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Tigerville, S.C. (January 24, 2023) 91������ (NGU) students, faculty, and staff came together to serve Soteria Community Development Corporation during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service on January 16.

Soteria CDC, a Christian ministry helping former prisoners transition back into society with job training, temporary housing, and discipleship programs, recently experienced a fire at its property in Greenville. Volunteers used a portion of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to assist with clean-up efforts.  

“It felt good to represent 91������as we blessed another local Christian organization,” said Dr. Paul Thompson, Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences at NGU. “I hope 91������can continue some kind of community outreach annually on this special day.”

Dr. Feliccia Smith, Professor of Management for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at NGU, said service efforts like this one move the community closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

“The MLK Day of Service has garnered a lot of traction and has grown steadily in recent years because of its focus on encouraging and empowering Americans to participate in community service,” Smith said. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers engage in projects such as tutoring and mentoring children, painting schools and senior centers, delivering meals, building homes, and reflecting on Dr. King’s life and teachings. I’m certainly glad that North Greenville’s faculty, students, and staff were able to volunteer and affect change in our community by providing direct services to the Soteria Community Development Corporation.”

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

Jeff Smith (’21) spent more than 28 years with the Greer Police Department.

Tigerville, S.C. (January 10, 2023) Over the course of a 28-year career in law enforcement, Jeff Smith served in a variety of roles. From Traffic Team Corporal to Sergeant of Community Policing, Smith spent time working on the crisis intervention team, emergency response team and criminal apprehension team at the Greer Police Department.

Now the Director of Campus Safety and Security at 91������ (NGU), Smith believes his experience in the field will help him be successful in his new role.

“My goal is to be morally, ethically and legally pure. If we can work under those three umbrellas, we’re doing things right,” he said. “I want to take something I believe is good and make it better. I want us to have a professional image and conduct ourselves with respect and empathy to others. We have a commitment to community.”

Smith retired from the Greer Police Department in 2022, joining 91������in November. As the Director of Campus Safety and Security, he oversees daily operations and special events at the university.

“God blessed me with this position,” Smith said. “His timing is perfect and he opened this door for me.”

Smith said he continues to prioritize relationship building and community involvement.

“I’ve always been about building relationships,” he said. “We don’t want to be simply riding around in patrol cars thinking that we’re doing good. You have to park those patrol cars, get out and mingle with students and staff. You don’t build relationships from a cruiser. You have to get to know people to understand what their needs are.

“Yes, we have to enforce standards and regulations, but I don’t want that to be all the students, staff and visitors see us doing,” Smith continued. “I want them to see us being involved in these students lives and treating people fairly across the board.”

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from 91������in 2021.

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, S.C. (December 16, 2022) A new economic study shows 91������ is making a total impact of $101,851,206 on the region’s economy in 2022. That impact includes funding of 888 jobs through the institution and its business partners.

The fiscal footprint of the private university, which started in 1892 as a school for children in the Blue Ridge foothills, will generate nearly $14.6 million in tax revenue for the year.

Those findings are part of a 2022 economic impact study completed by Lilly Consulting Group, LLC, in November. The analysis by the Sylva, North Carolina-based firm included multiplied economic impact of five factors: operations expenditures, labor expenditures, student spending, visitor spending, and capital expenditures.

“We, as a long-standing Upstate educational enterprise, are blessed to learn that providing a distinctive Christ-centered educational environment is also providing a distinctive catalyst for economic strength in our region,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “This institution was started to meet a critical need for education in the late 1800s. To be thriving in producing graduates and to be a significant economic engine in our area nearly 130 years later is a testament to God’s provision as we seek to follow a clear, biblically faithful mission.”

With an overall enrollment of nearly 2,150, 91������operates its main campus for undergraduate students in Tigerville, with graduate and online programs operated through its Tim Brashier Campus in Greer. The university’s fall 2022 enrollment included students from 41 states and 25 other countries.

Recent campus improvements and ongoing capital projects contributed to the strength of the impact findings, as 91������is in the midst of a $9.7 million transformation of its historic administration building, creating a new home for the university’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship. A total of 43 recent improvement projects on NGU’s campuses in Tigerville and Greer were part of the capital expenditures segment of the study. University officials said 91������anticipates being in “capital improvement mode” for years to come.

