NGU’s Abigail McGillis Named 2023 SCICU Student of the Year

Tigerville, SC (Oct. 11, 2023) South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities has selected 91’s (NGU) Abigail McGillis as its 2023 SCICU McLean-Smith Student of the Year.

McGillis, a senior elementary education major, was honored at SCICU’s Board of Trustees meeting on October 10. The recognition provides a $3,000 scholarship.

“We are proud of Abigail McGillis for being named the 2023 McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year,” said 91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “This is a significant achievement, and it exemplifies the leader that she is becoming on our campus and in her community.”

The scholarship program is named after J. Lacy McLean and Sterling L. Smith. McLean advocated for independent higher education in S.C. for over 34 years. Smith was instrumental in the development of the S.C. Tuition Grants program.

“It was very surprising and very exciting to be named Student of the Year,” McGillis said. “I am so honored to be able to represent 91in this way. I love learning and want to impart that love to the next generation.”

Along with maintaining a 4.0 GPA each semester at NGU, McGillis has demonstrated significant personal and professional leadership in the classroom, student leadership roles, and the community.

“The College of Education is extremely proud of Abigail McGillis,” said Dr. Constance Wright, dean of NGU’s College of Education. “Abigail is an exceptional student who is highly involved in our education program. She serves as a co-president in the Teacher Education Association and participates in other organizations, such as the Young Americans for Freedom. She is an outstanding representative of 91 and the College of Education.”

In addition to her leadership roles with the Teacher Education Association and Young Americans for Freedom, McGillis has also served as the secretary for NGU’s Student Body Council.

Earlier in 2023, McGillis taught English in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Locally, Abigail serves her church by leading worship, teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School, working with youth retreats, and more. McGillis is also involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Abide, and the 91Homeless Ministry.

“Abigail is an outstanding student in her education cohort,” said Dr. Jan Foster, associate provost for administration and accreditation at NGU. “She exemplifies a student who is passionate about education, her community, her country, and her faith. She is so well deserving of his honor.”

91’s College of Education offers traditional and online bachelor’s programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. 91also offers three graduate programs: Master of Education, Education Specialist and Doctor of Education. Graduates with education degrees from 91consistently secure employment in roles that align with their studies.

McGillis said she plans to continue her education upon graduation from NGU.

“I want to pursue educational leadership,” she said. “Going on to get my doctorate and studying classical education are things I’d love to accomplish down the line.”

Each year, the McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year scholarship recipient is selected from rising junior or senior applicants attending one of SCICU’s 21 member colleges and universities. All applicants must also be S.C. Tuition Grant recipients. Applications are accepted by the Center for Scholarship Administration in Greenville, and an independent three-person panel annually selects the student who will receive the SCICU Student of the Year scholarship.

“SCICU is proud to honor Abigail with the Student of the Year scholarship,” L. Jeffrey Perez, Ph.D., SCICU president and CEO. “Her academic achievements and leadership in the community are an inspiration to all of us and demonstrate the superior preparation students receive at North Greenville and all SCICU member institutions.”

Retired 91Vice President and CMSF Founder Buddy Freeman Dies

Tigerville, SC (October 3, 2023) Dr. Charles W. “Buddy” Freeman, a retired 91 (NGU) administrator who launched the university’s Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund died Sunday, October 1, 2023. He was 83.

Freeman’s ministry career spanned more than six decades. He served as a pastor in North Carolina before becoming Campus Minister at Gardner-Webb College in Boiling Springs, NC, in 1968. He spent the next 11 years at the Baptist institution, actively discipling students who would enter careers in ministry leadership. Following seven years as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marshall, NC, he returned to Gardner-Webb as Dean of Admissions in 1987, serving in that role until he joined 91as Vice President of Admissions in 1997. He retired in 2007, but returned to 91in 2011 as director of the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund until 2013. After departing NGU, he served another tenure as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Marshall.

