I am required to submit an annual report to the board about my posted objectives and recorded accomplishments from the previous academic year, as well as my objectives for the coming academic year. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the university and hope that the board will accept this report and my continued desire to lead the university into now the ninth year of this administration.
Objectives for 2024-2025
o Finalize report to the board on a sustainable financial model and steps to position the university for long-term success.
MET: A report was submitted to the June 2025 Board meeting that outlines major points of analysis and emphasis for sustainability. This report will be considered in the new strategic plan and in the plan for the forthcoming capital campaign.
o Launch a new strategic plan (target dates: 2025-2030)
MET: Under the leadership of EVP Rich Grimm, a task team was assigned the work developing the next plan, NGU 2030. The past plan, NGU 2025, was completed and reported out to the Board at the October 2024 meeting and was a remarkable success, particularly because it spanned the global pandemic crisis.
In Spring 2025, the new plan was developed by a steering committee, distributed for additional input from university leadership, and brought to a conclusion for final review by the Executive Leadership Team. The full plan can be found at https://www.ngu.edu/about/ngu-2030/.
o Develop the plans for a major capital campaign starting in 2025-2026 and employ parts of the new strategic plan, the campus master plan, and the plans for responding to legal and operational threats to the university’s Christ-first mission.
MET: A report was submitted to the June 2025 Board meeting that outlines major points of planning and proposed actions for a campaign that will run through 2031. This campaign will be linked directly to the new strategic plan, NGU 2030. A key component of the plan is the hiring of a consultant through an RFP process to evaluate the university’s advancement efforts and prepare for the campaign.
o Explore plans / responses to legal and operational threats resulting from the university’s Christ-first mission.
MET: While this goal does not require the production of a full report, I will document that I have taken the following approach to fulfilling this:
1. I work closely with Legal Counsel Rayburn to monitor legal issues in our sector; we have an incredible resource that is unusual in that Provost Baker has a law degree and
specializes in church state issues. We circulate articles, court decisions, and so forth frequently.
2. I work with Greg Baylor at the Alliance Defending Freedom and participate in their events regularly (last July I chaired a panel on Christian Colleges and legal / financial challenges). I also work with him to make sure they understand the special issues related to Christian colleges and athletics, as well as accreditation.
3. I work with Gov McMaster’s office, as well as Lt. Gov. Evette and our legislative delegation, to make sure they are aware of opportunities and challenges. I have worked with them on commission nominations, non-profit tax issues, and even advising of out of state leaders. In addition to placing Dr. Tony Beam in his role as an advocate for NGU, we coordinate work on pro-family, pro-education, and pro- church issues both in the SC legislature and at the national level.
4. I provide for the Executive Leadership Council monthly updates on legal challenges, regularly supplying additional information and links to articles and court decisions.
5. I attend frequent legal updates from SCCHE, SCICU, IABCU, IACE, Conference Carolinas, and other partner organizations to make sure that we understand the challenges and opportunities across the landscape.
Nota Bene:
1. This year’s major external roles have required me to rely on the operational leadership of the entire Senior and Executive Leadership Councils. As always, EVP Grimm has kept the university’s various systems humming, even as he has conducted multiple searches for new university leaders, particularly the CFO search. Dr. Hunter Baker’s addition as our Chief Academic Officer has been terrific, as his expertise and humor have been wellreceived, and his scholarly expert productivity has led the entire university (see the Provost’s Report for the scale and scope of his writing and speaking work). In December, we added Mark Reeves as our Chief Financial Officer, concluding a long and complicated search in that area. On the ELC side, Kyle Walden took over the VP of Campus Enhancement Services role. While not an ELC role, Dr. Walter Johnson retired as the long-standing Dean of the College of Christian Studies, a role that is second only to the President in the relationship with the churches of the South Carolina Baptist Convention; Provost Baker led this search, which resulted in the hiring of long-time Charleston Southern University Vice President Michael Bryant into that role.
2. The past year and a half have been difficult in the President’s House. The septic field collapsed in Fall 2023, followed by a significant flood in the basement in April 2024 (the third since we moved into the house) and a remediation gaffe by the subcontractor that forced us to relocate to the log cabin on Chinquapin for six months (September through April) due to volatile chemical intrusions. We were grateful for the use of the cabin and for the careful attention of the CES staff, but these events underscored that after seven plus years, we needed to secure housing of our own for both privacy and our long-range plans.
Lisa and I asked for permission to buy a house in anticipation of our eventual retirement; this would be our primary residence legally, but we would still maintain a presence in the President’s House a few nights a week and during busy seasons (school opening, high traffic events, weather and other emergencies, etc.).
In April we purchased a house in Landrum SC about 22 minutes from campus and on June 13, we declared that our legal residence. Over the coming years, we will prepare the current President’s House to become what will likely be an alumni house. When the septic field and foundation required complete reconstruction and restoration, we tried to re-think the new landscaping and outdoor space to provide a better setting for events as a future venue space. For the foreseeable future, we will split time between the residences and continue to use the President’s House for hospitality events, particularly the updated outside spaces.
Objectives for 2025-2026
o Operationalize first steps in plans for a major capital campaign, incorporating the new strategic plan, the campus enhancement plan, and other informing data to position the university for fundraising success.
o Redeem writing sabbatical in a manner that will enhance the university’s reputation and position as a leader in the Baptist / Christian university sector.
o Actively monitor threats to the university’s Christ-first mission from legal, athletic, cultural, and denominational challenges.
Exhibit A
University Representation
Preaching / Speaking / Service / Travel June 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025
These do not include relatively minor on-campus speaking engagements (chapels, faculty assemblies, admissions events, etc.)
14: Conference Carolinas Board of Directors Meeting (Virtual)
18: SCICU Public Policy Meeting (Virtual)
19: Breakfast with Editor, Baptist Courier
19: SCICU Presidents Council (Virtual)
20: Donor Meeting
26: Donor Meeting
April
1: Trailblazer Golf Tournament
2: Impact 360 Board Meeting
3: SCCHE Committee Meeting (Virtual)
3: Colson Center Event
4: Donor Meeting
6-9: Impact 360 Teaching (Washington, DC)
10: SCICU Board Meeting (Spartanburg, SC)
16: Prayer Retreat
29: SCBC Executive Board Meeting
30: BFCC Donor/Friends Event
May
1: SCCHE Meeting (Columbia, SC)
2: Prayer Retreat
9: SCCHE Committee Meeting (Virtual)
9: Commencement
13: Cooperative Program Event (Memphis, TN)
14: SCCHE Committee Meeting (Virtual)
20-30: NGU/TFBC Greece Trip
We continue to prioritize regular time away with family:
June 28-July 6: Family Vacation
Aug 29-Sept 2: Visit Fant Family, San Antonio, TX
Sept 5: Apex, NC Family Visit
Sept 13-15: Charleston, SC with Lisa
Oct 5-6: Apex, NC Family Visit
Nov 24-30: Visit Lisa’s Mom, AR
Dec 7-8, 10-11: Visit Fant Family, San Antonio, TX
Dec 26-31: Visit Lisa’s Mom, AR
Feb 1-4 Visit Gene’s Parents (San Antonio, TX)
Mar 7-14 Lisa visiting her Mom (Arkansas)
April 30-May 2 Lisa Visiting her Mom (Arkansas)
May 3-4 Visiting Ethan (West Palm Beach, FL)
Exhibit B
External Service Roles
The pandemic has generated many changes in the private university world, one of which was significant turnover in CEO’s and other upper-level leaders. This churn caused compression of roles in secondary support organizations that provide services to the higher education sector. Because of a concurrent wave of presidential departures and recent hires, many of these organizations require presidential-level service and many of them were overwhelmed with needs for involvement. I found myself being pressed into action in an unusual number of roles that, hopefully, reached a crescendo this year in terms of time commitments off-campus.
The good news is that when I arrived at NGU in 2017, a market scan revealed that the institution was a “well-kept secret” outside of the Upstate, even in Baptist circles. Utilizing existing networks, we began to seek out opportunities to raise our profile in a number of sectors that intersect with the university and its stakeholders. These service roles therefore increase the university’s profile and simultaneously play at least three important functions for the institution:
1. Being “in the room” as decisions are made that can impact the institution, whether these are in public policy, athletics, accreditation, or legal / religious liberty roles.
2. Being “visible” at the highest levels of associations, which leads to a perception of leadership for the university among other institutions in our sector.
3. Being “relational” in professional circles, which leads to good will and other benefits as the university is perceived as not only a known quantity among other institutions and para-academic organizations but as an institution that produces high-quality leaders. This impacts fundraising in particular.
For the president, these roles also provide a form of professional development, allowing him to learn about best practices in other institutions and organizations, as well as gaining an overview of marketing and financial strategies that may be of benefit to the university. While the list is long, much of this is due to the high levels of turnover post-pandemic at the university president level in SC and other sectors. I believe I am the fourth-longest-serving private university president in the state as of Jun 2025. I will begin to reduce this list in 2025 and hope to keep it streamlined in the future to allow other leaders opportunities to serve (and reduce my time away from primary duties).
A note for this year’s work: I have prepared a separate Exhibit documenting how much significant partnership and service is being carried out across the university community. These service opportunities directly impact our perception as a leader in our larger sector and in the region, state, and country.
Church Service
• Taylors First Baptist Church
• Deacon (through October 2026)
o Crisis Committee
o Usher Committee
Professional Associations
o International Alliance for Christian Education
o Treasurer, 2017-2027
o Executive Committee, 2017-2027
o International Association of Baptist Colleges & Universities
o Board Chair, current through 2026
o Executive Committee, 2023-2026
o South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
o Chair, Presidents Council, 2023-2025
o Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, 2022-2025
o Executive Committee, 2022-2025
Para-Academic Organization
o Impact 360 Institute
o Board of Education, 2004-current (in different iterations of form).
Public Service
o South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
o Commissioner (nominated by governor, approved by Senate), 2023-current; one- year term extended by Gov. McMaster.
o Committee on Strategic Planning and Accountability, current
o Committee on Student Services, current
o Commissioner, South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission, 2022-2025.
o Vice-Chair of Commission, 2025.
o Executive Committee, 2023-2025.
Athletics
• Conference Carolinas
o Vice-Chair, Board of Directors (Chair-Elect for term running May 2026-27)
o Executive Committee (through May 2027)
o Board of Directors, 2017-current.
Executive Vice President
Mr. Rich Grimm
As the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Vice President is tasked with responsibility for leading and resourcing the day-to-day operation of the University. As such, the EVP’s office is often engaged in a wide range of activities in support of the Executive Leadership Council who report to the President through the EVP. Additionally, the EVP has line responsibility for Greer and Tigerville Operations. Below is a synopsis of major efforts for which the EVP office was directly responsible.
Quarter 1
New Athletic Director
Will Lowrey officially began his new role as Athletic Director on Monday, June 3. Nearly one hundred applications were received for the position. Many thanks to the Athletic Director Search Committee for their work: Rich Grimm (chair), Ron Hewitt, Hannah Hill, Kelly Hodge, Eddie Martin, Greg Mosley, Jill Rayburn, and Jeff Williams.
New Receptionist
Robin Smoyer began work in her new role as Receptionist for the Donald E. Ward Executive Suite on Wednesday, June 12. She replaced Kiersten Hayden, who moved to serve as the Assistant to the General Counsel, Jill Rayburn.
CFO Search
The committee (David Charpia, Rich Grimm [chair], Kelly Hodge, Jonathan Kiesler, and Rachael Russiaky) engaged several recruiting companies to assist: Equiliem, Registry, and Find Great People, and narrowed the in-house application list to include 6 candidates who were asked to submit responses to additional questions prior to engaging in an interview. In the meantime, interviews for interim candidates were conducted.
Mascot Design
The work shifted to design/implementation of the physical mascot, with Jared Thomas facilitating the committee (Dustin Fuls, Brittany Hendrix, Kelly Hodge, Will Lowrey, Josh Milner, and Brett Plyler) to determine the actual look of the mascot costume. Eric Rickabaugh of Rickabaugh Graphics and his team worked on the concept while the committee created policies and procedures around tryouts and requests for appearances. Rachael Russiaky addressed scholarship opportunities and Rickabaugh developed character and emoji art. An Athletic Spirit Club was proposed to generate interest and to ensure student body presence at home games. The decision was made to conduct the big reveal at the Homecoming Game on October 19.
FY25 Capital Projects
Work continued on the FY25 capital projects, to include Bruce Hall roof repair, Martin sprinkler heads, Neves roof, Todd Dining Hall grease interceptor, renovation of 110 West Crain, TBC fire alarm system.
Campus Enhancement Plan
Met with Derck & Edson to review options for revising and updating the campus enhancement plan. Tim Maness and Steve Sproles visited campus and met with the Campus Enhancement Plan Committee. They presented three scenarios for future capital and legacy projects. The committee will recommend the next steps, and these will be presented to the ELC and Infrastructure and Operations Committee in September, prior to being presented at the Board Meeting in October.
ROTC
Held initial discussions with Furman regarding the ROTC partnership with NGU. In discussion with LTC Chad Monroe from Furman University, it was determined that the battalion only needs access to the rappelling tower and space to meet with recruits, which the team is facilitating. The house formerly occupied by ROTC will be utilized by ODEL.
Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center
Meetings were held with representatives from Hood to discuss repairing the stairs in front of Plaster. Closeout work on Plaster continued.
Strategic Planning
Preliminary discussions regarding the development of the next strategic plan began. In the meantime, work on the FA24 update of NGU2025 was initiated.
Campus Enhancement Services
The office resourced efforts to facilitate the transition of Kyle Walden, who was named Vice President of Campus Enhancement on August 12.
Cooke House
Preliminary discussion around the renovation of the Cooke House began. Athletic Director, Will Lowrey, will be moving some of the athletics offices from Hendricks Field House to the Cooke House, located at 50 Blackwell Road.
Hitting Facility
Conversation continued concerning the hitting facility for the baseball team. Donor engagement is necessary before proceeding with the project.
Tigerville Operations
FUGE and M-Fuge were held on campus. In total, 5677 participants came through campus. Below is a comparison of activity on the NGU campus related to the total of all sites nationwide.
The World Journalism Institute met on campus for the first time. Twenty-four individuals participated. The feedback was very positive.
Greer Operations
A number of improvements were made, including: installation of a new alarm system; refreshed furniture from Tigerville surplus; renovation of PA enclave.
Quarter 2
CFO Search
Engaged the services of an interim from the Registry, a ZRG company, specializing in CFO placement. The interim term is for six months but may be terminated with thirty days' notice. Larry Wakefield was selected and officially started his position as Interim CFO on Friday, November 1.
Men’s/Women’s Volleyball Locker Rooms
A team comprised of representatives from Athletics, CES and the EVP’s office worked with Coaches Matt McManaway and Greg Moseley to determine the feasibility/cost of installing modular units to serve as locker rooms for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams. These would be located behind Hayes Gym (where the pool currently is) and would house locker rooms, restrooms, and offices.
Tingle Renovation
Programming conversations began regarding the potential renovation of Tingle Student Center in SU26. Chick-fil-A is up for renovation as part of its 7-year cycle in SU25. Topics of discussion included: adding food service options, creating a coffee house, creating a larger
event space, providing a large flex space to serve as student third space. Chick-fil-A is scheduled for an update Summer 2025.
Mascot Rollout
The first round of mascot tryouts was held. The committee narrowed down the search to 4 candidates and planned to conduct a second round with them once the costume arrived. The plan is for the mascot, in costume, to be revealed at the Homecoming game October 19.
Campus Enhancement Plan
Derck & Edson refined the draft of the updated Campus Enhancement Plan, with input from the plan committee and key stakeholders and shared it with the ELC and with the Infrastructure & Operations Committee and the full Board of Trustees. It was well received and approved. Preliminary conversations began regarding how best to move forward with operationalizing it.
Slingshot
Conversations remained ongoing regarding evaluation and improvement of related services. After some concerns with the mailing service, textbook distribution and product merchandising, Slingshot sent a team to Tigerville to do a complete restart and the results were amazing! Began work to hire a new campus store manager.
Tropical Storm Helene
Preparation for the Friday, Sept 27, storm was made well in advance as several measures were undertaken including coordination meetings, sweeping campus for projectiles, staging of materials and campus wide communication. Teams sprang quickly into action early morning on the 27th in response to multiple requests for assistance and water/wind damage. By 10AM crews were at work throughout campus to begin the clean-up and assessment process. While damages were limited, especially in comparison to the region, the effort to restore operations was considerable. In-person operations on both campuses were reestablished on Mon., Oct 7.
The 1892 Place
The office began coordinating efforts to refurbish The 1892 Place.
Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center
The EVP office facilitated a meeting with Hood, Equip, and JLL to address remaining items on the project and issues that surfaced during Helene.
Jan McDonald Day
The EVP Office facilitated the planning and presentation of Jan McDonald Day during the first home football game of the season. Members of the community, alumni, friends, and family of the University were there to honor her at halftime.
Teaching Fellows Proposal
Discussion began around the addition of the Teaching Fellows program and the accommodations necessary to house the program within the current spaces in the Foster Education Building.
President’s House
The basement of the President’s House, located at 9 Blackwell Road, flooded and plans for restoration and waterproofing were put into place.
J.W. Watson Way
Crusader Court was renamed Trailblazer Park as part of the mascot change. The street's name, Crusader Court Road, was changed to J.W. Watson Way in honor of Billy Watson, who has served North Greenville University in many capacities over the past 30+ years. An official unveiling was held, and Mr. Watson was presented with a resolution from the Board of Trustees recognizing the change.
Tigerville Operations
Slingshot operations greatly improved. Trailblazer merchandise was rolled out. Rebecca Rumfield hired as new bookstore manager. Aramark provided substantial support during Helene recovery efforts. We hosted the Southeastern Independent Football League championship.
Greer Operations
PA interviews were hosted on campus. The mobile bookstore was brought to the Tim Brashier Campus. Many outside groups were hosted, including: Huntington Disease Support Group, Chosen Children Ministries, Friends of the Highlanders, and Hispanic Bible Institute. The TBC hosted Tigerville faculty, staff, students, and families during Helene outage.
Quarter 3
CFO Search Update
The search for our new CFO officially ended as Mark Reeves started Monday, December 2, 2025. Larry Wakefield remained in his role as interim SVP for Finance until the end of January.
Asheville Christian Academy Breakfast
On Wednesday, November 20th, members of the CMSE, Admissions, and EVP teams provided breakfast for the two temporary locations of Asheville Christian Academy, as ACA was displaced due to Hurricane Helene.
Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center
On Thursday, November 21st, Kyle Walden, Sandy Gibbes and Madison Polk (Equip), Dean Wilson, Thomas Scruggs, and Whit (Hood) met to review the remaining items before closing
out construction. Additionally, the team reconvened in December to conduct the Eleventh Month Project Review.
EVP Team at Harvest Hope
On Friday, November 22nd, members of the EVP team served for two hours at Harvest Hope House in Greenville. Afterwards, the team ate lunch together at Lewis Barbecue.
