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Tigerville, SC–51�Թ� (51�Թ�) hosted its annual Global Impact Week from Sept. 9–11 on the university’s Tigerville Campus.

The event invites 51�Թ� students to learn about different cultures and how they can become a part of global missions through various activities and chapel services.

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

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

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

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

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

Global Impact Week included another chapel sermon from Saghaey on Tuesday evening and concluded with a Wednesday morning message from Dr. Matthew Hirt, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at 51�Թ�.

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

“Our prayer is that many of our students will discover, during these days, where they can join God in His great mission of raising up worshipers from every nation,” said Dr. Allen McWhite, Department Chair of Intercultural Studies at 51�Թ�.

McWhite explained that the purpose Global Impact Week is to expose the 51�Թ� family to the incredible ways God is moving around the world. The 2024-25 short-term mission trip locations were revealed to students during the week as well.

“One of the many things we will be doing this week is revealing the locations of our 51�Թ� Send teams (mission teams),” McWhite said. “During the 2024-25 year we will be sending student teams to locations in the United States and around the world to share the good news of the Jesus Christ and engage in a variety of different ministries.”

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

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

For those who feel God is leading them to become vocational missionaries, 51�Թ� offers a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies. This degree program helps equip students to be confident in their calling by gaining hands-on learning through culturally immersive opportunities on the mission field.

To learn more about 51�Թ�’s Intercultural Studies degree, visit ngu.edu/intercultural-studies.

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Tigerville, SC—Two students from 51�Թ�’s School of Communication had the opportunity to intern at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Charlotte, NC over the summer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The School of Communication at 51�Թ� offers two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media with several concentrations. Along with the majors, 51�Թ� also offers minors, including American Sign Language.

��For more information about 51�Թ�’s degree programs and minors, visit ngu.edu/academics.

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Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� hosted its largest Church Fair in university history on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Tigerville.

Representatives from more than 90 churches around the Upstate were on campus talking with students, providing resources, and extending invitations. The South Carolina Baptist Convention provided a free meal to church volunteers working the event.

51�Թ�’s Church Fair has been steadily growing and has produced many meaningful connections over the years.

“We have North Greenville students that have become members of our church and are now serving regularly,” said Will Cleland, associate pastor at Abner Creek Baptist Church. “Church Fair was a blessing to us. We’ve been able to engage students on the things that we value.”

Joshua Gilmore, senior director of church and community relations at 51�Թ�, said the university’s partnership with local churches has been a benefit to students.

“The aim of the event is simple—we are just trying to connect 51�Թ� students with the local church,” he said. “We believe that students will make friends, visit a church, and then commit to a local family of faith.��This event is just a front door (so to speak) for students to enter through the doors of a local church.”

The Church Fair brought a number of 51�Թ� alumni back to campus. Slater Baptist Church Pastor Scott Catoe, a 1999 51�Թ� graduate, said church attendance is vitally important for college students.

“The most important decision you make as a college student is not what you major in,” Catoe said. “It’s where you’re going to go to church.

“That’s where discipleship and connection happens, and it’s a really good thing to spend time with people that are not your age,” he said.

Brandon Simpson, pastor at Christ Fellowship Cherrydale, echoed Catoe’s sentiments.

“Our vision for college students in our church is to connect them to multiple generations,” Simpson said. “We don’t want you to go from North Greenville where you’re attending events and doing everything with your friend to driving 30 minutes to come do the same thing with the same people. We want to connect students with folks who are several life stages ahead and produce a love and a high view of the local church.”

Noting the success of the event, Gilmore recalled inviting Greenville Vietnamese Baptist Church to attend.

“I told them, in all honesty, we might have one or two Vietnamese students at 51�Թ�, but they were more than welcome to participate.�� To my surprise,��their whole church showed up and served an authentic Vietnamese meal to the 51�Թ� students as they passed by,” Gilmore said.

“I ran up after the event to thank the pastor for being so gracious.��He told me that we do have a Vietnamese student, and they invited him to church on Sunday.�� The student agreed to come to church, but, sadly, did not have a car.�� The pastor said, ‘But, it’s no problem, someone from the church will come pick him up on Sunday.’�� This 51�Թ� student’s college experience has been positively impacted by the local church,” he said.

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� has named Kyle Walden as the institution’s new Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services, effective September 1. Walden has worked at 51�Թ� since 2010 and had served as the interim vice president since April.

As head of Campus Enhancement Services, Walden provides direct management of the division which provides maintenance, construction, transportation and special projects oversight for university campuses in Tigerville and Greer. He also coordinates landscaping and housekeeping services for 51�Թ� through the university’s partnership with The Budd Group.