The economic impact study drew information from NGU’s 2020-21 Annual Report, financial statements spanning 2019-2021, and information on capital projects, as well as data from questionnaires developed for students and visitors. Lilly Consulting Group worked with the university’s Economic Impact Study Steering Committee. The seven-person committee. which included faculty, administrators and staff representatives, was chaired by 91������Executive Vice President Rich Grimm.

“The university’s impact on the region’s economy, as demonstrated in the Lilly Consulting Group study, is noteworthy and underscores the vital role 91������plays in the area,” said Grimm, the institution’s chief operating officer. “As we produce transformational leaders for church and society, we also are contributing significantly to the economic wellbeing of the Upstate, for which we give thanks.”

Along with the Labor Expenditures impact of the university providing direct and indirect jobs, the study’s findings were bolstered by local business sales to employees, students, parents, and summer camp participants.

“It is gratifying to see how a relatively small institution is having an outsized impact on the region’s economy,” said David Lilly, founder and principal consultant with Lilly Consulting Group. “From the capital projects undertaken, to the taxes contributed, to the jobs supported, 91������ is having a strong and lasting impact on South Carolina’s Upstate.”

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 (December 14, 2022) Seven students graduated from the Hispanic Bible Institute on Dec. 10, earning certificates in Biblical Studies and Ministerial Studies.

The ceremony took place at Iglesia Bautista Betania in Taylors, South Carolina. Those receiving certificates in Biblical Studies included: Gelasia Lugo, Maria Lorenzo, and Raúl Cruz. Graduating with certificates in Ministerial Studies were: Leonicio Gómez, Francisco Ramírez, Dulce Ramírez, and Rosa Jiménez.

The Hispanic Bible Institute, led by Dr. Jose Adan Delgado, has been affiliated with 91������ (NGU) since 2018 and met at the university’s Greer Campus this fall.

“We have a partnership with the Hispanic Bible Institute to offer these programs through 91������,” said Dr. Tawana Scott, Associate Provost for Academic Engagement at NGU. “It’s a great mission fit for us because it gives us an opportunity to reach beyond the traditional education to build onramps for students exactly where they are,” Scott said. “It allows us to help create leaders in our communities.”

Delgado said the institute now has 70 graduates and continues to expand its reach.

“The Hispanic Bible Institute began in August of 2008 at Taylors First Baptist Church. For several years, the Hispanic Bible Institute worked in association with the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas,” Delgado said. “Of the 70 graduates, some are serving as pastors and leaders in their churches, and in other countries, such as Mexico.”

Graduates receiving a certificate in Biblical Studies completed courses in Old Testament, Spiritual Life, New Testament, Worship, and Systematic Theology.

Ministerial Studies graduates completed courses in Biblical Interpretation, Preaching, Christian Education, Christian Counseling, and Pastoral Ministry.

Each certificate is obtained through two-year process.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to be trained for leadership in their church, and bible teaching,” Scott 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, S.C. (December 13, 2022) Nashville singer and songwriter Andrew Peterson will perform “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ” on Dec. 17 in 91������’s (NGU) Turner Chapel.

Now in its 23rd year, Behold the Lamb will feature guest artists Jess Ray, The Arcadian Wild, Andy Gullahorn, Jill Phillips, and Skye Peterson, along with an all-star cast of Nashville songwriters and session musicians.

“For many years, 91������has been committed to serving churches with excellent music and worship leadership,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are incredibly excited to host this event, which has encouraged the faith of so many Christians and celebrated the gospel to an entire generation. We hope that many in our community will be able to attend what will be the largest music event since before the pandemic.”

Peterson will perform two shows on Dec. 17. Tickets are still available for the 3 p.m. performance and the 7:30 p.m. performance. You can purchase tickets by visiting go.ngu.edu/andrewpeterson.

The two-part concert brings artists together for a “songwriters in the round” in the first half. The second half features the “Behold the Lamb of God” album performed in full. 

