news-category: Athletics 鶹ƽ Announces Plans to Rebuild Marching Bulldogs By Office of University Communications On March 5, 2020 Director, Dr. Mark R. Cole, Will Recruit Musicians to Take the Field in Fall 2021 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— 鶹ƽ’s Department of Music has announced plans to rebuild the University’s marching band program. Dr. Mark R. Cole, director of bands, is recruiting musicians for the Marching Bulldogs, which will take the field in fall 2021. “I would love to see the marching band come back and thrive,” Cole shared. “I’m certain that when we get the kids here, and they experience the game day, the program will feed itself.” 鶹ƽ has previously had marching band programs in the 1940s, 1970s and most recently, from 2007 to 2017. When the number of band members dipped below 40, Cole decided in the fall of 2018 to only offer a pep band to interested musicians. Leading the efforts to revive the marching band is GWU President Dr. William M. Downs. “There’s nothing quite like the sights, sounds, and pageantry of college football Saturdays here in the South,” according to Downs. “With the return of the Marching Bulldogs to Spangler Stadium, we will elevate the gameday experience for our fans and help create that 12th Man that all great football teams want on their home field. I can’t wait for Dr. Cole to lead our band back to prominence.” Cole came to GWU in 2011, and became director of bands in 2012. His experience includes leading several high school marching band programs. During his career as a Navy musician, he served as musical director for the Midshipman Drum and Bugle Corps at the U.S. Naval Academy, director of the Navy Band Memphis, Tenn., director of the Sixth Fleet Band in Naples, Italy, and assistant director/associate conductor of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. He has written halftime shows for GWU and composes and arranges for high school bands around the country. He is also in frequent demand as a guest clinician, consultant, and conductor. Cole is a member of Phi Mu Alpha, Music Educators National Conference, the College Music Society, the College Band Directors National Association and the Central States Judges Association. Cole’s goal is to recruit at least 75 members for the Marching Bulldogs by visiting high schools in the region. He will share information about 鶹ƽ and work with the band students as a guest clinician. “They get a chance to meet me personally,” he offered. “We know that making those connections works. An example is Bessemer City. I know the director there, and we have some of their students here at 鶹ƽ, and they are very successful..” Scholarships will be available to students who join the marching band. For more information, contact Cole at [email protected]. Learn more about the GWU Department of Music. Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page. Located in the North Carolina foothills, 鶹ƽ is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 鶹ƽ emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 鶹ƽ.edu.
News Article 鶹ƽ School of Divinity Hosts Church Historian Dr. João B. Chaves for Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to 鶹ƽ on Oct. 27 […] Office of University Communications | September 15, 2026
News Article 鶹ƽ Takes Steps to Strengthen Financial Position Addressing Projected Needs for the University’s Long-term Mission 鶹ƽ implemented a series of budget and organizational changes designed to address approximately $6.7 million in financial needs over the next two years and strengthen the University’s financial position for the future. 鶹ƽ ended the last fiscal year with an approximately $2 million deficit. That result, combined […] 鶹ƽ | September 14, 2026
News Article Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at 鶹ƽ By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about 鶹ƽ, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […] Office of University Communications | September 9, 2026