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Columbia, SC (April 19, 2023) 91������’s (NGU) Grace Myers was recognized by the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA) as the 2022 Public Relations Student of the Year on Wednesday at the Mercury Awards Ceremony and Professional Development Conference held in Columbia.

A summa cum laude December 2022 graduate, Myers is the first 91������student to receive the honor.

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition from the SCPRSA,” she said. “I’m so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to find success in my passion. However, I can’t acknowledge this award without also acknowledging North Greenville’s School of Communication for its guidance during my college career. Every single one of my professors continuously poured into me and encouraged me to always aim higher in everything I set out to do.”

According to the SCPRSA, the award is presented to an “outstanding student who shows exceptional promise as a future PR practitioner.”

“When I met Grace two and a half years ago on the first day of my Principles of Public Relations course, she impressed me with her quick understanding of the profession and her courageous drive to improve the world around her,” said Ansley Welchel, APR, communication instructor at NGU. “Grace demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the field of public relations, always seeking extra professional development and opportunities to apply her PR skills to the communication needs she recognizes on campus to support her peers and the University overall.”

Myers currently serves Infinity Marketing full-time as their Social Media Coordinator. Infinity is an integrated marketing agency based in Greenville.

“Grace displayed excellence in the classroom and all professional endeavors during her years in our communication program – from student media to internships to student engagement and campus life,” said Dr. Randall E. King, associate dean for NGU’s School of Communication. “She has embraced and modeled the many ways a strategic communicator becomes a transformational leader.”

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC (April 12, 2023) 91������ graduate Bob Richey, whose Furman Paladins claimed the national spotlight by advancing to the second round of the 2023 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship Tournament, will deliver the Address at NGU’s Spring Commencement Exercises on May 5 at Younts Stadium in Tigerville.

“Having one of our own alumni who has demonstrated how to live out God-honoring values in the national spotlight come back to deliver the Commencement Address is a special opportunity for our community,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are delighted that Coach Richey will be speaking as one who has been in the same place as our graduates are in right now.

91������anticipates conferring degrees on 287 graduates during Spring Commencement ceremonies, which cap the academic year at the private university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Richey has been at the helm of the Furman men’s basketball program for six years, after serving six years as an assistant coach for the team. He has guided Furman to a 139-54 overall record over the past six years. The .720 winning percentage ranks in the top 20 among all active Division I head coaches.

Reared in Florence, SC, Richey attended Florence Christian School, where he led the basketball team to a 28-2 record and state championship his senior year. He played college basketball at Tennessee Temple University before moving to North Greenville.

Richey graduated summa cum laude from 91������in May of 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He was an assistant coach at Charleston Southern University for five years before returning to the Upstate to join the Furman staff.

After a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer in the 2022 Southern Conference tournament championship game, Furman won the 2023 conference tournament to qualify for the NCAA Division I Tournament. The #13 seed Paladins kicked off March Madness with a 68-67 upset of #4 seed Virginia in the South Region first round before falling to eventual national runner-up San Diego State University. Finishing with a 28-8 record, Richey’s squad set a school record for wins in a season. Despite national acclaim, Richey declined to move to a larger NCAA program after the season, opting to remain with Furman.

Richey met his wife, the former Jessica Tingle, while they were students at NGU. They were married in April 2007 and have three children, Audrey Gabrielle, Robert McIntire “Mac,” and Jacks Berner. The Richeys are members of Downtown Presbyterian Church in Greenville.

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC (April 12, 2023) 91������Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” April 13-15 and April 20-22 at The Billingsley Theatre. Showings will begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly.

“This is a play about love and how humans are led around by their hearts. Often that can lead us astray and into mischief,” said Director Amy Dunlap, associate dean for the School of the Arts at 91������. “It’s a play about mistaken identity and the foolishness of giving our hearts away before we know what we’re doing.”

One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedic works, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is accessible and easy to follow, according to Dunlap.

“It’s a show that people really like and are familiar with,” she said. “In our department, we try to do something from Shakespeare every other year to expose our students to the magnificence of the work and the amazing opportunities to experience heightened language and rich, fully-developed characters.”

“The script is very funny,” Dunlap continued. “We’ve had to stop rehearsals many times because the actors are laughing so hard they can’t get themselves back under control. We’re hoping the audiences will experience that as well.”

