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Tigerville, SC—91������ hosted its largest Church Fair in university history on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Tigerville.

Representatives from more than 90 churches around the Upstate were on campus talking with students, providing resources, and extending invitations. The South Carolina Baptist Convention provided a free meal to church volunteers working the event.

NGU’s Church Fair has been steadily growing and has produced many meaningful connections over the years.

“We have North Greenville students that have become members of our church and are now serving regularly,” said Will Cleland, associate pastor at Abner Creek Baptist Church. “Church Fair was a blessing to us. We’ve been able to engage students on the things that we value.”

Joshua Gilmore, senior director of church and community relations at NGU, said the university’s partnership with local churches has been a benefit to students.

“The aim of the event is simple—we are just trying to connect 91������students with the local church,” he said. “We believe that students will make friends, visit a church, and then commit to a local family of faith.��This event is just a front door (so to speak) for students to enter through the doors of a local church.”

The Church Fair brought a number of 91������alumni back to campus. Slater Baptist Church Pastor Scott Catoe, a 1999 91������graduate, said church attendance is vitally important for college students.

“The most important decision you make as a college student is not what you major in,” Catoe said. “It’s where you’re going to go to church.

“That’s where discipleship and connection happens, and it’s a really good thing to spend time with people that are not your age,” he said.

Brandon Simpson, pastor at Christ Fellowship Cherrydale, echoed Catoe’s sentiments.

“Our vision for college students in our church is to connect them to multiple generations,” Simpson said. “We don’t want you to go from North Greenville where you’re attending events and doing everything with your friend to driving 30 minutes to come do the same thing with the same people. We want to connect students with folks who are several life stages ahead and produce a love and a high view of the local church.”

Noting the success of the event, Gilmore recalled inviting Greenville Vietnamese Baptist Church to attend.

“I told them, in all honesty, we might have one or two Vietnamese students at NGU, but they were more than welcome to participate.�� To my surprise,��their whole church showed up and served an authentic Vietnamese meal to the 91������students as they passed by,” Gilmore said.

“I ran up after the event to thank the pastor for being so gracious.��He told me that we do have a Vietnamese student, and they invited him to church on Sunday.�� The student agreed to come to church, but, sadly, did not have a car.�� The pastor said, ‘But, it’s no problem, someone from the church will come pick him up on Sunday.’�� This 91������student’s college experience has been positively impacted by the local church,” he said.

Tigerville, SC—91������ has named Kyle Walden as the institution’s new Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services, effective September 1. Walden has worked at 91������since 2010 and had served as the interim vice president since April.

As head of Campus Enhancement Services, Walden provides direct management of the division which provides maintenance, construction, transportation and special projects oversight for university campuses in Tigerville and Greer. He also coordinates landscaping and housekeeping services for 91������through the university’s partnership with The Budd Group.

“Kyle Walden has been a valued member of our community for nearly 15 years. We are pleased to have him in this critical leadership role,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Our CES team is known for dedication to NGU’s Christ-centered mission and Kyle will guide the team in building on that reputation.”

Walden was a member of the 91������soccer team while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport management. He graduated in 2009 and completed a Master of Business Administration degree from 91������in 2012. He began a five-year tenure with 91������Athletics in 2010, serving as assistant varsity soccer coach and head junior varsity coach.

His tenure with Campus Enhancement Services began as a groundskeeper in 2013. He moved to a maintenance/carpenter role in 2016. He was promoted to director of transportation and special projects in 2023.

“It is a privilege to serve at North Greenville as the Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services, and to be afforded the opportunity to further invest back into the institution that has been such an influence on my life,” said Walden. “North Greenville provides an education and an experience that stands on biblical truths and strives to foster transformational leaders for both church and society. It is an honor to play a part in achieving this mission, and I look forward to what the future holds.”

In his vice president post, Walden will direct a team of more than 35 university staff and will have direct involvement in planning and execution of 91������building projects, including communication with contractors and government entities.

“Kyle has a wealth of experience that will serve his team and his alma mater well,” said Rich Grimm, 91������Executive Vice President. “We’re grateful for this fresh calling on his life and look forward to serving alongside him in this key role.”

Walden is a native of Hendersonville, NC. He and his wife, Miranda, have a two-year-old daughter, Lillian. They attend Biltmore Church.

