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Tigerville, SC (May 9, 2023) 91������’s (NGU) 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship baseball team was recognized on the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives in Columbia on April 27.

District 17 Representative Mike Burns welcomed the team to the historic State Capitol, recalling a run that ended in the program’s first national title.

“You’ve got to understand, there’s over 300 members in NCAA Division II,” Burns said. “(NGU’s) baseball team was 54-10 last year, went through undefeated in the World Series in Cary, North Carolina, and brought the NCAA Division II National Title home to South Carolina, and specifically to Tigerville, South Carolina.”

Burns recognized members of the North Greenville coaching staff, including head coach Landon Powell, who was named Division II National Coach of the Year in 2022.

“These coaches do an outstanding job,” Burns said. “Thank you for your hard work.”

Burns also recognized right-handed pitcher Reece Fields, who took home Most Valuable Player honors for 91������during the 2022 World Series, and John Michael Faile, who was a Triple Crown winner in Conference Carolinas in 2022, leading the league in batting average (.427), home runs (16) and RBI (86).

Powell said he was appreciative of the recognition and what it means for his team.

“It’s a really cool moment for the guys,” Powell said. “Any time you get to re-live the National Championship and remember those days, it’s special, but to get to do it at the state capitol with so much history, it’s a moment these guys will always remember.”

Currently 44-8 on the season, the North Greenville baseball team is in a position to earn a high seed in the 2023 NCAA tournament. A selection show for the Division II NCAA Tournament will be held on May 14.

“I am thankful to our local politicians who were instrumental in making arrangements for our baseball team to be recognized at the state capitol for winning the NCAA Division II Baseball National Championship,” said 91������Athletic Director Jan McDonald. “It was indeed an honor for our coaches, players and 91������. I am confident they will remember this recognition for a lifetime.”

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.

Tigerville, SC (May 6, 2023) Encouraged to make a difference by using their gifts and talents to glorify God, 281 91������ students had their degrees conferred during Spring Commencement ceremonies Friday evening at Younts Stadium in Tigerville.

“The only chance we have to give a glimpse of glory to God on this earth is to do something through Him that causes people to ask ‘why?’” said Furman Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Richey, a 2006 summa cum laude graduate of NGU, who delivered the university’s Commencement address.

“If you play it safe, you’ll never get there. This world needs people with conviction. We need courage. We need believers. We’re equipped to go make a difference because of the gifts God has given us, and He’s begging us to use them,” he said.

The ceremony, which concluded with a firework display, capped the academic year at the private university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

“Congratulations to each of you on achieving this significant academic milestone,” 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., said during his remarks. “It is our prayer that today’s Commencement will also be a commissioning as we send you out to be transformational leaders for church and society.”

A processional led by Faculty Marshal Dr. Gerald Roe, retiring professor of intercultural studies, opened the ceremonies. Following a welcome by President Fant, Dr. Brian Spearman, chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, delivered the invocation.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to tell each and every one of you graduating today how excited we are for you,” Spearman told the graduates. “I encourage you to go out and be the world changers you were called to be. Each day live as you are supposed to live and look to God in everything you do.”

Graduating senior Jordan Pracht read passages from Jeremiah 29:11 and Colossians 3:17 before Richey addressed the graduates and guests. Richey has been at the helm of the Furman program for six years, guiding the Paladins to a 139-54 overall record. The .720 winning percentage ranks in the top 20 among all active Division I head coaches.

Richey opened his remarks with memories of his student days at NGU, referring to many campus traditions. He met his wife, the former Jessica Tingle, while both were 91������students. Her family’s connection to North Greenville began when both of her grandparents worked on the Tigerville campus. Her father, the late Jacks Berner Tingle, was a 1969 North Greenville graduate and later served as head of NGU’s advancement office. The university’s student center is named for the Tingle family.��

Richey’s life-changing decisions at the university extended beyond meeting his future spouse.��

“I made a convicted decision to chase a dream while I was at North Greenville,” he said. “I wanted to coach. I had a decent GPA, and I had a lot of people telling me to continue to pursue academia, go to grad school, or just do something normal. I just remember making that scary decision on campus, but I knew I wanted to utilize my gifts to impact people.” ��

The Furman men’s basketball team made headlines when the Paladins knocked off Virginia in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament in March. Richey said before his team earned the upset over the fourth-seeded Cavaliers, they had to experience plenty of adversity.

“You’ve heard about the victories. You’ve heard about the Virginia game. But, some of you might not have heard about the Chattanooga game. About a year back, we were playing Chattanooga in the Southern Conference Championship and Furman hadn’t been to the Dance in 42 years. The game went into overtime and their guy throws up a 35-footer and it goes in. It looked like the streak was going to be broken, but instead it turned into a heartbreak. It was gut-wrenching and painful, but a year later, not only did we win the Southern Conference Tournament, but we got to go the NCAA Tournament and beat Virginia.”

