Lead Academic Success Advisor, Student-Athlete Focus

The Academic Services for Student-Athletes role provides comprehensive support to ensure the holistic success and eligibility of Gardner-Webb University students. While this position serves as the primary point of contact for student-athlete academic services, it functions as a collaborative member of the Division of Student Success. As such, the individual will maintain a diverse advising portfolio that includes Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIESAthletic Academic ServicesPrimary Advisor of Record:

Serve as the lead advisor for assigned undeclared student-athletes and secondary success coach for all student-athletes.

Performance Monitoring:

Conduct weekly meetings with at-risk student-athletes to review grades, syllabi, task sheets, and academic "gameplans".

Compliance & Certification:

Monitor NCAA and GWU satisfactory progress requirements; assist the Registrar and Compliance Office with athletic certification and banner coding.

Administrative Logistics:

Collect travel schedules from coaches to develop faculty travel letters and manage course withdrawal documentation.

Recruitment:

Assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes by presenting academic support services.

Integrated University Advising (TUG & Online)

Cross-Modal Advising:

Serve as a designated academic advisor for Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) and GWU Online students, ensuring high-quality guidance regardless of the students delivery mode.

Retention & Success:

Utilize proactive advising strategies to support retention for both campus-based and distance learners.

Resource Navigation:

Communicate and recommend university resources (Noel Center, Financial Planning, International Student Office, etc.) to all student populations.

Programming & DevelopmentHolistic Growth:

Enhance student wellness through mentorship, leadership training, and professional development workshops.

Campus Integration:

Develop plans to increase student-athlete involvement in the broader campus community.

Committee Service:

Attend departmental meetings and serve on campus committees to represent the interests of Student Success.

SUPERVISORY

RESPONSIBILITIESGraduate Assistants; Interns/Student Employees (as needed).EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCERequired:

Bachelors Degree in education or a related field.

Preferred:

2 years of related work or training. Experience as a student-athlete is a significant plus.

Advising Versatility:

Previous experience or a strong desire to work with diverse student populations, including online students and traditional campus students.

OTHER PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Technical Proficiency:

Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite and campus-wide databases (e.g., Banner, Cornerstone).

Mission Alignment:

Willingness to contribute to Gardner-Webb Universitys Christian mission and the Division of Student Success values: access, empowerment, inclusivity, partnership, and growth.

Relational Excellence:

Strong "customer-friendly" skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to handle confidential information (FERPA) with professional integrity.

Competitive Benefits:

Retirement matchingTuition remissionHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceShort term/long term disabilityLife insurancePaid time offPaid sick leave17 paid holidaysWellness opportunitiesOn-campus health centerGardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.