The cast features: Chappie Stanley (Theseus, Duke of Athens), Katherine Liederbach (Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons), Collin McCarter (Egeus, father to Hermia), Ben Howard (Philostrate, Master of Revels), Carmen Wells (Hermia, daughter to Egeus), Lydia Kytle (Helena), Josh Gasdia (Lysander), Jacob Jones (Demetrius), Abigail Thomas (Quince, a Carpenter; Prologue), Caleb Wright (Snug, a Joiner; Lion), Logan Stewart (Bottom, a Weaver; Pyramus), Seth Atkins (Flute, a Bellows-mender; Thisby), Keely Lyons (Starveling, a Tailor; Moonshine), Sarah Delanuez (Snout, a Tinker; Wall), Dylan Thompson (Oberon, King of Fairies), Alyse Barrett (Titania, Queen of Fairies), Kale Morse (Puck, or Robin Goodfellow), Meghan Mosher (Peaseblossom, a fairy), Chloe Holmes (Cobweb, a fairy), Isabelle Western (Moth, a fairy), Gabby Godoy (Mustardseed, a fairy), Hannah Lewis (Firefly, a fairy), and Jenna Hansard (Snout, understudy).

Directed by Dunlap, the crew for the production consists of Dr. Bess Park (set and lighting design), David Vierow (technical director), Cynthia Lohrmann (costume designer), Liam Riley (assistant to the costume designer), Mikey Murray (dramaturg, sound board operator), Renee Drake (make-up/hair designer, graphic designer, costume assistant), Sarah-Parker Martin (sound designer, house manager), MJ Greene (dramaturg), Alyse Barrett (assistant to the scenic designer), Isabelle Western (prop master, make-up assistant), Meghan Frady (assistant stage manager), Emery Powell (stage manager), Meredith Wirth (light board operator), Abigail Thomas (harpist), Jacob Jones (fight captain), Keely Lyons (make-up assistant), Jenna Hansard (scenic charge), and Anna Faith Major (assistant house manager).

Dunlap said she is excited to bring this Shakespearean classic to life.

“Sometimes, when people read Shakespeare in a high school English class, they’re really bored, or they just don’t get it, or they can’t follow the language,” Dunlap said. “The truth is, Shakespeare wasn’t meant to be read. It was meant to be performed. You can’t really get a full grasp of what the text means until you see it on its feet.”

“The students just love what they do and have a passion for it. That shines through in all the productions that we do,” she said.

With biblical themes throughout the play, Dunlap said 91������is the perfect place to tell this story.

“We have a perspective of redemption and recognizing God in all that we do,” she said. “’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is not an overtly Christian piece, but it has themes of forgiveness and the difference between God’s love and human love. Being able to recognize these themes in all that we do makes us uniquely situated to touch people’s lives in a different way.”

To purchase tickets to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” click .

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC (April 11, 2023) Fifty-nine 91������ (NGU) students, faculty, and staff traveled to Florida, Ecuador, and the Middle East during Spring Break in March, teaching English, sharing the gospel, and engaging with diverse urban communities.

A team of 19 traveled to Miami to evangelize in a city that is not only the third-richest metropolis in America, but it is also one with a 25% poverty rate. Students worked alongside members of local churches.

“Students learned from local pastors and missionaries who are living out the gospel in Miami about how to best share the gospel and begin gospel conversations in a uniquely diverse environment,” said Crystalyn Wyatt, associate director of the Institute for Global Leadership.

A particularly important goal of the trip, according to Wyatt, was “to discover ways of connecting individuals to the local church for on-going evangelism and long-term discipleship.”

Miami team members included Jacob Ertter, Brittany Hendricks, Brett Plyler, Mallory Arp, Noah Cole, Taylor French, Daniel Fulton, Shannon Hardin, Abigail Hepner, Michaela Lanier, Caleb Jeremiah Ledley, Katherine Palm, Chad Stratton, Natalie Taylor, Kyleigh Tokar, Espi Williams, Abigail Wilson, Aubrey Winstead, and Keagan Yarboro.

The 91������Ecuador team had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Amazon Rainforest with the Waodoni tribe. They learned about the Waodoni’s way of life, encouraged believers, and experienced what it was like to be part of God’s global church.

“Students had the opportunity to learn and grow in their understanding of short-term mission with long-term impact. They were challenged on how to adapt to a new culture, conquer a language barrier, and rely on God when outside of their comfort-zone,” said Wyatt. “A few students also had the opportunity to share the gospel with the Waodoni and with other people in Ecuador.”

Wyatt was part of the Ecuador team, which also included Connor Graves, Hannah Staubs, Jaylan Brinson, Benjamin Bullard, Andrew Eaton, Ivy Emmerson, Haleigh Fields, Graham Ford, Morgan Funderburk, Dylan Gunton, Tessa Haack, Holly Hines, Hayden Jamison, Silas Jennings, Lexie Keiseler, Naomi Kreloff, Emma Lankford, Andrew Layne, Morgan Martin, Claira Mayhall, Abigail Staubs, and Abbey Williams.