Known for songs such as “Dancing In The Minefields,” “Be Kind To Yourself,” “The Reckoning,” Peterson has been nominated for two Dove Awards.  

Author of “The Wingfeather Saga” series, Peterson is also host of “The Rabbit Room,” which fosters Christ-centered community and spiritual formation through music, story and art, and recently launched a film and TV production company, Shining Isle Productions, to produce animated film based on his bestselling books.

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 (December 9, 2022) Encouraged to remember the sunny days and follow biblical forecast guidance while weathering life’s storms, 162 91������ graduates were awarded degrees during the university’s fall commencement on Dec. 9 in Turner Chapel.

Chris Justus, Chief Meteorologist at Greenville’s WYFF News 4, drew on weather analogies while delivering the keynote address at the event, which concluded the university’s fall semester.  

During the evening ceremony, 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. conferred 88 bachelor’s degrees, and 74 graduate degrees.

Following a welcome from President Fant and a reading from Psalm 118, an invocation was given by 91������Board Chair Mandie Boyd (’05).

“Your life will not go as planned, but the passions God has given you in your soul, stay true to those,” Boyd told the graduates being celebrated. “Walk closely with Jesus and he will make your path straight.”

The 91������ Choral Group performed a musical selection, and Clay Knight (’22) read Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Colossians 3:17.

Justus, who has worked as a meteorologist on air for 13 years, talked about forecasting and tracking major weather outbreaks throughout his career.

“My experience tracking storms has helped me enjoy the sunny days and the good times,” Justus said. “Often times I can overlook the good that’s right in front of me while looking ahead to track that next storm. Life’s a lot like that. We get caught up in the fear and worry of a storm that is yet to come. While character is built in the storms, life’s precious moments and memories are made on the sunny days.

Justus instructed the graduates to enjoy their accomplishments and hold firm to their faith.

He cited God’s promises in Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through deep waters I will be with you, And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. And when you walk through fire, you will not burn.

“Notice in that passage, it says ‘when’ you go through troubled waters, not ‘if,’” Justus said. “When it comes to life’s dark days, we do not have a radar to detect those storms, but we do have a playbook, written by God, on what to do.”

“Each day is truly a gift,” Justus continued. “Here you sit with a diploma in your hand and a job well done. You should enjoy this day. It’s one of the sunniest days of your entire life. We know that 2022 will quickly become 2032, seasons will change and in 10 years, I hope you can look back with some confidence and say that you truly enjoyed the sunshine.”

During the presentation of diplomas, the university recognized the family of Spartanburg County Deputy Austin Derek Aldridge, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. Aldridge was awarded a posthumous degree in Criminal Justice from the university.

Marie Kelly (’22) led the singing of NGU’s Alma Mater, and Dr. Becky Thompson, NGU’s Faculty Chair and Professor of English, concluded the ceremony with a benediction.

Graduate Spotlight

Cary Sanders (’17, ’22)

For Cary Sanders, the path to a Doctorate in Christian Ministry began in a prison cell.

Arrested 17 times before the age of 17, Sanders spent his adolescent years pursuing a life of crime.

“I was in and out of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Mental Health tried to help me. There were just a lot of people who tried to warn me about the destruction I was headed for,” Sanders said. “I didn’t have any regard for the future.”

Just after his 17^th birthday, Sanders committed an armed robbery that landed him in prison. Awaiting his sentencing and pondering the life choices that led him to ruin, he said he decided to open a Bible.

“I began flipping through it and there was an article titled: ‘How to Have a New Life in Christ.’ It was a presentation of the Gospel–How God had created a good world, the disease of sin had entered in and humanity rebelled against God, and now there was a curse upon the whole world. Nothing could fix it except a healthy relationship with God. That made sense to me. I had felt my own powerlessness to make any lasting change in my life.”

Sentenced to 45 years with the opportunity to be released early, Sanders began living out his faith behind bars.

“I was fortunate enough to have members from local churches come in and disciple me. They helped me learn what it means to follow Christ and how to put sin to death,” he said.