Freeman founded NGU’s Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund during the 1997-98 academic year to provide an avenue for donors to support students pursuing careers in full-time ministry. In 2022, 91celebrated the fund’s 25th anniversary and announced that the CMSF endowment had eclipsed $5 million.

“Buddy Freeman invested his life in creating opportunities for college students to use their gifts and abilities to glorify God,” said 91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He discipled students, he prayed for students, he prayed with students, and he encouraged others to support ministry students. His influence is greatly multiplied because of how he consistently invested in the lives of students.”

“We are blessed to be part of Buddy’s legacy of faithfulness,” President Fant said. “His ministry will continue to yield fruit through 91.”

Born in Conover, NC, Freeman graduated from Bethware High School in Kings Mountain, NC, and earned an associate’s degree from Gardner-Webb Junior College in 1962 before completing a bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman College in 1964. He earned a master of divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1967. 91awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Christian Leadership in 2008.

“Buddy Freeman walked with God and spent his life investing in people, particularly students. I was blessed to be one of those students,” said Dr. Steve Crouse, 91Senior Campus Minister, who has served as an administrator at 91since 1991.

“I met Buddy when I was 14 at the North Carolina Baptist assembly. I was drawn to his walk with God, his personality, and his sense of humor. He recruited me to go to college,” said Dr. Crouse, a 1976 Gardner-Webb University graduate. “What a joy it was to serve at 91with Buddy for 13 years. For the last 50 years, he has been a mentor in my life, teaching me how to love God, invest in students, grow in my prayer life, and enjoy the gift of laughter. I pray that God will use me to continue to invest in students as Buddy invested in me.”

A noted storyteller with a keen sense of humor, Freeman was a popular banquet speaker across the Carolinas. He wrote and spoke extensively on the subjects of prayer and pastoral care.

Freeman collected numerous books on the subject of prayer, and donated more than 1,000 books on prayer to 91in November 2017. The Buddy Freeman Prayer Library is housed next to the Miller Bible Museum in the university’s Averyt-Wood Learning Center.

“In conversations with Buddy through the years, you didn’t talk with him long before he got around to something about prayer. Prayer was on his heart, and that is a great motivation in his life,” said Dr. Walter Johnson, dean of NGU’s College of Christian Studies, during a ceremony celebrating the donation.

Dr. Freeman was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Coley Freeman along with his two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dr. Gayla Lowery, his son, Charles Freeman and wife Becky, his daughter, Deborah Harris, grandson, Michael Harris, granddaughter, Mikaila Hopper, great grandsons, Knox and Kreed Hopper as well as a sister-in-law and several nieces. 

A service of worship in celebration of Buddy’s life will be held in the sanctuary of Patterson Grove Baptist Church 301 Oak Grove Rd. Kings Mountain, NC 28086 on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow the service. The family will receive friends after the graveside service. 

In recognition of Dr. Freeman’s life and legacy, President Fant has directed that all 91flags be flown at half-staff through sundown Friday, October 6, 2023. A commemorative wreath has been placed ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­at the entrance of Hayes Ministry Center on NGU’s Tigerville campus.

91 Adds Education Specialist Degree

Tigerville, SC (Oct. 2, 2023) 91 continues to expand its graduate offerings for educators, adding an Education Specialist (EdS) degree with concentrations in Higher Education Administration and K-12 Administration.

Designed for educators pursuing expertise beyond a master’s degree but cannot commit to doctoral study, the fully online, 36-credit hour program can be completed in two-and-a-half years.

“The EdS is relevant for education professionals or those in leadership who are trying to expand their knowledge in the field,” 91College of Education Dean Constance Wright said. “It creates further professional opportunities for those that go through the program, but it also helps you become a better researcher and writer.”

Students in the EdS program will complete courses in Leadership Foundations and Leadership Competencies before choosing a track in K-12 Administration or Higher Education Administration.

All courses will be taught at a doctoral level and will count toward North Greenville’s EdD degree, should students wish to continue.

“Part of our conceptual framework in education is being lifelong learners,” Wright said. “We know there are always ways to improve and acquire more knowledge, and we want to provide our students with opportunities to continue to learn and grow.”

