Gardner–Webb University (also known as Gardner–Webb, GWU, or GW) is a private, four-year university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, United States, 50 miles (80 km) west of Charlotte. Originally founded in 1905 as Boiling Springs High School, Gardner-Webb has steadily grown its academic programs, student body, physical campus, and community relationships to become a nationally-recognized leader in Christian higher education. Gardner-Webb University has experienced remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity. The institution began as a boarding high school and later became a junior college. Today Gardner-Webb is a thriving regional university with growing master's and doctoral programs.