Board Chair Orientation
On Thursday, December 5th, the Board Chair orientation was conducted with Josh Powell, recently named Chair of the NGU Board of Trustees.
New Board Member Orientation
On Thursday, January 9, the New Trustee Orientation was held in the Ellison Board Room of the Plaster Center. In attendance were new Board Members, Jamie Oates, Kevin Hefner, and Phil Alsup, and returning Board Members, Travis Agnew, and Mandie Boyd. Board Chair Josh Powell presided over the meeting with the assistance of Dr. Fant, Rich Grimm, and Ike Johnson, Board Secretary.
Bikes for Bibles
On Thursday, December 5, Rich, Kelly, and Kimberly Morgan went to Rocky Creek Baptist Church to hear Travis Agnew share his vision of Bikes for Bibles. Travis is working with the Seed Company to fund Bible translation across all languages. The university will promote and sponsor the event, to be held in April 2025.
FY26 Capital Project List
Development of the FY26 Capital Project List began.
Nate Garner named Head Football Coach
On Tuesday, January 14th, Nate Garner was introduced as the new head football coach of NGU at a press conference held in Moore Hall of the Hayes Ministry Center.
Budd Group + Yasser Youssef
On Wednesday, January 15th, representatives from the Budd Group, including President and CEO Yasser Youssef, met with Rich Grimm, Kyle Walden and Matt Smoyer for a Business Review of the year and a look ahead to the future of the partnership.
University Strategic Plan
Efforts underway to conclude NGU2025 while beginning development of a new strategic plan for the university. President Fant was interviewed regarding his thoughts/vision for the next plan. An 18-person steering committee was formed to develop the plan over the course of the next four months, which will be presented to the Board at its June meeting
Slingshot Contract
The office began coordinating the review and renegotiation of the contract with Slingshot with General Counsel, Student Services, Business Services, Tigerville Operation and Academics. The ad hoc committee assisting with this effort included Jan Foster, Jill Rayburn, Mark Reeves, Rachael Russiaky, and Billy Watson.
Wedding / Reception Policy
In consultation with the General Counsel’s office, a wedding/reception policy was developed and was approved by the SLC and distributed to the ELC at the February 13 meeting.
Campus Enhancement Plan
On Monday, January 27, the updated Fall 2024 Campus Enhancement Plan was presented to the Infrastructure and Operations Committee. Initial efforts are underway to prioritize and operationalize the plan.
Local Sourcing Opportunity
On Thursday, January 30, Rich, Helen Cox, and Kelly Hodge met with Heather Collins of Famoda Farms about the possibility of sourcing meat for food services.
Chick-fil-A Renovation
On Thursday, January 30, a Chick-fil-A Renovation Kickoff Meeting was held, to include members of Chick-fil-A, NGU, and Aramark. The plan for the entire project is expected to take no more than 3-4 weeks, after which, Chick-fil-A will be open for FUGE Camps.
195 Hunt
The office facilitated the receipt of a land donation (2.65 acres) through the Brashier family. The property is adjacent to the current property.
Hot Ones Video
Rich Grimm was invited by Billy Cannada, Director of University Marketing, to engage in a hot wing eating contest like the Hot Ones episodes on YouTube. The contest was filmed and distributed throughout social media platforms as part of the NGU podcast.
IACE Conference + Alumni Interaction in Dallas
Rich Grimm attended the IACE (International Alliance for Christian Education) Conference in Dallas, Texas. While there, he engaged with several alumni, who included Caleb Kester, Associate Pastor of Gateway Church, Wes Warren, former instructor at NGU, also known as ‘Prof,’ and Becca Beacham, Director of Event Services, Texas Rangers Baseball. Rich also awarded a scholarship to a local student at Allen High School and visited with representatives from GuideStone Financial.
Tigerville Operations
Hosted several events: Classical Conversations of Tigerville Craft Fair (homeschool kids); Evangelical Missiological Society Southeast Region meeting; Apostolic Lutheran Church of America site visit; Greer PD Leadership Training. Campus store boosted inventory for Christmas rush. Slingshot offered clearance table pop-ups around campus.
Greer Operations
Aluminum drink cans were collected and delivered to the Greer Fire Department. The NGU Art Department was hosted. Lindsay Evatt was selected Tim Brashier Campus Person of the Year. A Christmastime decorate the door contest was held. The community participated in the Piedmont Women’s Center Baby Bottle Fundraiser. The College of Education job fair was held on campus; sixteen school districts participated.
Quarter 4
Main Switchboard Operations
An assessment of the main switchboard was conducted, resulting in moving responsibility to the EVP’s department.
Slingshot Contract Review
An internal review of the contract was completed. Changes were reviewed with Slingshot leadership and were favorably received. An updated contract was received.
NGU2030: Building for the Future
The NGU2030 Strategic Planning Committee met and began discussion on the new strategic plan. The group of 18 members was divided into four groups to work together to create new pillar statements. Once pillars and goals were identified, committee representatives then facilitated the composition of objectives, which have been edited/compiled and are being reviewed by the committee.
Chick-fil-A Renovation
Preparations continued for the renovation of the space, scheduled between May 7 and June 2. Signage, kitchen equipment and a walk-in cooler were ordered before the project. The Grub Hub piece is ready to go. Delivery of equipment is scheduled to begin on May 1.
Tingle Renovation
Discussions around the potential for renovation of Tingle continue. Those contributing to these discussions include Billy Watson, Jared Thomas, Helen Cox, Kyle Walden, Bob Wesley, Tim Huggins, Rich Grimm, and Kelly Hodge. The goal is to maximize the space's use to include ROTC and Student Flourishing, as well as a large room for events, gatherings, and a coffee shop.
Food Service Provider RFP
Preliminary conversations were initiated with six companies (including Aramark) regarding soliciting RFPs for food services. This effort was tied to the university’s strategic planning process and IS NOT due to dissatisfaction with the current provider. Aramark provided a concept for Trailblazer Hospitality, a reimagined, comprehensive dining proposal for the university. Stakeholders were asked to review and provide feedback. A committee worked together to manage the process: Rich Grimm (chair), Kelly Hodge, Jill Rayburn, Mark Reeves, Jared Thomas, Billy Watson.
Hitting Facility Donor Update
On Monday, March 24, Rich met with Marty O’Gwynn and Will Lowrey to discuss the status of the fundraising efforts toward the project.
Museum Project
On Tuesday, March 25, a meeting was held (Web Drake, Marty O’Gwynn, Hayley deGonzalez, Rich Grimm, and Kelly Hodge) to examine the possibility of revitalizing the three art galleries on campus (Rosti, Van Riper, Sullivan), combining them into a more central location.
NGU Promotion to Churches
Launched efforts to boost promotion of NGU amongst SCBC churches. Marty O’Gwynn, Chad Peters, and Jared Thomas coordinating efforts.
FY26 Budget Preparation
The office continued to work with the team to clarify/refine FY26 budget requests.
Capital Project Manager
The screening committee (Michael Lord, Kyle Walden, Kelly Hodge, Rich Grimm) reviewed the 17 applicant materials and identified eight viable candidates. An introductory meeting was facilitated with each of the eight candidates, which resulted in identifying two candidates with whom to conduct formal interviews. The final decision was made to hire Scott Carlson, who will begin work on July 1.
Biltmore Forest Country Club event
The Biltmore Forest Event was a huge success! Three foursomes enjoyed a golf outing. There were forty-eight in attendance at the dinner, during which Dr. Fant shared the history, vision, and future of NGU. The presentation was well received, new friendships were formed, and the meal was superb. Many thanks to Yasser Youssef, CEO of The Budd Group, for his generosity in hosting this event.
EVP Team at Harvest Hope
On Friday, May 16, members of the EVP team served for two hours at Harvest Hope House in Greenville. Afterwards, the team ate lunch together at Lewis Barbecue.
Tigerville Operations
Slingshot was part of a pop-up event during the recent production of "You Can't Take It With You" at Billingsley Theatre, where nearly all new Trailblazer Theatre tees were sold. Hosted the Colson Center Event. The Woods Store layout was reorganized. Hosted Upstate Homeschool Co-op Graduation and Mountainview Elementary 5th Grade Graduation.
Greer Operations
Conversations began with the new owner of CrossFit, Justin Bell. Efforts began to set up a walking path on 195 Hunt property.
Provost and Dean of University Faculty
Dr. Hunter Baker
The 2024-2025 academic year at NGU was a great one in terms of both faculty and student achievement. The provost’s office is excited to include a selection of highlights from the year for the board’s perusal.
It is fitting to begin with two faculty members we lost over the last academic year, Blake Smith and Mary Ann Solesbee. Both were beloved in our community and leave a substantial gap by virtue of their work and friendship. We are pleased to offer a tribute to them in the annual report.
In Memoriam: Blake Smith, Professor of Art North Greenville University suffered the loss of Professor Blake Smith, who passed away at the age of 48 during the summer.
Smith was a professor of art and had been serving at North Greenville since 2003.
“Professor Smith was dedicated to excellence in everything he did, from his teaching to his artwork to his faith,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “His influence on his students and colleagues is a legacy that will persist in our community for many years to come. We are grateful for his quiet smiles, his insightful intellect, and his abiding friendship. Our prayers for his family, friends, and students will continue in the coming days.”
In addition to his 22-year career at NGU, Smith was a talented artist with artwork displayed throughout the world. In 2017, Smith won the Photography Award from the Belton Center for the Arts and the Exhibition Committee Award from the Metropolitan Arts Council. Smith has also earned multiple service awards from North Greenville.
“Blake was a teacher, an artist, a mentor, a colleague, and a friend,” said Dr. Web Drake, Dean of NGU’s College of Communication and Fine Arts. “He left a legacy that will reverberate for generations.”
“As his Dean, I am at a loss for what we will do without him,” continued Drake. “As a father of one of his students, I am crushed that my daughter has lost such a voice of wisdom and guidance. As his friend, I can’t even begin to process his absence. He was a genuinely kind and gentle soul. We are all in mourning.”
Smith was a pottery master and enjoyed fishing. A graduate of Lander University and Clemson University, Smith was a member of Art Bomb Studios, a non-profit arts organization in downtown Greenville.
Smith had a love for his students and invested in their spiritual growth while helping them hone their skills.
“As a Christian, I approach my duties in the classroom in a way that integrates faith, while also guiding and helping students learn the skills they want and need to learn,” Smith said, when asked about his role at the university. “In doing so I help to create students that become transformational leaders for church and society.”
In
Memoriam: Mary Ann Solesbee, Professor of Education
Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee, a beloved educator, storyteller, and author passed away in January. She was born in Spartanburg on September 9, 1949.
Dr. Solesbee earned her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina and dedicated her career to the field of education. She taught elementary school for many years in South Carolina, inspiring students with her love for history and storytelling. As the founding Director of the Teacher Education Program at North Greenville University, she later became a Professor of Education, teaching future educators to foster a love of learning in their own students. She was the author of the Sal and Amanda book series, which uses historical fiction to teach children about South Carolina's rich history. In addition, she authored South Carolina Under Our Feet, a first grade Social Studies textbook that is used by tens of thousands of students across the state. Dr. Solesbee also created and directed a Teaching American History Grant for eight school districts in the Upstate and provided in-service teacher education both in the U.S. and abroad.
A lifelong lover of stories, Dr. Solesbee shared her passion for reading and storytelling throughout her life. She and her father created stories about animals in the woods of the Upcountry, where she grew up. She kept a journal as a young girl and used storytelling as a way to connect with children throughout her career. She was a proud advocate for children's literature and worked tirelessly to bring history and adventure to the lives of young learners.
Dr. Solesbee had a deep love for the holidays and cherished time spent at her lakeside home, where she could often be found reading and enjoying the outdoors. She was a dedicated mother and an even more outstanding grandmother, affectionately known as "Mimi." She was also a die-hard South Carolina Gamecocks fan. Dr. Solesbee's warmth, humor, and infectious spirit made her the life of any gathering, and she had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel valued and loved.
Dr. Solesbee will be remembered for her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her extraordinary accomplishments, her love for her family, and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of learners. Her legacy will live on through her students, her books, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career and beyond.
Dean of College of Christian Studies Named
After a long search with tremendous hard work by the members of the search committee, which included both faculty of the university and some external participants such as Pastor Josh Powell and Dr. Ricky Stark, the university named Dr. Michael Bryant to be only the
second dean of the College of Christian Studies in the history of North Greenville University. Dr. Bryant is the former acting president of Charleston Southern University and served in various other roles during his long career at CSU. He holds a doctoral degree in theology from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Bryant is well-traveled, having served as a visiting lecturer at various places in Africa. All of us at the Southern Baptist Convention were deeply impressed by Dr. Bryant and his wife as they jumped in with both feet as we worked together at the booth. They were friendly and energetic.
It is important to acknowledge the outstanding service of associate dean Dr. Jeff Rankin who served as the acting dean after Dr. Walter Johnson’s retirement. We are so grateful for his leadership as acting dean, as well as for his continuing service as associate dean. At the spring Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund dinner, we honored Dr. Rankin. Dr. Fant issued Dr. Rankin with an invitation to go to a Saints game with expenses paid by the university. Dr. Rankin is an excellent colleague and friend of the institution.
South Carolina Teaching Fellows
This past year, North Greenville University accomplished its longtime goal of becoming a South Carolina Teaching Fellows institution. The program provides a substantial four-year scholarship to undergraduates with a desire to pursue a teaching career in South Carolina. Becoming a Teaching Fellows institution is a major achievement for NGU and a feather in the cap for our dean, Dr. Constance Wright and her team. We weren’t sure what to expect in our first year in the program. Dr. Wright hoped to meet a goal of ten students in this first group. Our College of Education exceeded that goal with twelve students.
Emeritus Professor
Last year, Dr. Fant requested that the rank of Emeritus Professor be created to honor faculty who served with distinction and have moved into retirement. Dr. Jill Branyon fittingly became our first professor to achieve the rank.
Rank Promotion Changes
Prior to this year, it was nearly impossible for any faculty to move from instructor to assistant professor if they did not possess a terminal degree. We initiated a policy change to make the promotion available to some of our best instructors. There is no question that some professors who have not obtained their doctorate deserve some ability to gain promotion. In the coming year, we will see that policy in operation.
In addition, we have added the rank of University Professor to the existing ranks of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. This new rank will allow full professors who have achieved a level of real distinction to ascend one more rank and accomplish another pay increase. It will be awarded competitively with a limited number available each year.
Finally, we have changed the amount of the raises that are given with each promotion. Previously, all promotions were uniformly awarded with $3k, which has been the amount for as long as anyone remembers. Assistant to associate will now be a $4k promotion.
Associate to full will now be a $5k promotion. Full to university will be a $7k promotion. Again, it is important to emphasize that the professors who reach that final promotion will be a select group. We will impose a limit of three professors reaching the university professor level in any given year.
Full Professor Medallions:
Dr. Fant also requested that we strike medallions for each full professor with the NGU logo and “Christ makes the difference” motto. Missy Conard worked with Dr. Fant, Dr. Baker, and the medallion company to arrive at a suitable design. Professors received the medallions during our opening meetings.
Meetings with President and Provost for Academic Leaders
Dr. Fant and Dr. Baker met with the deans and associate deans of NGU’s colleges and schools. The goal was to find out what’s working, what the pain points are, and how we can move forward. The meetings surfaced some opportunities, such as the need to redesign academic forms, upon which we were able to act.
Lamar Chapman Awards for Staff and Faculty:
Dr. Baker’s administrative assistant, Missy Conard, was awarded the Lamar Chapman Distinguished Service award for staff. We think the award was supremely well-deserved and are tremendously grateful for this recognition of her service by the university. She is a great help to the provost, faculty, and staff of the institution.
Dr. Jeff Williams of the Health Sciences program and the academic representative for NGU’s sports programs received the Lamar Chapman Distinguished Service award for faculty. Dr. Williams’ service is widely respected and recognized by his peers and other members of the university community.
Facilities
The university substantially renovated the spaces of the Cline School which provides a major lift to music at NGU.
The new Plaster Center has had a transformative effect on campus. It serves the business school, but also provides an excellent gathering space for students and for other university events.
Educational technology got an upgrade with Bluetooth connectivity in classrooms around campus which is great for faculty use of laptops, iPads, etc.
In response to faculty requests, we improved the seating available for faculty in many classrooms so they may sit and still be able to lecture. That is a substantial help to faculty who may be older or who have problems standing for long periods of time.
Faculty Development
New Faculty
On August 13, 2024, seventeen new faculty met together to be introduced to life as part of the North Greenville University academic community. The goals of the event were to provide new faculty members a tour of the central portion of campus; to introduce them to academic, administrative, and student support services; to learn from the experiences of faculty who have come to NGU in the last few years; to address any unanswered questions they might have; and to give them a forum for beginning to build friendships with one another. Dr. Jan Foster, Dr. Hunter Baker, and Dr. Donny Mathis each shared, in different ways, with the new faculty about the importance of integrating faith and learning, how to begin the process of thinking more carefully about these matters, and the great blessing of serving at an academic institution that is united by its desire “to cultivate transformational leaders for church and society.”
Connecting new faculty with the NGU community is essential for faculty retention and flourishing, so the Office of Academics hosted social gatherings for new faculty during the year. The first of these gatherings was a tailgate party for first- and second-year faculty members at our first home football game. The highlight of this event was seeing the excitement that Dr. Jung-Eun Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science, had because he was attending his first tailgate party and first in-person American football game.
Encouraged by visits with other chief academic officers of longer standing, we have decided to double down on faculty development. This year we initiated the work of redesigning our offerings with the plan of moving much more in the direction of faculty development as essential rather than optional. That change will be reflected in our decision to make faculty development participation a required part of promotion. New programming will begin in the ’25-’26 academic year and will continue to be developed as we go. We see ourselves building out a formal curriculum that should serve the institution well for years to come.
Faculty Workshop
Each year, NGU’s Fall Faculty Workshop provides the Office of Academic Administration with the opportunity to articulate the academic vision of the university in ways that are particularly important for the upcoming year, provide training related to new governmental regulations pertinent to the responsibilities of faculty, and receive updates related to the assessment and enhancement of our academic programs. This year, faculty heard testimonies from colleagues from each of NGU’s six colleges about how they have grown in integrating the Christian faith into the teaching of their different disciplines. These testimonies encouraged our faculty to examine the foundational assumptions of their disciplines in light of the Scriptures and encouraged faculty members to step out of their comfort zones to help our students flourish academically and holistically.
Additionally, Dr. Hunter Baker, Dr. Nigel Basta, Dr. David Entwistle, Dr. Nathan Finn, and Dr. Rachel Roberts participated in a panel discussion to help our faculty members to consider different pathways to publishing that might be available to them beyond the traditional
types of academic writing in their fields, particularly those that would allow them to reach a broader audience of people who might be interested about their academic disciplines but not experts in them and allow them to explain how the Christian faith has enhanced their pursuit of disciplinary excellence.