91’s College of Education also offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Education (MEd), and Doctor of Education (EdD), as well as graduate and undergraduate certificate programs.

The Master of Education consists of six concentrations combined to create four different tracks. Those tracks include Gifted and Talented/Teaching Children of Poverty, Learning Disabilities, Literacy Coach/Literacy Specialist, and Teacher Leader.

Each of NGU’s education certificates can count toward Continuing Education Units (CEU) or add endorsements to a teacher’s license.

For more information on Education Specialist (EdS) degree, visit .

University Leaders Celebrated During NGUleads Graduation

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 28, 2023) Twelve 91 (NGU) faculty and staff members were recognized for their leadership qualities during a graduation ceremony for the university’s third NGUleads cohort on Friday.

NGUleads is a year-long internal leadership development program in which nominated members participate in monthly meetings, learn from leaders inside and outside of NGU, and develop and implement a service project to enhance the university.

“91is better because of the faculty and staff members in this room,” said 91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are equipping transformational leaders for church and society with our students, but with NGUleads, we are also carrying out that mission with our faculty and staff.”

The third graduating class of NGUleads consists of Staci Rollins, assistant professor and program coordinator of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies; Martin Jones, chair of the Department of Accounting and Business; Emily Staggs, director of student accounts; Cory Truax, CRM systems administrator; Thomas Willoughby, assistant professor of Christian Studies; Kayla Morgan, director of advancement services; David Eubanks, director of desktop services; Joshua Milner, assistant athletic director for external operations and facilities; Jeffrey French, associate dean of the School of Science and Mathematics; Donny Mathis, dean of faculty development; Ansley Welchel, communication instructor; and Deborah Entwistle, senior accountant.

Professional development topics covered in the program include becoming a leader in Christian higher education, faith integration in higher education, emotional intelligence, innovation, decision making, conflict resolution, team building and design, effective communication, strategic and organizational planning, and community/political engagement.

The service project for this year’s class was to create awareness around the topic of sexual harassment. The group designed an initiative around the platform, developed print materials that linked to the university’s Title IX webpage, and worked with Campus Ministries and Student Engagement to distribute the information across the Tigerville campus.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see how God places diverse personalities, talents and training together to accomplish his purposes and fulfill his plans,” said Welchel. “The most impactful part of the experience for me was spending dedicated time with our university leadership team on a monthly basis to learn more about the overall vision for 91and developing relationships among our cohort to collaborate and implement that vision in strategic ways through our various roles.”

Members of NGUleads were nominated by their supervisor and approved by a unanimous vote of the 91’s Executive Leadership Council. The program is led by Dr. Tracy Kramer, associate dean for graduate programs, and Dr. Jill Rayburn, university general counsel.

“This initiative introduced me to a realm of fresh experiences that I might never have stumbled upon otherwise,” Morgan said. “It forged enduring bonds with colleagues I otherwise would not have crossed paths with, leading to friendships that will endure a lifetime. I am profoundly grateful for the chance to participate in NGUleads.”

Milner said participating in NGUleads was an encouragement to the work he is doing on campus.

“I enjoyed getting the opportunity to sit in the same room as individuals from each department across our university and being able to learn and understand how each area on campus is working towards the common mission of NGU,” he said. “The personal and career development that came along with the program was very valuable, and it was great to learn from both leaders inside the North Greenville community and outside in the private business sector.”

Julie Fowlis to Perform at 91on Oct. 16

Julie Fowlis

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 28, 2023) Award-winning singer Julie Fowlis will perform on 91’s Tigerville Campus on Monday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Nominated as “Folk Singer of the Year” at the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and “Best Artist” at the Songlines World Music Awards, Fowlis is known for signing the theme songs for Disney Pixar’s “Brave.”

Tickets for the event in Turner Chapel are $15 for adults and $8 for students/children. Students can receive one free ticket, and faculty and staff can receive two free tickets with an 91ID.