Sanders spent nine years in prison before being released. Making the most of his second chance in life, he started school at 91������ in January of 2014. Sanders received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies from 91������in 2017 and returned in 2019 to pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree.

“What our society most desperately needs is individuals who are passionately pursuing Jesus with excellence,” he said. “North Greenville is a place that provides that and that is rare in today’s world. It’s a place where men and women are being equipped to be transformational difference makers for our Lord.”

Sanders now serves as the Executive Director of JUMPSTART, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to providing opportunities for incarcerated men and women and those re-entering society in a Christian environment.

“We have active programming in 17 different prisons,” Sanders said. “This is not jailhouse religion. It’s rigorous intensive discipleship. Nationally, the rate of recidivism is 70 percent. JUMPSTART, over the past 10 years, has a success rate of 96 percent. The Gospel works.”

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, S.C. (December 5, 2022) 91������ (NGU) hosted a Celebration of Life service for Davis Heller at Ray and Bea Dillard Field last Wednesday. Heller, a member of the 91������Baseball team, passed away suddenly in October at the age of 22.

“91������was blessed to have had Davis as a student for this short period of time, but we were blessed incredibly to be able to host the celebration of his life,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “The celebration was God-honoring and reminded us constantly of the hope of the resurrection and the importance of living as agents of grace and encouragement to those around us.”

Family members, friends and former teammates shared tributes during the event.

“He was a special guy,” Heller’s sister, Brianna, said at the service. “He made an impact on people no matter how well you knew him. He genuinely found joy in the success of those around him. His faith told him that God had a plan for him and there was plenty of success to go around.”

Frequently referred to as the “greatest teammate of all time,” Heller was remembered for the way he loved and supported others.

“Davis is referred to as the greatest teammate of all time, and quite honestly, that might be an understatement,” said Andrew Pinckney, who played with Heller at the University of Alabama.

“Everyone loved Davis,” added his South Mountain Community College teammate, Efry Cervantes. “He was the most loving, caring and supportive teammate I’ve ever had. He was the loudest person in the dugout when you did something great, and the first person to pick you up when you needed it. He was a once in a lifetime teammate.”

91������Senior Noah Takac said Heller was a role model for his teammates.

“He was the best of us. He was the person that we needed here,” Takac said. “He was a role model to everybody and somebody that we all looked up to. He was the greatest teammate, and I see now that he was the same guy everywhere he went.”

North Greenville Baseball Coach Landon Powell said Heller was also a competitor on the baseball diamond.

“Davis was a tremendous player. He could ball. He could hit. He could field. He was a great player,” Powell said. “He was such a great teammate that sometimes that gets overshadowed. I talk to the players a lot about building relationships, and Davis made that easy. He’d come every day for 10-15 minutes and just talk with me. It made me realize what kind of guy he was. His teammates gravitated toward him. He had an infectious personality.”

Mike Timlin, Heller’s high school baseball coach, led the ceremony. Hundreds were in attendance, including Heller’s former teammates from the University of Alabama.  

“He was a rough and tumble gentle giant,” Timlin said. “He was a fast friend to many, and patient and loving to many others.”

During the Celebration of Life, Heller’s parents, DJ and Melanie, announced the creation of a foundation in their son’s honor. Takac, an 91������pitcher, received the first $5,000 Davis Heller Foundation Scholarship Award.

“The scholarship is an incredible way to honor Davis’s memory, as it is a tangible continuation of his role on the team,” President Fant said. “I know that Noah was humbled by the award and future recipients will not only be humbled but will be inspired to live ‘large,’ just as Davis did.”

Heller’s obituary can be found . To learn more about the Davis Heller Memorial Foundation, 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. Learn more.

Tigerville, S.C. (November 30, 2022) Garry Smith, a long-time Affiliated Professor of Political Science at 91������ (NGU) and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster earlier this month. The recognition is the highest honor a civilian can receive in the state of South Carolina.  

“For over 20 years, Garry Smith brought strong leadership and a steady hand to the General Assembly,” said Gov. McMaster. “His work not only made a tremendous impact on those in his district but for all of South Carolina. For this, and his many other contributions to our state, it was my honor to award him the Order of the Palmetto.”

