tennis Academy, one of the most prestigious tennis academies in the nation ... Played at Pope High School for coach David Thomas … Intends to major in finance ... He is the son of Janet Parker

5’10” • Senior • Marietta, Ga. • Pope H.S.5’10” • Senior • Marietta, Ga. • Pope H.S.

Singles Doubles 2010: 3-1 1-8 2011: 8-8 0-5 2012: 2-1 9-9

Career: 13-10 10-22

8 GWU Men’s Tennis

5’10” • Senior • Tashkent, Uzbekistan • Republican College of Olympic Reserves5’10” • Senior • Tashkent, Uzbekistan • Republican College of Olympic ReservesRoman Piftor

2011: Posted an 18-5 record in singles play over the course of the season, including a 9-3 mark at the #5 position ... Knocked off an ITA ranked player (6-2, 6-1) in the win over South Carolina State ... Went 3-3 in singles play against Big South competition ... Part of a doubles tandem that went 7-5 in 2011 ... Earned a singles win at #4 in the Big South Tournament vs. UNC Asheville ... 18 singles match victories were a team high in 2011

2010: Participated in 20 singles matches, posting a 12-8 overall record ... Was 1-0 at the No. 2 position ... Took part in 18 doubles matches with four different partners ... Was victorious in four doubles matches ... Named Big South Freshman of the Week twice during the season ... Member of the Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll

High School/Personal: Attended Republican College of Olimpic Reserves ... Entered Gardner-Webb ranked 175th in the world among 18 year olds by the ITF ... Majoring in Athletic Training

Singles Doubles2010: 12-8 4-14

2011: 18-5 10-12 2012: 11-10 2-6 Career: 41-23 16-32

GWU Men’s Tennis 9

Ernest Alberch

2012: Finished the season with a 7-13 record in singles play after seeing time at the No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 singles positions ... Named Big South Men’s Tennis Freshman of the Week on February 8 ... Teamed with Matt Parker for a 9-8 doubles record on the season ... Duo scored a 9-7 win at No. 2 doubles in GWU’s 4-3 win at Charlotte ... Member of the 2011-12 Big South Presidential Honor Roll

High School / Club: Competed for IES under Jaume Callis ... Was ranked in the Top 260 at his level in Spain ... Also competed for Real Club de tennis Barcelona ... Helped club team to wins in the Catolonia Championship in both the under-16 and under-18 categories

Personal: Born May 31, 1992 in Torello, Spain ... Son of Jordi Alberch Serra and Montserrat Romeu Palou ... Majoring in Business Adminis-tration

5’11” • Sophomore • Torello, Spain5’11” • Sophomore • Torello, Spain

Singles Doubles 2012: 7-13 10-11 Career: 7-13 10-11

10 GWU Men’s Tennis

5’10” • Sophomore • Dublin, Ireland • St. Michael’s College5’10” • Sophomore • Dublin, Ireland • St. Michael’s CollegeBrendan Dempsey

2012: Scored a team-best 12 singles wins on the season after compiling a 12-6 singles record ... Held down the No. 6 position for much of the season, earning a record of 11-4 ... Came from behind to score a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 singles win in the 5-2 win over Wofford ... Also went 6-6 in doubles play, predominantly with fellow freshman Joao Poli ... Sealed the doubles point alongside Joao Poli with a 9-7 win at No. 3 in GWU’s 5-2 home win over Wofford ... Member of the 2011-12 Big South Presidential Honor Roll

High School/Club: Played at St. Michael’s College under coach Owen Casey ... Earned first place honors at National Indoors in the Under 18 Division in 2011

Personal: Born February 18, 1993 in Dublin, Ireland ... Son of Kevin and Colette Dempsey ... Majoring in Accounting

GWU Men’s Tennis 11

Joao Poli

2012: Notched a 6-12 singles record during the season ... Played predominantly at the No. 5 singles position (5-10) ... Picked up a key singles win in GWU’s 5-2 road triumph over Davidson ... Part of five doubles wins on the season for the Runnin’ Bulldogs

High School/Club: Played for Colegio Anglo-Americano prior to enrolling at GWU ... Trained under coaches Marcelo Tebel and Jose Guilherme Danelon

Personal: Born January 19, 1994 in Londrina, Parana, Brazil ... Son of Thales and Adriana Poli ... Majoring in Business Administra-tion