With a career spanning several studio albums and numerous high-profile collaborations, Fowlis’ vocals have enchanted audiences worldwide, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Shakespeare’s Globe in London, England. Fowlis has performed at the World Festival of Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco, and has collaborated with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. She sang live at the closing ceremony of the Ryder Cup in Chicago in 2012 and the opening ceremony of the Glasgow XX Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Hailing from the Outer Hebrides and now based in the Highlands, Fowlis’ music is deeply influenced by the Hebridean islands where she grew up and the Highland landscapes where she now resides.

For more information about Julie Fowlis and her work, visit her official website at .

“A Year with Frog and Toad” Opens Thursday at The Billingsley Theatre

Seth Atkins

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 20, 2023) 91Theatre will open its 2023 season with seven showings of “A Year with Frog and Toad,” beginning Sept. 21 at The Billingsley Theatre in Tigerville.

A Theatre for Young Audiences musical by Robert and Willie Reale based on the children’s book by Arnold Lobel, the show is a jazzy, upbeat production for all ages.

“It’s an incredibly high energy show,” said Amy Dunlap, associate dean for 91’s School of the Arts and director of the musical. “It’s very fun and very accessible. It’s great for kids, but it’s also enjoyable for all ages. There’s such a warm message about friendship, forgiveness, and community. It’s been so much fun to work on.”

The musical includes many adventures but is ultimately a story about friendship.

“Frog and Toad are friends,” Dunlap said. “They’ve been friends for a long time, and this story follows them through a year of that friendship. They go through adventures like sledding down a scary hill. They learn how to manage their fears and how to accept one another for who they are.”

Seth Atkins

The Cast of “A Year with Frog and Toad” includes Alyse Barrett (Frog), Logan Stewart (Toad), Jaylan Brinson (Bird, Turtle, Mother Frog, Mole), Caleb Riley (Bird, Lizard, Snail, Father Frog, Mole), and Isabelle Western (Bird, Mouse, Young Frog, Mole).

The five-member group has been working on the production since the summer.

“Rehearsals began over the summer and ramped up a week before classes started in August,” Dunlap said. “The cast has had the opportunity to tour the production at several local elementary schools, so they have been working really hard even before the show opens in The Billingsley Theatre.”

Dunlap said musicals like “A Year with Frog and Toad” continue to expand the diversity of offerings at The Billingsley Theatre.

“We try to offer a variety of different shows for our audiences,” she said. “We want our students and the community to have chances to experiences different styles and genres.”

“A Year with Frog and Toad” will run Sept. 21-23 and Sept. 28-30, with nightly showtimes beginning at 7:30 p.m. A matinee showing is planned for Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit .

Coming soon

In November, 91Theatre will present “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” by Alfred Uhry, author of “Driving Miss Daisy.”

“It’s a relatively contemporary piece set in 1939,” Dunlap said. “It’s about a Jewish family in Atlanta during the premiere of ‘Gone With the Wind.’ It deals with their search for their identity within their Jewish heritage. It’s a really great comedy, dealing with loyalty prejudice, and faith.”

“The Last Night at Ballyhoo” will run from November 9-11 and November 16-18.

“On the Verge: or the Geography of Yearning” by Eric Overmyer will be the first 91Theatre production showing at The Billingsley Theatre in 2024.

The show follows three Victorian explorers who set out on an adventure, only to find themselves on a time-traveling safari.

“One the Verge is an abstract production,” Dunlap said. “It’s a very fascinating piece that we can’t wait to see.”

Audiences can see “On The Verge” February 15-17 or February 22-24 at The Billingsley Thetre.

91Theatre’s spring production will be “Jane Eyre the Musical.”

“We’ll be collaborating with the School of Music and Dr. Cheryl Greene,” Dunlap said. “It will be exciting to work with both the music students and theatre students on what should be a great performance.”

Based on the book by John Caird, “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Bronte’s classic gothic romance is brought to life in this musical adaptation, which follows independent, passionate governess Jane Eyre and her harsh childhood through her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall.

