Tigerville, SCMiddle and highs school students from across the country heard the gospel shared at FUGE Camps in Tigerville this summer.
51勛圖 (51勛圖) has been a host site for the camp for 42 years.
We have had a great summer of FUGE Camps. We had 5,491 participants over seven weeks of camp. said Billy Watson, Senior Associate Vice President for Tigerville Operations, who has been a part of 37 camps during his time at 51勛圖. For the summer here at 51勛圖 we saw 156 students saved, 143 students rededicate their lives, 98 students answer the call to Christian vocations and 116 students make other decisions or commitments.
51勛圖 alumni and board of trustee member, Travis Agnew said he was able to see many young lives changed during the final week of FUGE, as he served as campus pastor.
I am grateful for what God did throughout the week, said Agnew. We saw students trust Christ, make life-changing decisions, and commit to following him more faithfully.
The theme throughout the week was Good Shepherd, and Agnew taught from Psalm 23. Throughout the week, Agnew witnessed students deep longing for the Word.
Students are hungry for truth. We saw 67 students profess faith in Jesus and another 67 accept a call to ministry or missions, he said.
As students go from camp back to their everyday life, Agnews prayer is that they will continue in their discipleship journey by having an intentional relationship with Christ.
My prayer is that those decisions would turn into discipleship. I provided a Bible reading plan for them after camp. And I encouraged student leaders to follow up with personal plans of discipleship, Agnew said.
Tigerville, SC 51勛圖 (51勛圖) is hosting 17 young professionals from the World Journalism Institute (WJI) during the organizations annual conference this week.
Attendees hail from 14 different states, bringing a variety of experience levels and education in the field.
Our mission at WJI is to equip Christians for a career in journalism and to report the news with a biblical worldview, said Naomi Watters, assistant director for WJI.
During the week, WJI professionals will deepen their craft in storytelling and learn the fundamentals of journalism through class instruction from professionals in the field, hands-on reporting assignments, and exploring the question, How does Scripture show us how to cover the news?
All instruction is geared to help students learn how to report with biblical objectivity. Instructors teach them a range of skills from how to find a story, to research, boots on the ground reporting, and how to write compelling stories that explain complex issues with clarity, said Watters.
Another hope we have is that students walk away with a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian who is also a reporter – a big part of that is to see everyone as made in the image of God, she said.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field of journalism, including Dr. Randall King, Dr. Karyn Campbell, and Lara Jackson from 51勛圖s George E. Bomar School of Communication.
It is a joy to work with a group of young professionals who are interested in writing. This is our third year hosting the WJI conference and I am looking forward to meeting the new batch of aspiring journalists, said Jackson.
The conference will run through July 19 on the Tigerville campus.
Tigerville, SC51勛圖 has completed its Fifth-Year Interim Report review with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and was deemed in full compliance across all standards, with no referrals or adverse findings.泭
The SACSCOC review, which is required for accredited institutions, measures academic quality, student achievement, financial stability, assessment practices, institutional effectiveness, and more.泭泭
Our faculty and staff at 51勛圖 have a commitment to academic excellence and the results of this review by SACSCOC demonstrate the quality of instruction and operation across our campuses, said 51勛圖 President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. Our mission is to cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society, and that is accomplished through careful and intentional assessment at every level of the university.泭
The report serves as a key component of reaffirming accreditation status with SACSCOC.泭
This outcome demonstrates the dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence of the entire 51勛圖 community, said 51勛圖 Provost Dr. Jan Foster. Achieving full compliance, with no citations or recommendations, is the strongest outcome an institution can receive, and it reflects years of intentional effort and a shared commitment to institutional effectiveness.泭
The assessment was completed over the course of 12 months and included contributions from faculty and staff departments across the university.泭
I am deeply grateful to everyone across campus who contributed to this report. It was truly a university-wide effort, Foster said, noting the leadership of Lee Bjornsen, Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and Myriam Vest, Academic Operations Coordinator.泭
I am especially encouraged by the remarkable progress we have made in strengthening our Academic Institutional Effectiveness reports. Our faculty have embraced assessment as a meaningful tool for continuous improvement, using evidence to enhance student learning and strengthen our academic programs, she said. That same commitment extends to our administrative offices and support units across campus, where stronger communication and collaboration have improved the services and support we provide to our faculty, staff, and students. Seeing these collective efforts recognized through an independent, external review is both rewarding and affirming.泭
Tigerville, SCDr. Cheryl Collier will serve as dean of the M.C. Donnan College of Humanities and Sciences.