Faculty also had the opportunity to hear from our new Athletic Director, Will Lowrey. He shared his testimony and his vision for where he wanted NGU Athletics to go. He emphasized that, while in many places academics and athletics have an adversarial relationship, he did not want that to be the case at NGU. Hopefully, this testimony was a first step in making this relationship even better. After the event, in an effort to enhance the connectedness of our faculty further, they received a video that compiled pictures submitted to show what they did on summer vacation. Several faculty members have commented on how much they enjoyed the video, and we look forward to making this an ongoing tradition.
Faculty Essentials
Faculty Essentials is a year-long program geared primarily toward NGU’s new faculty members but also includes the whole faculty. These events provide faculty with the opportunity to consider how they can pursue excellence in teaching, scholarship, integrating faith and learning, while serving campus, church, community, and culture. The August gathering was for first-year faculty exclusively. They had the opportunity to hear from President Fant in an informal, question and answer format. The President shared with them how the Lord brought him to Tigerville and inspired them by articulating his vision for where the Lord wants to take NGU into the future. In our September meeting, Dr. Kayla Black, Director of the Honors Program and Associate Professor of History, gave an outstanding talk on the importance of building community in their classrooms and of helping our students grow in an environment of academic hospitality.
Faculty Reading Groups
This year, we had approximately 40 faculty members participating in Faculty Reading Groups in which they are discussing six different books that focus on topics like teaching with AI, flourishing as a faculty member, thinking Christianly, and how education should respect and work toward the flourishing of the people and the places from which our students come.
Faculty Development and the Future
While at the IACE conference, Dr. Baker visited with the legendary CIU provost Ralph Enlow, who has become something of a guru to Christian academic leaders. He urged Dr. Baker to think of faculty development as the single most important thing for a provost to be thinking about. As a consequence, Dr. Baker and Dr. Mathis will envision new programs and investments in faculty development.
We are increasing our investment in professional development grants for the faculty from $25k to $50k in the next fiscal year. These are not impressive numbers, but we have seen
institutions reduce and sometimes cut these grants altogether. We are bucking the trend by increasing the amount available for our professors. The grants come in $1000 increments. Typically, they will not pay for the full cost of a conference, but the subsidy makes participation more attractive. Dr. Mathis has been working with the business office to make changes that will streamline the awarding and use of grant money for faculty development.
Examples of Faculty Using Grants:
• Robbie Collins – Festival Faculty and Featured Soloist with Mantzaros Philharmonic at the Corfu International Trumpet Festival
• Amy Dunlap – Workshop Leader at the Southeastern Theatre Conference
• David Entwistle – “Analysis of a gratitude intervention on post-hurricane subjective and spiritual well-being” for Christian Association of Psychiatric Studies International Conference
• Nick Higgins presented at the American Politics Summit.
• Martin Jones – “S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Prompt Engineering: A Practical Framework for the Successful Use of Generative-AI in Higher Education” for the Christian Business Faculty Association Annual Conference
• Jong-Eun Lee – Presented a paper on North Korea’s Proxy War at the Christianity and National Security Conference
• Frankie Melton – Presented a paper at the ETS National Conference on “African American Preaching and the Influence of John Jasper
• Rachel Roberts – Presented a paper at the Southeastern Renaissance Conference
• Paul Thompson and Brendan Payne both presented papers at the Conference on Faith and History.
Based on the increase in faculty development grants, we expect to see more of this kind of activity in the near future.
The Office of Academic Administration is planning for future faculty development events both for new faculty and for established faculty. Donny Mathis (dean of faculty development) and Dr. Baker are trying to think about whether there is an appropriate speaker/expert who could really be a great catalyst for growth in teaching and scholarship for our faculty. More ambitiously, we are thinking through a required curriculum of faculty development courses we would tie to promotion.
We had two Faculty Essentials gatherings in the fall where Kayla Black spoke on “Creating Community in the Classroom,” and Donny Mathis spoke on “Flourishing as a Faculty Member at a Mission-Driven Institution,” which was a draft of the final chapter in Faithful Faculty that Dr. Mathis is editing with Jacob Shatzer of Union University for release in May 2026.
Business faculty Martin Jones led a group of faculty (including the provost) in a series of meetings on artificial intelligence and pedagogy. Our goal was to better understand the technology, to avoid having teaching and grading corrupted by it as much as possible, and to determine what uses would actually be profitable for students in the long term.
After conferring with our IT services folks, we will build in more IT involvement with faculty training at the beginning of the year.
Faculty Development Happenings:
• Nathan Finn received the Faculty Scholarship Award for his work on A Handbook of Theology in the Theology for the People of God series and will be presenting a lecture entitled “Revisiting The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism: Carl Henry’s Agenda for Evangelical Cultural Engagement” at a future PALS event. Rachel Roberts earned the second place award for her essay, “Anne Dowriche and Elizabeth Cary as Writers of Early Modern History”. She read this essay during the Faculty Essentials gathering on the topic of Excellence in Scholarship.
• Forty-two faculty members participated in Faculty Reading Groups. They are reading The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Creating an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt; Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Learning by José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson; and Nathan Coulter by Wendell Berry.
• Nathan Finn spoke at Faculty Essentials on “The Three ‘Great’ Priorities of a Distinctively Christian Educator” in an effort to emphasize the Center for Faculty Excellence’s core value of Excellence in the Integration of Faith and Learning.
Core Curriculum Assessment
Dr. Mathis is leading ongoing assessment of our core curriculum which is a requirement of our accreditation.
At the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, the Core Curriculum Assessment Committee edited the Telos Statement that should be included in the syllabus of every Core Curriculum course so that it would align with the mission statement language that is used in colleges and departments across campus. The mission statement now reads as follows:
Core Curriculum Mission Statement
The mission of the Core Curriculum is to form NGU students into academic disciples by educating them in a liberal arts curriculum that is shaped by a biblical worldview and the best of the Christian intellectual tradition and by preparing them to think critically,
communicate effectively, and work globally so that they can become flourishing humans who are equipped to transform church and society.
Academic Culture Initiative: The Twelve P’s
Dr. Baker has been talking with deans and faculty leaders about establishing norms for academic culture at NGU. Peter Drucker famously said that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” His point, which we’ve seen with Chick-fil-A and other organizations, is that a durable culture generates tremendous fruit for a long time. We know that we want our faculty to be serious Christians and to be good teachers, but can we say more about that?
To that end, Dr. Baker has been emphasizing The Twelve P’s.
• We embrace professionalism.
• We have passion for our subject and the mission.
• Pertinent content is our focus. Pertinent content means that while we are free to express personality and to let students get to know us and our lives, we always make sure to keep the main thing the main thing.
• Our teaching includes planning and predictability for our students.
o This means our classes have syllabi that include a plan for each class session. Students can review their syllabus the week of class and see exactly what they should be reading and doing in preparation. With a few exceptions, professors who fail to provide this kind of class by class information in the syllabus are falling short of professional expectations.
o Students should be able to plan all of their work for the term by laying out their syllabi and seeing their tests and deadlines. By making this kind of foresight possible for students, we increase their chances of success.
• NGU professors put a substantial premium on being physically present in traditional classes with our students and have a strong bias against cancelling class or too easily switching to an online assignment. Obviously, we have the occasional emergency or speaking engagement or whatever that takes us out of class, but it should not become a regular occurrence. As an example, I have typically refused speaking invitations that would take me away from class more than a couple of times a semester. (What is similar guidance for online professors?)
• Our professors model the importance of being punctual because of the respect it shows to others. By being on time, we model a behavior that is important for our students’ success in their lives and careers.
• We give prompt feedback.
o It is never acceptable for students to find themselves at the end of the semester wondering where they stand.
o Our expectation is that grades are returned within a reasonable window after tests and assignments.
• We try to give vulnerable students hope by offering pathways to improvement. In other words, when students perform badly early in the semester, we try to find ways to allow them to recover and get back in the academic game. Some will!
• We model personal investment in the lives of our students.
o They should feel that we are motivated by their success.
o It should be clear that we are not just doing a job, but that we are image bearers teaching and serving image bearers.
o We take concrete steps to help students feel they know us personally and can easily get help, advice, or even just friendly interaction.
• We promote the love of learning more than we do mere progression and checking boxes. Our number one goal should be to encourage our students to love the material they are studying. Desire to learn is the secret ingredient in education.
• We are in partnership with our fellow professors. We are not a community of solo contributors, but are instead members of a Christian faculty seeking to help each other and our students as a community.
Kalos Scholars
In June, the annual Kalos Scholars Retreat was held at the Impact 360 Institute in Pine Mountain, GA. Kalos Scholars from both North Greenville and Union University attended the retreat. Hunter Baker and Nathan Finn were among the keynote speakers, and President Fant and Kayla Black also attended the retreat. In August, the third cohort of Kalos Scholars began at NGU, bringing our total number of Kalos Scholars to 30. Drs. Black and Finn mentor these students and provide them with a co-curricular program to complement their academic experience. The Kalos Scholars had an ice cream social in August and begun monthly lunches in September. Kalos Scholars also serve the wider university by staffing the Honors House on weeknights and helping to plan Scholars Weekend.
Institute for Transformational Leadership / Institute for Faith and Culture
The Institute for Transformational Leadership hosted the inaugural Faith and Culture Lecture Series on September 23. The speaker was Stephen Presley, who serves as Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Life at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy and Associate Professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Presley spoke in chapel that morning and delivered a lecture in the evening. The lecture was on the topic Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church, which was based on his recent book of the same title.
During the year, at Dr. Finn’s request we changed the name of the institute to the Institute for Faith and Culture. We did so in recognition of the fact that the work of the institute ranges far beyond leadership into the realms of faith and culture.
The university hosted Dr. Christine Crenshaw and Dan Darling for a series of four Worldview Week events. Evening events appeared to be highly successful based on the number of students who had questions after the lectures. Speakers for next year are already lined up and are attention-getting!
International Alliance of Christian Education (IACE)
Members of the Office of Academic Administration plus president and executive vice president represented NGU at the sixth annual conference of the IACE. We also sent a group of professors to the summer faculty development conference.
Dr. Baker and Dr. Finn (along with Melinda Stephens of Geneva College) serve as editors of the IACE’s journal, Integration: A Journal of Faith and Learning. Dr. Finn interviewed our Impact 360 partners for one of the issue’s articles. One recent issue contained a review of our own Dr. Rachel Robert’s co-authored book Deep Reading
Provost Publishing/Speaking
Dr. Baker was approached last year to write a book on Christian Nationalism for a Baptist audience by the Baptist Courier and their publishing imprint 1821 Books. The book had to be completed in a few months in order to be edited and published in time for the Southern Baptist Convention in June. The result was Postliberal Protestants: Baptists between Obergefell and Christian Nationalism. To date the book has received a substantial amount of attention and was in the list of bestselling new releases in the Baptist Christianity category for virtually the entire time it was a new release. We took copies to the convention and shared them with members of the board. Dr. Baker has done podcasts on the book with Matt Friedeman, the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, and Warren Smith. The book has represented the fruit of a strong partnership between Baptist Courier and NGU. It received positive notices from Tony Wolfe, Daniel Darling, Andrew Walker, John Stonestreet, and others. The book also comes at a good time when many are debating the future of the ERLC and how it should approach its work.
In addition, here is a selection of other writing and speaking work by Dr. Baker:
Gave one of the core lectures, “The Christian Vision of a Free Government,” at Acton University, an international gathering of students, professors, pastors, and other scholars in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Contracted to write chapter on economics for Baptist Social Ethics with B&H Publishing.
Co-editing Integration: A Journal of Faith and Learning for the International Association of Christian Education.
Associate editor of The Journal of Markets and Morality.
Contributing editor for Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity
Spoke at Christ Fellowship Cherrydale on Christianity and politics.
Spoke to nationwide zoom audience of Colson Fellows on Christianity and politics
Lectured at the replica of Independence Hall at Houston Christian University on civic engagement.
Wrote on the 2024 election for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s publication Light and also for The Baptist Courier.
Took a personal assignment from Dr. Albert Mohler to write about the passing of Pope Francis for World Opinions.
Wrote a piece for The Blaze on recent developments that have blunted the momentum of various “woke” initiatives in the corporate and non-profit worlds.
Published an essay “Standing on the Right Side of the Divide” responding to John Wilsey’s Religious Liberty: A Conservative Primer for the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy.
Appeared on the Mike Ferguson radio show in St. Louis on April 18.
Lectured on the enduring value of the liberal arts for the students in the honors program.
Presented a talk on professionalism to the graduating members of this year’s NGU Leads class.
Published “Isolated and Alone” for World Opinions
Published “Erasing Henry Hyde” for World Opinions. He also recorded a commentary on Henry Hyde for The World and Everything in It.
Appeared on The 700 Club to discuss America’s aging crisis.
Published “The Appearance of Evil: How to Counter Biden’s Final Act” for The Blaze.
Published “The Common Sense Revolution” for World Opinions.
Published “An Article of Peace” for World Opinions and voiced an accompanying commentary on The World and Everything in It.
Published “Higher Education Rediscovers Itself” for World Opinions.
Published “A Collision of Lives” for World Opinions.
Appeared on the Outstanding podcast hosted by Joseph Backholm of the Washington Stand and the Family Research Council. “Politics in Flux: Trump, the Left, and the Future of America.”
Published “Putting Biden’s Four Years in the Rear View Mirror” World Opinions.
Recorded “The Perils of Policing Speech” The World and Everything in It podcast.
Published “Aiming at a New Culture of Life” – World Opinions
Recorded “A Pro-Life Vision” – The World and Everything in It.
Signature Highlights from the Colleges
While this report has already offered some reference to achievement in the university and its colleges, we offer the following highlights from each college/school:
College of Allied Health
The College of Allied Health had another great year of recruitment with 1300 total applications for 30 spots in the year’s class.
Twelve students and five faculty members carried out a medical mission trip with Chosen Children’s ministries. They planned to see 450 patients and provided over 1800 prescriptions while serving the people in the palms in Nicaragua.
COAH graduated 30 students in December. In that group, 93% passed the national exam on their first attempt. That was better than the national average.
The MABS program graduated its first cohort with one successfully joining the PA program upon graduation. Graduates have landed in Ph.D. programs, medical schools, and PA programs.
Dean Hairr developed a new doctoral program in medical science which represents a terminal degree for today’s physician assistants. The program has been approved and will begin in fall of 2026.
College of Business and Entrepreneurship
In July and August, Dr. Robert Hucks took nine NGU undergraduate students on a study abroad trip to participate in the European Innovation Academy (EIA) in Porto, Portugal. This was only the second study abroad trip ever for NGU, the first being last year’s trip.
EIA participants, future entrepreneurs and business leaders, are immersed in a multicultural ecosystem of hundreds of students from 75+ nationalities., creating multidisciplinary teams that create and pitch their startups in a record 15 days. Participants follow the milestones for creating a startup from idea to launch and venture capital pitching. Throughout the program, they are presented with all the topics, instruction, guidance, and skills needed to be successful in their ventures. EIA is designed to offer students an experiential learning opportunity that bridges the gap between theory and practice and grants them insight into startup life. The teams are mentored and educated daily by 45+ industry leaders worldwide.
The nine NGU students all had transformative, life-changing experiences which broadened their perspectives and left a lasting impact. One student, Julia Babun, won a prestigious award in the competition. That was especially notable considering the strength of the competition with many larger schools bringing teams.
Julia Babun, a senior marketing major at NGU, competed with this same concept at the SC Innovates pitch competition, which was hosted this year by the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. This is the only statewide pitch competition for college students in South Carolina.
Julia took first prize at this year’s SC Innovates competition by pitching Bluuzone Bottles, a conceptual design for a plant-based, biodegradable water bottle. This was the first time a student from NGU had competed in SC Innovates. There were 72 applicants for the competition, and Julia competed against students from the University of South Carolina,
Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina Upstate, Coker University, the College of Charleston, Columbia International University, and Furman University. First Place included a $1700 cash prize and a Start Up boot camp with Revyrie.
Dr. John Duncan, dean of the college, led the way for his college with the following scholarly and professional activities:
• John B. Duncan, “Stewardship and Priestly Measures within a Balanced Scorecard.” Christian Business Review, 11 (1), 2024.
• Attended the annual conference of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International at Lake Tahoe, California, Sept. 15-18, 2024.
• Continues to serve as a member of the Member of the South Carolina Board of Accountancy’s Education Committee.
• Attended the annual conference of the Christian Business Faculty Association in Grand Rapids, MI, where he received the CBFA’s Barnabas Award.
• Selected as Member of the Year for his C12 Group for the second year in a row. (Dr. Baker met the global leader for C12 in Washington, D.C. this May who sang Dr. Duncan’s praises.)
Sport Management graduates have had the following professional achievements:
• John Michael Faile ('24) is playing professional baseball. He was promoted to the Dayton Dragons, the High-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds, and has been playing in the Midwest League playoffs.
• Marek Chlup (’24) recently signed to play with the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan.
• Justin Toney ('24) is a marketing assistant at Stewart-Haas Racing (NC).
• Noah Murphy ('24) was recently named Athletic Director at the Christian Academy of Guatemala.
• Samantha Turner ('24) was hired by Camp Spearhead as the Weekend Program Coordinator, responsible for therapeutic recreation programming for special need campers.
• Alex Brooks ('24) was hired by the University of Houston (TX) athletic department as a Compliance Department Assistant.
• Danielle O'Meara ('23) is an assistant women's lacrosse coach at Lee University (TN).
• Kyle Bollman ('23) is a golf fitting specialist for Titleist in Arizona.
Carey Dukes published a book for use in freshman seminar courses at universities entitled, Ready, Set, Change! A Guide to Thriving in your First Semester of College.
Caleb Martin attended the Annual Conference of the Christian Business Faculty Association in Grand Rapids, MI, where he presented “Generative AI and Individual Income Tax Education.”
Christina King-Johnson attended the Annual Conference of the Christian Business Faculty Association in Grand Rapids, MI, where she presented “Ethics Papers.”
In February, Martin Jones, Donovan Nelson, and John Duncan served as judges at this year’s South Carolina Future Business Leaders Association annual competition. This statewide competition was held at the Greenville Convention Center.
COBE presented the Faith at Work Business Symposium featuring the popular business author Jordan Raynor. He gave two talks, “The Sacredness of Secular Work” and “Five ‘Mere Christians’ who Glorified God in their Work.”
Mr. Bob Shallow , who had a distinguished career in the Detroit automotive industry, will be serving as Associate Dean for Operations in the College of Business and Entrepreneurship during the 2025-26 Academic Year. He will be serving as our implementor of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), as the COBE adopts a more business-like process of operations. Bob will serve as the integrator in the EOS model, while Dr. John Duncan will serve as the visionary.
College of Christian Studies
Dr. Michael Bryant took over in leadership at the College of Christian Studies this summer. We’re thrilled to have him and are eager to see what his leadership will help us develop for the future.