Tigerville, SC—91������ (NGU) has been named a Teaching Fellows Institution, according to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA).��

Established in 1999, the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program awards funds for up to 230 high-achieving students each year.����

“Both the First Lady and I began our careers as school teachers. We know first-hand the importance of well-trained, transformational educators to local communities,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are very pleased with this new opportunity to reward qualified future teachers with financial assistance that can help them to begin their careers with excitement and outstanding training from first-rate professors. This is a game-changer for NGU’s College of Education.”��

Along with professional development and leadership opportunities, students are eligible to receive up to $24,000 in awards (up to $6,000 a year for four years), in addition to other scholarships and grants, while they pursue a degree that will lead to initial teacher certification at a Teaching Fellows Institution. Teaching Fellows agree to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year they receive the fellowship. Loans not repaid through service in the classroom must be repaid through financial means.����

“91������ has a proud history of producing education graduates who go on to teaching careers in South Carolina’s public schools where they make a difference,” said 91������Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “We are excited and honored to be included in the Teaching Fellows program and look forward to continuing our work together with our new partner.”��

91������joins current Teaching Fellow Institutions Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, Francis Marion University, Lander University, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Winthrop University.����

“This program will enhance the exceptional work that the College of Education is already doing to prepare teachers,” said Dr. Constance Wright, Dean of NGU’s College of Education. “At 91������, our Teaching Fellows will engage in advanced enrichment programs and have numerous opportunities to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact in our communities.”��

North Greenville offers education-related programs through six traditional undergraduate degrees, two online bachelor’s programs, and three graduate degree options (MEd, EdS, EdD). Undergraduate students can study Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Language Arts Secondary Education, Math Secondary Education, Physical Education, Theatre Education, and Social Studies Education.������

91������will welcome its first Teaching Fellows cohort in the fall of 2025. Applications to join that cohort open in October.����

Qualified students can visit CERRA’s to begin the application process. To apply, students must be a high school senior or a junior graduating early, a U.S. citizen, and a South Carolina resident.��

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a regional screening where they will offer a presentation, participate in interviews, and perform a writing assessment.����

The application window for the fall 2025 cohort will close on December 1, 2024.��

Tigerville, SC – Eighteen young professionals are spending the week in Tigerville, receiving hands-on training in the field of journalism.

The conference, hosted by 91������, is a series of instructional courses presented by the World Journalism Institute (WJI), which serves as the educational arm of WORLD News Group.

“This week, we’re focusing on storytelling,” said Naomi Balk, assistant director for the World Journalism Institute. “They’re in writing sessions. They’re learning how to interview. They’re learning how to broadcast. They might know a lot of these disciplines already, but they’re getting that opportunity to get out in the field and put it into practice.”

With sessions on editing, reporting, broadcasting and more, 91������ School of Communication professors have been assisting with instruction.

“I am so pleased three of our faculty get to participate as teachers and writing coaches this week,” said Dr. Randall E. King, Associate Dean of the School of Communication at NGU. “Dr. Karyn Campbell, Professor Lara Jackson and I all have professional journalism experience and have much to offer these young professionals as they consider new careers as storytellers.”��

The 18 participants have been working to collect news stories locally, visiting downtown Greenville and returning to campus to edit gathered content with an instructor.

“We want them to come away with the ability to make a radio piece and the ability to write well,” Balk said. “Experience builds confidence, and that’s what they’re getting this week.”

91������Provost Dr. Hunter Baker said working with the participants has been a privilege for North Greenville faculty and staff.

“Christian journalists have a lot to offer our country and the world,” said 91������Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “We are so happy to join WJI in its mission to train them in their pursuit of truth in discovering and reporting the news.”

King said approaching journalism from a Christian worldview requires excellence and compassion.

“That doesn’t mean we preach in our stories, but it means the way we approach reporting, writing, interviewing, news judgment – the stories we tell and how we tell them – always starts with the question, ‘How does Christ make the difference here – in this job, in this story?’” he said.

“In some ways the most powerful way to answer that question is – do it well, with excellence, and with compassion for the people who are the focus of your stories,” continued King. “We try to answer that question in every class at NGU, and now we get to ask it again with this group from WJI.”

Lee Pitts, who leads Dordt University’s Department of Journalism and Communication and serves as the Executive Director of WORLD Journalism Institute, said there is great need for Christians in the field.

“Journalism can be a dark profession, but that’s not a reason or an excuse for believers to abandon the profession,” Pitts said. “The need for journalism is not going to go away. It’s always going to be important for a healthy democracy and strong communities.”

The WJI conference will run through July 20.

Jeremiah Bogan ’20

Jeremiah Bogan has been chasing his dream of being in the National Football League (NFL) since he was a kid.

“Football has basically been the structure of my whole life,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. I wanted to play in the NFL. I also loved the idea of being able to build teams and put together the puzzle pieces.”

Bogan played his college football at 91������ (NGU), where he graduated with a degree in Sport Management in 2020.

“North Greenville helped me push myself,” Bogan said. “I grew so much as a person during my time at NGU. I’ve loved the school more and more each year that I become further removed because I’m seeing so many things that were instilled in me that have helped me get to where I am now.”

After earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at another institution, Bogan started chasing his dream from a different angle. He has served in various roles with college football programs including UNLV, Pittsburgh, Liberty, LSU, and UCONN. Bogan also served as the National Scout for the East-West Shrine Bowl.

“I know people look at my resume and notice that I’ve bounced around pretty fast. Honestly, it’s all happened a lot faster than I thought. When I was a player, I fell more in love with the training and the process of getting better, and not necessarily the results,” Bogan said.

The results, however, led Bogan to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he joined as a Scouting Assistant in June.

“The NFL is something that I’ve always thought about and worked towards,” he said. “The more time you spend in football, the more you understand how good that structure is for you. That discipline has transformed my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the work ethic that it taught me.”

Bogan attributes his success to investing in each team along the way.

“I always tell people to grow where their feet are planted,” he said. “Don’t try to look too far ahead. That’s what I’ve tried to do. If you’ll put your head down and do the work, the next thing you know, you’ll look up and see a door open for you. You don’t always have to step through that door, but opportunity will be there.”

Bogan said his faith has been important for him as he navigates each new season.

“God calls me to serve every day,” he said. “That’s what I’m thinking about when I wake up in the morning. Serving others. Sure, you’re in a space where everyone comes from different backgrounds and believes in different things, but you have can still be that light for others and serve them.”

“Growing up, you didn’t really see athletes professing Christ,” Bogan continued. “I always told myself that if I ever got a platform that big, I would be one of those vessels that showed you can reach these heights without having to hide your faith or sacrifice who you are as a person.”

91������Head Football Coach Jeff Farrington said Bogan’s success comes as no surprise to those that know him.

“Jeremiah is a first class individual and has always handled himself as a professional while excelling as a student-athlete with 91������Football,” Farrington said. “We are very proud of his career and know he is ‘called’ to make a difference for Christ wherever he serves. We wish him all the best in the NFL with Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

Bogan regularly uses the phrase “God did” on his social media accounts, reminding himself that the Lord has been with him each step of the way.

“It’s the idea that every time you get down on yourself or things don’t go your way, maybe your plan shifted, you have to remember what God did,” he said. “Even during times I didn’t believe God was working in my life, you can look back and see that He did. He remains true to the promises He makes and He will forever.”

91������alumnus Lonnie Wilkey, right, received the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award from 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on June 11. They are joined by, Dr. Ken Hemphill, left, and Paula Hemphill.

Tigerville, SC—Lonnie Wilkey, a 1978 North Greenville graduate who has served in denominational journalism posts for 44 years, received the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Leadership Award from 91������ during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on June 11.��

The Marietta, SC, native has served as editor of the Baptist and Reflector, Tennessee Baptists’ news journal, for 26 years, after serving for 10 years as associate editor. He announced in late April that he will retire at the end of 2024.��

“Lonnie is a shining representative of the historic mission of 91������,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He has faithfully served God through his unwavering commitment to being a professional journalist and a devoted Christ-follower. Throughout his career he has strengthened global ministry efforts by reporting on how God is at work among us, and providing editorial perspective which is built on decades of experience.”��

The Hemphill Award recognizes “servant leadership empowering Southern Baptists’ kingdom growth.” It is named in honor of noted Southern Baptist ministry leaders Paula and Ken Hemphill. With careers spanning global missions, local pastorates, a seminary presidency, and writing books on varied Christian topics, the Hemphills are engaged in developing resources that enhance strategic work in evangelism and church revitalization.��

Following his associate’s degree from North Greenville, Wilkey completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina. He referenced the impact of his North Greenville experiences as he accepted the award at a dessert reception for 91������alumni and friends at the Indiana Convention Center.��

“I can remember a couple of my USC professors, but I can recall almost every faculty member from North Greenville,” he said, as he named many of the educators at the college. “That reflects the way they influenced my life.”��

President Fant was joined by the Hemphills in the award presentation, along with Dr. Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Davis echoed comments he made when Wilkey announced his retirement.��

“Lonnie Wilkey has been a great shepherd of the Baptist and Reflector,” Davis said. “He is a consistent, convictional, fair minded journalist and editor. It has been my great honor to watch Lonnie Wilkey work hard to serve churches by keeping Tennessee Baptists informed of relevant news and inspired by telling God stories.”��

Wilkey and his wife, Joyce, have two children, Joanna Beasley, a 2007 91������graduate who currently serves as the university’s archivist, and Daniel Wilkey. They will live in north Greenville County, close to NGU’s Tigerville campus, in retirement.��

91������Athletics Director Will Lowrey addresses the university’s trustees during the board’s summer meeting on the Tigerville campus.

Tigerville, SC—Meeting in a new on-campus venue, 91������ trustees welcomed a new athletics director during their summer meeting on NGU’s Tigerville campus June 20. The board also heard a preliminary financial report for the 2023-24 year, approved faculty promotions, and ratified two new academic programs.