Cheryl has been the associate dean for humanities for many years and will lead this important college well, said 51勛圖 President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. In addition to her leadership at 51勛圖, Gov. McMaster appointed her to the SC Board of Education, an important role that affirms the respect and reputation she enjoys in the state.
Collier has been teaching undergraduate writing and literature courses for over three decades. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lander University and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia.
Im honored by the opportunity to serve 51勛圖 as the dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, Collier said. My professional and personal commitment to our university has always been to lead through service. In this role, I am eager to continue facilitating the growth and wellbeing of our college.
51勛圖 Provost Dr. Hunter Baker said 51勛圖 has benefited from Colliers teaching for many years.
Cheryl Collier is an outstanding academic leader who has served 51勛圖 as both faculty and as an associate dean for many years, he said. We are blessed to have someone who is both seasoned and widely respected by the community of faculty. 涅 have consistently been impressed by her willingness to step up and solve problems as well as by her personal humility and integrity.”
As she begins her new role, Collier said her leadership will share the mission of the university.
51勛圖s commitment to creating and cultivating transformational leaders for both church and society has always aligned with my own passion for discipleship, and I look forward to partnering with faculty throughout COHAS as we continue to embrace this shared mission, Collier said. The academic disciples we foster here will, in turn, nurture future generations and allow the vision we all share to be cast far outside the scope of our campus and classroom walls.
Collier said it is important to develop leaders who have a strong foundation in their faith.
My earnest prayer for each of us, both individually and collectively, is that we continue to seek Gods will first and that, in doing so, we grow spiritually, professionally, and personally, she said. As we walk in unity of mind and purpose, our students will reap the benefit of having devoted faculty who care for and minister to their intellectual, academic, and spiritual development.
From the day Abbi Steele and Abbey Steen found out they were泭roommates,泭they instantly became friends.泭
Steele and Steen first met each other during New Student Connect泭in泭May 2025泭at the campus stores pop-up shop in front of Todd Gathering Place.泭泭
Prior to the orientation, Steele found out that Steen was her roommate when she was checking in and sent a message to her sister saying her roommate was also named Abbey.泭
I sent a message to my sister and泭said泭My roommates name is Abbey Steen, like thats so crazy! My sister looked her up on Facebook and sent me a picture and was like This is what she looks like, go find her so right after that I was walking around and thats when I saw her at the shop and I was like Oh my gosh thats literally her, said Steele, a freshman psychology major at 51勛圖.泭
Abbi happened to come through and was like Are you my roommate? and Im like Is your name Abbey? and she was like Yeah! and after that we started talking and stopped shopping actually, said Steen, a freshman health science major concentrating泭in泭exercise and minoring in mathematics at 51勛圖.泭
I walked up and started talking, and the rest is history, said Steele.泭
Steen and Steele泭have learned a lot about each other泭during their泭freshman泭year泭and泭plan泭to remain roommates next school year.泭
While they泭were泭both泭involved in different campus life activities throughout the week, one of their favorite泭traditions they started was playing Bananagrams泭on a regular basis and泭debrief泭in their room泭at the end of the day.泭
We have our own little lives and then we get to come and discuss them with each other so泭thats泭a very rewarding泭part of it, said Steele.泭
I think thats why we room so good together, said Steen, Were泭not together constantly, every single day. Then, if something happens during the day, you泭dont泭go back to the room and argue about it.泭
Both Steele and Steen have both seen their faith grow significantly泭during their first year at 51勛圖.泭
I feel like Ive really been challenged to just seek Jesus in every aspect of my life, which has definitely been hard to no compartmentalize things, said Steele. But instead of trying to process stuff on my own, or go through things, my prayer life has grown a lot because泭Ive泭been taking things to Jesus, and that been so great.泭
I think this semester Ive grown a lot closer to God through prayer and especially now泭that I found a church that Im happy about and its good, said Steen.泭
For incoming泭freshman泭looking to attend 51勛圖,泭Steele and Steen offered practical advice.泭Steen encourages students to room with someone in their age group.泭