The SHAPE (Study God’s Word, Hear God’s Voice, Apply God’s Truth, Pray God’s Will, Engage God’s World) booklet written by North Greenville COCS faculty has been included in electronic format as a resource on the Baptist website collegeministry.com. Also, the marketing office is including a printed copy in the packet to prospective COCS students with a letter composed by Dr. Rankin to introduce the College and present the booklet as a gift.
The College of Christian Studies (COCS) continues to send out numerous students to preach in churches throughout South Carolina. (Special aside from Dr. Baker: I continue to be impressed by the warm reception I get from Baptists around the state every time I mention North Greenville.)
COCS held a Faculty-Student Forum on the topic “Procreation, the Image of God, and the Birthrate Dilemma.” Seven faculty members and twenty-one students met in the foyer of the Craft-Hemphill building at 7:00 PM to discuss this important issue. One student noted the best part of the forum was “doing life together . . . [especially] the time we took to pray for the students and professors before we started our discussion. It was an authentic display of genuine Christian community.”
The 76th Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society was held in San Diego, CA, November 19-22. Those representing North Greenville from the College of Christian Studies included Associate Professor Frankie Melton, who presented a paper entitled “African American Preaching and the Influence of John Jasper,” Dean of Faculty Development and
Professor Donny Mathis, and Acting Dean Jeff Rankin, who attended North Greenville Alumnus Jesse Welliver’s presentation to offer support.
Acting Dean Jeff Rankin led two breakout sessions entitled “God Works All Things for Good: Lessons from a Close Reading of Job” at the Bethlehem Baptist Church Worldview Conference. Tony Beam, who led the main sessions, reported, “The seminar received rave reviews from Pastor Joe . . . [who indicated] he is still hearing from people about how much they enjoyed it and how much they learned. I think North Greenville received a real boost as well.”
COCS launched a new degree program FA 24 with two major concentrations and two minors. For the first time, opened new course sections for CHST 2340 Intro to Missions and CHST 2330 Principles of Evangelism. Previously, these courses had only been taught once a year. They will now be offered every semester (Fall and Spring).
The Intercultural Studies program now has 16 majors and 10 minors. Majors are up 60%. The minor is new. These numbers are extremely promising.
Lectureship in Theology and Culture: The COCS hosted its annual Lectureship in Theology and Culture on April 7. Drs. Martin Jones, Associate Dean of Graduate and Online Business Programs, and Tom Willoughby, Associate Professor of Christian Studies, delivered a lecture entitled "A Biblical Response to Generative AI.”
SCICU Teacher of the Year: Josh Styles, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, who teaches several courses regularly for the COCS and is an alumnus from the college, received the SCICU Teacher of the Year Award for North Greenville at a banquet in the Columbia Convention Center on April 22. He was accompanied at the dinner by Hunter Baker, Provost; Paul Thompson, Dean of Humanities and Sciences; Walter Johnson, former Dean of Christian Studies; Jeff Rankin, Associate Dean of Christian Studies; and Curt Horn, Professor of Christian Studies.
Student Mission Teams: Matthew Hirt, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies in the COCS, participated in cross-cultural training for NGU student teams February 7-8, 2025 and led a student mission team to Portland, OR March 15-22. He also led a student mission team to Southeast Asia during May 2025. He will participate in Nehemiah Teams training from June 2-10 where he will help train 170 student volunteers to serve on 47 different IMB Student teams going to about 20 different countries. Nehemiah Teams is a student mobilization effort through the International Mission Board. He will return to the training center from July 30-August 2 for the student debrief, which will help those students who participated to tell their stories from the summer, understand how to mobilize other students on the university campuses, and deal with their own calling to be engaged in the Great Commission for the rest of their lives.
Allen McWhite, Chair of the Intercultural Studies Program, led a student mission team to a country in the Middle East during spring break and supervised students in the Intercultural
Studies Immersion Experience in Utah during the month of May. He also attended the Latin American Missionary Congress in Panama City, Panama during the spring semester.
Changing Lives: The following note from a student to one of the COCS faculty, a common occurrence each semester, is indicative of the difference Christian Studies faculty make in students' lives:
"Thank you so much for teaching me Hebrew! It has been such a joy to grow in my love for the Old Testament. Thanks for teaching me that God’s character is the same as it was yesterday and will be the same tomorrow! I will miss this class so much (not the vocab quizzes though)!"
College of Communication and Fine Arts
Art:
Student and faculty work was shown in the 100 Miles, yearly exhibition at the Bascom in Highlands, NC.
Student and faculty work was exhibited in the Annual Collegiate Invitational Art Show, at Spartanburg County Library, Spartanburg, SC.
The Mountain Laurel, NGU’s art and literature publication, continued publication beyond its 60th issue.
Faculty and student work was displayed at the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts as part of the Emergence: A Survey of Southeastern Studio Programs show.
Faculty and student work was displayed in the 13th Annual Collegiate Invitational Art Exhibition in Spartanburg.
Communication:
Hosted and taught in World Magazine’s World Journalism Institute in the summer for the young professionals’ conference. The event went so well we developed a relationship that appears to be enduring for future years.
The Aurora public relations firm working with PALS program to increase off-campus awareness.
Our students obtained multiple internships including two with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte.
Students of communication and theater combined to produce a live sitcom called “Break.” The production showed a live audience how to put together a sitcom and then aired it for another audience. “Break” gained network news coverage from Fox Carolina.
South Carolina Press Association – 3 awards to be presented this month for NGU Vision (online news and video source). Best sports story (first place), also third place (same writer, different story) Best video story (3rd place).
Associate dean Dr. Randall E. King gave an NGU chapel address in April “Transforming Media” and published opinion articles on media issues in WORLD, Greenville News, Religion Unplugged.
Missionary Media Ministries class - took 6 students along with Dr. Andrew Stevens to Benin, Africa, producing missions videos and other multimedia for Transworld Radio.
Hosted the return of an annual student media showcase of outstanding multimedia workVisionFest - April 2025, variety of productions shared including the public premiere of the sitcom, BREAK.
Announced the end of continuing operations for WNGR-FM, 95.5. The Vibe - with plans to increase production of podcasting and other online audio on-demand in the former radio station studios, beginning Fall 2025.
Fall 2025 - enrolled first Film Practicum class to spend an entire semester working on one project - possible submission to student film festivals. Since launching in Fall 2022, Film has become the largest concentration under the Digital Media major, with approximately 15-20 students.
Music:
There is such a stunning variety of productions and performances going on in the Cline School of Music, it is almost impossible to briefly relate all that is occurring throughout the school year. The Cline School offers marching band, choral arts, contemporary ensemble, concert band, chamber ensembles, guitar ensemble, concert choir, a contemporary ensemble, and hosts many ultra-high quality Signature Series productions.
Worship Studies represents a growing area of study under the leadership of Megan Hollifield. In 2026, we anticipate moving forward with the Music Industry program, which we think will also be highly attractive to students.
Theatre:
Theatre is a real gem of North Greenville University. Our group offers productions that regularly sell out and which draw audiences to our campus. This year, we had Unreal City, which is an adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s groundbreaking poem, The Wasteland. The adaptation was written and directed by one of our alums. We also produced You Can’t Take It with You, and the live sitcom “Break.”
College of Education
In addition to achieving the longtime goal of making our College of Education a South Carolina Teaching Fellows institution, the record shows that our faculty have been busy and demonstrate a particular interest in artificial intelligence. We include a selection of items below:
Dr. Ann Aust presented “AI Integration for Health and PE Teachers” at the National PE/Health Institute. Dr. Aust and Dr. Adell presented the same topic at the Buncombe County School District.
Dr. Vinson and Dr Aust presented on Artificial Intelligence at SCATE (South Carolina Association of Teacher Education) at Claflin University.
Dr. Aust wrote “AI and Academic Integrity: Guiding Educators through the Evolving Challenge of Student Plagiarism” with Nancy Caukin. The article is pending publication.
Holly Switzer, who is a graduate of the NGU Early Childhood Education Program and the M.Ed. Program at NGU was appointed Assistant Principal at Inman Elementary School in July 2024.
Ann Aust and Nancy Caukin published “AI and Academic Integrity: Guiding Educators Through the Evolving Challenge of Student Plagiarism” in the International Journal of the Whole Child.
Ann Aust and Robbie Adell obtained state approval of new certification program: Post Master Certification in Administration and Supervision.
Ann Aust and Lori Vinson gave an AI presentation, “An Educator’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence,” at Palmetto State Literacy Association on February 25, 2025.
Ann Aust and Lori Vinson gave an AI presentation, “It’s Time to Rethink…” at the South Carolina Association of Middle Level Educators on February 28, 2025.
Ann Aust provided AI staff development for the Media Center Teachers in School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties on April 8, 2025.
Ann Aust and Lori Vinson attended the SC Endeavors conference from April 29 to May 1. They worked with representatives from all 16 technical colleges in South Carolina to enhance their programs and discuss ways to integrate artificial intelligence.
The COE gained approval for a new Ed.D. concentration in Educational Ministry Leadership.
CAEP (our accreditor) reviewers recommend that the COE has passed with no AFIs.
Randall Moss, EdD Program Director, and Richard Hensley, Regional Partnership Manager, traveled to the 2025 Converge Conference in Orlando, FL, in February. This trip led to
several budding partnerships in the Christian Schools space, most notably with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). They are actively having conversations with ACSI and NGU leadership to explore opportunities for a more meaningful partnership to connect with Christian Schools and support the training of their teachers and school leaders.
The College of Education hosted its annual Torch-Passing Ceremony in which soon to be graduates honor their mentor teachers. Attendance at the event far surpassed expectations!
College of Humanities and Sciences
With such a diverse college, the best way to report on their activities is to highlight the many achievements of faculty and students. See below.
Faculty Highlights:
Dr. Nicholas Higgins of the Political Science department continued his work of offering a civics course for high school history teachers. The course is funded by the Jack Miller institute. This past year the enrollment for the course doubled. Thanks to Dr. Higgins’ involvement with the Jack Miller Center, NGU secured a grant to host Dr. William Reddinger of Regent University to lecture on George Washington and the Constitution for Constitution Day, which is a federal requirement for every university.
Dr. Lee, also of Political Science, has rapidly established himself as an expert on North and South Korean public affairs and policy in the international press. He has appeared time and again in well-known outlets.
Dr. Payne and Dr. Thompson both presented papers at the biennial meeting of the Conference on Faith and History, which was held at Samford University.
For the first time, an NGU professor taught for the AuSable Institute program, which offers environmental field instruction rooted in the Christian faith. We also had our second student participate in their programming.
Rachel Roberts, PhD: Deep Reading, the book co-authored by Rachel Roberts, Rachel B. Griffis, and Julie Ooms, is a Christianity Today 2025 Book Award Finalist (Culture, Poetry, and the Arts category)
Haley Gambrell (MFA) published “All That Remains,” in the 2024 Broad River Review (vol. 56, Gardner-Webb University). It is a creative non-fiction piece.
Jeff Williams, DPT was nominated by Conference Carolinas to be part of the 2024 FAR Leadership Institute this fall where he spent three days collaborating with NCAA leaders and 15 other FARs from across the nation all paid for by the NCAA.
Christine Haltiwanger, DrPH: In October 2024, she attended by special invitation, the annual George Washington School of Public Health Student Academic Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Some of our alumni are successful graduates of their program.
Paul Thompson presented “Transhistorical uses of Ethnoracial Discourse by Christians on the Margins” at the biennial meeting of the Conference on Faith and History at Samford U in October 2024. He also chaired a panel presentation titled “Desegregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and Christianity,” and was a panel member of a roundtable discussion titled “Teaching and Being Who You Are: Challenges and Strategies for BIPOC in Higher Education.”
Dr. Thompson was elected chairman of the board of directors of Christian Freedom International, a non-profit organization based in Falls Church, VA whose mission is “Unshackling the persecuted church to survive . . . and thrive!” They fulfill this mission through their BASES model:
Bringing Relief
Advocacy for Christian freedom
Safeguarding the persecuted
Equipping for Christian ministry
Sparking growth and sustaining the local church
Brendan Payne presented a paper at the biennial meeting of the Conference on Faith and History at Samford U. in October 2024 titled: “Living the Golden Mean: An Anglican Teaching at a Southern Baptist University.”
David Entwistle, PsyD.: In 2024 published “Maturity: Psychological and Christian” in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 43(1), 70-77.
Josh Styles earned this year’s annual SCICU teaching award. I am so happy for him because it is very well deserved. The multiple examples of superlative praises consistently heaped on him by his students make him a role model for us all to follow. (And I would like to add that virtually no one thinks he’s an “easy” professor!)
Cheryl Collier has been selected to serve on the South Carolina state board of education. Lucas Nossaman published his book Divine Cosmos: Humboldt’s Ecology in NineteenthCentury American Literature with Bloomsbury Press on June 12, 2025.
Paul Yandle’s article titled “’Alarming Symptoms:’ Thomas Dixon’s The Leopard’s Spots and the Use of Antihistory in Systemic Voter Suppression” was accepted by Nineteenth Century Studies. In addition, the American Historical Association has accepted for its annual meeting in January 2026, Dr. Yandle’s proposed panel titled: “African American History in Reconstruction and the Gilded Age.”
Paul Thompson has been chosen to be the Program Chair for the 2026 meeting of the Conference on Faith and History.
David Bell wrote a history of the SC State Guard since 1900 that was used for the dedication of Olympia Armory (Columbia) in May.
Brendan Payne had an article accepted for publication in Fides et Historia, the journal of the Conference on Faith and History (CFH). The article compares the spread of Christianity in two Anglophone African regions, Buganda (in Uganda) and Bechuanaland (in Botswana).
Elisabeth Moore has signed a contract with Ohio University Press to publish her revised dissertation as part of their series titled “New Approaches to Appalachian Studies”.
Dr. Teresa Lyle published an updated edition of her book Balancing Your Life with Congenital Heart Disease (Pritchett & Hull).
Boggs-Hickson Lecture 2025: On Monday, March 3, Dr. Leah Burnham from Young Harris College delivered the annual lecture. She is the first alum of the NGU History Department to have earned her PhD in history (2022) and she is the first former student of Robert Boggs to give the annual lecture. Robert Boggs endowed the lecture series, making it the university’s first endowed lecture series. The title of her talk was: “Cruel and Unusual Banishment: The Detention of Cubans in Atlanta, 1980-1987”.
Student Accomplishments:
• Biology graduate Caroline Smith has been accepted to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
• Graduate Hannah Archer has been accepted to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Spartanburg.
• Samuel Nathaniel was accepted to USC Greenville School of Medicine.
• Ansley Robinson was accepted to PA school.
• Criminal Justice graduate Kara Berry was accepted to nine of nine law schools (Alabama, Boston, Tennessee, USC, etc.) with several scholarship offers.
• December 2024 math graduate Kensey Doughtie began her PhD in Mathematics at Clemson University in January.
• Mikayla Woodward went to McMaster University (Ontario) for engineering physics.
• Caroline Smith had to decide between attending USC School of Medicine in Greenville and MUSC.
• Faith Thompson will be attending Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).
• Riley McCall went to work with physicians in Africa.
• Emerald Sullivan went to Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina Columbia, M.S. for Athletic Training.
• Ayden Baker went to Wingate University for the Doctor of Physical Therapy.
• Selah Chambers Hall went to the University of Tennessee’s online social work master’s program.
• Tatyanna Parajon went to Divine Mercy in Washington for their clinical doctoral program.
• Moriah Crouse went to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for a master’s in counseling.
Library Highlights
PASCAL Advocacy and Impact
Dean of Libraries, Carla McMahan, has been selected as a representative for private colleges on the PASCAL Advocacy and Impact Task Force. The task force will focus on stakeholder engagement and budget advocacy.
PASCAL cost avoidance for NGU adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is the amount we would have to pay above the PASCAL fees for the resources and services we receive through PASCAL if we had to purchase those resources and services on our own. In addition to the cost avoidance, we also receive discounts on other resources as a PASCAL member.
Library Instruction
Instruction Librarian, Lian Warner, is keeping up a busy schedule of library instruction sessions, reaching hundreds of students.
Archives
Librarian Archivist, Joanna Beasley, presented the history of NGU at the August Auxilio luncheon.
She spoke to the TR Historical Society in October. Her work on social media does a wonderful job of preserving NGU’s memories and introducing them to new audiences.
Senior Vice President for Finance
Mr. Mark Reeves
The Office of Finance and Personnel Services (OFPS) is responsible for providing accounting, finance, budgetary, payroll, talent acquisition, talent management, and general fiscal and personnel services to the entire NGU campus. Over the past year, this department has undergone a significant leadership change, with Mike Stowell, former SVPF, resigning effective October 31. Mike was replaced by an interim-SVPF, Larry Wakefield who joined NGU in October and served through January 31. During the latter part of Larry’s stint with NGU, Mark Reeves was hired and started on December 2nd.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Finance
1. FY25 Budget – It was determined NGU should use the FY24 Actual spend as the FY25 budget.
2. Business Forms – A new Business Forms tab was added to the portal.
3. Aramark Agreement – A new draft of an amended and restated Aramark agreement was reviewed.
4. Real Estate – A number of Cliffs properties were considered for marketing/listing.
5. Insurance – MMA – Keith Dobrolinsky (broker) spent time on campus reviewing the NGU program and making suggestions.
Accounting
1. Virtual Credit Cards – This was piloted to provide cash for travel and other purposes.
2. Audit meeting – Capin Crouse was on-site for an audit meeting as well as for week 1 of field work.
3. Amazon Corporate Program – The NGU Amazon Business account went live.
4. EV Charger – The first EV charger billing statement was received.
Personnel
1. Fair Labor Standards Act – Preparation for compliance with new regulations.
2. Volunteer Policy - A draft policy for volunteers was created.
3. IRS form 941 – The issues with processing the NGU 941 were resolved.
4. Workers Comp Audit – NGU received a $4,949 refund on the workers comp. audit.
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
Finance
1. FY25 Budget – NGU went “live” with a partial budget on 9/16/25 which included all expense items, except for compensation lines.
2. Aramark Agreement – A new draft of an amended and restated Aramark agreement continued to be reviewed.
3. Real Estate – An offer on a Cliffs property was received.
4. Insurance – Renewal information for foreign travel was submitted.
5. Marginal Revenue Analysis – Work continued on the initial version of the 2023-2024 analysis.
Accounting
1. Check printer – Finance continues to wait for the new Troy check printer.
2. Audit – Work continued on the annual audit.
3. Amazon Corporate Program – The NGU Amazon Business account usage increases.
4. Ameris Bank – A new treasury agreement with Ameris was signed.
Personnel
1. Employee Handbook – Changes were prepared and reviewed for the employee handbook.
2. Fair Labor Standards Act – Preparation for compliance with new regulations.
3. Volunteer Policy - A draft policy for volunteers was completed.
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
Finance
1. FY26 Budget - In January, the business office released the FY25 budget worksheets to their respective budget managers and notified these managers that it was time to begin working on next year’s budget. Subsequent to the Jenzabar worksheets being released for planning of general and operational expenses, Excel worksheets used to facilitate compensation budgets were prepared and sent to each member of the ELC. Once completed, these budget worksheets were compiled to create an initial, comprehensive view to provide the SLC a starting point for its budget discussions.