Smith represented District 27 in the South Carolina House of Representatives for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he served in varied roles, including chair of the South Carolina House Operations Committee, board member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), chair of the Communications and Technology ALEC Taskforce, chair of the Greenville County Legislative Delegation, and member of the South Carolina Ways and Means Committee, where he served as chair of the Property Tax subcommittee.

“I’m honored to be recognized for service that I’ve given, not only in the General Assembly for 20 years as a representative of Greenville County in the South Carolina House of Representatives, but also for my soon-to-be 40 years in local government,” Smith said, “It’s something that I’m quite proud of and points to the things I’ve done in the community.”

Created in 1971 by South Carolina Governor John West, the Order of the Palmetto recognizes lifetime achievements and service by South Carolina residents.

“I love working with and for people. To have the opportunity to serve and give back to the community as part of your service, it’s really very rewarding,” Smith said. “I thank God for the opportunities he’s given me to take and share my life experiences from the local and state Government and pass them along to students and constituents that I have served.”

Smith has been recognized with the Legislator of the Year Award from South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, the Thomas Jefferson Legislator of the Year Award from the American Legislative Exchange Council, and the Terry Haskins Award from the Greenville County GOP.

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, S.C. (November 29, 2022) Chris Justus, Chief Meteorologist at WYFF News 4, will deliver the keynote address at 91������’s (NGU) Commencement on Dec. 9 in the university’s Turner Chapel.

“We are excited that WYFF-4 weatherman Chris Justus will be joining us on campus as our commencement speaker. He is a deeply committed Christ-follower, and we serve together as deacons at Taylors First Baptist Church,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “His winsome spirit and commitment to excellence make our Upstate community better.”

Earning his degree in meteorology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Justus started his broadcasting career in Savannah, Georgia. He made stops in Charlotte and Nashville before settling in the Upstate of South Carolina in 2013. Justus was named Chief Meteorologist at WYFF News 4 in November 2019.

“I suspected that the announcement would be greeted enthusiastically, but I have found that I have under-estimated the enthusiasm,” President Fant said. “He is invited into so many of our homes on a daily basis that people feel as if he is a friend. I believe he will have words of great encouragement to our graduates that evening.”

91������anticipates conferring degrees on more than 160 graduates during the mid-year ceremonies, which cap the fall semester at the private university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Justus was given “The Key to the City” in Seneca, SC, after his early warning of tornadoes was credited with saving lives in 2020.

He was named Weathercaster of the Year in 2021 by both the South Carolina Broadcasters Association and the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas (RTDNAC). Justus also has been nominated for two Emmys for his coverage of severe weather.

“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to share my testimony with this extraordinary class of 91������ graduates,” he said.

Chris and his wife, Lauren, live in Greenville with their sons, Mason and Parker and daughter, Olivia.

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.

The Tigerville Christmas Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Tigerville, SC (November 22, 2022) Tigerville residents will kick off the holiday season with the third annual Tigerville Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3.

The parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will proceed north from the Highway 414 and Highway 253 intersection to Tigerville Elementary School Road, then back east and south to Highway 414. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tigerville Fire Department.

The event is organized by various businesses in the local community, with 91������ (NGU) as lead sponsor. The main stage area for the parade will be just east of the Tigerville Road and Chinquapin Road intersection, with food options in an 91������parking area directly south of the university’s McCormick House on Tigerville Road.

The parade will include an array of entries, including church groups, classic tractors and sports cars, 91������student organizations, and the 91������Marching Band. The parade will conclude with the arrival of Santa Claus. Following the parade, families will have the opportunity to have photos made with Santa.

There are three ways to support the festival: register to enter the parade, bring your family to watch it on the route, and vote for the Best Overall Float and Best Ensemble at the judges’ booth. If you cannot attend, you may sponsor or donate by sending your contribution, payable to Dark Corner Ag Alliance, to 450 Cherokee Valley Way, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.

Parade participants may enter under two categories: Best Overall Vehicle/Float, and Best Ensemble. The cost for entry is $30, and one winner in each category will be chosen.