“Kyle Walden has been a valued member of our community for nearly 15 years. We are pleased to have him in this critical leadership role,” said 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Our CES team is known for dedication to 51�Թ�’s Christ-centered mission and Kyle will guide the team in building on that reputation.”

Walden was a member of the 51�Թ� soccer team while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport management. He graduated in 2009 and completed a Master of Business Administration degree from 51�Թ� in 2012. He began a five-year tenure with 51�Թ� Athletics in 2010, serving as assistant varsity soccer coach and head junior varsity coach.

His tenure with Campus Enhancement Services began as a groundskeeper in 2013. He moved to a maintenance/carpenter role in 2016. He was promoted to director of transportation and special projects in 2023.

“It is a privilege to serve at North Greenville as the Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services, and to be afforded the opportunity to further invest back into the institution that has been such an influence on my life,” said Walden. “North Greenville provides an education and an experience that stands on biblical truths and strives to foster transformational leaders for both church and society. It is an honor to play a part in achieving this mission, and I look forward to what the future holds.”

In his vice president post, Walden will direct a team of more than 35 university staff and will have direct involvement in planning and execution of 51�Թ� building projects, including communication with contractors and government entities.

“Kyle has a wealth of experience that will serve his team and his alma mater well,” said Rich Grimm, 51�Թ� Executive Vice President. “We’re grateful for this fresh calling on his life and look forward to serving alongside him in this key role.”

Walden is a native of Hendersonville, NC. He and his wife, Miranda, have a two-year-old daughter, Lillian. They attend Biltmore Church.

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) has been named a Teaching Fellows Institution, according to the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA).��

Established in 1999, the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program awards funds for up to 230 high-achieving students each year.����

“Both the First Lady and I began our careers as school teachers. We know first-hand the importance of well-trained, transformational educators to local communities,” said 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are very pleased with this new opportunity to reward qualified future teachers with financial assistance that can help them to begin their careers with excitement and outstanding training from first-rate professors. This is a game-changer for 51�Թ�’s College of Education.”��

Along with professional development and leadership opportunities, students are eligible to receive up to $24,000 in awards (up to $6,000 a year for four years), in addition to other scholarships and grants, while they pursue a degree that will lead to initial teacher certification at a Teaching Fellows Institution. Teaching Fellows agree to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year they receive the fellowship. Loans not repaid through service in the classroom must be repaid through financial means.����

“51�Թ� has a proud history of producing education graduates who go on to teaching careers in South Carolina’s public schools where they make a difference,” said 51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “We are excited and honored to be included in the Teaching Fellows program and look forward to continuing our work together with our new partner.”��

51�Թ� joins current Teaching Fellow Institutions Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, Francis Marion University, Lander University, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Winthrop University.����

“This program will enhance the exceptional work that the College of Education is already doing to prepare teachers,” said Dr. Constance Wright, Dean of 51�Թ�’s College of Education. “At 51�Թ�, our Teaching Fellows will engage in advanced enrichment programs and have numerous opportunities to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact in our communities.”��

North Greenville offers education-related programs through six traditional undergraduate degrees, two online bachelor’s programs, and three graduate degree options (MEd, EdS, EdD). Undergraduate students can study Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Language Arts Secondary Education, Math Secondary Education, Physical Education, Theatre Education, and Social Studies Education.������

51�Թ� will welcome its first Teaching Fellows cohort in the fall of 2025. Applications to join that cohort open in October.����

Qualified students can visit CERRA’s to begin the application process. To apply, students must be a high school senior or a junior graduating early, a U.S. citizen, and a South Carolina resident.��

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a regional screening where they will offer a presentation, participate in interviews, and perform a writing assessment.����

The application window for the fall 2025 cohort will close on December 1, 2024.��

Tigerville, SC – Eighteen young professionals are spending the week in Tigerville, receiving hands-on training in the field of journalism.

The conference, hosted by 51�Թ�, is a series of instructional courses presented by the World Journalism Institute (WJI), which serves as the educational arm of WORLD News Group.

“This week, we’re focusing on storytelling,” said Naomi Balk, assistant director for the World Journalism Institute. “They’re in writing sessions. They’re learning how to interview. They’re learning how to broadcast. They might know a lot of these disciplines already, but they’re getting that opportunity to get out in the field and put it into practice.”

With sessions on editing, reporting, broadcasting and more, 51�Թ� School of Communication professors have been assisting with instruction.