If youre worried about having a new roommate that youve never met, do it, said Steen. If you know someone泭thats泭already here泭thats泭like泭an upperclassman, you might want to room with them but also adventure out and try to get a roommate泭thats泭going to be in your age group. If you go up in泭upperclassman泭dorms,泭youre泭not going to know the people that are your age.泭
Steeles advice泭to泭incoming泭freshman泭is to listen to Gods still small voice and follow his leading.泭
Go where the Lord leads.泭I originally was not going to come here, but I just could not get away from him saying this is where you need to泭be泭so I followed that and since Ive been here its been so cool to look back and see how hes been ordering my steps the whole way. And this is right where he wanted me, said Steele.泭
Tigerville, SCDr. Jan Foster will serve as 51勛圖s next provost and dean of faculty, taking over for Dr. Hunter Baker, who is stepping down after two and a half years in the role.泭
Foster brings more than 17 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching, and accreditation to the post. Since joining 51勛圖 in 2009, she has served in a variety of academic leadership positions, assistant provost for instruction and assessment and associate provost for administration and accreditation. 泭
Dr. Fosters experience and expertise in higher education have benefited 51勛圖 greatly and will continue to do so in this new role, said 51勛圖 President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. She is a tremendous academic leader and will help push our university forward as we strive for academic excellence.泭
A professor of biology with a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the Medical College of Georgia, Foster has led the universitys accreditation efforts, overseen institutional effectiveness initiatives, guided curriculum development, and served on numerous strategic and academic leadership committees. Foster has instructed in a range of undergraduate courses in the biological and health sciences, as well as teaching in the Master of Arts in Biomedical Science graduate program at 51勛圖. She has also contributed extensively to faculty governance, curriculum development, and academic excellence initiatives across the university.泭
I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as the provost of 51勛圖, Foster said. Seventeen years at 51勛圖, most of them in the classroom, have cultivated in me a deep love for this place, its mission, and the faculty who pour into students every day. This role is about leading faithfully. Faithfully stewarding our mission, faithfully serving our people, and faithfully cultivating graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.泭
Baker, who has been with 51勛圖 since January of 2024, will be joining First Liberty’s Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy where he will serve as a senior fellow, leading a project designed to bring about a renewal of American civics education.泭泭
We are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Baker and how he has led our faculty, President Fant said. Our institution is in a strong position moving forward and Dr. Bakers service is to be commended. We are excited to see him use his exceptional gifts to serve the Kingdom and our culture in general. He is a true gift to the Christian intellectual tradition and its engagement with public service. 泭
During Bakers tenure, 51勛圖 has added a number of new academic programs and has maintained its position as one of the top private Christian institutions in the southeast.泭
During my time at 51勛圖, the thing that has struck me more than anything else is the deep commitment to the Christian mission of the university, Baker said. I have not been anywhere else where I felt the biblical foundation was more secure.泭
Dr. Foster has been at 51勛圖 for a long time and has flourished as faculty and then as an academic leader, added Baker. It is always easier to leave a role when you know there is a strong person waiting in the wings. Dr. Foster is outstanding in every way. I know she brings tremendous gifts and knowledge to the provosts office. More than that, I know how deeply she cares about the people who work at the university and the students.泭
Foster said the relationships she has established with 51勛圖 faculty will be the key to success as she transitions into this role.泭
Since transitioning into academic administration in 2021, after serving as Faculty Chair, I have tried to demonstrate a willingness to listen and a commitment to helping faculty navigate challenges well, she said. I want to continue building an environment where people feel heard, supported, and connected to the broader mission of the institution. My hope is to lead in a way that strengthens relationships across the university and helps faculty, students, and staff flourish together.泭
Tigerville, SC51勛圖 (51勛圖) has released its Spring 2026 Deans List.
