Gardner Webb University - Web / Anchor Yearbook (Boiling Springs, NC)

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Academic Dean Comments. Thomas J. McGraw ACCREDITATION In October Dr. Poston, Mr. Mack and I appeared before a committee to talk about the committee ' s visit in the spring of 1970. It was our job to relate to them what accomplish- ments had been made during the summer and fall of 1970. A good many of the suggestions made by the committee have been accom- plished, but there are many of them which can ' t be accomplished over- night. I believe that the quantitative demands can be met; such as the number of books in the library, the teacher - student ratio, and the number of seating spaces in the classrooms, in the library, and for assembly purposes. The main dif- ficulty is to convince the committee that what we are doing has educa- - fi ,gLTOOIIASi.»« MI tional value. This will be done by presenting a total picture and not just one specific facet of school life. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS I feel that we are getting a higher quality of students but that the ac- ademic requirements have not been raised. I hope we will always be willing to take students who might not meet the requirements of college preparation and give them a chance, especially those in this community. ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES As far as receiving a liberal arts education, a student has ample opportunity here as at any other liberal arts institution. After all, a student can make what he wants to out of Gardner - Webb. Students here receive in direct proportion to what they put out. ACADEMIC STRUCTURE We ' ll go through a period of finding out what we are and what we can do for ourselves. The academic structure will remain liberal arts. We will continue to have a heavy emphasis on business and teacher certification. I believe a liberal arts institution is more in keeping with a Christian institution than any other type of institution. This does not mean that we will not use new innovations. We will innovate when and where we have to, to give the students the best possible educa- tion. 24 Administration

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NUMBER OF STUDENTS We are working toward a student body of 1800. Of course, we want to make sure we have faculty to provide the best instruction and the physical plant to provide the needs of such a student body. ATTRACTING STUDENTS Our main assets include low faculty to student ratio, a dedicated facul- ty, and a guarantee that students will have a chance to get an edu- cation. STUDENT OPINION The student is the only factual source of student opinion. We urge our faculty to continually associate with the students, and to stay alert to the opinions of the students. I have personally found that I can learn much by talking with stu- dents. PROPOSED STRUCTURES We are in the process of planning and building a new chapel. We hope to start work in early 1971 on the new library and also the con- version of the present library into a classroom building. The Webb Administration Building will be doubled in size sometime in late 1971 and early 1972. A new men ' s dormitory will be constructed in 1972. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES The students have voting privileges on committees. We need and solicit the ideas of students in committee work. We feel that this will give our students a chance to learn the problems and functions of a col- lege. No students are on the Board of Trustees, but we hope to have some in the future. SOCIAL LIFE There is not a doubt in my mind that it needs improving. There is too little social life and students will have to carry a major share of the responsibility in providing this needed improvement. ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY Every college should upgrade the educational, cultural, social and spiritual level of the community in which it is located. This should be even more so in the case of a Christian college. The entire col- lege family should keep its eyes open to opportunities to make con- tributions to the advancement of the community. ECOLOGY I do not feel that any of us are aware enough of the problems which face the world community. However, I believe there will be an increasing concern in all areas as the student body matures. RESPONSIBILITIES AND GOALS I must never lose sight of the fact that Gardner Webb is a Christian college dedicated to providing a Christian education. As President I feel that I must continually impress upon our entire college family the importance and responsibility of serving the churches of the area and even more important, serving our Lord. My main goal is to see a distinct Christian atmosphere permeate the whole life of the col- lege. Administration 23

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I x Top Mrs. Dorothy Edwards, Registrar Left Mr. Robert Abrams, Director of Admissions Administration 25