2. Insurance –
2.1 Renewals – P&C - Discussions began with insurance brokers in advance of April 1 renewal dates for property and casualty. Confirmation was made to ensure all building and vehicles were included in the updated reports provided to the insurance companies.
2.2 Helene Damages/Reimbursement- Information was supplied to MMA for damages incurred from the Helene storm. Total damage estimates were in the range of $120K to $175K, with a $50K deductible. An adjuster was assigned to our claim but then was taken off the case. Another adjuster was assigned as we moved into March.
3. Other Financial Items
3.1 Slingshot - A review of the current Slingshot (campus bookstore) contract began.
3.2 Credit Card – A discussion started surrounding the benefits of a move to Truist’s procurement card platform.
Accounting
1. Form 990 – Work began on the annual Tax Form 990.
2. Activity Accounts Policy – Review of a new proposed Activity Account Policy was conducted and the policy was finalized.
3. Quasi Endowment Reclassification– Additional unrestricted funds at UBS were designated and set aside.
4. Travel Policy – A new travel policy was drafted and was reviewed across all areas.
5. Transition of CFO – The Finance team continued to assist in helping the new CFO, Mark Reeves, transition to full-time, as the interim CFO Larry Wakefield departed.
Personnel
1. Health Insurance - We are working with Greg Moman to plan for health insurance renewals. Claims experience continues to be high and we expect costs to continue to rise due to inflation. We will be issuing an RFP from major carriers and are considering a variety of other options to help contain costs.
2. Personnel Budgets – Continued reviewing personnel budget worksheets submitted during the FY26 budget preparation process.
3. Transition of CFO – The Personnel team continued to assist in helping the new CFO, Mark Reeves, transition to full-time, as the interim CFO Larry Wakefield departed.
4. Guidestone – Scheduled Guidestone meetings for the week of April 17.
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
Finance
1. FY26 Budget – Continued work on FY26 budget, reviewing current spend in FY25 and past 4 years average spends to help inform FY26 amounts.
2. Capital Budgets – Determination and approval of capital projects for FY26 were completed with estimates being requested for each of the 3-4 major projects, including Todd Dining HVAC, Lacrosse/Soccer turf, Scene Shop, Crain Hood, and Scoreboard.
3. Banking – Procurement Card – Continued discussions with Truist regarding a new credit card program and a branded credit card for NGU. Data regarding vendors, number of cards needed, payment dates, and credit limits were supplied to Truist.
4. Insurance
4.1 Renewals – P&C – Renewals for P&C coverage were completed.
4.2 Helene Damages/Reimbursement - Additional information was supplied to MMA for damages incurred from the Helene storm. A third adjuster was assigned to our claim but then went on medical leave. Toward the end of May we received an initial reimbursement payment from MMA, less the $50K deductible. We are awaiting the final settlement for additional damage that we have identified with the Ropes course.
5. Other Financial Items
5.1 Aramark Contract – Collaborated with EVP on review of Aramark proposal and financial models.
5.2 IPEDS - Coordinated completion of IPEDS surveys by Finance team.
5.3 Reporting - Continued to refine and re-format internal reporting of monthly financial information.
5.4 Kalos - Received and reviewed a new Kalos Scholarship agreement with recommendations made for accounting treatment of new agreement parameters and amounts.
Accounting
1. Audit Dates for 2025 – Dates were confirmed with Capin Crouse for the dates of June 23rd –27th and August 18th – 22nd. The UG audit will begin in early June, the financial audit will begin in late June, and the NCAA audit will begin in mid-November.
2. Analytic Software – Finance continued reviewing software for analytics, financials, and dashboard reporting.
3. Advancement/Endowment Software - Fundriver was selected to assist OFPS as well as Advancement and Student Services.
4. Amazon Business Accounts – Reminders were sent to each area to inform them that NGU has an Amazon Business account.
5. Expense Reports – Reminders were sent to all areas regarding the needed items for a complete submission of an expense report.
Personnel
1. Health Insurance – We continued to work with Greg Moman and review the RFP responses. Blue Choice was selected as our new carrier. A Biometrics program was launched with a finger stick being performed at an on-site location. Less than 10 employees declined participation in the Biometrics program and will be paying the non-preferred rates in 20252026.
2. Guidestone - Representatives met with 22 NGU individuals during on campus meetings and offered others the opportunity for a virtual meeting. Additionally, Guidestone presented an annual report to personnel leadership.
3. Job Descriptions - Personnel Services continued working to identify job descriptions that are missing in Paycom.
4. ’25 – ’26 Holidays – Dates were posted on the my.ngu Employee Information page.
Director of Athletics
Mr. Will Lowrey
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Athletic News and Events
• Transitioned from the Crusaders to the Trailblazers officially on June 15.
• Started the process of rebranding all athletic facilities.
• Raised $120,000 with Hour-A-Thon for our athletic teams.
• We hosted several athletic camps and clinics on campus.
• Partnered with Athletic Solutions for Custom Athletic Gear as a Name, Image, and Likeness deal: (Finished as the top College/University for money paid out to athletes) over #2 San Diego State, #3 Kansas, #4 Hawaii, #5 Ohio …..all Division 1 schools
Personnel
• Katie Crim was hired as our Women’s Head Soccer Coach
• Rockey Gaines was hired as our head Cheer Coach
• Micah Owings was hired as our Assistant Baseball Coach.
• Lily Griffith was hired as our Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach
Quarter 2 (September 1-November 30)
Athletic News and Events
• Total number of student-athletes for Fall 2024: 568
• Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams earned USTFCCCA All - Academic Honors For 9th Consecutive Season.
• Men’s Cross Country finished 8th out of 13 teams.
• Women’s Cross Country – Won the Conference Title for the first time in school history.
• Men’s Soccer finished (3-3-8). While the record doesn’t reflect, our team was highly competitive with the entire conference. We could have easily finished 8-3-3 had the ball bounced our way.
• Women’s Soccer – finished (2-10-5). There were a lot of positive moments in Coach Crim’s initial season. We look to compete at a higher pace this year with a year of recruiting under our belt.
• Women’s Volleyball finished (18-14). With a strong schedule in the first half, we never quite got over the hump in conference with a young team.
• Football finished (6-4) in their last season of Gulf South Conference football with a big four overtime thrilling win against Delta State University.
Personnel
• Darren Holmes was hired as our Assistant Baseball (pitching coach).
• Jameel Taylor was hired as our Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
Athletic News and Events
• Total number of student-athletes for Spring 2025: 531.
• Fall 2024 average GPA for all teams 3.021 with 15 of 20 teams above a 3.0 GPA.
• Men’s Basketball finished (10-19) on the season.
• Women’s Basketball finished (7-21) on the season.
• Men’s Indoor Track – No notable data
• Women’s Indoor Track – No notable data
Personnel
• Jeff Farrington resigns as Head Football Coach.
• Nate Garner hired as Head Football Coach.
Quarter 4 (March 1-May 30)
Athletic News and Events
• North Greenville earns Body, Mind & Soul Dr. Alan Patterson Cup for second time with Conference Carolinas.
• 254 Student Athletes earned Presidential Honor Roll honors. Up from 248 last year.
• Cumulative 2024-2025 average GPA for all teams 3.088 with 16 of 20 teams above a 3.0
• We completed the installation of new turf for Soccer/Lacrosse
• We have drawings and will begin fundraising for a press box and bathrooms for softball.
• NGU finished 5th overall in the Conference Carolinas Hawn Cup standings.
• The men’s team finished 10th for Hawn Cup, The women’s finished 5th .
• Men’s Track and Field - Overall, the men's team had six All-Conference performances. Campbell finished second in the hammer throw and fourth in the shot put. White had a fifth-place finish in the javelin. Heath had a sixth-place finish in the 10,000-meter run.
• Women’s Track - The women recorded the highest team finish in program history, coming away with a second-place finish, with 145 total points.
o Senior Hannah Hill had the performance of the meet, tallying a total of 45 points to her name- 26 for the field events and 19.5 for the track events.
• Cheer – Won their divisional bracket.
• Men’s Volleyball had a down year for their standards finishing 12-13.
• Men’s Tennis made steady improvement throughout the season and knocked off a ranked Belmont Abbey team for the first time in school history.
• Women’s lacrosse finished the season 7-10 and lost out to Young Harris 14-13 in the quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas tournament.
• Men’s Lacrosse won the Conference Carolinas regular season and tournament championships and competed in a regional for the first time in school history.
• Softball finished the 2025 season 35 -21 and made it to the championship game of the Conference Carolinas tournament for a strong finish and high hopes moving forward.
• Baseball finished the 2025 Season 45 -15 and made it to a regional. They were ranked #1 in the nation in multiple weeks.
Personnel
• Kelvin Long resigned to accept a position with Elon University as their Women’s Basketball Associate Head Coach.
• Lakeisha Gregory named Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
• Bailey Pace resigned as the assistant Softball coach.
• Stacey Johnson-Whitfield has been hired as our new Assistant Softball (Pitching Coach).
o She comes to us after being the head softball coach at Furman
• We will be adding two assistants in August 2025 – one for Men’s Volleyball and one for Women’s Volleyball to give proper resources to those teams.
University General Counsel
Mrs. Jill Rayburn, Esq.
The Office of the University General Counsel is responsible for resourcing the University and specifically the President, SLC and ELC by providing legal advice and counsel to help enable them to: (a) carry out the University’s mission to equip transformational leaders, (b) prudently manage the related risks and opportunities, (c) to resolve any legal conflicts, and (d) to meet their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
University Policy and Procedures
Weekly meetings with Human Resources were held to address personnel matters and to develop training and policy strategies. Collaboration with Officers with Authority, Academic Administration, and Accommodations focused on aligning procedures for complaints, investigations, hearings, and appeals. Cross training for adjudicators was scheduled for September. Work progressed with Student Services on the implementation of the Watermark software. Policies were gathered and entered into the catalog, with strategic input from ELC members for departmental organization. Efforts continued with Student Engagement, Title IX, HR, and Academics to streamline and unify the university’s approach to hearings and appeals
Contracts & Property
Intellectual
Property
We awaited a response from the Trademark Office regarding our notice of intent on using applications for NGU’s new core mascot marks. In the meantime, the NGU community was advised to use the ™ symbol for the NGU Trailblazers name, the red fox/shield mark, and related red fox imagery.
NGU Leads
We held our first meeting with the new cohort and celebrated the graduation of the 2023–2024 cohort on September 6th. All meetings for the upcoming year were scheduled, and calendar invitations were sent out. Commitments from the final cohort for the next year were confirmed.
Title IX
Compliance and Training
A court ruling on July 17th officially issued a stay on the new Title IX regulations, which were scheduled to go into effect on August 1, 2024. In preparation, the Title IX team began reviewing and revising processes under the new regulations, pending further updates. The annual Title IX summary report was submitted to the President and will be presented to the
Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees in August. The Title IX Coordinator completed training under both the old and new regulations. Training for investigators and adjudicators was scheduled for early August and September. Additionally, coordination was underway with CMSE for training student athletic teams for the 2024–2025 academic year. The Title IX Coordinator also completed training for OCSS officers, faculty, and athletic coaches.
Clery
Reporting and Incident Management
Reports, data, and policies for the 2024 Clery report were finalized, with final edits prepared for SLC review. CMSE adopted the Vector program for incident reporting, aligning both departments to ensure consistent follow-up and accountability for students. Incident reports from 2023 were reviewed to identify Clery-reportable crimes, and relevant data was updated and flagged in Vector in preparation for the 2024 annual report.
Critical Incident Planning and Effectiveness Team (CIPET)
Policy
Review and Crisis Management Planning
During the summer, the team reprioritized policies for review. Collaboration continued with departments to revise policies and procedures, as well as to support training and communication efforts. Additionally, coordination took place with OCSS and IT to finalize the resources required for the Crisis Management Team.
Campus Safety and Security
Operations
New exterior entrance and parking lot cameras were installed to enhance surveillance. Signage was posted at campus entrances to inform visitors about video monitoring. Additionally, the team worked closely with Tigerville Operations to support the Fuge camps throughout the summer.
Policies
Policies were continuously updated in collaboration with IT, to support campus safety and operational efficiency.
Quarter
2 (September 1- November 30)
University Policies and Procedures
Weekly meetings with Human Resources led to progress on personnel matters and development of training and policy strategies. Coordination with Officers with Authority, Academic Administration, and Accommodations resulted in improved alignment of procedures for complaints, investigations, hearings, and appeals. Plans were established for cross-training adjudicators in September to ensure consistency.
Contracts & Property
Intellectual Property
We awaited responses from the Trademark Office regarding our applications and appeals for NGU’s new core mascot marks. Preliminary approval was received for the red fox and red fox/shield logos, and efforts were made to collect examples of current usage to finalize those approvals. A decision on the NGU Trailblazers mark was still pending, with expectations for a ruling in the spring of 2025. The NGU community was advised to use the ™ symbol for the NGU Trailblazers, the red fox/shield mark, and the red fox images.
NGU Leads
Leadership Development
The graduation for the 2023-2024 leadership cohort and the initial meeting with the 20242025 cohort were successfully held. Dr. Fant delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony, while the new cohort was introduced to leadership principles by Dr. Baker and Mike Stowell. The cohort also reviewed the results of their EQi assessments. On October 11th, the cohort participated in a session focused on communication and conflict resolution, led by Dr. Tracy Kramer and Jill Rayburn. Rich Grimm, EVP, provided an overview of NGU Operations and discussed strategic plans for university enhancement. The day concluded with team building activities facilitated by ODEL faculty. The final meeting of the semester was held on November 8th at the Greer Campus. Melanie Hammock led a morning session on Strength Finders, followed by afternoon sessions with Dr. Kramer and Dr. Finn on personality assessments and servant leadership.
Title IX
Compliance and Training
The Title IX Coordinator completed training under both the old and new regulations. Adjudicator training was conducted on September 25th, and investigators completed their training soon thereafter. Training sessions were also held for OCSS officers, faculty, and athletic coaches. Additionally, Dr. Tracy Kramer conducted a training session for the football team, and coordination is ongoing with CMSE for the remaining 2024-25 student athletic teams. New Title IX posters have been placed in restrooms across the Tigerville and Greer campuses.
Clery
Reporting
Marketing received the final draft of the 2024 Clery report. The report was published and made available on the university website.
Critical Incident Planning and Effectiveness Team (CIPET)
Policy Review and Crisis Management Planning
During the reporting period, we met with a local church to discuss the possibility of using their facility as a reunification site for the university in the event of a crisis. A tour of the facilities was scheduled to follow. We identified additional potential reunification sites and planned meetings with them to evaluate suitability. Resource “Go Bags” were assembled for both the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and the Reunification Team to support emergency response efforts. Efforts were made to outfit 400 legacy radios from OCSS for use by the CMT and for internal campus communication during crises or large events. Coordination with OCSS continued to develop a comprehensive communication plan involving the CMT, Incident Command, TR Dispatch, and campus officers. A briefing with the GCSO Incident Command Center and TR Dispatch was scheduled within the next two months to enhance inter-agency collaboration. We continued building detailed reports for the CMT resource files, including emergency contacts, class and athletic schedules, campus blueprints, transportation options, reunification resources, and hospital canvassing teams.
Campus Safety and Security
Operation Enhancements
During the quarter, considerable progress was made in enhancing campus safety and security. All new exterior entrance and parking lot cameras, including those at the Younts Fitness Center, were installed and became operational. The Younts Fitness Center also implemented key card access, with waivers required for all users and a prohibition on minors using the facility. A newer patrol vehicle was acquired from TRPD, and a modern design for patrol cars is being implemented. The department also received two training slots for SWAT training with GCSO. Upon their return, trained officers lead internal training sessions for the rest of the OCSS officers. The Genetec system was expanded to additional+ locations on campus. IT purchased a license for 10 users, and building liaisons are being prioritized for access. The goal is to equip all building liaisons with panic buttons on their computers. An enterprise license has been requested to further integrate building liaisons into the system. Policy development continued, including collaboration with the Brashier campus to allow after-hours access for PA students, faculty, and staff. The OCSS offices are currently undergoing remodeling. During this period, officers are using patrol vehicles and alternate offices for report writing, while the front desk remains open for student access. Staffing updates include one vacant patrol position, for which several resumes have been received. A new 12-hour shift schedule was implemented for Tigerville patrol officers, aligning with standard law enforcement practices and improving coverage.
Quarter 3 (December 1-February 28)
University Policies and Procedures
Throughout the quarter, we held regular meetings with HR to address personnel matters and to strategize training and policy development. We continued gathering and entering policies into the Policy Catalog and collaborated with ELC members to align departmental strategies. The Policy Catalog was reviewed and finalized, with publication scheduled on my.ngu.edu. Preparations were also made to preview the catalog and present the policies in the upcoming weeks.
Contract Property
Intellectual Property
We continued awaiting a response from the Trademark Office on our applications and appeals for the new core mascot marks. Preliminary approval was received for the fox, red fox, and red fox/shield logos. We worked to collect examples of current usage to finalize those approvals. The NGU Trailblazers application was moved to the public notice stage, and we anticipated approval within the next couple of months. The NGU community was advised to use the ™ symbol for the NGU Trailblazers, the red fox/shield mark, and the red fox images.
NGU LEADS
Leadership Development
The final meeting of the semester was held at the Greer Campus. Melanie Hammock led a session on Strength Finders in the morning. Dr. Kramer and Dr. Finn concluded the afternoon sessions with topics on communicating using personality assessments and servant leadership. Preparations began for the next meeting scheduled for January 10. Dr. Nathan Finn addressed the cohort on personal leadership. Michelle Sabou and the coordinator discussed interviewing, supervision, and discipline. Michael Bingham from the Budd Group presented on accountability. In the afternoon, Dr. Jordan Hairr and Dr. Jan Foster joined Michael Bingham for a panel discussion on accountability. Dr. Tracy Kramer concluded the day with a session on emotional intelligence and accountability. The meeting was held in Greer. Mark Reeves shared insights into his role and offered encouragement to the cohort. Christina Tankersley, Graduate Business Program Professor, led a session titled 'Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results' based on Atomic Habits.
Title IX
Compliance and Training
New Title IX posters were placed in restrooms across the Tigerville and Greer campuses. Weekly meetings with the OWA were held to review any pending complaints or issues.
Critical Incident Planning and Effectiveness Team (CIPET)
Policy Review and Crisis Management Planning
In January we met with a second local church as a possible reunification site. The meeting went well, and the church submitted a proposal for final approval from their board. We have set up resource “Go Bags” for both the CMT and the Reunification team. We are also working with OCSS on the communication plan between the CMT, Incident Command, TR Dispatch, and our officers during any critical incident. We are working on outfitting the old 400 radios from OCSS for use for the CMT and internal campus communication during a crisis or large event. We continue to build reports with emergency contacts, class and athletic schedules, blueprints, transportation options, reunification resources, hospital canvasing teams, etc. for the CMT resource files.