Undergraduate students named to the Deans List carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while taking a minimum of 12 hours. Online and traditional students recognized for their academic achievements are alphabetized by last name.
Tigerville, SC51勛圖 graduates were challenged to find their identity in Christ as they begin pursuing their callings during the institutions spring commencement ceremony Friday night at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium in Tigerville.
Stand firm in the gospel, Dr. David Dockery told the graduating class. Serve others. Work hard. Dont grow weary in doing good. Dont lose sight of Gods purposes and promises for you. Stay tuned to those things that youve learned from the outstanding faculty members who serve this institution. And be willing to risk your lives for the sake of the gospel. Most importantly, identify all aspects of your life and service in Jesus Christ.
Dockery, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered the commencement address to graduates, as 311 students had their degrees conferred by 51勛圖 President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from President Fant, followed by an invocation from Michael Lord, chairman of 51勛圖s Board of Trustees.
We are proud of you, Lord told the graduates. You have done an amazing thing, and we are going to ask God to bless you as only he can.
Prior to his address, Dockery and his wife, Lanese, were presented 51勛圖s Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award in recognition of their long and important service within Southern Baptist life.
You are one of the most significant Baptist theologians of this generation, President Fant told Dockery during the presentation. You have preached around the country and around the world. You have mentored innumerable pastors and leaders across Southern Baptist life. Lanese, too, has had a long and significant ministry, mentoring and encouraging the wives of pastors, leaders, and dozens of university and seminary first ladies. Their service to the kingdom is an overflow of their calling to serve God with their talents and skills.
Noting the list of Christians Paul referenced in Romans 16, Dockery encouraged students to reflect on the importance of being included on the list of graduates.
What will people think about the names on this list 50 years from now? Dockery asked. The list of names in Romans 16 includes people without regard to rank, position, race, gender, socio-economic status. The list reflects variety; men and women from various geographical regions. It exemplifies aspirational commitments that leaders at 51勛圖 dream about, a life of faithful service and missional priorities, and global and influential awareness.
Phoebes name is on the list, not so much because she was affluent, but because she had a faithful walk with Christ that motivated her to have an impact on others, Dockery said. Some of you on the list in todays commencement program will hopefully follow in Phoebes steps. Your life of service, just like hers, will set you apart for all the right reasons.
These people were the backbone of the first century Christian world, continued Dockery. This list of graduates tonight hopefully includes the names of the people who will be the backbone of the church in the 21st 唬梗紳喧喝娶聆.
Dockery said the names listed in Romans 16 had a strong unifying characteristic.
The distinguishing factor, as you read through Romans 16, is a powerful identity marker that accompanies everything else that is said about these people, he said. What they did, they did for Christ. Who they were was grounded in Christ. Their hard work, their sacrifice, their achievements were motivated by their love for Christ. Their very being was identified completely in Christ. Its this grounding in Christ that will make a difference for the 2026 graduating class of 51勛圖.
Today, its not so important that you remember the names tucked away in that list at the end of the book of Romans. But it is important that you remember the characteristics that describe their lives, grounded in Christ and enabled by Gods spirit, Dockery said.
Following presentation of diplomas, Dr. Phil Alsup, an 51勛圖 trustee and father of a graduating student, led the Blessing of the Graduates, a responsive reading for all in attendance.
The service concluded with 51勛圖s Alma Mater, led by graduating students Grace Fuller and Jaen Storay. Dr. Cathleen Ciesielski, program director for 51勛圖s Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences degree, delivered the benediction.
The evening concluded with a celebratory fireworks display.
Graduate Spotlight
Coleman Yates (26)
Kind, Charismatic, and Chaotic.