5’11” • Sophomore • Londrina, Brazil • Colegio Anglo-Ameri5’11” • Sophomore • Londrina, Brazil • Colegio Anglo-Americanocano

12 GWU Men’s Tennis

5’10” • Freshman • Budapest, Hungary • Ferenc Csik5’10” • Freshman • Budapest, Hungary • Ferenc CsikBenjamin Kaszás

Before Gardner-Webb: Attended Ferenc Csik high school prior to attending GWU … Member of the Hungarian National Junior Team from 2007 – 2012 ... Earned a No. 59 ranking on the Tennis Europe (TE) B16 rankings … Ranked second among Hungarian junior players ... Reached the semifinals in the 2010 Cakovec tournament in Croatia … Placed 3rd in singles at both the 2009 and 2011 Summer and Junior National Championships respectively … Also a skilled doubles player … Won the Radenci Cup for doubles play in 2011 (ITF) … Placed first in doubles a the 2010 Summer Junior National Championships

Personal: Born August 5, 1994 in Budapest, Hungary

Jonathan Walker5’11” • Freshman • Elkin, N.C. • Faith Christian School5’11” • Freshman • Elkin, N.C. • Faith Christian School

High School: Competed for Faith Christian School (Roanoke, Va.) under the direction of George and Johan Kriek ... Also played at Johnan Kriek Tennis Academy ... Won 17 singles championships in USTA tournaments … Also earned 4 doubles championships during USTA play … Honors student ... Eagle Scout

Personal: Born December 21, 1993 in Elkin, N.C. … Son of Stephen and Linda Walker … Has one sister (Camille, 13) … Intends to major in nursing

GWU Men’s Tennis 13

Nikita Zverkov

Before Gardner-Webb: Earned a top 20 ranking for doubles in his native Russia ... Also scored a top 600 World 18’s ranking ... Earned an ITF ranking of 565 among junior tennis players

Personal: Born January 29, 1995 in Moscow, Russia ... Son of Svetlana Zverkova and Yury Omlechenko … Plans to major in Economics or Finance

6’0” • Freshman • Moscow, Russia6’0” • Freshman • Moscow, Russia

MattParker

JoaoPoli

BrendanDempsey

14 GWU Men’s Tennis

2012 Statistics

GWU Men’s Tennis 15

2012 Results

16 GWU Men’s Tennis

All-Time Letterwinners-A-

Abrahao, Daniel - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005Alberch, Ernest - 2012Altmayer, Rafael - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010Ates, Korhan - 2011, 2012

-B-Beheler, Jason - 2001Bernthal, Ryan - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009Boozer, Brandon - 2005Brady, Chris - 2005Brown, Aaron - 2001, 2002

-C-Carter, Andrew - 2011Clinard, Brad - 2006Conley, Andrew - 2005Cooper, Matthew - 2001, 2002 -D-

Dempsey, Brendan - 2012Dunlap, Blake - 2012

-E-Edmonds, Bryan - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004Ellis, Kim - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

-F-Ferrier, Taylor - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

-H-Herrock, Matthew - 2010

-K-Kenny, William - 2010Knutsson-Sundblad - 2010, 2011, 2012

-L-Lawlor, Jamie - 2008, 2009 -M-Martin, Stephen - 2012

-O-Osborne, Michael - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

-P-Parker, Matthew - 2010, 2011, 2012Piftor, Roman - 2010, 2011, 2012Pinzon, Miguel - 2009Phillip, Kern - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006Poli, Joao - 2012Proctor, Eric - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

-Q-Quijano, Carlos - 2008, 2009

-R-Ray, Joshua - 2008

-S-Sekulic, Ilija - 2001, 2002, 2003Skelton, Philip - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004Slesarev, Evgeny - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010Stroup, Josh - 2001

-T-Tardiff, Jeremie - 2010

-V-Van Rensburg, Grant - 2007, 2008, 2009Vasques, Roberto - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007Veeder, Andrew - 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011Veiga, Gabe - 2006, 2007