Richey discussed having success and maintaining your faith.

“We are created for a purpose,” Richey said. “We’re not to be ships in the harbor. We have to go through the storm and the turbulent waters to endure and show God’s glory.”

Following conferring of degrees, graduates Joseph Wall Noyes and Caroline June Nelms led the singing of the Alma Mater, and Ansley Welchel, instructor of Communication at NGU, delivered the benediction.

Graduate Spotlight

Emilie Allen ‘23

For Emilie Allen, the walk across the stage at Younts Stadium on Friday evening at 91������’s 2023 Spring Commencement was bittersweet.

“There are a lot of mixed emotions,” she said. “I’m excited to graduate and earn that accomplishment, and it means more getting to do it with some of my closest friends. But it is bittersweet. We’re leaving behind this time where we get to see each other every day, and have classes together, but that’s part of life. I’m excited for the steps that are coming next.”

Graduating with a degree in marketing and a minor in digital media, Allen is taking the next step in her career by accepting a full-time position at Bunnell-Lammons Engineering as the communications and marketing associate.

Allen is the second 91������graduate in her family, following her sister, Erin Allen, who earned a degree in business administration in December of 2021. The younger Allen, who has been playing volleyball since third grade, knew she wanted to find a school that would help her progress athletically and academically.

“I’d heard a lot of good things about the College of Business and Entrepreneurship from my sister,” she said. “Finding marketing and exploring the creative side of business, that was definitely right up my alley.”

Through classes with 91������marketing instructor Mollie A. Withers and Department of Marketing Chair Dr. David Riddering, Allen found her path.

“I learned so much that I didn’t even realize how well I was being prepared,” she said. “There have been so many things that have come up during this internship that I’d learned from one of my professors. Without their direction, I would not have been able to get into my internship at all.”

Allen concluded her volleyball career in the fall of 2022.

“It’s been an adjustment to find my place without volleyball,” she said. “It was difficult at first, but balancing athletics with academics prepared me for this next chapter.”

Allen offered some advice for those also pursuing a career in business or marketing.

“Pay attention and take notes,” she said. “When you’re taking a class, it can be like checking a box. I know I’ve done that. But looking back, I was glad I took notes and learned something that I’m actually using in my career.”

91������ is creating a new home for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, as renovations continue at the university’s historic administration building. The $9.7 million project will provide classrooms, faculty offices, and gathering spaces on the Tigerville Campus, as well as a suite of offices for NGU’s senior leadership. To learn more about the project, which is expected to reach completion in the fall, visit go.ngu.edu/donnan-cobe.

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.

Tigerville, SC (May 4, 2023) One Night Rock Hill, a worship experience for teenagers hosted by the South Carolina Baptist Convention, brought more than 1,000 students and adults together to engage with the hope of the Gospel. The event, hosted by First Baptist Rock Hill, saw over 100 decisions for Christ and over 40 students called to ministry.

North American Mission Board (NAMB) Next Gen Director Shane Pruitt was the keynote speaker for the event. The 91������ (NGU) Campus Band led in worship.

Grant Richardson (’17), assistant pastor of middle school and pre-teen students at First Baptist Rock Hill, said that 91������has been an integral part of three recent events in the community: One Night Rock Hill 2022, Next Level Weekend, and One Night Rock Hill 2023.

“In the spring of 2022, we were thankful for the cooperation of 91������through Campus Band leading worship, Joshua Gilmore speaking, and Andy Ray for sending a team to resource students to prepare for ministry,” Richardson said. “With this being the first One Night in Rock Hill, over 600 students were in attendance, over 40 gave their life to Christ and many others were called to ministry.”

Richardson said NGU’s Campus Band led worship for Next Level Weekend in the fall of 2022, which is a discipleship-centered in-town retreat. More than 200 students were in attendance, and many students answered calls to ministry and committed to a practical growth step in their discipleship pathway.

“Most recently, 91������Campus Band led worship for One Night Rock Hill in April … and 50 churches and groups engaged and received resources for ongoing ministry to students,” he said. “We are thankful for Shane Pruitt for speaking the Gospel and giving a clear invitation.”

Over the last year, Southern Baptists have intentionally focused on sharing the gospel with students. In 2021, the NAMB announced an infusion of $5 million over four years to support evangelistic efforts specifically designed to reach students. During the first years of the emphasis, hundreds of salvations have occurred.