The deadline to enter is Saturday, November 26. To register, please contact Matt Jennings at mjennings@cherokeevalleyclub.com, or 440.371.3512. The 2022 Parade Committee includes Matthew and Michelle Lindsey, Matthew and Renee Jennings, Joe and Kayla Gilreath, Pastor Tim McConnell, and 91������President and First Lady Dr. Gene and Lisa Fant.

For more details, follow the Tigerville Christmas Parade on .

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 (November 11, 2022) Two graduates with notable success in serving others locally and around the world were honored by the 91������ (NGU) Alumni Association during the university’s 2022 Homecoming celebration.

Kathie Burgess (’11) was presented with the 91������Distinguished Alumni Award and John Craig Williams, IV (’16) received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award during the annual Alumni Awards Dinner in late October.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Kathie Burgess, Class of 2011

The oldest of five children, Kathie Burgess said she had a lot of reasons to lose hope as she was born into an abusive family situation.

“My father was a raging alcoholic,” she said. “He was very abusive. I ended up in the hospital a lot of times with him. He abandoned the family when I was five years old.”

Burgess was separated from her siblings at a young age, and she said her living situation only worsened.

“We were put into orphanages and foster homes that were very abusive. I almost died in one,” she said.

“The Lord was so faithful during that time. He was so close to me. He comforted me and saved my life. There were so many times that I would just be on my knees, begging the Lord to help me and save me. And he was faithful. He always provided, and that’s where I put my hope and trust.”

Escaping the abuse, Burgess found stability and became a respiratory therapist. In spite of the apparent success, she said she felt like God was calling her to something more.

“I felt like the Lord was leading me to go (to NGU) to learn more about the Bible,” Burgess said. “I had made my own plans. I had been a respiratory therapist and was planning to study to be a nurse when the Lord said that’s not what he wanted me to do. He wanted me to go to North Greenville.”

During her studies, Burgess said she saw that she had made the right decision.

“At first it was a little awkward,” she said. “Everyone was either a pastor or studying to be a pastor, and here I was as a respiratory therapist. But the people were just wonderful and accepted me anyway. I remember having a conversation with Richard Blackaby and he told me that if the Lord called me, he had a plan for me. He was right.”

Burgess used her calling to start Hands of Kindness Children’s Ministry, a non-profit organization that seeks to be a witness of God’s love to orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda by providing for their basic physical, medical, educational, and spiritual needs.

“We started a child-sponsorship program, which provides food and clothing. When I first went there, those children were in rags and all they had was what was on their backs. It was extreme poverty,” Burgess said. “Getting sponsors made sure that they were able to have food every day and proper clothing.”

Hands of Kindness also raised money for a place for the children to live and receive medical care. The non-profit has continued its work in impoverished areas of Africa, and Burgess encourages local churches to get involved and make an impact.

“We invite people from other churches to go because it’s a life-changing experience,” she said. “The Lord told me to be consumed with serving others, and that’s what I’m doing. My life is now about serving those that are less fortunate.”

Young Alumni Award

John Craig Williams, IV, Class of 2016

Responding to his sense of God calling him to reach those in crisis, Craig Williams serves as a chaplain at Interim Hospice and in the National Guard.

A 2016 graduate of North Greenville, Williams received his bachelor’s degree in history before pursuing a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary.

“I knew I wanted to get into ministry, but how that was going to flesh out was kind of up in the air,” he said. “I met a National Guard chaplain while I was in high school on a mission trip, and he planted that seed that grew into a calling.”

Williams joined the National Guard in high school.

“If I would’ve chosen a path for my life, I probably just would have enlisted and skipped school. But God, in his providence, had other ideas. And he’s the boss here,” he said.

Williams was commissioned as an officer in the South Carolina National Guard, Second Lieutenant, and was ordained for Gospel ministry from Easley First Baptist Church in 2017.

Since starting his work as a chaplain in 2020, Craig has served an average of 40 patients and their families. He is also the leader of GriefShare, a grief support group, at the Grace Church Powdersville campus as part of the church’s Care and Recovery team.