-W-Wadwani, Amit - 2002Weening, Alexander - 2002

CarlosQuijano

GWU Men’s Tennis 17

GWU Administration

Dr. A. Frank Bonner, in his eighth year as President of Gardner-Webb University, took office on May 2, 2005, and was inaugurated on April 6, 2006. Bonner is no stranger to Gardner-Webb, having been a part of the University family since 1987. A native of Greenville, S.C., Bonner graduated from Furman University in 1969, has a M.A. degree from the University of Georgia and earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a faculty member and Associate Dean at Anderson College in Anderson, S.C., prior to beginning his career in Boiling Springs as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1992, Bonner was promoted to provost and senior vice president at Gardner-Webb, a post he held until assuming his current role in 2005. After a comprehensive, national search for the university’s new president, chairman of the presidential search committee and the board of trustees, Frank Beam, said, “We came to the conclusion that we had the most qualified candidate right here at the university.” Bonner succeeded Dr. Frank Campbell, who served Gardner-Webb University as president from October, 2002 until June, 2005. Active in civic life and in the community, Bonner has served on the boards of the United Way, the YMCA, and Communities in Schools, and he serves on the Cleveland County Sports Commission. He is a past chairman of the Cleveland County Chamber, a past president of the Shelby Rotary Club, and a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Baptist Church in Shelby. Bonner is also a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. During Bonner’s time as provost, Gardner-Webb emerged as a vibrant institution for higher learning, officially moving from college to university in 1993. The institution’s academic reputation has steadily improved during Bonner’s time in Boiling Springs, with an outstanding faculty and consistently evolving curriculum. Bonner is married to the former Florence “Flossie” Black of Chester, S.C., also a graduate of Furman University. They are parents of two adult daughters and four grandchildren.

Gardner-Webb alumnus Chuck Burch is in his 16th year as Vice President for Athletics and his 30th year in athletics administration.

The Charlotte, N.C., native spearheaded the Bulldogs move into Division I athletics, which resulted in Gardner-Webb’s addition to the Big South Conference as an associate member for football in 2001, and GWU’s move to the Big South as a full member – which became official on July 1, 2008.

Burch oversees all athletic operations at Gardner-Webb, including management and supervision of athletic programs, facilities and budgets. During his career at GWU, Burch has overseen across-the-board improvements in facilities and the addition of five new sports since arriving in 1997. A sixth sport, men’s swimming was added in 2007-08. Burch is also responsible for continued improvements in the quality and quantity of Gardner-Webb’s athletics staff – with a number of full-time positions created to assist and enhance the entire department.

GWU athletics has seen a steady increase in academic performance since Burch’s arrival, and the department has posted a combined GPA above 3.0 in each of the last two academic years.

Gardner-Webb’s final year in the Atlantic Sun Conference was fruitful, with several notable wins and the usual high number of strong academic performances by the Bulldogs’ student-athletes.

GWU enjoyed its most successful athletics year as a Division I member in 2006-07. Gardner-Webb won its first Atlantic Sun Conference Academic Championship, unseating Belmont University for the title. The Bulldogs also finished third in the men’s and women’s combined sports standings – a very impressive effort in the race for the inaugural Bill Bibb Trophy.

Burch, a graduate of Independence (N.C.) High in Charlotte, and former member of Gardner-Webb’s football team, spent 1991-1997 as Director of Athletics at Liberty (Va.) University, and was instrumental in a successful and well run department in Lynchburg as well. He also served Liberty as Associate Director of Athletics (1988-1990), Assistant Director of Athletics (1984-1988), Sports Information Director (1986-1988) and Assistant Director of Sports Information (1982-1984).

After graduating from Gardner-Webb in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Burch, 52, earned his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1982. His wife, Franki, holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Virginia, and is a member of the faculty at Gardner-Webb.

The couple has three children, Travis, a graduate of Furman University, Danielle, a student at Brevard (N.C.) College, and Amy, a freshman soccer player at High Point University.