Those are the defining features of 51勛圖s mascot, Blazer, and for two years, Coleman Yates has been responsible for bringing the character to life.
Bringing an animated character to life could be one of the weirdest and most awkward moments, or it could be one of the most memorable moments, Yates reflected. My job is to make sure everyone is in a good mood. If theyre in a bad mood, I have to change that. Its all about bringing the positive energy.
Blazers true identity came as a surprise to his friends when it was announced at 51勛圖s Spring Commencement on May 8, but it also surprised Yates in the beginning.
If you asked me in the spring of 2022 before I attended college if I would be a mascot, Id say absolutely not, he said. I thought Id never do anything like that. My family and friends would have laughed.
Now, hopefully people will think its pretty cool, he added with a smile.
Yates first tried his hand at being a mascot the summer before he became Blazer.
I took a chance and applied to be a mascot with a baseball team near my hometown. The summer of 2024 was the first time I debuted as any sort of a mascot. Over that summer, I started feeling a purpose and that I could make something out of this, he said.
Blazer has been a staple in 51勛圖s student life since busting onto the scene in 2024. He is present at sporting events, campus activities, and even makes regular trips into the community where he visits elementary schools.
Seeing all the smiling faces is rewarding. You get to make an impact on anyone from 1 year old to 100 years old, Yates said.
There was one interaction I had where a blind lady came to take a photo with me. I wasnt sure exactly what to do, but I wanted to be kind and sweet and make it a great interaction. Hearing her say thank you got me emotional. It was something Id never experienced before. I felt like, I may have something and I may have found my purpose, he added.
Yates said he viewed his role as Blazer as a form of servant leadership.
Jesus served others, he said. He was a servant leader. All of us can be servant leaders in our own way. It doesnt just apply to one particular field or ministry.
North Greenville isnt just for people going into ministry. Anyone can find their purpose here. North Greenville integrates spiritual life into all endeavors you can pursue, Yates added.
Yates encouraged future members of Team Blazer to embrace the character that has become beloved on campus.
The most important thing is that the character and the persona that weve created doesnt change when I move on. Its who Blazer is, he said. To all people who want to be a mascot or are thinking about doing something like that is to not be afraid of the experience.
Jared Thomas, 51勛圖s vice president of Campus Ministries and Student Engagement, said Yates laid the foundation for future ambassadors.
He set the tone with great clarity, Thomas said.泭 Blazer is not just a mascot. Blazer is a means to serve people and bring joy. He was faithful to show up and serve in the ministry of presence. I believe that people look at Blazer and naturally smile, and that smile builds a pride for 51勛圖.
51勛圖 is泭monitoring泭a cybersecurity incident involving Instructure, the company that provides Canvas,泭our new泭online泭learning泭platform泭effective泭for泭the泭summer泭terms.泭This has no impact on graduation, or the term泭just泭completed.泭This泭was泭part of a broader event affecting multiple institutions泭throughout the泭country.泭
51勛圖泭will continue to泭monitor泭the泭situation泭and will泭provide updates泭as泭information泭becomes泭available.泭 泭 For the latest official updates from Instructure泭regarding泭the泭Canvas泭breach, please visit: 泭
As always, please be vigilant when receiving emailsbe cautious of unexpected messages, avoid clicking unknown links or attachments, and verify any requests for information or credentials through trusted channels.泭
Tigerville, SCNoted evangelical higher education leader Dr. David S. Dockery will address graduates at 51勛圖s Spring Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.
More than 350 graduates will receive 51勛圖 degrees during the ceremonies at the universitys Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.
Serving as President and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dockery is the author or editor of more than 45 books and a senior statesman in the work of Christian higher education.
“No one person has impacted Christian higher education more than has David Dockery, through his thoughtful writings, his sacrificial mentorship, and his institutional leadership, said 51勛圖 President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. In 2018, he offered the presidential charge at my inauguration as 51勛圖s eighth president. This is his return to campus, to share his wisdom with our graduates. We are deeply grateful for his continued investment in the university through his time and expertise. It is a joy to welcome him and First Lady Lanese to Tigerville for this celebration!