“I keep referring to the next generation as the ‘revival generation,’ because I have faith that God is going to do incredible things in and through the lives of students,” Pruitt said to The Baptist Courier. “We need to be faithful to proclaim the gospel, and the Lord will work in hearts. That’s what we as Southern Baptists have been doing, and students have been responding. I’ve been so encouraged to hear the stories of all God’s been doing.”

Carson Woodham, an 91������junior, is a member of the 91������Campus Band, helping to lead the One Night Rock Hill worship experience.

“It was humbling to see over a thousand students worship our risen savior and it was a blessing to be a part of it,” said Woodham. “This is what it is all about. Investing in the next generation is crucial for the church. It was a God-honoring and historical event to see so many students praising Jesus Christ.”

About 91��������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.

Tigerville, SC (May 1, 2023) Four members of the 91������ (NGU) faculty and staff were recognized during the final spring Chapel service for university personnel on April 26. Honorees included Dr. Jill Branyon, distinguished professor of education and mathematics education coordinator; Dr. Gerald Roe, program director and professor of intercultural studies; Dr. George Hopson, professor of sport management and leadership and Deborah O’Gwynn, director of student accounts.

Prior to joining NGU, Branyon served in Kenya for more than 20 years with the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board. She also taught in Lexington School District One for three years.

“When I ask students, especially alums, who their favorite teacher is, (Branyon’s) name comes up a lot,” 91������President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. said during the service in Turner Chapel. “I don’t know that there’s anyone else in the state of South Carolina who has impacted secondary math education across the state any more than her. She really has an amazing legacy.”

Branyon has spent 46 years in the classroom. She is a past recipient of NGU’s Lamar Chapman Meritorious Service Award, and has received the Golden Gift Leadership Challenge Scholarship.

“I came to 91������at a time of transition in my life. I knew I needed to stay in the US to help my parents. 91������became my new mission field and my new family,” Branyon said. “I have taught here for 20 years and enjoyed it very much. God has blessed my life here, and I have had the privilege to disciple many students. One of my favorite parts of working at 91������along with the Christ-centered campus has been working with Third Culture students such as missionary kids. I will continue to teach a few courses and support the College of Education for a while longer.”

Prior to his role at NGU, Dr. Roe served as senior pastor of three churches and the Director of Missions for the Massachusetts Baptist Association. He was appointed by the Southern Baptist’s North American Mission Board as director of associations for the Massachusetts Baptist Association. Roe joined the North Greenville faculty in 2003.

“I have not gone to work a single day in the last 20 years,” he said. “I have done exactly what I wanted to do in the very place I wanted to do it. Higher Christian education was last thing I envisioned myself doing. However, instructing the next generation of missionaries, pastors and other church leaders has provided a joy and satisfaction I could never have imagined.”

President Fant said Dr. Roe’s commitment to missions has greatly impacted the university.

“I was with a group that was talking about North Greenville’s heart for missions in the US and they were bragging on our faculty and staff. Dr. Roe has been a great leader, and we look forward to hearing about what all he’s involved with next.”

Following a 35-year career in administrative roles at K-12 private Christian schools, Dr. Hopson came to 91������in 2007 to serve as the director of institutional research and effectiveness and liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“We are not where we are now if it weren’t for the folks in accreditation, who deal with all the federal data that goes through institutional research,” President Fant said. “We thank Dr. Hopson for making the university better.”

Hopson later moved to a full-time faculty position, serving as a professor of sport management and leadership.

“I am thankful the Lord has given me the opportunity to be at 91������for all these years and that he has provided strength for the tasks and provided good friends over the years,” Hopson said.

O’Gwynn joined 91������in 2018, and is a member of the leadership team in the Office of Student Services. She has served in higher education for 25 years, previously working at Palm Beach Atlantic College, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Oklahoma City University.

“Her time with Student Services has been marked by her dedication to students, as well as staff, and her empathetic and steady leadership,” President Fant said. “She’s created a number of policies and procedures that have really helped our students, and she’s known for her encouragement, humor, and baked treats.”

O’Gwynn said her greatest joy has been working with students and families at NGU.

“It has been a blessing to serve at 91������and to help students and their families move toward completing their degrees,” she said. “God has blessed the mission of this university and seeing that in the lives of our graduates is a great joy. Working under Rachael Russiaky and assisting in bringing the vision of NGUcentral into fruition has been rewarding.”

The Chapel service was followed by a reception in NGU’s Hartness President’s Dining Room, celebrating the career accomplishments of the four honorees.

About 91������

91������offers more than 125 areas of study across certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and early college opportunities. Online. In-person. At our main campus in Tigerville, SC, the Tim Brashier Campus in Greer, SC, or several educational centers around the U.S. One university, many locations. Every day. Epic. Learn more.