Graham Ford, a junior digital media major from Gaffney, said Ecuador offered a unique learning experience.

“Being with the tribe for four days in the jungle was challenging at times, but they were so gracious and helpful the entire time. Watching the way the tribe was so patient with us was truly something that I will carry with me and try to replicate,” Ford said, “because even when we didn’t know what we were doing, they would correct us and teach us in the most loving way. They were reflections of Christ in that.”

A 91������team also traveled to the Middle East to work with a local school, teaching English and encouraging the local teachers, staff, and administrators by providing much-needed school supplies and hosting a teacher appreciation banquet. Team members worked on building relationships with students and teachers in the school, and visited in local homes to demonstrate the love of Jesus and to seek opportunities to share about their faith in a place that does not encourage Christian witness.

Allen McWhite, executive director for the Institute for Global Leadership and team leader said, “This was a deep-level immersion into an area of the world that is dominated by another major world religion. This particular trip was part of a strategic partnership with this school that has been on-going for the past 11 years. This was our first trip back since COVID interrupted this partnership in 2020.”

McWhite accompanied 91������students Shelbee Bryant, Shane Carpenter, Heather Cox, Ruthie Evans, Callie Gray, Marcus Hermanstyne, Rachel Johnson, Timothy Korneychuk, Abby McGillis, Noah Murphy, Abby Pollard, Jordan Pracht, Braden Shuffer, Emily Snodgrass, Emily Weaver, and Kristen Wilke.

Shelbee Bryant, a junior Intercultural Studies major from Salisbury, NC, said it was an eye-opening experience to be in the Middle East during the daily calls to prayer.

“I think the best way to sum it up is to quote Dr. McWhite. He said, ‘Jesus called us to be the light of the world, not the light of the Church.’ This is why our impact as believers was more evident there than in places like Tigerville, SC, that are clearly reached with the gospel,” Bryant said.

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.

Tigerville, SC (March 31, 2023) 91������ (NGU) hosted the Upstate Homeschool Science Fair earlier this month, providing students of all ages with an opportunity to present projects and demonstrations at various skill levels.

“We are a collaborative group that works collectively to plan events, field trips, clubs, and so much more to benefit our children and their schooling journey,” said Jessica Silva with the Homeschool Community of the Upstate. “With Co-ops, Homeschool Associations, Classes, Tutoring Programs, and so much more represented at this event, it is an opportunity for learning, growth, and coming together to meet like-minded people and maybe some new friends.”

Students were encouraged to “show and share” what they were learning at the event, which was designed to fill a need within the community.

“Many parents love the camaraderie of larger events but sacrifice the possibility of that when they choose to homeschool,” Silva said. “One of our many goals is to remove that barrier and feeling of sacrifice by incorporating large events.”

The Homeschool Community of the Upstate will host an Expo at NGU’s Tigerville campus on June 1 from 4-8 p.m.

“It is an event offered to fully immerse parents in the offerings of the Upstate to our Homeschooling Families at large,” Silva said. “It can often be overwhelming to jump into Homeschooling headfirst, as many parents do. This is a chance to show parents they aren’t doing this alone.”

Silva said the Homeschool Community of the Upstate would be looking to incorporate more large-scale events in the future.

“We have a new club program being offered on Thursdays, and we look forward to that continuing next fall,” she said. “We are so grateful to the volunteers, board members, and parents who put so much energy and effort into these events and ensuring cohesion for our children.”

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC (March 31, 2023) Featuring essays from dozens of evangelical leaders, “A Handbook of Theology” will be released on April 1. The handbook will serve as a reference work for pastors, students, and those in ministry.

“We invited almost 50 contributors to participate in this project. Some of them are younger scholars and others are leading scholars in their respective fields. Each entry offers a summary of the topic along with recommended readings for further study,” said 91������ Provost Dr. Nathan A. Finn, who serves as one of the book’s three editors, alongside Dr. Daniel L. Akin, and Dr. David S. Dockery.

“Our goal was not to go as deep as we could on any topic, but to provide a helpful entryway into each topic,” he said.

The book is divided into six parts: Theological Foundations; Types of Theology; Theology, History, and Geography, Christian Doctrines; Theology and the Christian Life; and Theology and Culture. The entries cover a wide range of topics, such as: God’s existence, systematic theology, global theology, the Trinity, spiritual formation and discipleship, and racial reconciliation.

“Because God is the ultimate Object of study in theology, learning theology should help us to love Him more, love the church more, and love the spiritually lost more,” Finn said. “It is especially true that Christian leaders should have a firm foundation in sound doctrine so that they can both be mature in their faith and help others to love and follow the Lord.”

