91Celebrates Graduation of Fourth NGUleads Cohort

91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. addresses the graduating NGUleads cohort.

Tigerville, SC—91 graduated its fourth NGUleads cohort on Friday, Sept. 6.

Serving as NGU’s internal leadership development program, NGUleads has now seen 60 participants since its inception.

“The purpose of the NGUleads program is to grow and enhance the leadership skills of each cohort,” said Tracy Kramer, dean of Online Studies at NGU. “We want them to better understand their own leadership style and how they can best lead themselves, their teams, and the institution as a whole.”

The fourth graduating class consists of: Brad Gregory, coordinator for student accessibility; Kayla Black, director of NGU’s Honors Program; Randall King, associate dean of the School of Communication; Kaye Rickman, PA Medicine program director; Ben Coates, chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics; James Anderson, assistant athletic director; Frank Eskridge, associate director of Admissions; Joshua Gilmore, director of community connection and ministry mobilization; Lindsay Evatt, online and graduate admissions; Michelle Sabou, director of personnel services; Jeff Smith, director of Campus Safety and Security; Christian Motes, data analyst, Academic Records.

Members of NGUleads were nominated by their supervisor and approved by a unanimous vote of the 91’s Executive Leadership Council. The program is led by Dr. Kramer, Dr. Jill Rayburn, university general counsel, and Dr. Nathan Finn, executive director of NGU’s Institute for Transformational Leadership.

NGUleads participants take part in a wide variety of professional development opportunities during the calendar year.

“We work on their emotional intelligence, communication and conflict skills, strategic thinking and stewardship, among others areas,” Kramer said. “ We do this through presentations, panel discussions, activities and games, but most importantly, through interactions with each other.”

“This graduating group was especially fun-loving and very talkative,” she added. “It was a joy to watch them develop new friendships and apply their leadership skills in their respective fields.”

91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. offered a challenge to NGUleads graduates before they received their recognition on Sept. 6.

“Stay connected with each other,” President Fant said. “It’s very easy to get in our offices, put our heads down, and think about the task at hand. There’s some intentionality that comes with staying connected, but it always rewards us.”

Gilmore said NGUleads helped him connect and communicate with other departments across campus.

“I feel better connected to 91(the institution I love), and the wonderful people serving on both faculty and staff,” Gilmore said. “God isn’t just growing students as transformational leaders for church and society, but He is growing 91employees as well.”

Smith said the program caused him to reflect on his own leadership.

“This experience has greatly strengthened my connection to the 91community by providing valuable networking opportunities with fellow cohort members,” he said. “It also allowed me to reflect on and refine my own leadership style while gaining insights into the leadership approaches of others. This program is an outstanding initiative that invests in and promotes the growth of 91faculty and staff.”


91Hosts Annual Global Impact Week in Tigerville

Tigerville, SC–91 (NGU) hosted its annual Global Impact Week from Sept. 9–11 on the university’s Tigerville Campus.

The event invites 91students to learn about different cultures and how they can become a part of global missions through various activities and chapel services.

This year, the keynote chapel speaker was Dr. Kambiz Saghaey, Director of Persian Leadership Development at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, NC. Saghaey opened the first chapel service on Monday morning by giving his testimony and encouraging students to spread the gospel wherever they go.

“The Great Commission is for everyone. God commands us to ‘Go and make disciples,’” Saghaey said during his talk. “There is no choice in that. It’s a command.”

Saghaey, originally from Persia, had been a church planter in multiple countries and even faced time in prison for his faith.

“People call it persecution, but I call it the closest relationship I had with God because I could feel His presence,” he said.

After being released from prison, Saghaey continued to be faithful in his call to ministry and pursued his master’s and doctoral degrees in the United States through SEBTS, where he is currently serving.

Global Impact Week included another chapel sermon from Saghaey on Tuesday evening and concluded with a Wednesday morning message from Dr. Matthew Hirt, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at NGU.

Apart from chapel, students had the opportunity to pray for the nations, engage with national and international mission organizations, and experience different cultures through fun events on campus each day of Global Impact Week.

