UNEDITED NEWS RELEASE — BOILING SPRINGS, NC – “We need to intensify the University's efforts in development and, most important, secure the endowment and significant financial resources necessary to realize our vision of a great future for Gardner-Webb University.” In that respect, Dr. A. Frank Bonner named a new member to the Gardner-Webb senior staff. “I am announcing the appointment of Steve Varley as Vice President for Development. Steve has already proven himself to be a highly capable chief development officer, and it is an honor to name him to this position,” added Bonner.
Varley will be responsible for every aspect of fund-raising for the University including; Major Gifts, Planned Giving, the Annual Fund, Bulldog Club, and capital campaigns. “I am delighted at the opportunity. I have a great love for the University and am so glad to have the chance to make important contributions in this role,” said Varley.
Varley has served Gardner-Webb since 1998 in numerous capacities. Those positions included; Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations, Director of Printing and Publications, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Webmaster and faculty member in the School of Business. “I suppose it sounds a bit idealistic, but I really believe in the core values that Gardner-Webb espouses: service to God and others, lifelong learning, and the honest study of what it means to be a person of faith,” added Varley. “What strikes me is how often I run into other people who think the same way. Those core values are really relevant today and I think people want to support them.”
A native of New Bern, NC, Varley earned magna cum laude honors from Chowan University with an undergraduate degree in Printing Production and Imaging Technology. He was awarded a Masters of Business Administration degree from Gardner-Webb and has completed additional graduate studies in the Gardner-Webb School of Divinity and the English program. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Clemson University. Varley has also been named as the incoming Marketing Division Chair for the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce.
Varley begins his duties as Vice President for Development immediately. “Steve is energetic, efficient, bright and motivated and we have great expectations for his role in Gardner-Webb development. Steve has already been actively involved in numerous development issues at Gardner-Webb and we are fortunate to have him in this key administrative position, “ noted Bonner.
Varley fills a position previously held by Dr. David Boan who passed away after sustaining serious injuries from an automobile accident last summer. Boan had served in that position since March.
Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb University is home to nearly 4,000 students from 34 states and 33 foreign countries. Founded in 1905, Gardner-Webb provides exceptional educational opportunities within a Christian environment.
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