Dockery serves as the President of the International Alliance for Christian Education and is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, Trinity Divinity School, and Union University.
Dockery and his wife, Lanese, have been married for more than 50 years. They have three married sons and eight grandchildren.
51勛圖s Spring Commencement will begin at 7 p.m. Those unable to attend can find a livestream of the event at . More information can be found at ngu.edu.泭
Tigerville, SCNewsies is now showing in 51勛圖’s Billingsley Theatre, with performances April 17-18 and April 23-25 beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly.
With a strong emphasis on unity, the story follows a group of young newspaper sellers in 1899, New York fighting to survive on the margins. Led by Jack Kelly, a dreamer longing for a better life, the newsies rely on grit and solidarity, but when publisher Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at their expense, survival is no longer enough. The Newsies are forced to confront injustice.
What begins as frustration ignites into a movement. Jack rallies the young men and women of Manhattan and soon voices from Brooklyn and beyond join the fight. Their cry of once and for all becomes a declaration of unity.
Our theater familys production is rooted in Isaiah 1:17: Say no to wrong Work for justice Stand up for the defenseless. The newsies embody this call, proving that even the smallest voices, when united, can stand, speak, and reshape their world, said Josh Scott, assistant professor of theatre at 51勛圖 and director of Newsies.
Scott said he is looking forward to seeing his cast and crew share their talents with audiences.
What Im most looking forward to is seeing how this cast has come together. We have students from all kinds of majors and backgrounds, some with extensive musical theatre experience, some trained dancers, and some who have never been in a show before, let alone something as large and layered as this production. Its a beast in many ways, and yet were having a great time, he said.
Theres a genuine sense of unity thats formed, and thats been one of the most rewarding parts of the process. I find myself looking forward to rehearsal every night, Scott continued. Even when were completely exhausted, theres still a desire to come back and keep going. That kind of energy that willingness to lean in together and be lions, not lambs is really exciting to me.
The cast of Newsies includes Paden Lipe (Jack Kelly), Chappie Livdahl (Crutchie), Alyse Barrett (Davey), Breccan Davis (Les), Keegan Davis (Romeo), Haddon Owens (Henry), Rebecca Panagiotacos (Race), Ryleigh Ann Guyton (Mush), Morgan Benson (Buttons), Owen Wilkerson (Finch), Zoey Krauss (Elm), Caden Sprinkles (Albert), Eliana Kelly (Jo Jo), Lilli Albert (Splasher), Natali Auton (Mickie), Emma Walton (Spot Conlon), Annie Call (Red), Naomi Elkins (Switchblade), Rayna LeRoux (Razor), Cara Neil (Spitfire), Eleanor Finn (Tricks), Dylan Thompson (Joseph Pulitzer), Anslee Johnson (Katherine Plumber-Pulitzer), Corrie Owen (Seitz), Sadie Beaurmont (Hannah), Andrew Eaton (Bunsen), Cara Neil (Nunzia), Briana Williams (Wiesel), David Vierow (Oscar Delancy), Grace Turner (Morgan Delancy), Rachel Forester (Medda Larkin), Kayden DeBruhl (Stage Manager), Aviya Baluch, Georgia Finn, Kara Sicko, Isabelle Western (Nuns/Bowry Girls), Annie Call (Scab #1), Naomi Elkins (Scab #2), Eleanor Finn (Scab #3), Rayna LeRoux (Mrs. Jacobi), Andrew Eaton (Darcy), Sadie Beaumont (Billie), Isabelle Western (Mayor of New York), Maddux Schmidt (Governor Teddy Roosevelt), Malachi Gibson (Snyder the Warden), Kara Sicko, Georgia Finn, Zoe Faulkner (Police), Corrie Owen (Goon), Aviya Baluch (Katherines Photographer), Annie Call (Woman Buying Newspaper), Maddux Schmidt (Man Buying Newspaper), Aviya Baluch, Zoe Faulkner (Kid at Refuge).