Campus Safety and Security
Operations Enhancements
The OCSS offices underwent remodeling, during which officers utilized patrol vehicles and alternate offices for report writing. The front desk remained open to serve students throughout the construction period. Jadon Hernandez joined the Safety and Security team on January 8th as the newest officer. A new 12-hour shift schedule was implemented for Tigerville patrol officers, aligning with standard law enforcement practices and improving coverage consistency. An enterprise license for the Genetec system was requested from IT to enhance campus safety. This upgrade aimed to integrate building liaisons with access to camera systems and install panic buttons on their computers. Currently, over 30 building liaisons are involved in this initiative.
Quarter 4 (March 1- May 31)
University Policies and Procedures
During the quarter, we held weekly meetings with HR to address personnel matters and to strategize training initiatives and policy development. We met with Deans, Associate Deans, and several department chairs across colleges to clarify supervisory roles and reporting structures. The Policy Catalog was published and made accessible via (my.ngu.edu), and we continued to expand it as new policies were approved.
Contract Property
Intellectual Property
We continued awaiting a response from the Trademark Office regarding our applications and appeals for the new core mascot marks. Preliminary approval was received for the fox, red fox, and fox/shield logos. Efforts were made to collect examples of current usage to finalize these approvals. The NGU Trailblazers application was advanced to the public notice stage, and approval was anticipated within the next couple of months. The NGU community was advised to use the ™ symbol for the NGU Trailblazers, the red fox/shield mark, and the red fox images.
NGU LEADS
Leadership Development
On March 7th, Kyle Walden and Nate Garner opened the meeting with a session titled, “Tackling Change in Your Department.” Tom Merritt from Oobe followed with a presentation on “Creating a High-Performance Culture.” The three then participated in a panel discussion before the group broke for lunch. In the afternoon, Rich Grimm addressed “Navigating Changes in Higher Education,” and Josh Powell concluded the day with a session on “Organizational and Change Leadership.” On April 4th, the cohort held its graduation ceremony. The morning began with Beth Jackson speaking on “Biblical Leadership Essentials.” The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Fant, who presented “Higher Education Done Well & Finishing Well.” After a brunch break, Dr. Baker wrapped up the day with a session on “Professionalism.” The Planning Team is currently working with HR to develop short supervisory training sessions that can be offered to NGU employees as needed. Additionally, they are evaluating the current program and considering improvements for future cohorts.
Title IX
Compliance
and Training
We held weekly meetings with the OWA to review any pending complaints and/or issues.
Critical Incident Planning and Effectiveness Team (CIPET)
Policy Review and Crisis Management Planning
An official agreement was established with a local church to serve as a reunification site. A follow-up tour of their facilities was scheduled. Resource “Go Bags” were prepared for both the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and the Reunification Team. Collaboration with OCSS continued to develop a communication plan between the CMT, Incident Command, TR Dispatch, and campus officers for critical incidents. The old 400 radios from OCSS were outfitted for use by the CMT and for internal campus communication during crises or large events. Reports were continually developed for the CMT resource files, including emergency contacts, class and athletic schedules, blueprints, transportation options, reunification resources, and hospital canvassing teams.
Campus Safety and Security
OCSS held its annual Coining Ceremony on May 7th from 6–8 PM in Moore Hall. During the remodeling of the OCSS offices, officers used patrol vehicles and other offices for report writing. Despite the construction, the front desk area remained open for students. OCSS also collaborated with IT to implement new ticketing technology and began utilizing Softdocs for incident reports.
Vice President for Advancement and University Engagement
Mr. Marty O’Gwynn
NGU experienced a growth in the total number of donors to the university’s mission, and continued to expand awareness of the institution through a variety of events and projects during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Key highlights for the year included major gifts toward scholarship programs and academic areas.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Major Gifts
Over the first quarter, NGU received a total of $1,534,622.48 in gifts and commitments. Advancement personnel continued discussions with donors and prospective donors regarding support for key NGU initiatives. A major scholarship gift commitment bolstered the total.
Alumni Engagement
The office hosted an alumni and friends dessert fellowship on June 11 during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. A total of 126 people attended the dinner, which featured presentation of NGU’s Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award to North Greenville graduate Lonnie Wilkey ’78, longtime editor of Tennessee Baptists’ state newspaper, The Baptist and Reflector.
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
Major Gifts
NGU received major gifts in support of the Donnan-COBE Project, the Cline School of Music, and the Difference Maker Fund during the quarter. A total of $1,437,050.36 was contributed to NGU during the quarter.
Donor Stewardship
NGU recognized 2023-24 President’s Partners (donors who gave $1,000 and above to NGU during the year) at the 2024 Red Carpet Gala on October 10. During the event at The Piedmont Club in Spartanburg, NGU presented five donor awards for leadership support. The Tip of the Sword Award for athletics contributions was given to the First Baptist Church of Marietta, SC. Dr. Steve Crouse received the Faculty/Staff Heritage Award; The Moman Group was named the Foundation/Corporation of the Year; Dr. Drew Calcutt received the Board Leadership Award; and Mike and Ann Burns received the Leo Vernon Powell Award.
Donor Relations
A variety of special events were hosted for donors and prospective donors to NGU. Staff hosted 35 people for “Dinner and a Show” on November 21, with a meal in the Myrtice Boazman Room before viewing “Richard III” in Billingsley Theatre.
Church Relations
In November, staff set up and hosted booths at the South Carolina Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Columbia; the BSCNC Annual Meeting in Greensboro, NC; and the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia Annual Homecoming in Virginia Beach, VA. The Alumni Engagement Office hosted a fellowship meal at the start of the SCBC Annual Meeting in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church, across from First Baptist Church of Columbia, with approximately 70 people in attendance. Working with Enrollment Engagement staff, AUE personnel represented the university at more than 25 SCBC association annual meetings across the state.
Alumni Engagement
NGU hosted Homecoming October 17-18, with the Distinguished Alumni Award presented to Rev. Francis Taylor “Corky” Alewine ’48, Dr. William “Bill” McManus ’59, and Mrs. Jean Brown McManus ’57; the Young Alum of the Year presented to Kasie Thomas ‘22; and the Alumni Service Award presented to Dr. Walter Pym, ’03, and Jessica Atkins Pym, ’05. The weekend included the Marion Moorhead Golf Tournament at Cherokee Valley Golf Club.
Alumni Engagement hosted Legacy Friday doughnuts-and-coffee events on the first Friday of each month for current students whose parents or other relatives attended NGU.
Events
NGU’s Auxilio women’s organization hosted its fall semester luncheon on August 29, with NGU Archivist Joanna Wilkey Beasley as the speaker.
NGU hosted the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund fall dinner on September 17. The guest speaker was Dr. Rob Pochek, pastor of First Baptist Church, Park Street, Charlottesville, VA.
NGU First Lady Lisa Fant hosted an Auxilio Homecoming Brunch on Saturday, October 19, at the Donnan Student Commons in the Plaster Center.
Staff assisted with Sullivan President’s Box receptions for donors and friends at all six NGU home football games.
Athletics Fund-Raising
Staff hosted a hospitality tent for Trailblazer Club qualifying members inside Younts Stadium at all home football games, and also promoted membership at all home athletic contests.
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
Major Gifts
Major gifts during the quarter were highlighted by a contribution of property adjacent to the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer. Other major gifts included support for the College of Humanities and Sciences, the College of Education, and student scholarships.
Annual Giving
Calendar year-end appeals to alumni and friends were tied to the “Difference-Maker” theme.
Events
Staff assisted with President and Mrs. Fant’s Christmas Open House at the Donnan Student Commons in the Plaster Center on December 3 in conjunction with the Cline School of Music Christmas Concert.
Staff coordinated a December Commencement Speaker’s Reception on December 13.
The Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund winter dinner was January 30, with 170 people in attendance. Guest speakers were Dr. Don Wilton, ministry leader and author, and Dr. Rob Wilton, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC.
Staff hosted Dinner and a Show on February 21 for the NGU Theatre production of “You Can’t Take It With You.”
University Engagement
Staff assisted with the Fifth Annual Tigerville Christmas Parade on Friday, December 6.
Church Relations
Staff worked with NGU’s booth at the SCBC Impact evangelism conference at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia on February 21.
Quarter
4 (March 1 – May 31)
Major Gifts
Major gifts for the quarter were highlighted by gifts to support a scholarship program, the Difference Maker Fund, and NGU Football.
Donor Relations
Through a generous gift from a donor, staff hosted an NGU dinner at Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville, NC, on April 29, with 43 people in attendance. The event provided an overview of the university for prospective donors.
Alumni Engagement
The Alumni Engagement Office provided graduation gifts to May 2024 graduates.
Alumni Engagement continued to host Legacy Friday doughnuts-and-coffee events for students whose parents or other family members attended NGU.
The office hosted the Fourth Annual NGU Night at the Drive Game at Fluor Field in Greenville on May 10. A total of 100 people registered for the fellowship event.
Events
Staff hosted the spring Auxilio luncheon in the Hartness President’s Dining Room on April 3.
NGU hosted a “Breakpoint Live! Forum” conducted by the Colson Center on April 3 in Turner Chapel. The event featured John Stonestreet, Dr. Katie McCoy, and Dr. Andrew Walker.
Staff coordinated a barbecue picnic meal at NGU Baseball for approximately 80 members of the Wallington Sunday School Class from the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg on April 26. Guests heard from NGU Head Coach Landon Powell before the baseball double-header.
Staff hosted nine groups of guests from area churches and ministry organizations during the quarter. The expanded series of visits was funded through a designated gift from an NGU donor.
Staff coordinated an NGU Jazz Band concert and a lecture by NGU Provost Dr. Hunter Baker at Rolling Green Village in the quarter. NGU also hosted community concerts (jazz quintet and NGU Jazz Band) and a lecture by Dr. Baker at Cherokee Valley Golf Club’s Venue during the spring.
The Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund spring dinner was on April 14 and included commissioning of graduating CMSF scholarship recipients, with a charge given by Dr. Jeff Rankin, interim dean of NGU’s College of Christian Studies. Approximately 140 people attended the dinner.
Staff coordinated a Spring Commencement Speaker’s Reception on May 9 in the Sullivan President’s Box.
Athletics Fund-Raising
The Crusader Club Golf Classic was on April 1 at Cherokee Valley Golf Club, with 116 golfers registered for the annual event.
Staff hosted Trailblazer Club qualifying members at the Bomar Stadium hospitality suite throughout the 2025 NGU Baseball regular season.
For the fiscal year, the Trailblazer Club had a total of 189 members, raising $77,185 (which does not include the golf classic support nor tailgating tent revenue).
Year-End Total Support
For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the University received $4,000,475.69 in advancement gifts and commitments. Cooperative Program support from the South Carolina Baptist Convention totaled $1,063,576.58, which made the overall amount of gifts received for the year $5,214,052.27.
Vice President of Campus Enhancement Services
Mr. Kyle Walden
Serving as the Vice President of Campus Enhancement Services, it is my responsibility to oversee and lead the teams that are Campus Enhancement Services, comprised of 54 current employees across five departments: Maintenance, Construction, Transportation and Special Projects, Landscaping, and Housekeeping. The following is a chronological summary of the productivity, accomplishments, and projects that were performed by Campus Enhancement Services, as well as those projects that include contracted services for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Productivity/ Proficiency
Utilizing our CMMS program (SchoolDude, Brightly)
CM Work Orders – 7-day efficiency 91%, 30-day efficiency 99%
PM Work orders – 99% efficiency
Total Work orders – 2,730
Safety
Complacency in the Work Place
Heat Exhaustion
Blocking Violations
Stand-alone fire system installed at Tim Brashier Campus
Fire alarm safety drills completed in all dormitories
Construction and Maintenance
In-house construction and maintenance:
Replaced ductwork under 101 Wingo and Crusader Court
Installed new shower at 7609 Mountain View Road
Replaced and HVAC package unit at Craft-Hemphill and installed a new HVAC unit at Craft-Hemphill Center
Completed 2 office repair/refreshes at Tim Brashier Campus (TBC)
Electrical line repair in the lawn area in front of the Plaster Enterprise Center
Repainted offices 216, 228, 237 at the Crain Science Building
Refresh project at the Guest Cabin
Repaired retaining wall at the baseball field
Replaced 3 led lights at the intramural field (under warranty)
Installed new fire alarms at Hartness, Anthony, and 8 Chinquapin
Installed a new power panel at 103 West Crain Dr.
Replaced the blower motor assembly in the HVAC unit at the Guest Cabin
Vandiver Residence Hall (special project): painted all bed frames
Installed new French door at 2416 HWY 414
Completed repairs for dorm walkthroughs following FUGE Camps
Completed ductwork relocation and mini-split install at Neves
Completed the repair to the kitchen ceiling in Sullivan Box
Removed and cleaned all HVAC units in the bottom of Simpson dorm
Completed the bathroom remodel project at 7609 Mountain View Road
Installed HVAC dehumidifier in Unit G for rooms 1-6
Painted parking lot striping at Anthony dorm, Hayes Gym, and Foster Ed
Cleaned and prepped Hayes Fine Arts for the start of school following contracted project
Painting Project at TBC consisting of painting multiple offices, classrooms, and hallways
Replaced one HVAC condensing motor for the Crain Science building
Installed new HVAC blower motor in unit 12 at Tim Brashier Campus
Installed new HVAC large blower motor in Todd Dining Hall
Emergency sewer line replacement and repair was made in Dorm Unit D and E
Repaired flooring in Crusader Court 33B
Began project to install gutter guards across campus
Transportation and Special Projects
Serviced 27 vehicles, made repairs on 34 vehicles
Provided 38 vehicle reservations for transportation, supporting NGU programs
Provided setup/support for 4 NGU events
Pressure washed Bruce Hall landings, exteriors of Emery, Horton Tingle, Self and Trustee Hall, Hartness, Cline, Jr. Howard and Anthony, Simpson, Georgia and Marshall, and other areas around administration buildings
Washed and cleaned storefront exteriors of Neves and Plaster balconies
Contracted Services
Planted flowers at the Younts Stadium, Bomar baseball field and Greer campus
Sprayed Taylors Street parking lots and beds, Hendricks-Athletics, main campus and parking lot beds, Crusader Court everything around Billingsley/School of Theatre and McCormick, Foster Ed, Wood’s General Store, and gas station
Mulched Campus
Routine maintenance/cutting of campus landscapes and grounds
Weekly cleanings after FUGE each week, cleaned prior to NGU student return
Cleaned multiple sites in support of NGU events
Fertilized the football hills and practice fields at Younts Stadium
Painted the football, practice and soccer fields
Trimmed all crepe myrtles at the Tennis Fieldhouse, pruned bushes and sprayed football flower beds at Younts stadium
Laid sod at Emery Averyt-Wood Learning Center and the side of Turner Chapel
Trimmed trees at Averyt-Wood and Simpson; cut down trees at Simpson and Emery
Planted trees and flowers at Todd Prayer Chapel
Stripped and waxed all classrooms in Craft Hemphill Center and Averyt Wood Learning Center
Project completed to refresh building (floors, ceiling, paint, new ceiling and storage in band room, updated walls in practice rooms)
Baseball Hitting Facility
Planning phase initiated, awaiting bid from GCs
Scene Shop (Harper XS)
Planning phase initiated, awaiting initial MEPs and drawings from Harper Construction
60 Blackwell (Stellar Property Solutions)
Began renovation of space to provide residency for the new Athletic Director
Wingo 207 (Stellar Property Solutions)
Began renovation of space to provide residency for CMSE staff employee
8011 Tigerville (Stellar Property Solutions)
Began renovation of space to provide residency for staff OCSS officer
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
Productivity/ Proficiency
Utilizing our CMMS program (SchoolDude, Brightly):
CM Work Orders – 7-day efficiency 87%, 30-day efficiency 96%
PM Work orders – 99% efficiency
Total Work orders – 1,877
Safety
Ladder Inspection
Chainsaw Safety
Five Senses Safety
Aerial lift training for untrained team members
Construction and Maintenance
In-house construction and maintenance
Worked through and completed the repairs and clean up that was associated with the damage from Hurricane Helene. Material damages estimated at around $200,000
Completed renovation of 153 Chinquapin to serve as the offices and classroom(s) of the ODEL program
Replaced HVAC window unit at Bruce 307, 218
Repaired issues found during the fire safety inspections of campus
Replaced, multiple motors, starters, coils, and other components of the 12 HVAC units that service TBC
Painted all entrance gates on campus
Painted all steel frames for swings campus wide
Painted Craft Hemphill conference room
Installed new letters at Crusader Court now renamed TRAILBLAZER PARK
Restriped lines at the Pickle Ball court
Replaced HVAC unit downstairs in Unit D, small guest cabin
Began renovation project on OCSS
Transportation and Special Projects
Serviced 7 vehicles, made repairs on 5 vehicles
Provided 39 vehicle reservation for transportation, supporting NGU programs
Provided setup/support for 32 NGU events
Pressure washed Younts football stadium, Pepsi soccer stadium, awnings at Trailblazer Park
Assisted The Budd Group Landscapers with tree trimming
Cleaned exterior of building at Todd Dining Hall
Graded slope behind Unit E after sewer repair, prepped for seeding, seeded grass
Contracted Services
Trimmed bushes at Bruce Hall, holly bushes/hedges on campus perimeter, walkway at Younts football field
Routine maintenance/cutting of campus landscapes and grounds
Weekly cleanings after FUGE each week, cleaned prior to NGU student return
Cleaned multiple sites in support of NGU events
Pressure washed football showers
Scrubbed Hayes Gym court
After Hurricane Helene, performed storm clean up, cut trees, picked up sticks and leaves
Seeded and aerated Hayes Welcome Center, main campus, Taylors Street, 9 Blackwell Rd university staff housing
Pulled tree from front of Hayes Ministry/Welcome Center; Installed some new shrubs and a tree
Removed summer flowers and replaced with winter flowers
Scrubbed hallways upstairs in Crain Science, Hayes Gymnasium common areas, Sullivan’s Box, Todd Dining and Hayes Gymnasium Restrooms
Contracted/Capital Project
Plaster Center (Hood Construction)
Continued work on remaining punch list items
Baseball Hitting Facility
Planning phase initiated, reviewing bids from GCs
Scene Shop (Harper XS)
Planning phase initiated, awaiting initial MEPs and drawings from Harper Construction
60 Blackwell (Stellar Property Solutions)
Completed Renovation of space to provide residency for the new Athletic Director
Wingo 207 (Stellar Property Solutions)
Completed Renovation of space to provide residency for CMSE staff employee
8011 Tigerville (Stellar Property Solutions)