In addition to his role as an editor, Finn contributed an entry on Sanctification. NGU’s Dr. Matthew Wireman, Associate Dean for the School of Ministry, wrote on the topic of Glorification.

“There are entries on the various categories of theology, the classical doctrines, and the intersection of theology with other topics,” Finn said. “We believe this is the most extensive theological handbook of its kind written from an evangelical perspective.”

Finn emphasized that the study of theology should not merely be academic in nature.

“I tell both students and church groups that while theology is certainly an academic discipline, it is not intended primarily for the academy,” Finn said. “Theology is ultimately thinking rightly about God and His world for the sake of living rightly before God in His world.”

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Photo by Anthony Stone

Tigerville, SC (March 16, 2023) 91������’s (NGU) band will swap its traditional red and black attire for something a little more purple on Thursday.

Led by 91������Band Directors Gary Rhoden and Dr. Darian Washington, 21 91������students and seven Furman students will play the fight song for the Paladins as the Furman men’s basketball team takes the court against fourth-seeded Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Orlando, Florida.

The North Greenville band is filling in for Furman’s band, which is playing in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland this week.

“In late January, we got a call that we might be needed,” Rhoden said. “Once we got the go-ahead on our end, I asked the kids if they wanted to go. There was a pretty enthusiastic ‘yes.’”

Furman’s trip to Ireland had been planned for more than two years, so when the Paladins concluded a stellar 27-7 season and secured an NCAA Tournament appearance, they knew needed some help from their neighbors.

“We’re so close. While Furman is a Division I school and 91������is a Division II school, we’re just 20 minutes down the road,” Rhoden said. “As far as the band world goes, there’s not enough of us to not help each other out. We have to be there when somebody needs help. The Furman basketball team needed somebody, and we were happy to step in.”

Knowing a trip to Orlando was on the line, the 91������band might’ve been cheering harder for Furman than they typically do during the Southern Conference championship game.

“The students actually had a watch party in the lobby of the music building,” he said. “There was definitely a big reaction.”

NGU’s band led Paladin fans during the selection show on Sunday, and hopped on a plane with the team on Tuesday.

“It’s been a whirlwind. We’ve never done anything with the NCAA on this scale. It’s a lot of being told where to go and what to do. We’ve just been holding on for the ride,” Rhoden said.

“I’m so happy for the students,” Washington added. “A lot of them have never been on a plane before and this is the biggest crowd they’ve played in front of in their lives. It’s a wonderful experience for them and they’re having a wonderful time.”

With North Greenville alum Bob Richey (’06) coaching the Paladins and Rhoden, a Furman alum, leading the marching band, the connection between the two schools runs deep.

“It’s crazy how this turned out. I can only thank the good Lord that He’s put me in a position to do something like this,” he said. “I never thought in a million years that I would be taking the Furman band and the 91������band to Orlando to play at the NCAA tournament, but it’s an exciting thing for our students.”

While NGU’s band will be wearing purple on Thursday, they’ll be adding their own flair to the performance.

“We’ve learned some of what Furman does. We’ve got some rehearsals planned to get some things ironed out, but by and large, this is still the North Greenville band,” Rhoden said. “We’re going to be doing a lot of the things we do at home, because it’s what we do well.”

Rhoden and Washington hope the band’s efforts are enough to lead Furman to an upset victory over the Cavaliers.

“The students are ready,” Washington said. “We know we’re a Division II school, but we want to show everyone that we’re prepared and we’re just as good.”

“We’re just happy to be here. I would love for Furman to become the upset darlings and for us to play two games down here. That plane ride back would be crazy,” Rhoden added.

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC (March 9, 2023) Tri-County Technical College and 91������ (NGU) officials signed a first-of-its-kind articulation agreement this week that enables the transfer of Tri-County students to NGU’s Educational Studies online bachelor’s degree program.

What makes this partnership unique is that all course credits associated with Tri-County’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Care and Education degree program transfer to NGU’s Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree program. Plus, Tri-County students who transfer to NGU’s online bachelor’s degree program are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition. The flexibility associated with online courses is particularly valuable to Tri-County students who are often balancing school with work and family obligations.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues at Tri-County Technical College,” said 91������Provost Dr. Nathan Finn. “There is a critical need in South Carolina for more teachers in our public schools. Through this strategic partnership, prospective teachers will have access to an affordable and flexible education, which will in turn enable them to invest in the next generation as early childhood educators.”

Early childhood education professionals play a critical role in helping children ages birth to eight develop a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities. Early childhood education encompasses a wide variety of activities aimed at promoting a child’s cognitive and social development.