“Our prayer is that many of our students will discover, during these days, where they can join God in His great mission of raising up worshipers from every nation,” said Dr. Allen McWhite, Department Chair of Intercultural Studies at NGU.

McWhite explained that the purpose Global Impact Week is to expose the 91family to the incredible ways God is moving around the world. The 2024-25 short-term mission trip locations were revealed to students during the week as well.

“One of the many things we will be doing this week is revealing the locations of our 91Send teams (mission teams),” McWhite said. “During the 2024-25 year we will be sending student teams to locations in the United States and around the world to share the good news of the Jesus Christ and engage in a variety of different ministries.”

NGU’s Center for Global Engagement will be holding a mission trip interest meeting on Friday, September 13 for students who want to take the next step and take part in God’s global mission to make disciples of all nations.

Global Impact Week is jointly sponsored by Campus Ministry and Student Engagement (CMSE) and the Department of Intercultural Studies.

For those who feel God is leading them to become vocational missionaries, 91offers a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies. This degree program helps equip students to be confident in their calling by gaining hands-on learning through culturally immersive opportunities on the mission field.

To learn more about NGU’s Intercultural Studies degree, visit ngu.edu/intercultural-studies.


Chicago Native Finds Biblical Community at NGU

Tigerville, SCFor as long as she can remember, Chicago native Logan Pinalto has been searching for biblical community.

“Growing up in the city,” she said. “I was exposed to many different worldviews, and most often they were worldviews that were very opposed to mine.”

In high school, Pinalto used social media to connect with other teens who shared her passion for spreading the gospel. These online friendships opened doors for her to travel across the country, including to Greenville, SC in 2022. Now, two years later, Pinalto is a new student at 91 (NGU).

She thinks of that trip to Greenville as a “God wink” moment.

“I imagine God winking at me, knowing all along this is where He would lead me,” she said.

Pinalto’s path may never have led her back to Greenville if it was not for her time as a Fellow at Impact 360 Institute in Pine Mountain, GA.

Founded in 2006 by John and Trudy White, the Fellows program is a Christian gap year experience designed to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders for lives of Spirit-empowered influence.

Through classroom lectures and discussions, service opportunities, leadership development, evangelism training, and an international immersion trip, Pinalto learned how to cultivate the biblical community she had been craving all her life.

“I learned that biblical community must be sought intentionally and with initiative… it doesn’t just happen automatically,” she said.

At Impact 360, Pinalto also received support in discerning her next steps.

“As I entered my year at Impact 360, I prayed that the Lord would reveal the plans He had for me,” she said.

That’s when she heard about Impact 360’s partnership with 91. Dr. Gene Fant, President of NGU, is a member of Impact 360’s Board of Education. Each year, several Fellows choose to continue their education at NGU.

Pinalto recalled how much she liked the city of Greenville, but as she learned more about NGU, she was “wooed by the Christ-filled community and professors, selection of majors, mountainous scenery, and nearness to Impact 360 Institute.”

Pinalto believes her Fellows gap year has uniquely prepared her for success as a new college student and growing leader.

“I plan on implementing the things I learned at Impact 360 into my college experience,” she said.

At NGU, she is looking forward to “engaging in spiritual conversations with classmates, initiating Bible studies, welcoming questions and exploring them with academic integrity, putting together worship nights, serving classmates and staff members in little and big ways, praying for those who hurt, rejoicing with all, and being plugged into a church.”

91currently enrolls 14 Impact Fellows, with six students joining this year. Impact Fellows attending 91in the fall of 2025 will be eligible for a tuition discount, totaling $8,000 per year for residential students and $6,000 for commuters.

91 is the academic partner for Impact 360 Institute’s Residency program, atwo-year graduate level experience. Residents earn a Master of Arts in Leadership from 91while working on the staff team at Impact 360. The program equips young professionals to be culture-shaping, Christ-centered servant leaders wherever the Lord calls them.

With nearly one thousand alumni around the world, we are humbled and honored to watch how the Lord continues to work in the lives of these young leaders,” said Sam McManus, Impact Fellows Stewardship Coordinator. “Our alumni eagerly seek to make a difference in their local community through their local church and it is so encouraging to see how God is magnified and honored through the work of these disciples.