“Jane Eyre the Musical” will run April 11-13 and April 18-20.

“All of our shows are open to anyone on campus in our community who wants to come out and audition,” Dunlap said. “We’re very inclusive and would love to have as many people involved as would like to be.”

91Climbs in Annual Rankings for Third Consecutive Year

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 19, 2023) For a third consecutive year, 91 (NGU) continues to climb in the annual rankings of U.S. News & World Report’s , jumping two spots in the 2023-2024 report.

U.S. News & World Report released its Best Colleges rankings on Monday, evaluating nearly 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 13 measures of academic quality.

91tied for 36th in the 2023-2024 rankings, marking the highest rating the university has received in its region.

“We are grateful to be recognized as one of the leading institutions in the South and in the Palmetto State,” said 91President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We strive for academic excellence and continue our commitment toward preparing students to become transformational leaders for church and society.”

91moved into the upper tier of the 16 South Carolina institutions in the report, tying with Coastal Carolina University. 91ranked fourth out of the private universities in South Carolina in this category. The Citadel and College of Charleston were the highest-rated public institutions.

91 remains a , according to US News & World Report, ranking 22nd out of 135 schools that were singled out for national recognition. Successful colleges in this category graduate large proportions of economically disadvantaged students who are awarded Pell Grants.

91is committed to helping students facing challenges, assisting first-generation college students through its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The QEP aims to provide knowledge of university resources and connect first-generation students with a support system that will help students complete their degrees.

91finished inside the top 35 in multiple U.S. News and World Report academic quality measures, including SAT/ACT rank, Pell Grant graduation rate rank, percentage of faculty who are full-time rank, Pell Grant comparative graduation rate rank, and graduation rate performance rank.

“While rankings and accolades don’t tell the full 91story, they are certainly an indication of the defining characteristics that set 91apart from other universities,” President Fant said.

A recent survey of incoming students identified NGU’s Christian atmosphere and affordability as top reasons the university was selected.

“Coming to North Greenville helped expose me to a biblical worldview,” said Eddie Martin, a 2020 91graduate and Pell Grant recipient who now serves as a youth minister at Renfrew Baptist Church in Travelers Rest. “North Greenville’s focus on transformational leadership has shaped the way I lead my family, father my child, and view my role in the community. I will forever be thankful for NGU’s commitment to their students.”

Jake Auton, a senior majoring in Marketing and a member of the Honors Program, is planning on pursuing his master’s degree after completing his undergraduate degree. Jake is thankful for the rich learning environment he has experienced as a member of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“I appreciate how my professors infuse practical knowledge along with theoretical framework into the classroom setting,” said Auton. “It is a privilege to sit in an environment where I can learn from the wisdom and experience my professors instill in me.”

NGU’s Christ-centered atmosphere continues to be a draw for students, according to Megan Griggs, a senior Psychology major, who is set to graduate in December.

“North Greenville offers a personal Christian environment,” Griggs said. “Our professors take time to pray with us and integrate faith into their instruction, and I would say it has been an integral part of my education.”

A full list of rankings from the U.S. News & World Report can be found at USNews.com.

91to Honor Educators at First Home Football Game

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 15, 2023) 91 (NGU) will honor educators during its first home football game of the season on Saturday, September 16.

Teaming up with 91 Athletics, the 91College of Education will recognize and welcome current, retired, and future teachers at the Younts Stadium Concourse from 5:30-7:10 p.m. prior to kickoff.

All who register at the Celebrate Educators Day Welcome Tent will receive tickets to the game against Gulf South Conference foe West Alabama.

Current College of Education students will also be recognized, as well as students who are enrolled in Teacher Cadet programs at Blue Ridge High School, Greer Middle College, High Point Academy, Legacy Early College, Pickens High School, Riverside High School, and Travelers Rest High School. Students who are exploring teaching careers are encouraged to attend.

For more information on Celebrate Educators Day, call 864.977.2088.