“Early childhood education is an essential building block of a child’s future success, and the demand for these types of educators continues to grow,” said Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of TCTC’s Business and Public Services Division.

According to the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, employment in the childcare sector continues to lag behind overall employment. In fact, childcare employment today is 5.5% below what it was in February 2020. At the local level, there is a steady and rising demand for early education professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s employment projections website, the number of childcare positions in South Carolina is expected to grow by 7.7% between 2020 and 2030, and the number of kindergarten teachers (except special education) is expected to grow by 9.9%.

“As a community college, it is Tri-County’s role to meet the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Blakley. “We are proud to partner with 91������ to create a pipeline of early childhood educators who can serve our region while ensuring a seamless transition for our students.”

Twenty-two-year-old Ciera Dudziak of Anderson will graduate from Tri-County this spring with her A.A.S. degree in Early Care and Education and has already been accepted into NGU’s online bachelor’s degree program.

“I work two jobs, so NGU’s online program works well for me because of the flexibility it offers, plus they accept all of my course credits,” said Dudziak. “91������also has paid internship opportunities, which I can do in Anderson, which is another big highlight for me.” 

Once Dudziak completes the online bachelor’s degree program at NGU, she is eligible to sit for the Early Childhood Education Praxis exam. Upon passing the exam, she is certified to teach in a public school or other setting such as a child care center, afterschool program, Early Head Start or Head Start. Her goal is to teach in a kindergarten classroom in Anderson.

To learn more about Tri-County’s A.A.S. in Early Care and Education program and the transfer agreement, visit .

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. To learn more, visit ngu.edu.

About Tri-County Technical College

Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, industrial electronics, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit .

91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., (left) and CSU President Dr. Dondi E. Costin (right) unite to cheer for their students competing for the Czech Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Tigerville, SC (March 7, 2023) When the World Baseball Classic begins March 8, the global tournament will feature 600 players on teams representing 20 nations, including a bevy of Major League Baseball stars, and two standouts currently playing for South Carolina Baptist universities.

91������’s Marek Chlup and Charleston Southern University’s Daniel Padysak are members of the Czech Republic’s team which starts play in the Tokyo Dome on March 9. They are in a five-team pool which could well put Chlup, 2022 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, in the batter’s box versus MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Or Padysak, a right-handed pitcher, could be on the mound versus the Japanese phenom.

Having two student-athletes representing their institutions on the international stage is a milestone the presidents of CSU and 91������are enjoying.

“We often talk about how our universities impact the world, how our campuses receive students from around the globe who come to be built up and are then sent to the ends of the earth,” said CSU President Dr. Dondi E. Costin. “The fact that both North Greenville and Charleston Southern have student-athletes playing in the World Baseball Classic is extraordinary and demonstrates that God’s hand is on both our universities.”

“College athletics are a front door to our institutions for so many people, so the attention these young men are receiving is special for us, too,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are delighted to see Marek and Daniel on the global stage this spring. Like the rest of our students, we want them to be equipped for every opportunity, and to understand that their exceptional talents are a gift from God.”

Chlup, 23, is a 6-4 outfielder from Cesky Dub, Czech Republic. He will be seeking a second championship in less than 10 months, as he was on the field when 91������won the 2022 NCAA Division II World Series last June. He helped his home country’s team qualify for the World Baseball Classic with a home run in a 3-1 victory over Spain last fall.

“Marek is a great teammate and an outstanding individual,” said 91������Head Coach Landon Powell. “He has adapted well to our campus community and is a key part of our team’s overall success. We are excited for him to have this opportunity.”

Padysak, a 6-5 hurler from Prague, is no stranger to international competition. The 23-year-old represented his home country in the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers. He had pitched 10 shutout innings for the Buccaneers this season – with a 1-0 record and a save – before heading to Japan for the WBC.

“What a terrific experience for Daniel not only to represent his country but also to compete on such a stage against some of the best in the world,” said CSU Head Coach Marc MacMillian. “I know he’s excited, and we are happy to support this opportunity.”

The 2023 WBC is the fifth-ever, after the international competition started in 2006. It is the first since the United States won the title in 2017. Pool play will be March 8-15 in Tokyo; Taichung, Taiwan; Phoenix, AZ, and Miami, FL. The semifinals are March 19-20 at loanDepot Park in Miami, with the championship game slated for March 21. For more information, visit mlb.com/world-baseball-classic.

“It is, indeed, fun to list the names of some of the WBC participants,” said President Fant. “Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Daniel Padysak, Marek Chlup, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw are all competing in the same global tournament. The founders of CSU and 91������could not have imagined their students in this arena.”

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.