91Students Gain Hands-On Experience at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Tigerville, SC—Two students from NGU’s School of Communication had the opportunity to intern at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Charlotte, NC over the summer.

This 10-week program allows interns to gain practical and hands-on learning experience in the globally known ministry founded by renowned evangelist, Rev. Billy Graham.

The organization was established in 1950, and its mission is “to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.”

Savannah Yopp, a senior Strategic Communication major, spent her summer serving as a social media and communication intern at BGEA. Her role included writing press releases, coordinating with the media, and working with the Billy Graham Library social media channels.

She described her time at BGEA as a blessing because she was able to proclaim the gospel through her work.

“I can glorify the Lord with my job, and it’s such a needed fuel,” Yopp said. “No matter where I work, I can proclaim the gospel through my communication.

“It was such a blessing to be able to use the Lord’s name in a press release,” she said. “That is so special, and you don’t see that in a lot of places.”

Carolina Busch, a junior Strategic Communication major with a Digital Media minor, also interned at BGEA and emphasized how encouraging it was to work alongside fellow employees and interns.

“I really enjoyed the office place environment,” Busch said. “I appreciate how the other employees were willing to step alongside you. It was cool to see how the employees made an intentional effort.”

Busch served as an American Sign Language intern. Her primary roles consisted of working with deaf churches within the internet evangelism department to update and add information about the deaf churches to the association’s online church locator.

During her time at BGEA, Busch saw God move in many ways. One of her highlights from the internship was getting the chance to experience a deaf worship service.

“My supervisor invited me to go to a deaf worship service. I was able to go to a completely silent worship service and there were 200 deaf people there,” she said. “I was able to watch and be a part of a service that is ultimately still worshiping the same God I was and yet, it was in a completely different language.”

Not only did the internship help Yopp and Busch grow professionally, but the association also poured into them spiritually.

“Spiritually, I genuinely learned so much from the people around me and the importance of disciplining myself not just at work, but before you get there and learning what it looks like to pray without ceasing or spending time in the Word before I go to work,” Yopp said. “All those disciplines we tend to forget, He instilled in me. It was sweet to learn those habits, especially before coming back to school.”

Busch explained how the devotions that BGEA held at the beginning of each workday helped strengthen her walk with the Lord as they emphasized the importance of prayer.

“I felt spiritually the importance of having that prayer time 5 days a week. I saw transition,” Busch said. “When someone came up to me and said, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do,’ my first instinct was, ‘Hey, let’s pray about it.’ It was cool because of that structure from the devotions to pull into that.”

For students who are interested in doing an internship at BGEA, both Yopp and Busch offered the same piece of encouragement: pray about it.

“Genuinely pray about it, seek wise council, and hear from those who have done it,” Yopp said. “If you feel the Lord is leading you in that direction, just thank Him for the opportunity and trust in His sovereignty and plan because Billy Graham and that organization is such an ordained place. The Spirit is moving in that place and moving out of that place.”

“Evaluate what you’re good at and be willing to sell yourself well and realize the ultimate goal of the association is to grow people through sharing the gospel and discipleship,” Busch said. “If you have a heart for that and have a desire to pursue that, then pray about it and apply.”

“It’s such a blessing as a young person to work in an environment like that, such a spiritually healthy and encouraging environment,” explained Yopp. “I would encourage any student, no matter what year or what you’re studying, there’s a place for you in the ministry.”

BGEA offers internships each summer and has many opportunities for students to learn and grow professionally, while working in an environment focused on Christ and His mission.

The School of Communication at 91offers two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media with several concentrations. Along with the majors, 91also offers minors, including American Sign Language.

For more information about NGU’s degree programs and minors, visit ngu.edu/academics.


91Welcomes New Class, Increases Enrollment

Tigerville, SC91 (NGU) announced its largest overall enrollment since the pandemic, as more than 2,300 students will be in attendance this fall.

“I am deeply grateful for the vigorous effort from our enrollment and student services teams that allowed us to experience this enrollment growth, but I am also keenly aware that we teach students, not numbers,” said 91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “91is a special community where God intersects lives and calling to generate transformational leaders and we look forward to seeing how these students are impacted by their time at the university.”