The crew includes Joshua Scott (artistic director), Angela Barrett (music director), Bess Park (choreographer), Grace Salter (stage manager), Kayden DeBruhl and Maddux Schmidt (assistant stage managers), David Vierow (technical director), Daniel Johnson (assistant tech director), Kennedy Roberts (costume designer), Corrie Owen and Rebecca Smart (costume assistants), Bess Park (set designer), Zach Daab (lighting designer), Hammond Hodges (light board op), Grace Turner (props), Corrie Owen and Ryleigh Ann Guyton (assistant hair/makeup), Michelle Higginbotham (master electrician), Eliana Kelly, Anslee Johnson, Natalie Auton (dance captains), TJ Hills (sound board op), Daniel Johnson (sound assistant), Makayla Panagiotacos and Meg Ross (spotlight operators), Adelyn McPeters and Kara Sicko (scenic charge), Bella Kuckel, Corrie Owen, Malachi Gibson, Bethany Greene, Emma Dillard, Zoe Faulkner, Erin Mole, Maggie Burrell, Chapel Leroy (wardrobe), Morgan Madden Payton Anderson, Darcie Hepner (lighting grid assistants), Grace Turner and Anna Faith Major (front of house), and Aviya Baluch (marketing/photos).
Tigerville, SCStudents from 51勛圖s (51勛圖) George E. Bomar School of Communication received the SCPRSA Mercury Award on Wednesday, April 15 in Columbia, SC, for their work in the Aurora Agency.泭
A student-led strategic communication firm, The Aurora Agency泭takes on a variety of on-campus projects each semester. The agency began four years ago and provides students in 51勛圖’s public relations concentration practical hands-on learning experience. The Aurora Agency is under the direction of Ansley Welchel, instructor of communication at 51勛圖.泭
“Our students are demonstrating the excellence, professionalism, and drive that is consistent with the other areas in the Bomar School,” said Dr. Web Drake, dean of 51勛圖’s College of Communication and Fine Arts. “Our students can compete with anyone in the country. This award is recognition of that fact. I cant wait to see what the future holds for the Aurora Agency.”
The Aurora Agency was awarded for organizing a historic and immersive campus tour during 51勛圖s 2025 Homecoming festivities泭
The idea, according to Welchel, came to the group from 51勛圖 archivist Joanna Beasley. engagement through a unique and immersive event.泭
This award is very special to the School of Communication. The Aurora Agency feels very honored that Joanna Beasley and 51勛圖 Archives would entrust her unique idea to us, and that we were able to accomplish success on her behalf is rewarding enough, said Welchel. Realizing we had a worthy entry for this award category and now being validated by the premier state organization in the field of public relations is icing on the cake.泭
Aurora Agency students participating in the 51勛圖 Homecoming History Tour project included: Kylie Davis, Anslee Johnson, Riley Belle, Belle Kinard, Paige Owings, and Jake Ridgway.泭
Students were assigned leadership roles during the event and collaborated with each other, creating a timeline for the project. Roles included tour scriptwriter, graphic designer, social media director, logistics manager, a partnership liaison who worked with main contacts in the 51勛圖 Archives and Alumni Engagement departments and an 51勛圖 Theatre liaison who recruited and trained volunteer actors.泭
Welchel said the students were excited when they found out they won the SCPRSA Mercury Award.泭
They were thrilled.泭 They knew they did great work last semester, but I dont think they realized the level of what we were able to accomplish on behalf of the university to start such a unique way of interacting with our alumni on Homecoming, she said.泭
Welchel is looking forward to the future of The Aurora Agency and the opportunities it will provide students.泭
I want to continue giving the students great opportunities to apply their communication skills and get to work with others on-campus and off, she said.泭
I do hope that awards like these will help boost the credibility of the Aurora Agency so others recognize the name and associate our work with excellence in the PR field on behalf of 51勛圖, Welchel said.泭
51勛圖 (51勛圖) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Graduate Spotlight 