“I am so pleased three of our faculty get to participate as teachers and writing coaches this week,” said Dr. Randall E. King, Associate Dean of the School of Communication at 51�Թ�. “Dr. Karyn Campbell, Professor Lara Jackson and I all have professional journalism experience and have much to offer these young professionals as they consider new careers as storytellers.”��

The 18 participants have been working to collect news stories locally, visiting downtown Greenville and returning to campus to edit gathered content with an instructor.

“We want them to come away with the ability to make a radio piece and the ability to write well,” Balk said. “Experience builds confidence, and that’s what they’re getting this week.”

51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker said working with the participants has been a privilege for North Greenville faculty and staff.

“Christian journalists have a lot to offer our country and the world,” said 51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “We are so happy to join WJI in its mission to train them in their pursuit of truth in discovering and reporting the news.”

King said approaching journalism from a Christian worldview requires excellence and compassion.

“That doesn’t mean we preach in our stories, but it means the way we approach reporting, writing, interviewing, news judgment – the stories we tell and how we tell them – always starts with the question, ‘How does Christ make the difference here – in this job, in this story?’” he said.

“In some ways the most powerful way to answer that question is – do it well, with excellence, and with compassion for the people who are the focus of your stories,” continued King. “We try to answer that question in every class at 51�Թ�, and now we get to ask it again with this group from WJI.”

Lee Pitts, who leads Dordt University’s Department of Journalism and Communication and serves as the Executive Director of WORLD Journalism Institute, said there is great need for Christians in the field.

“Journalism can be a dark profession, but that’s not a reason or an excuse for believers to abandon the profession,” Pitts said. “The need for journalism is not going to go away. It’s always going to be important for a healthy democracy and strong communities.”

The WJI conference will run through July 20.

Jeremiah Bogan ’20

Jeremiah Bogan has been chasing his dream of being in the National Football League (NFL) since he was a kid.

“Football has basically been the structure of my whole life,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. I wanted to play in the NFL. I also loved the idea of being able to build teams and put together the puzzle pieces.”

Bogan played his college football at 51�Թ� (51�Թ�), where he graduated with a degree in Sport Management in 2020.

“North Greenville helped me push myself,” Bogan said. “I grew so much as a person during my time at 51�Թ�. I’ve loved the school more and more each year that I become further removed because I’m seeing so many things that were instilled in me that have helped me get to where I am now.”

After earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at another institution, Bogan started chasing his dream from a different angle. He has served in various roles with college football programs including UNLV, Pittsburgh, Liberty, LSU, and UCONN. Bogan also served as the National Scout for the East-West Shrine Bowl.

“I know people look at my resume and notice that I’ve bounced around pretty fast. Honestly, it’s all happened a lot faster than I thought. When I was a player, I fell more in love with the training and the process of getting better, and not necessarily the results,” Bogan said.

The results, however, led Bogan to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he joined as a Scouting Assistant in June.

“The NFL is something that I’ve always thought about and worked towards,” he said. “The more time you spend in football, the more you understand how good that structure is for you. That discipline has transformed my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the work ethic that it taught me.”

Bogan attributes his success to investing in each team along the way.

“I always tell people to grow where their feet are planted,” he said. “Don’t try to look too far ahead. That’s what I’ve tried to do. If you’ll put your head down and do the work, the next thing you know, you’ll look up and see a door open for you. You don’t always have to step through that door, but opportunity will be there.”

Bogan said his faith has been important for him as he navigates each new season.

“God calls me to serve every day,” he said. “That’s what I’m thinking about when I wake up in the morning. Serving others. Sure, you’re in a space where everyone comes from different backgrounds and believes in different things, but you have can still be that light for others and serve them.”

“Growing up, you didn’t really see athletes professing Christ,” Bogan continued. “I always told myself that if I ever got a platform that big, I would be one of those vessels that showed you can reach these heights without having to hide your faith or sacrifice who you are as a person.”

51�Թ� Head Football Coach Jeff Farrington said Bogan’s success comes as no surprise to those that know him.

“Jeremiah is a first class individual and has always handled himself as a professional while excelling as a student-athlete with 51�Թ� Football,” Farrington said. “We are very proud of his career and know he is ‘called’ to make a difference for Christ wherever he serves. We wish him all the best in the NFL with Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

Bogan regularly uses the phrase “God did” on his social media accounts, reminding himself that the Lord has been with him each step of the way.

“It’s the idea that every time you get down on yourself or things don’t go your way, maybe your plan shifted, you have to remember what God did,” he said. “Even during times I didn’t believe God was working in my life, you can look back and see that He did. He remains true to the promises He makes and He will forever.”