In addition, 91welcomed more than 545 freshmen and transfer students to its main campus in Tigerville. The incoming class, which is the second largest since the pandemic, represents 10 countries and 27 states.

“I’m grateful for the traditional admissions team members and our Director for Traditional Admissions, Katie Lynn Marshall, for the role they each played in assisting our new students and families this recruitment year,” said Chad Peters, 91Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing/Communications. “In addition to the admissions team, I’m thankful for the numerous campus partners that play a vital role in helping our students. I’m excited to see how God is going to move throughout our campus this academic year as our students pursue the calling God has for them.”

91held Welcome Week activities from Aug. 17-24, featuring special events for new students and a Welcome Back Cookout last Saturday. Class for students began on Aug. 21.

“University life is more than the classroom experience,” said Dr. Jared Thomas, Vice President of Campus Ministries and Student Engagement at NGU. “Much of the value found in attending a university is seen in the community and the life-long relationships created on campus. We have been greatly encouraged by the willingness of our incoming students to engage with one another as well as with returning students. We are already seeing and hearing evidence that the university community is impacting our students. Relationships are being formed. Relationships are growing. Students are already growing as transformational leaders.”


91Sees Record Attendance at Annual Church Fair

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 91students 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 91alumni back to campus. Slater Baptist Church Pastor Scott Catoe, a 1999 91graduate, 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 91students 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 91student’s college experience has been positively impacted by the local church,” he said.


Walden Named VP for 91Campus Enhancement Services

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 91since 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 91through 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 91President 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 91soccer team while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport management. He graduated in 2009 and completed a Master of Business Administration degree from 91in 2012. He began a five-year tenure with 91Athletics 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 91building 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, 91Executive 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.


91Faculty and Staff Begin the Year with Special Service and Recognitions

Tigerville, SC91 (NGU) prepared to open the fall 2025 semester with a time of worship, a message from President Gene C. Fant, Jr., and special recognitions for faculty and staff members during a chapel service for university personnel on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

President Fant highlighted faculty and staff promotions, welcomed new hires, and awarded 49 certificates and plaques for 91personnel celebrating five-year service milestones.

The chapel service also featured presentations of the Lamar Chapman Faculty and Staff Awards, which recognize the distinguished service of two individuals each year.

The Lamar Chapman Faculty Award recipient is Dr. Jeff Williams. Williams is an associate professor and Department Chair of Health Science where he has been serving as a full-time faculty member for 10 years.

“He is well respected by coaches, athletic and academic leadership, students, and faculty, faithfully serving as the Faculty Athletic Representative, advisor, mentor, and colleague,” said President Fant. “Jeff brings a strong Christian worldview, compassion, empathy, and service to the University.”

The Lamar Chapman Staff Award recipient is Mrs. Missy Conard. Conard has served at 91for 10 years, most of her time as the administrative assistant to the Provost. She was previously an academic secretary for three academic deans and their faculties.

“Missy loves the Lord, she loves the faculty and staff, and she loves students,” President Fant said. “Missy is always willing to go the extra mile to serve others, mentor younger women, and navigate difficult situations. She is a blessing and everything about academics at 91is better because of Missy’s work in this strategic role.”

At the conclusion of the service, 91faculty and staff gathered for lunch in Todd Dining Hall.

Those celebrating service milestones include:

25 Years

Cheryl Collier

20 Years

Tony Beam

Zachary Buser

Chris Davis

Eddie Fisher

Ronald Marks

Tina Wells

15 Years

Will Cashion

Jan Foster

Marti Glass

Sarah Hall

Christine Haltiwanger

Dean Norris

10 Years

Deborah Batson

Steve Bielby

Hayley De Gonzalez

Allen Martin

Edwin Mercier

Patricia Mercier

Adam Paschang

Landon Powell

Stephanie Snook

Cameron Stober

Corey Struss

Jared Thomas

Matthew Wireman

5 Years

David Bell

Amanda Bridges

Tommy Corley

Kathy Cribb

Web Drake

John Duncan

Nelson Edwards

Terri Elder

David Eubanks

Wes Evatt

Vicki Hatchell

Angela Horn-Barrett

Alan Kahaly

Tonja Larke

Kelvin Long

Emily Owani

Brenda Peavy

Rachael Russiaky

David Smith

Jennie Stevens

Lamont Sullivan

Myriam Vest

Thomas Willoughby


91 Named Teaching Fellows Institution

Tigerville, SC91 (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 91President 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 91Provost 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.”