Dr. A. Frank Bonner

Chuck Burch

PRESIDENTPRESIDENT V.P. FOR ATHLETICSV.P. FOR ATHLETICS

18 GWU Men’s Tennis

Campus Life Gardner-Webb University’s campus has experienced tremendous growth and improvements to facilities, both academic and athletic, over the past 10 years. The school provides students with an excellent environment for learning and enjoying the college experience to its fullest. One of the newest facilities on campus, the Suttle Wellness Center is one of the most modern facilities of its kind on any campus in America. Whether you’re there to play billiards, ping-pong or air hockey, you can relax with friends in its cozy atmosphere. A spacious area with countless fitness machines and free weights is located in the heart of the building, providing a top-notch facility for aerobic and anaerobic training for the entire student body. The Complex is also home to the legendary Bost Gymnasium, where countless intramural contests are held. University Commons, a set of apartment-style dormitories just adjacent to the beautiful Lake Hollifield Complex, is the newest and most impressive living facility on campus. A cutting-edge concept in on-campus housing, University Commons combines all the amenities of comfortable living – full kitchens, spacious living quarters, washer/dryers, and private bedrooms and baths. Internet connections and instant access to the GWU technology center make living conditions both modern and functional. Six separate buildings comprise University Commons, which has quickly become a popular choice among resident students. The postcard site of the University, the Lake Hollifield Complex, features the most modern bell tower in America on its six-acre facility. Walking trails, a picturesque lake, gazebo and swings are popular features for GWU students, faculty and staff, as well as residents from the surrounding communities. A newer feature of campus, the Broyhill Adventure Course has an impressive ropes course and climbing wall used by church and student groups, businesses and organizations to teach leadership and team-building skills.

Located just beyond Lake Hollifield, the Broyhill Adventure Course is nestled in a wooded area that provides the perfect outdoor setting for physical exercise and activity. The Broyhill Course is one of the many campus features that make Gardner-Webb a nationally recognized character-building institution, an award designated by the Templeton Foundation of Washington, D.C. New technological features on our campus enhance the learning experience for a higher quality student. For example, Gardner-Webb’s Dover Library provides students with all the research and reference tools necessary for undergraduate and graduate educational pursuits. A helpful staff, computer databases, stacks of research materials and NC Live – a special computer system linking library resources from around the world – are all featured. One of the newest buildings on campus is also the oldest. Hamrick Hall, the only building remaining from the original GWU campus, was dormant for several years before being completely refurbished with ultra-modern amenities. It now houses the School of Business, with state-of-the-art computer labs, offices for business faculty and a 310-seat multimedia auditorium. Newly renovated Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, once voted one of the best venues to watch collegiate football in North Carolina, now seats over 7,500 and provides fans with a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a college football Saturday. The brand new football center, opened in September, 2004, houses state-of-the-art offices, locker rooms and a 5,600-square foot weight room which is open to all Gardner-Webb student-athletes. The Webb Tennis Complex features 12 lighted courts, giving the Gardner-Webb tennis program the capabilities to host events and tournaments at all times.The multi-court facility also provides the tennis teams with ample space for practice.

GWU Men’s Tennis 19

Majors Offered

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Perhaps there is no greater time to observe the academic quality of Gardner-Webb University than right now. All of the necessary factors for academic excellence – faculty, students, resources, curriculum – are working in conjunction with one another to gain widespread acclaim from alumni, friends, trustees, the media and the community. Over 130 full-time faculty members comprise a group of educators at GWU being heralded as the "premiere class of instructors ever assembled at the University." Over 80 percent of the faculty hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, and many boast of well-documented activities in the business and professional worlds. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, Gardner-Webb is able to provide personal instruction to its students, who now number over 3,900, making Gardner-Webb the fifth-largest private institution in North Carolina. New technological features in our library enhance the learning experience for a higher quality student. The incoming freshman class this year averaged over 1020 on the SAT and a 3.5 GPA.

AccountingAmerican Sign LanguageArtAthletic TrainingBiologyBusiness AdministrationChemistryCommunicationsComputer ScienceElementary Education (K-6)EnglishFinanceFrenchHealth & WellnessHistoryInternational BusinessJournalismManagement Information SystemsMathematicsMedical TechnologyMiddle School Education (6-9)Music BusinessMusic CompositionMusic EducationMusic PerformanceNursingPhysical EducationPhysician AssistantPolitical SciencePsychologyReligious StudiesSacred MusicSocial ScienceSociologySpanishSports ManagementTheater Arts

SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

GOAL PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science in:AccountingBusiness AdministrationCriminal JusticeHealth ManagementHuman ServicesManagement Information SystemsNursingReligious Studies

M.A. in Mental Health CounsellingM.A. in Elementary Education (K-6)M.A. in EnglishM.A. in English Education (K-6)M.A. in Middle Grades Education (9-12)M.A. in NursingM.A. in School Administration (K-12)M.A. in School CounselingM.A. in Sport Science & Pedagogy

MBA in Business AdministrationM.Acc. in AccountingI.MBA in International Business

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)M.D M.Div. in Christian EducationM.Div. in Church MusicM.Div/MBAM.Div. in MissiologyM.Div. in Pastoral Care and Counseling

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS OFFERED

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)