“We have had a busy and productive spring,” said 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. He highlighted April 12 dedication of the university’s Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, the announcement of a new athletics mascot, and a Spring Commencement which included 301 graduates.

The board met in the Myrtice Boazman Room, an events/classroom space on the second floor of the 20,000-square-foot Plaster Center. The building houses NGU’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship and offices for senior administration.

“The dedication was a great time for NGU, and it was followed by a mascot reveal where students were ecstatic over the news,” said Dr. Fant.

91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., shares his report with university trustees during the board’s summer meeting in Tigerville June 20.

During his report to the trustees, President Fant asked 91������Athletics Director Will Lowrey to introduce himself. The Mississippi native, who moved to the Upstate from the same role at Blue Mountain Christian University in early June, discussed the transition process.

“Chasing God is a great thing,” said Lowrey. “He’ll take you to places you never imagined to go. What you’ll see from student-athletes is the light that shines in them is greater than the light that shines on them.”

The board received a preliminary report on the fiscal year which concluded May 31, 2024. University officials noted a positive change in net assets and reported that 91������continues to operate with no long-term debt.

Trustees affirmed promotion for nine university faculty members: Allison Simon from assistant professor to associate professor of physician assistant medicine; Dr. Brendan Payne from assistant professor to associate professor of history; Dr. Greg Graf from assistant professor to associate professor of music; Dr. Jeff King from assistant professor to associate professor of English; Dr. Karyn Campbell from assistant professor to associate professor of communication; Dr. Kayla Black from assistant professor to associate professor of history and honors; Dr. Mark Bjornsen from assistant professor to associate professor of physical education; Dr. Martin Jones from assistant professor to associate professor of business; and Dr. Staci Rollins from assistant professor to associate professor of criminal justice.

91������Board Chair Bill Tyler addresses fellow trustees during the board’s summer meeting in Tigerville June 20.

The board approved a new post-master’s degree certificate program in Educational Administration and Supervision. NGU’s curriculum committee said the 18-credit-hour program is designed to “empower and equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundations required to become effective educational leaders in a rapidly evolving educational landscape, all embodied from a biblical world view perspective.”

Trustees also approved a bachelor of arts degree program in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. In proposing the PPE program, the curriculum committee stated that it is “designed to attract high-achieving students to the study of the liberal arts by offering them insights into the ‘ruling disciplines’ that are an essential part of civic leadership, helping ‘bridge’ the vocational training/liberal arts challenge by establishing the essential qualities of ethical and prudential thinking, civic knowledge and understanding, and practical economic insights.”

91������Board Chair Bill Tyler, of Greer, SC, presided at the meeting of the 25-member board.

Tiverville, SC—91������ (NGU) partnered with the Homeschool Community of the Upstate to host the Upstate Homeschool Expo on May 18.

The event, designed to offer resources and introduce opportunities to homeschool students from around the region, featured a curriculum library, more than 75 vendors, and several breakout sessions.

“It was a great day on campus at North Greenville, as more than 1000 parents and students attended the 2024 Upstate Homeschool Expo,” said Billy Watson, senior associate vice president for Tigerville operations at NGU. “The event introduced many families to 91������for the first time, and I hope many of these visitors become future generations of Trailblazers.”

Andy Ray, NGU’s senior director for enrollment engagement, said 91������ alumni were among those in attendance.

“We were encouraged to see dozens of 91������alumni back on campus with their children,” he said. “Some of these alumni are continuing the legacy of homeschooling, as they were also homeschooled before they attended NGU. We love seeing those generational connections.”

Breakout sessions at the expo offered instruction on curriculum, STEAM learning, and homeschooling children with special needs. 91������officials also presented on college admissions and dual enrollment opportunities.

“Dual enrollment students can get a head start on college and learn in a Christ-centered atmosphere from highly qualified Christian professors who will challenge them to grow spiritually while they learn academically,” said Andy Ray, senior director for enrollment engagement at NGU.

Students wishing to participate in at 91������must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and complete two high school mathematics courses and two high school English courses to qualify.

91������ began hosting the Upstate Homeschool Expo in 2023.

“We are so appreciative of our hosts, 91������, for welcoming us for the second year in a row,” said Jessica Silva of Homeschool Community of the Upstate. “Our gratitude ran deep as we looked around the room. We were so appreciative of NGU, the team of volunteers, the exhibitors, the breakout speakers, and all the homeschool families in attendance. Putting on a locally focused event to support the homeschoolers of the Upstate takes nothing short of a village.”

Watson said the partnership with the Homeschool Community of the Upstate will continue.

“Planning for next year’s event has already begun,” he said.

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