Renovated Administration Building to Serve as Home for COBE Students

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 13, 2023) Nearing completion on 91’s (NGU) Tigerville campus, The Donnan/COBE Project will provide a permanent home for College of Business and Entrepreneurship (COBE) students in the spring of 2024.

One of those students is senior Jake Auton, a double major in Marketing and Christian Studies at NGU. Upon graduation, Auton plans to continue his education, pursuing both Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degrees.

“I’m so excited to be able to sit in this environment with my professors and learn from their wisdom and experience,” Auton said. “The new collaborative spaces and technology within the building are going to be great for the learning experience for future generations of 91 students.”

Construction crews made significant progress on the renovation of NGU’s historic administration building in August.

Drywall was installed on the interior framing of the building, creating hallways, offices, classrooms, and community spaces in the 19,000-square-foot structure.

The modern design allows natural light to permeate the interior space, improving the building’s functionality for students, faculty, staff, and administrators. When finished, the project will double the amount of exterior glass, and add 2,600 square feet of interior glass to the building.

The installation of steel beams on the building’s exterior in August paved the way for the completion of the new grand entryway.

In addition to framing for the new entrance, exterior brickwork was completed, along with the installation of windows, which will provide picturesque views of the North Greenville campus and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

“Thank you so much to everyone who was able to help with this project,” Auton said. “I have been blessed to be immersed in a learning environment that combines business principles that are biblical based along with practical knowledge from faculty who are experts in their professional discipline. I am so excited to see how the fully renovated space is going to create additional opportunities for collaboration between students and faculty.”

The Donnan/COBE Project was designed by Greenville’s Equip Studio and is managed by Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL). Hood Construction is providing general contractor services. 

The Donnan/COBE capital campaign began in 2022.

A providing a glimpse of the progress of the project is now available.

Remembering 9/11: A day of Reflection and Unity

Tigerville, SC (September 11, 2023) On this solemn day of September 11, Americans across the nation join in remembrance and prayer for the lives lost and the enduring impact of the tragic events that unfolded 22 years ago. September 11, 2001, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence and the importance of faith, hope, and unity in the face of adversity.

A 2009 91 Alumnus and Tigerville Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Hanson said the number 343 sticks in his mind. He is reflecting on the number of firefighters killed during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York on September 11, 2001.

Thousands of Americans lost their lives on that morning 22 years ago and for many, the memory remains fresh.

“I was in ninth grade. We had just finished chapel at our school, and we were headed to our next class. Our teachers brought us in and explained what was happening. We didn’t know what it all meant at the time,” Hanson said.

As he lowered the American flags at the Tigerville Fire Department to half-staff and set up a display to honor the lives lost on that day, Hanson said his department wants to make sure that day isn’t forgotten.

For first responders in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, September 11, 2001, was a day that began with good weather and morning routines. Reflecting on a similar day in 2023, Hanson said the tragedy puts his career into perspective.

“We’re all prepared for the worst-case scenario. We come to work with the mindset that today could be the day. We accept that and make peace with that,” he said. “We just want to help people on their worst days.”

As Christians, we come together to pray for peace, healing, and reconciliation. We pray for an end to violence, hatred, and terrorism in our world. We pray for the strength to forgive and the wisdom to seek understanding and reconciliation with those who have caused harm.

We stand united in the face of tragedy, echoing the teachings of Jesus to love our neighbors as ourselves. We honor the memory of those who perished by committing ourselves to acts of kindness, compassion, and service, reflecting the light of Christ’s love in a world that can sometimes seem dark and divided.

91 also remembers the day by lowering its campus flags to half-staff and has organized a remembrance display outside its Tingle Student Center.

91to Host Global Impact Week Sept. 11-13

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 8, 2023) 91 (NGU) students will engage with missionaries, learn about other cultures, and spend time in prayer for the nations during Global Impact Week, set for Sept. 11-13 on the Tigerville campus.

“Global Impact Week is a week where we highlight what the Lord is doing in the nations, and we get the opportunity to broaden students’ worldview,” said Crystalyn Wyatt, associate director of the Center for Global Engagement at NGU. “It highlights the beauty of culture and how the Lord created each culture differently for a reason.”