Completed Renovation of space to provide residency for staff OCSS officer
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
Productivity/ Proficiency
Utilizing our CMMS program (SchoolDude, Brightly):
CM Work Orders – 7-day efficiency 90%, 30-day efficiency 99%
PM Work orders – 99% efficiency
Total Work orders – 1,534
Safety
“Hurry Up Can Hurt”
Hand Injuries PT. 1&2
Hand Injuries PT. 3,4&5
Construction and Maintenance
In-house construction and maintenance:
Began project to renovate OCSS space after the abatement process was completed
Began 1892 Refresh to better accommodate a third space for students
Completed several outdoor lighting repairs from storm damage
Completed Hayes Gym and Neves’ roof repairs
Backflow testing completed and passed
Replaced water heater in White Hall
Repaired fire alarm system problems at Plaster Enterprise Center
Made hood repairs at Todd Dining Hall and Chick-fil-A
Repaired a waterline break at Howard Jr. Dorm
Repaired waterline behind 207 Wingo St, 113 West Crain, and Foster Circle
Installed new unit in Plaster server room
Updated all Honeywell controllers in Fine Arts, Todd/Tingle and Hayes Gym
Completed the tie in of all hot water coils in AHUs to boiler at Greer campus
Added outdoor lighting to Turner Chapel
Completed Zone 4 safety inspections (exit lights, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Completed walkthroughs during Christmas break in preparation for freezing temps
Painted men’s bathroom floor at Pepsi Stadium
Insulated the crawl space floor at 110 West Crain
Completed roof repairs at Younts Stadium, Roberson Hall, Foster Ed, 2416 HWY414, Hayes, Gymnasium, Neves Hall
Installed two window units at Brashier 12
Installed new HVAC controls at White Hall
Completed work on Unit 2, 9 and 12 at TBC
Honeywell control site has been reprogrammed at TBC
Replaced HVAC unit upstairs at Roberson dormitory
Installed new motor of exhaust fan at Todd Dining Hall
Installed new HVAC controls in Emery, Trustee and Self dorms
Installed hot water pumps at TBC
Rebuilt duct heater in Air Handler Unit at Turner Chapel
LVT flooring repairs were done at Hayes gym
Made repairs to ropes, pulleys, and net at the track
Transportation and Special Projects
Serviced 8 vehicles, made repairs on 8 vehicles
Provided 56 vehicle reservations for transportation, supporting NGU programs
Provided setup/support for 68 NGU events
Pressure washed Wood Store gas station, Vance Tennis Complex, and around Turner Chapel and Hamlin Hall
Set out all exterior Christmas decorations and lights around campus, removed all after season had ended
Prepped, supported, and cleaned up following December Commencement
Set up and supported NGU Fair, Christmas Parade, and Plaster Enterprise Open House
Contracted Services
Routine maintenance/cutting of campus landscapes and grounds
Weekly cleanings after FUGE each week, cleaned prior to NGU student return
Cleaned multiple sites in support of NGU events
Did leaf cleanup at Tigerville campus and TBC
Moved Japanese Maple at McCormick House
Cut back/pruned perennials, roses, crepe myrtles, elevated tree canopy around campus
Scrubbed/buffed floors at Averyt Wood hallways and restrooms, Turner Chapel common area, Tingle Student Center, School of Theatre, Todd Dining Hall, Neves Hall, Bomar, 1892
Place
Removed large evergreens by Craft Hemphill Center and Neves entrances
Removed large juniper behind Craft Hemphill Center and seeded grass
Removed Christmas trees in font of Todd Dining Hall
Removed some dead trees from campus
Removed hedge bushes on campus
Removed and replanted the Japanese Maple
Contracted/Capital Project
Plaster Center (Hood Construction)
Continued work on remaining punch list items
Baseball Hitting Facility
Project has been placed on hold and is being reevaluated
Scene Shop (Harper XS)
Review phase of plans and finances, revisions, and final review
107 West Crain (Stellar Property Solutions)
Project completed to renovate space for Athletic Administration/Staff
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
Productivity/ Proficiency
Utilizing our CMMS program (SchoolDude, Brightly)
CM Work Orders – 7-day efficiency 86%, 30-day efficiency 99%
PM Work orders – 90% efficiency
Total Work orders – 2,160
Safety
Falling Objects
Foot Safety
Ladder Safety Rung by Rung
Construction and Maintenance
In-house construction and maintenance
Completed refresh project of the 1892 Place
Completed OCSS renovation project
Completed refresh project of the football coaches offices and meeting rooms
Rebuilt walk-in freezer condensing unit in Todd Dining Hall
Replaced HVAC Unit at Trailblazer Park 21B
Added new and reconfigured HVAC controls at Turner Chapel
Installed new HVAC control system in Trustee Dorm up and downstairs
Cleaned and sealed gutters of the buildings in the main campus core area
Inspected all residential roofs on HWY 414 and Blackwell/West Crain
Replaced window units in Bruce Hall (3) and Simpson Hall (1)
Oversaw roofers replacing the flat TPO roof on back of Foster Ed
Enlarged sidewalk, built and installed handicap ramp at 2408 Hwy 414 Staff house
Cleared overgrowth between tennis courts and Blackwell Rd facilities
Completed Paint Projects: Trailblazer Park 39A, Tennis Building, 107 West Crain Ave
Replaced multiple broken windows across multiple dormitories
Installed new water main at 9 Blackwell
Installed a new evaporator coil in the Roberson Dorm air handling unit
Replaced 2 chilled water control valves in Hayes Fine Arts building
Installed a new blower motor in Trailblazer Park 31A
Installed a condenser motor upstairs at Unit A, Averyt-Wood Learning Center
Completed the Trailblazer Park 2B project
Made repairs and painted as needed at Trailblazer Park 4B
Cut a new trough drain into concrete for improved drainage and reconfigured the A/C units at the Hendricks Athletic Fieldhouse
Installed a new 3-ton unit in Unit F upstairs at main campus
Repaired control wiring of units 5,7, and 9 at TBC
Replaced pop-off valve on boiler at TBC
Updated all HVAC controllers at main campus
Replaced a 5-ton AHU in Jr Howard dorm
Patched and sealed driveway at 9 Blackwell Rd Staff house
Renovated classroom in Foster Education to serve as the collaboration space for the Teaching Fellows Program
Transportation and Special Projects
Serviced 12 vehicles, made repairs on 10 vehicles
Provided 89 vehicle reservations for transportation, supporting NGU programs
Provided setup/support for 89 NGU events
Pressure washed Front area of Todd Dining, President’s Dining Room porch area and Unit E stairwell
Assisted in the cleaning of the disc golf course project
Contracted Services
Routine maintenance/cutting of campus landscapes and grounds
Weekly cleanings after FUGE each week, cleaned prior to NGU student return
Cleaned multiple sites in support of NGU events
Installed fescue sod at 9 Blackwell
Installed paver path from walkway to front of Averyt-Wood Learning Center
Applied mulch flower bed preemergent
Sprayed weeds in beds and around hard surfaces
Applied turf fungicide on fescue, then fertilizer/iron and weed control apps
Planted spring flowers at Tigerville campus and TBC
Cleaned all Dormitories ahead of FUGE camps
Planted tropical plants in Todd Prayer Chapel
Contracted/Capital Project
Plaster Center (Hood Construction)
Completed punch list for the facility, working through some troubleshooting issues with HVAC controls
Scene Shop (Harper XS)
Plans were fully approved, permitting process initiated with summer 2025 mobilization, projecting mid-fall completion
Chick-Fil-A Refresh (AFS, LLC.)
Completed refresh of space within 4 weeks, replaced equipment, new walk-in freezer, replaced fire suppression system, new tile floor, as well as other upgrades
Todd Dining HVAC Replacement (Jennings -Dill)
Phase 1 of the project is completed – removed failed units and set temporary unit in place to service dining hall until new units arrive in October 2025
Vice President for Campus Ministries and Student Engagement
Dr. Jared Thomas
The 2024-2025 Academic Year has been a year of growth and refinement for Campus Ministries and Student Engagement. The Center for Student Success and its employees have now shifted under the Campus Ministries and Student Engagement Department and are known as Student Flourishing. This new CMSE area is a combination of academic support services with student health services. Much of this year was spent supporting this area and fully integrating it into the overall operations of CMSE. Further, student accommodation was shifted from academic administration to operate under Student Flourishing. This academic year was also filled with employee shifts away from NGU and to NGU. Morah Faulk was hired as the CMSE Marketing Coordinator. Brooke Cushman was hired as the Coordinator for the Testing Center. Tracie Weldie was hired as a Student Success Coordinator and now oversees Student Accommodations. Marcus Hermanstyne was hired as a second residence life coordinator. He now oversees residential facilities management. In all this, the department thrived and continued to serve the student body well. It was a great year filled with much blessing!
Quarter 1 (June 1 –
August 31)
• Partnered with NGU Operations to support the needs of the summer FUGE camps.
• Hired Moriah Faulk as the CMSE Marketing Coordinator.
• Continued housing students and processes housing exemption requests.
• Met with key stakeholders to plan Welcome Week and New Student Orientation.
• Developed a Welcome Week schedule of activities for returning students.
• Worked with key stakeholders to develop comprehensive student activities plans for the academic year.
• Met with the football team’s summer attendees. Provided several engagement activities for this affinity group.
• Developed a programmatic plan to begin utilizing graduate interns in the student counseling center.
• Completed the chapel schedule for fall and began work on the spring schedule.
• Completed the BCM/Fount schedule for the fall.
• Updated the student handbook (no major revisions) for the new academic year.
• Completed training for Graduate Assistants, the Student Leadership Team (SLT) and Ministry Teams.
• Completed move-in and Welcome Week operations.
• Completed debriefs with key stakeholders after Welcome Week.
• Completed FYE mentor and faculty training followed by a successful launch of FYE Connect Groups for the incoming fall student cohort.
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
• Hosted the annual Church Fair. Over 90 churches came out to network with and support our students. Over 600 students attended the fair. SCBC provided meals for all church volunteers.
• Completed a 100 Hours in Scripture campaign with the NGU community.
• Global Impact week was well attended. Student Mobilization announced 6 missions opportunities for the 2024-2025 academic year.
• Student Success and Student Health ran multiple campaigns at the beginning of the semester. The Testing Center, tutoring, and vocational services all began regular outreach and services with the student body.
• Both Homecoming and Family Weekend (rescheduled due to Helene) went well. Family Weekend had over 500 participants.
• Transitioned Younts Fitness Center to an updated security system including ID basedentry.
• CMSE continued to work closely with Student Services to clear students and help in communication.
• SLT responded above expectations to the needs after Helene. Much ministry and service happened during this most challenging two-week period.
• Partnered with Admissions and hosted a fall fair where around 800 students attended.
• Hired Brooke Cushman as Testing Center Coordinator.
• Hired Traci Weldie as Student Success Coordinator.
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
• SLT conducted Fall semester campus check-outs and room clearance successfully.
• Completed New Student Orientation for the spring class.
• The areas continued to run the events and initiative calendared during the summer.
• SLT members continued to host dorm-specific engagement events. Engagement within the residential population was very high during this period.
• Supported the Tigerville Christmas parade.
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
• Residential Services communicated with all students about the checkout process and how to complete the housing process for the next academic year.
• SLT conducted campus Spring semester check-outs and room clearance successfully.
• CMSE held an end of year Staff Debrief and Training. Departmental values and goals were reviewed, and each sub area was tasked with retreating around several key topics during the summer as they prepared for the next academic year.
• Student Accommodations began to shift under the responsibilities of Student Flourishing in CMSE.
• The general student activities calendar for 25-26 was completed.
• The fall chapel schedule and syllabus development neared finalization for 25-26.
• The student handbook was rolled forward in Watermark with no major revisions.
• Completed the summer registration push for students in danger of losing scholarships.
• Continued to support Admissions and NGUcentral in communicating with students and combating potential student melt.
• Hired Marcus Hermanstyne as the Coordinator for Residential Facilities.
Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing/Communication
Mr. Chad Peters
Serving as the Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing/Communications, I have the opportunity and privilege of guiding a team of twenty-eight employees responsible for student recruitment efforts along with the marketing and communication efforts for NGU.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Traditional Admissions
Enrolled 550 new students for the fall 2024 recruitment efforts, which was an increase of 5% year-over-year.
Assisted with the recruitment and onboarding of twenty-eight OneLife Gap Year students earning college credit from NGU.
Hosted three New Student Connect events with 333 students attending one of the three events.
Enrollment staff assisted with the SBC conference held in Indianapolis, IN.
Prepared fall travel plans for each recruitment territory.
Strategically engaged with FUGE leaders and campers throughout the summer.
NGU Online & Graduate Admissions
Enrolled eighty-six new NGU Online students for the fall of 2024 recruitment efforts which was an increase of 2.4% year-over-year.
Enrolled one hundred new Graduate students for the fall of 2024 recruitment efforts which was an increase of 21% year-over-year.
Marketing & Communications
Produced and launched the following videos:
Dr. Fant – 4C’s
Online UG Education
Unwavering Commitment to Christ
How To Know (almost) Everything – Dr. Finn
News Updates:
NGU Hosts Annual Theatre Camp
NGU Hosts World Journalism Institute
Combination Degree Offers Accelerated Path for Educators
NGU Named Teaching Fellows Institution
Faculty and Staff Recognitions
Record Attendance at Annual Church Fair
NGU Welcomes New Class
Development of print materials for Traditional Admissions to utilize for fall travel efforts.
Creation of the 1892 Magazine to be utilized at the SBC Conference in Indianapolis.
All Areas | Personnel-related hires or role adjustments
Lauren Drake – Print Production Associate
Ashley Merck – Content Specialist
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
Traditional Admissions
A total of 427 potential students completed an official visit through the Traditional Admissions Office.
Executed two preview day events along with the NGU overnight event for potential students.
Attended Christian College Fairs via NACCAP – including fairs in Texas and Illinois in addition to fairs located in the Southeast.
Attended non NACCAP College Fairs in SC, NC, GA, and TN.
In partnership with Marty O’Gywnn’s team, attended most of the SC Baptist Association meetings.
Visited teacher cadet classes at Pickens High School, High Point Academy, Blue Ridge High School, and Legacy Early College.
Conducted traditional admissions staff professional development training in collaboration with Clark Higher Ed.
Participated in South Carolina application month efforts.
Hosted current OneLife cohort for campus tour and student activity.
NGU Online & Graduate Admissions
Attended National Early Childhood Leadership Conference.
Attended South Carolina Police Chief’s Conference.
Attended South Carolina Jail Administrators Conference.
Attended Newberry College Career Day.
Meeting with Palmetto Literacy Association.
Attended Timken Career Fair.
Attended SCAYCE Conference.
Marketing & Communications
Produced and launched the following videos:
Lachune’ Boyd
Investing in Transformation
How To Know (almost) Everything – Dr. Fant
How to Know (almost) Everything – Jonathan Sams
News Updates:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Chicago Native Finds Biblical Community at NGU
Global Impact Week
NGU Moves Up in Annual Rankings
NGU Community Finds Opportunities to Serve Following Hurricane
Karah Barry Named SCICU Student of the Year
NGU Names Road for Long-time Leader Billy Watson
All Areas | Personnel-related hires or role adjustments
Isabelle Jarvis – Admissions Counselor
Matthew Mitchell – Admissions Counselor
Austin Meyer – Enrollment Data Processor
Jacob Ertter – Promoted to Senior Counselor
Billy Cannada – Promoted to Director of Marketing and Creative Services
Ciara Mace – Promoted to Senior Counselor
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
Traditional Admissions
Hosted thirty-three high school counselors / administrators for the annual Counselor Connect event.
Hosted 239 prospective students via official visits with admissions.
Executed New Student Connect event for incoming students enrolling in January.
Enrolled forty-two new traditional students for the spring of 2025 recruitment efforts which was an increase of 22.2% year-over-year.
Hosted Scholars Weekend with fifty-four potential students competing for scholarship opportunities.
Hosted February preview day with thirty-four students in attendance.
Attended and represented NGU at Converge.
Admissions staff attended and assisted with the NGU display efforts at the Impact 2025 event.
Provided breakfast to Ashville Christian School High School faculty and staff.
NGU Online & Graduate Admissions
Enrolled forty-four new NGU Online students for the spring of 2025 recruitment efforts which was an increase of 7.3% year-over-year.
Enrolled eighty-five new Graduate students for the spring of 2025 recruitment efforts which was an increase of 16.4% year over year.
Met with Greenville Tech Criminal Justice Faculty.
Connected with Greenville County Schools – Pathways to Teaching.
Met with Spencer Scott, First Steps Florence.
USC Aiken meeting with Director of Career Services.
Meeting with Luke Massey, Christian Chamber.
Attended SCABSE Conference.
Attended Trident Tech College and Career Fair.
Attended Tri County Tech College and Career Fair.
Attended PSLA Conference.
Marketing & Communications
Produced and launched the following videos:
How to Know (almost) Everything – Rich Grimm
Head Football Coach Announcement
News Updates: Fall Commencement
Garner Tapped to Lead NGU Football
Miller Bible Museum
Dr. Bryant Named Dean
All Areas | Personnel-related hires or role adjustments
None
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
Traditional Admissions
Hosted 596 prospective students via official visits with admissions.
Hosted spring overnight event with fifty-one students attending.
Hosted March preview day with fifty-three students attending.
Hosted April preview day with thirty-eight students attending.
Hosted New Student Connect with 148 students attending.
Attended multiple awards ceremonies at local high schools.
Attended Metro Youth Pastor Conference.
NGU Online & Graduate Admissions
Attended Technical College of the Low Country Fair
Meeting with Service First Steps Childcare Centers
Attended York Technical College Career Fair
Attended Baptist Education Conference
Marketing & Communications
Produced and launched the following videos:
The Gospel is Our Foundation
How To Know (almost) Everything – Dr. Collier
Explore Your Calling
Making History
News Updates:
NGU Students to Produce Live Television Sitcom
Group Reaches Underserved Community in Georgia
NGU Students Share Gospel in Portland
NGU Sending Team to Ecuador
Bikes for Bibles
Spring Commencement
Powell Inducted into Hall of Fame
All Areas | Personnel-related hires or role adjustments
Elizabeth Leeth – Marketing and Creative Services Project Manager
Vice President for Information Technology Services
Mr. Tim Huggins
In alignment with North Greenville University’s mission, the IT Services Team has made significant strides across four strategic areas. Our focused efforts have enabled us to effectively leverage technology throughout the University. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated IT Services team for their hard work and commitment.
1. Student Information System (SIS)
We have successfully enhanced the university-wide functionality of Jenzabar (J1), integrating essential third-party applications. Notably, we developed a Database Warehouse that now serves as the university's single data source, streamlining data management. Additionally, we have kept our software up to date, recently introducing J1 Web for Finance in our testing environment for the Business Office, which positions us for future operational excellence.