“It’s very heavy,” Williams said of working in hospice. “I’m fortunate to work with a very good team. They make my job a lot easier. You get close to families and meet a lot of really good people. It is sad to lose people, but for those that have faith in Christ, I get to see them again one day.”

Williams said the job comes with many rewarding moments.

“I just had a patient of mine transfer. He did a lot of mission work and we had a lot of similarities,” he said. “On my last visit, I shook his hand and gave him a hug. I told him we wouldn’t see each other again until we’re on the other side. It was almost cinematic. You always hope for a really good goodbye, and that was one of those moments. It’s crazy I get paid to do this. I would do that for free. To be able to speak truth into people’s dark moments, that’s what it’s about.”

Williams said he will continue to serve others and follow where the Lord leads.

“I understand that I am the creature and God is the creator. A good part about working in hospice is that you’re reminded of your mortality every day,” he said. “We know that one day, we’ll stand in front of Christ and give an account. The way I see it, we all have to get scarred in life so you might as well get scarred for the kingdom. We’re called to go forth and multiply and preach the Gospel.”

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 (November 10, 2022) 91������ (NGU) will recognize the service of military veterans during Military Appreciation Day at Younts Stadium on November 12.

The celebration will take place during the North Greenville football team’s final home game against #19 ranked University of West Georgia. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.

“91������Football is honored to celebrate Military Appreciation Day,” said North Greenville Head Football Coach Jeff Farrington. “We are allowed to have many privileges due to the service and sacrifice of many American servicemen and women around the globe. Carrying each service flag is not something we take for granted.”

Military Appreciation Day will include a presentation of the colors by the South Carolina State Guard 2^nd Battalion, recognition of three decorated veterans, and musical performance by Dr. Andrew Stevens.

“We want to give honor back to those who have served and defended our country,” said Dr. Jason Ross, Director of Development and Corporate Relations at NGU. “Anytime we can shine the spotlight on veterans who went above and beyond the call of duty, it’s a special time at the university.”

During a halftime ceremony, North Greenville will honor Ret. Senator Lewis Vaughn, Marine Corps Veteran Jonathan Burgess, and Ret. Colonel Mike Stahl.

Vaughn enlisted in the Army at 16. He was honorably discharged in July of 1953, but reenlisted four months later and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was assigned to Korea in January of 1954, first as a Platoon Sergeant, then Acting First Sergeant of his Tank Company. He rotated back to the states in August of 1955 as a Platoon Sergeant of a Light M-24 Tank Reconnaissance Platoon. He was honorably discharged the second time in October 1956. After retiring, he served 20 years in the SC House and Senate. He was chairman of the Greenville County Legislative Delegation (GCLD) for 12 years.

Burgess is a native to the Upstate of South Carolina. From 2006 to 2010, he served as an infantryman with 1^st Battalion 5^th Marine Regiment. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the USS Cleveland, and in 2009, he fought in Helmand Province (Afghanistan), where he was injured and returned home to Camp Pendleton, California. Jonathan served the first program director for Upstate Warrior Solution’s Spartanburg office helping veterans and their families transition from active duty to civilian life.

Stahl joined the Marine Corps after graduating from high school in Del Rio, TX, receiving an appointment to OCS under the Meritorious Non-Commissioned Officer Program. He retired as a Colonel after 26 years. He was awarded a Navy Cross (second highest award after the Medal of Honor), Bronze Star Medal for Heroism and six Purple Heart Medals. He had multiple combat tours in Vietnam, Beirut, Lebanon, Cambodia, and El Salvador. His military experience included infantry, reconnaissance, hostage rescue and special operations. He was the first Marine Corps Counter- Narcotics Task Force Commander.

“It’s not every day that veterans get to take part in something like this,” Ross said of the Military Appreciation event. “A lot of them come back from combat, resume daily tasks, and struggle with PTSD. Being able to do things like this provides just that small sense of pride and accomplishment that makes them feel good.”

Ross is encouraging local veterans to come out and participate.

“We’re inviting all veterans that served and are currently serving to come out and be apart of this event,” he said. “This is a time for you to be acknowledged for the sacrifices you made for this country.”

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.