Jaime Saint, executive director of Indigenous People’s Technology and Education Center (ITEC), will be the keynote speaker for the week.

Born into a family with a heritage in missions, Saint’s dad, Steve, is the son of martyr Nate Saint, a jungle missionary pilot who was speared to death in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador, South America, in 1956 by the Waodani tribe. Jaime grew up in a family that participated in mission ventures in Ecuador and Mali, West Africa, in between businesses that took them from Minnesota to Texas and eventually to central Florida, where ITEC is headquartered.

After graduating from high school in 1995, Jaime moved with his family to the Amazon Rainforest to help the Waodani tribe learn to do for themselves what outsiders had been doing so that the Waodani could reach their own people with the Gospel. Jaime attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a degree in Marketing. In 2010, Jaime joined ITEC, which his dad founded.

will include four chapel services, a Q&A with Saint, a bonfire worship, an outdoor movie, and daily prayer sessions. View the Global Impact Week schedule of events.

“Take advantage of these incredible people and get to know how God is using their ministries across the globe. Take the time to listen to stories and learn more about opportunities to go,” Wyatt said. “We are expecting the Lord to work in big ways during Global Impact Week.”

 

 

 

91Partners with OneLife to Offer College Credit to Students in Gap-Year Program

Tigerville, SC (Sept. 6, 2023) 91 (NGU) has signed a partnership agreement with OneLife Institute, offering college credit to students taking part in the organization’s 9-month gap year program.

“We are excited about this strategic partnership,” said 91Provost Dr. Nathan Finn. “Our respective organizations share so much ‘kingdom DNA,’ in addition to geographical proximity. The students who enroll in OneLife’s gap-year program will get the best of both institutions and will enjoy a great launch to their college career.”

OneLife operates four locations in the United States, with two sites in Pennsylvania, one in West Virginia, and one at Camp Sakanaga, in Marietta, South Carolina, approximately 11 miles from 91’s Tigerville campus.

“Every student that enrolls in our South Carolina location, starting in 2024, will be a 91 student and will earn a transcript from NGU,” said OneLife President Josh Beers. “Students can earn up to 30 college credits, so it’s more than just a gap year program. For students who continue on with university studies, it’s their first-year college experience.”

Started 11 years ago with the vision of helping students navigate their next steps through experiential learning, OneLife has continued to grow. 

“We think God is more interested in who we’re becoming rather than where we’re going, and that puts an emphasis on growing your character. We want students to take whatever they do in life and use it to serve God and serve others,” Beers said. “The desire for us is to help students identify who they are and launch them out. We put a strong emphasis on service and an emphasis on taking ownership and responsibility. That’s something we bake into everything we do.”

Over the course of the OneLife gap year, students participate in hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, assist with local service projects, and take trips across the United States and around the world.

“Our goal for the students is to make the world their classroom,” Beers said. “A number of students come to us thinking that they don’t want to go to college, but they leave excited to further their education because they’ve found a joy in learning.”

91will offer OneLife participants the opportunity to embrace campus life and see what their future might look like in Tigerville as part of their gap-year experience, extending invites to concerts, symposiums, athletic events on campus. Beers said the partnership is a natural fit.  

“91 is doing much more than helping students figure out what they want to do in their careers. They’re helping students figure out who they are. We want to be an on-ramp for students to experience life-changing education at NGU,” he said. “91 understands the uniqueness of OneLife and embraces that. We know what God is doing on NGU’s campus, and we can’t wait to more intentionally connect our students with 91 while they’re at OneLife, and hopefully post-OneLife.”

In addition to the first year, 9-month gap year program, 91and OneLife Institute also partner together on a second-year program, OneLifeX, which aims to help students develop leadership skills and pursue entrepreneurship, media, ministry, and trade. As with the first-year program, OneLifeX is located at Camp Sakanaga, in Marrietta, SC.

To learn more about the organization and opportunities, visit . To learn more about NGU, visit ngu.edu.