2. IT Standards and Best Practices
In our pursuit of operational efficiency, we have established IT standards and implemented industry best practices. Key initiatives include:
• Microsoft A5 Licensing Enhancements:
Transitioned from Mimecast filtering to Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365, significantly improving our cybersecurity posture.
Shifted from Mimecast InfoSec training to KnowBe4’s platform, resulting in a remarkable increase in training participation from 20% to 60%. This vital initiative strengthens our community's online safety.
• Digital SpectrumU Platform: We upgraded our campus cable TV service to a digital platform, now accessible from anywhere, extending this service to students as well as all faculty and staff for the first time.
• Team Dynamix (TDX): We successfully implemented TDX as our IT Service Management and Project Portfolio Management platform. This upgrade enhances our ticketing system and knowledge base, with the potential for other departments to benefit from its capabilities.
• AI Implementation: We initiated a limited rollout of an on-premise AI platform (Hallian AI), yielding many benefits including documentation generation and coding, demonstrating our commitment to innovation.
3. Risk Mitigation
Proactively identifying and mitigating risks has become a cornerstone of our IT strategy. Our initiatives include:
• Data Retention and Encryption: We have focused on compliance with audit recommendations, achieving GLBA compliance for five consecutive years, thereby enhancing our campus safety online.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: We installed a new Libert AC system designed for data centers and a secondary AC unit, ensuring optimal operational conditions.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Upgraded our Single Sign-On and Multi-Factor Authentication capabilities in our transition from Rapid Identity, fortifying our security framework.
• Classroom Continuity: We rolled out AirServer wireless display capabilities across all NGU classrooms, ensuring consistency and enhancing the student presentation experience.
4. Deferred Maintenance
While often overlooked, our careful management of the IT Services operating budget has yielded significant progress in addressing deferred maintenance:
• We acquired 30 new faculty laptops and upgraded 81 computers in campus labs, demonstrating our commitment to providing reliable technology.
• We recognize the need to address aging staff computers, which exceed the preferred replacement age, and aging network switches, many over 10 years old. Continued investment in these areas is vital to sustain our operational effectiveness.
This report reflects our team's hard work and the positive impact of our initiatives. Thank you for your continued support as we advance our mission together.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
Network and Desktop Services
Productivity (approximately 4 months)
o 2.030 Helpdesk requests completed
o 1,524 Helpdesk tickets
o 506 phone calls
Support
o Prepared all classrooms to be ready for faculty use\instruction for Fall 2024 term
o Continued the implementation of SpectrumU services for the campus; completed set up of access for off-network homes around campus
o Transitioned “Crusader” related services to “Trailblazer” in support of new mascot in June
o Assessed University technology surveys, comparing 2024 vs 2023 for NGU Students and Faculty\Staff for opportunities of continued improvement
o Planned regular monthly meetings with CMSE, CES, and NCE to go over Genetec door prox implementation in Vandiver, other dorms. Also met to review prox and security camera needs in Younts.
o Prepped and supported for students attending New Student Connect on July 27th
o Updated annual certificate application across all NGU hosts (Approx. 100 servers)
o Acquired/configured hardware setups for new Athletic Director, new faculty, etc.
o Implemented MFA new credentialing functionality for BoT members for June board meeting
o Filled Junior Systems Analyst Role and Desktop Services Generalist roles; paused Network Engineer search due to budget cuts
o Assessed aging technology infrastructure inventory ie. switches, fiber, etc. in anticipation of aging Cisco infrastructure replacement due to end of support\end of life. Developing a Cisco to Fortinet strategy for core switches with a 60% to 70% cost savings
o Implemented Team Dynamix (TDX) support desk and project management software ‘go-live’ in July
o Implemented Greer campus: Executive office/recording studio hardware
o Completed InfoSec risk assessment reporting for BoT for 2024 GLBA compliance; NGU is in compliance with GLBA for 4 years running.
o Planned and prepped for support of Fall 2024 athletics events
o Recapped Summer renovation projects and planned collaboration meeting with Interim CES VP, incorporating projects into workflows
o Rolled out SpectrumU service to our NGU Students w/ a SpectrumU rep onsite; in the next few weeks we will roll out to public areas
o Led PA cohort tech orientation/training and Student Check-in support during registration
Information Systems and Business Applications
Support
o Provided Check-In support for Student registration sessions
o Increased Lifecycle performance after several old processes were re-written or removed, for example SEOI now runs in Watermark
o Configured and provisioned Virtual machine and software configuration for the Data Warehouse Initiative
o Refined daily Pharos retention data exports
o Identified Provisioning process enhancements and assigned project status in DevOps and a growing document has been created for the current provisioning code
o Identified UDF field improvements needed for the Business Office to work with the Gift Transaction table
o Setup of Azure DevOps workflows and resource planning for ISBA Team
o Completed Data Retention policy documentation project ISBA + Module Managers (Softdocs)
o Successful Jenzabar Production environment upgrade to 2023.1, 2023.2, 2023.3.1 – w/ Module Managers
o Worked with CMSE to correct errors in SQL code to identify and categorize new and returning students into the correct student applicant groups for further Lifecycle processing
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
Network and Desktop Services
Productivity (approximately 4 months)
o 1,775 Helpdesk requests completed
o 1,323 Helpdesk tickets
o 452 phone calls
Support
o Assisted Campus Safety with Phase 2 Genetec planning\rollout for: 10 exterior camera locations – completed in September.
o Migrated from Mimecast to Microsoft Defender email security for O365. This is phase 1 in our strategy to reduce spend and service overlap by leveraging available services in Microsoft A5 licensing.
o Initiated Documentation Initiative for every process moving forward, and stored in ITGlue
o Completed Vulnerability scans completed as the first component of the 2025 GLBA Risk Assessment
o Assessed University’s Learning Management System contract (Blackboard) for cost savings and future planning.
o Setup Team Dynamix (TDX) project management software.
o Provisioned virtual machine and software configuration for the Data Warehouse Initiative.
o Replaced primary & secondary HVAC units in the Plaster Data Center to better support operations & longevity of the Data Center
o Supported tech for initial NGU Executive Committee of the Board meeting in 2025
o Migrated from Mimecast to Microsoft Defender email security for O365 is complete. This is phase 1 in our strategy to reduce spend and service overlap by leveraging available services in Microsoft A5 licensing.
o Continued assessment of aging technology infrastructure inventory i.e. switches, fiber, etc. in anticipation of aging Cisco infrastructure replacement due to end of support\end of life. Developing a Cisco to Fortinet strategy for core switches with a 60% to 70% cost savings.
o Implemented Hybrid classroom capability in Neves 173 & NEAT bar in Neves Conference Room
o Completed Blackwell 68 and 50 structured cabling and wireless updates to residences\ATH offices.
o Completed Executive office/recording studio hardware implementation-Greer Campus
o Migrated from Mimecast to KnowBe4 for IT Security Awareness Training, improved security awareness and meet industry compliances. Phase 2 strategy
to reduce spend and service overlap by leveraging available services in Microsoft A5 licensing.
o Provided technology support in the University’s response during ‘Helene’. Maintained operations in the Data Center in the Plaster building. Maintained contact with critical vendors. Canvassed all classrooms, labs, etc. as services were restored to ensure normal operations.
o Completed config\testing on mobile VPN access for Genetec access (for select groups)
Information Systems and Business Applications
Support
o Supported Advancement with a Softdocs project proposal for digitizing and archival of donor records. Planning Softdocs training as record scanning is completed
o Automated Paycom integration to the extent possible
o Reviewed data quality in major fields for process review and agreement, specifically Resident/Commuter status
o Assessed UDF field improvements needed for the Asset maintenance table
o Rolled out new Chapel and CEVT reporting platform on Blazor app
o Worked with Data Warehouse partner, Hallian, on prototype: Data gathering phase – Interviews have been conducted\compiled
o Jenzabar Stability Improvements:
o Email Config/J1 Consulting needs
o Provisioning Automation Improvement
o SSIS migration to SQL-SRV01
o Assessed University technology surveys, comparing 2024 vs 2023 for NGU Students and Faculty\Staff for opportunities of continued improvement.
o Continued work with CMSE to correct errors in SQL code to identify and categorize new and returning students into the correct student applicant groups for further Lifecycle processing.
o Increased Lifecycle performance after several old processes were re-written or removed, for example SEOI now runs in Watermark.
o Supported Advancement with a Softdocs project for digitizing and archival of donor records. Planned Softdocs training for record scanning and is completed.
Quarter
3 (December 1 – February 28)
Network and Desktop Services
Support
o Implemented SpectrumU services for the campus; completed set up for offnetwork homes around campus and rolled out to Faculty and Staff in December.
o Planned for 2025 Cyber insurance proposals. Completed Cyber Insurance survey.
o Finalized Spring 2025 Key Initiatives.
o Assisted Campus Safety with Phase 2 Genetec Planning for: outdoor camera locations – completed; Proximity access & security cameras for Younts, Vandiver, and Unit C.
o Assessed University technology surveys, comparing 2024 vs 2023 for NGU Students and Faculty\Staff for opportunities of continued improvement.
o Supported Student registration sessions at check-in.
o Implemented and reviewed KnowBe4 Security Awareness Program. Present participation rate is 60%, which is up from approx. 20% with previous campaigns.
o Supported the Main phone line auto-attendant programming creation and implementation.
Information Systems and Business Applications
Support
o Finalized ISBA Spring 2025 Key Initiatives.
o Engaged follow up Data Warehouse collaboration session with Student Services, Admissions, CMSE, & IT teams. Met with EVP regarding Cohort retention report status update
o Prepped for student check-in and support for Spring term start up.
o Developed Data Governance Process: Data Dissonance Group is developing governance and updating procedural recommendations for the Jbar VP group consideration (and approval) for improved data governance.
o Scheduled collaboration meeting for Spring 24\25 check in prep. Offered testing for CMSE and related groups.
o Concluded assessment of Hometown electronic ticketing with Athletics and Business Office
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
Network and Desktop Services
Productivity (approximately 4 months)
o 2,093 Helpdesk requests completed
o 1,448 Helpdesk tickets
o 645 phone calls
Support
o Completed Risk Assessment and GLBA audit survey for 2025 GLBA compliance.
o Completed Crestron controller installation for Plaster Classroom 201 during spring break
o Submitted 4 year campus computer replacement plan budget proposal; $50K (of $300K) was approved for Runion Mac Lab refresh and select faculty\staff laptop refreshes
o Assessed all student lab hardware and developed a plan to upgrade the machines (summer).
o Supported tech for the NGU Executive Committee and Board meetings in 2025.
o Implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) migration from Rapid Identity to Microsoft Entra ID, for Faculty and Staff. Student migration was rolled out on 4/10. The first stage for Microsoft apps began on 4/2 with the rest of the SSO apps in the coming weeks. TDX was added 4/22. This upgrade will result in improved security and cost savings.
o Identified the oldest 30 laptops in our fleet with plans for upgrades (summer\fall)
Information Systems and Business Applications
Support
o Continued work with CMSE to correct errors in SQL code to identify and categorize new and returning students into the correct student applicant groups for further Lifecycle processing.
o On April 21st, held Admin training session on Softdocs for Advancement and IT Services
o Assessing\redesigning Accessibility communication and workflow processes
o Implemented an AI starter plan with Hallian Technologies
o Held Intro and Admin training sessions for utilizing Hallian AI
o Preparing to rollout campus tech training initiative, starting with a focus on classroom tech for faculty and orientation to NGU tech for new faculty
o Researched TDX\IT UI standardization with NGU branding guidelines
o Continued development of overall University network lifecycle management plan to address deferred maintenance in order to maintain a proactive security posture and improve system performance
o Considered a 4-step process to replace current NGU email account provisioning that will give audit ability
o Assessed the extending NGU Active Directory and O365 accounts to prospective students while adhering to MS Campus Agreement
o Supported Account Provisioning Status Report (new and updated accounts, email, ALEKS, PO rights, etc.)
Vice President for Student Services
Mrs. Rachael Russiaky
The division of Student Services seeks to provide exceptional service to ensure the recruitment, matriculation, and persistence to graduation of traditional undergraduate, adult, and graduate students. Our mission is to support the academic and professional goals of our students by delivering the highest level of customer service in the areas of academic records, financial aid, and student accounts.
Quarter 1 (June 1 – August 31)
• Course Equivalency List – Transfer Tool for Traditional Undergrad: We are continuing to add course equivalencies for various schools to our transfer tool. This tool assists students who are considering transferring to NGU and are curious if/how their credits will transfer. The transfer tool is found on our website
• Summer Term Balance Tracking: We continue to see improvements in our summer balance tracking:
Quarter 2 (September 1 – November 30)
• Fall Check-in Events: In partnership with several areas across campus, we hosted five successful check-in events for traditional undergraduate students. We continue to see improvement in our FastPass eligible student counts, which we attribute to improved communication efforts between Admissions and Student Services, as well as the implementation of late payment fees. A student qualifies for the FastPass by completing all required administrative tasks before arriving at one of the check-in events. The FastPass allows a student to bypass checking in with Student Services and instead go directly to their dorm (for residential students) and enjoy the other welcome week activities.
• Exceleration Solutions – Strategic Packaging Model: Our consultant from Exceleration Solutions was on campus in October to help us evaluate the packaging strategy implemented for the 2024-2025 awarding cycle and to discuss needed adjustments for the 2025-2026 awarding cycle. Below are highlights from the executive summary provided by our consultant in review of our Fall 2024 recruiting/awarding cycle for the traditional undergraduate class:
Recruiting the Fall 2024 class was the most unique environment in the last 25 years when it comes to the financial aid process. The disruption of the FAFSA process, both from the timing and the new Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation, created an enrollment cycle that had more changes than consistency. Despite overwhelming odds, this class landed strongly with a significantly higher than expected NTR/Student, much greater overall NTR, and a lower discount rate (all compared to FA23).
Four key shifts in the first-time student population contributed to these positive movements, despite a smaller admission funnel and significantly fewer FAFSAs received.
1. Rebound and Dramatic Increase in Pell Eligible Students:
a. Fall 2023 saw a dramatic reduction in Pell-eligible students, and we needed a rebound for Fall 2024. As these are less expensive to enroll due to high dollar amounts of federal and state aid, enrolling more of these students results in a reduction in the discount rate.
b. Additionally, the change to the SAI calculation on the FAFSA resulted in more students being eligible for the Pell Grant nationally. Despite receiving nearly 350 fewer FAFSAs, the number of students packaged with a Pell Grant was nearly the same as in Fall 2023.
2. Increase in No Need Students for both Wins and NTR/Student:
a. The No Need tracking provides us with the strongest insight into how well our value propositions are being picked up by families who can afford to go to college anywhere they choose.
b. Additionally, these students come in with some of the lowest discount rates, so growth in this packaging category has a multiplicative effect on the NTR.
3. Disappearance of Middle Need Students:
a. One of the more peculiar effects of the “Better FAFSA” campaign by the federal government was the disappearance of students from the middle-income class.
b. These students either moved up to the Pell Grant packaging grid (helping our overall discount rate) or moved down to the No Need grid (also helping our overall discount rate).
c. The yield stayed the same as the historical norm, which tells us that this group performed fine and our packaging strategy is on point.
d. These are some of our most expensive students to recruit; therefore, having fewer of them in the mix reduces the overall amount of unfunded aid spent on the entire class, allowing us to redistribute those funds to the needier students and enroll more students at a lower discount rate/higher NTR per student.
4. Healthier Distribution of Merit Awards:
a. For the past two enrollment cycles, we have been trying to correct a shift in the distribution of our merit awards due to the move to test-optional admissions.
b. Criteria for the three NGU merit awards were adjusted before the beginning of the packaging cycle to have fewer students at the highest academic level, and that goal was achieved.
c. While achieving that goal helps the discount rate, we monitored the yield of each merit grouping to ensure that there were no extreme shifts in performance due to the criteria changes.
• 2025-26 FAFSA and Packaging Cycle: The 2025-26 FAFSA launched on December 1st . Due to anticipated issues with the FAFSA and the delayed launch, we began mailing “teaser” aid offers to incoming traditional undergraduate students starting in November. These aid offers included NGU academic aid and any other “entitlement” type scholarships/grants for which a student qualified. This was an approach we implemented during the previous packaging cycle (2024-25 academic year) due to the ongoing FAFSA issues, and it was a successful strategy in keeping students/families informed and engaged with us.
• Fall & Spring Semester Balance Tracking: We continue to see improvements in our balance tracking, which we attribute to improved, consistent communication. All students are expected to make payment in full for their semester bill or make the first payment on a monthly payment plan by the first day of classes. Students are not permitted to register for the next semester until their balance is below $150.
Quarter 3 (December 1 – February 28)
• Fall 2024 Commencement: The Fall 2024 commencement ceremony was a success. These events require close partnership with many areas within the NGU community, and everyone served with excellence. We continued with the additional element of setting up our mobile campus store for guests/students to purchase NGU items before and after the ceremony.
• Federal Financial Value Transparency Reporting: The reporting deadline for the new Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations was January 15th. Going forward, this will be an annual report that is due October 1st
This new reporting requirement is intended to give families a better sense of what a graduate can expect to earn, particularly regarding debt. There will be a newly developed federal disclosure website that will provide standardized information about program costs, non-Federal grant aid, loan burden (including both private and Federal loans), earnings of completers, and applicable occupational and licensing requirements. This website will give students and families a personalized estimate of what they’ll pay out-of-pocket to earn credentials in specific postsecondary programs, along with key information on the debt and earnings outcomes of program graduates.
Quarter 4 (March 1 – May 31)
• Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education (VolEd) Institutional Compliance Program (ICP): We were selected to participate in a compliance review process which is related to our administration of VA benefits. We received confirmation from the DoD that no compliance issues were noted, and the review is considered complete.
• Spring 2025 Commencement: The Spring 2025 commencement was a success. These events require close partnership with many areas within the NGU community, and everyone served with excellence. We included in the event some of the improved setup from prior years to aid in creating a more robust and professional event. We also continued to provide a brief firework display to add to our celebration, set up our mobile campus store for guests/students to purchase NGU items, as well as offered food/drink options for purchase for our guests.
• 2025-2026 Academic Catalog: The Academic Records team began actively working on updates for the 2025-2026 academic catalog in early Spring 2025. We were able to publish the catalog the first week of June 2025.
• Academic Records File Storage: We had a previous practice of storing student files in Academic Records longer than required (most records need to be kept only three years, and then only certain items need to be stored electronically vs paper files). Several years ago, NGU contracted with a 3rd party storage facility to store file boxes off-site. Two years ago, we transported all boxes from this facility to begin reviewing files, scanning documents as appropriate, and shredding what was no longer needed. The team has sorted through 200+ boxes (some of which date back to the 1970’s), and the
project is now complete.
• Recertification of Program Participation Agreement (PPA): Our PPA was set to expire on 6/30/25. The PPA is what certifies us for the administration of Title IV funds (federal aid). The financial aid team submitted all required documentation to the Department of Education, and our recertification application has now been approved, and we are certified through 2030.