91joins 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.

91will 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.


Combination Degree Offers Accelerated Path for Educators

Tigerville, SC—A new online program will allow 91 education students to accelerate their path to a graduate degree.

Through NGU’s Combination Master of Education program, those pursuing early childhood educational studies online and elementary educational studies online can take courses that will apply to their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

“It will save students time and money,” said Dr. Ann Aust, program director for NGU’s master’s degree in education. “When you complete the undergrad portion of the program, three master’s degree classes will be included in the curriculum, so you will only have seven master’s degree courses remaining to obtain the degree.”

Aust said the remaining coursework can be completed in two traditional semesters, allowing both the undergraduate and graduate degrees to be completed in less than five years.

“If you start your teaching career with a master’s degree, you will make an average of $4,000 more per year,” Aust said. “You will also have additional options because of the degree that we offer.”

The graduate course offerings included in the combination program are: Intervention Strategies and Techniques, School and Community Relations, and Behavior Management.

Students must have completed 12 hours of undergraduate coursework with 91and have a GPA of 3.0 to be considered for program admission.

“This is an opportunity to try a master’s degree course,” Aust said. “If you like it, you can keep going. If it’s too overwhelming, you can stop.”

“We value relationships,” said Dr. Constance Wright, dean of NGU’s College of Education. “Our commitment is to support every student throughout their journey in the program. We are dedicated to their success and will be with them every step of the way.”

NGU’s College of Education offers seven traditional bachelor’s programs, two online undergraduate programs, a Master of Education, an Education Specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education.

The College of Education also has two undergraduate certificate opportunities, as well as six graduate-level certificate options.

To learn more, visit go.ngu.edu/coe.


91Hosts World Journalism Institute Conference

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.”

91Provost 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 91Provost 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.


91Hosts Annual Theatre Camp

Tigerville, SC—Learning to construct props, deliver a monologue, and improvise on stage, 91 Theatre campers put their skills to the test this week in Tigerville.

The annual camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 28, equips young students with training to pursue creative directions in their education.

“It builds self-confidence,” said camp organizer Marnie Daniel, who serves as Theatre Assistant at NGU. “So many of the kids that come to camp have never done this before. We welcome students that may struggle with anxiety or low self-esteem and this teaches them that getting out of their comfort zone is not such a bad thing.”

The camp includes games and rehearsals, as well as instruction in music, acting, choreography, prop building, improv, and makeup design. It concludes with a performance for family members on Friday. This summer, the camp’s theme is “Broadway Showcase.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” Daniel said. “It’s rigorous, but the kids really love it.”

With degree offerings in Art, Digital Media, Theatre, and Theatre Education, students at 91have the opportunity to study film, design, musical theatre, performance, photography, and more.

91students also have the opportunity to participate in one of the many 91Theatre productions offered each calendar year.

“You don’t have to be a theatre major to participate in what we’re doing,” Daniel said. “You could choose to minor in theatre or just audition for a show. Our auditions are open to all 91students and members of the community.”

91Theatre will produce five shows in 2024-25, beginning with “Unreal City,” an original musical based on T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Wasteland.”

“We have already cast our first show,” Daniel said. “The exciting thing about this one is that the show was written by Michael Thomas, 2021 91Graduate. Michael will be joined by his wife Abigail Thomas, who holds a BA in Theatre from 91and will serve as the show’s Director. This will be the first time this show has been put on stage.”

91Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” in November and “You Can’t take it With You” by Moss Hart and George Kaufman in February.

Theatre students will then partner with communication students to produce a live sit-com.

“This is something that we’ve never done before,” Daniel said. “We’re teaming up with the communication department and they’re going to be doing a lot of the writing. The whole production is going to be performed in front of a live studio audience. It’s going to be exciting.”

91Theatre’s run concludes in April of 2025 with a performance of “The Heath” by Lauren Gunderson.