Alumnus Wilkey Honored for 44 Years of Service During SBC Annual Meeting

51Թ alumnus Lonnie Wilkey, right, received the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award from 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on June 11. They are joined by, Dr. Ken Hemphill, left, and Paula Hemphill.

Tigerville, SC—Lonnie Wilkey, a 1978 North Greenville graduate who has served in denominational journalism posts for 44 years, received the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Leadership Award from 51Թ during the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis on June 11.

The Marietta, SC, native has served as editor of the Baptist and Reflector, Tennessee Baptists’ news journal, for 26 years, after serving for 10 years as associate editor. He announced in late April that he will retire at the end of 2024.

“Lonnie is a shining representative of the historic mission of 51Թ,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He has faithfully served God through his unwavering commitment to being a professional journalist and a devoted Christ-follower. Throughout his career he has strengthened global ministry efforts by reporting on how God is at work among us, and providing editorial perspective which is built on decades of experience.”

The Hemphill Award recognizes “servant leadership empowering Southern Baptists’ kingdom growth.” It is named in honor of noted Southern Baptist ministry leaders Paula and Ken Hemphill. With careers spanning global missions, local pastorates, a seminary presidency, and writing books on varied Christian topics, the Hemphills are engaged in developing resources that enhance strategic work in evangelism and church revitalization.

Following his associate’s degree from North Greenville, Wilkey completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina. He referenced the impact of his North Greenville experiences as he accepted the award at a dessert reception for 51Թ alumni and friends at the Indiana Convention Center.

“I can remember a couple of my USC professors, but I can recall almost every faculty member from North Greenville,” he said, as he named many of the educators at the college. “That reflects the way they influenced my life.”

President Fant was joined by the Hemphills in the award presentation, along with Dr. Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Davis echoed comments he made when Wilkey announced his retirement.

“Lonnie Wilkey has been a great shepherd of the Baptist and Reflector,” Davis said. “He is a consistent, convictional, fair minded journalist and editor. It has been my great honor to watch Lonnie Wilkey work hard to serve churches by keeping Tennessee Baptists informed of relevant news and inspired by telling God stories.”

Wilkey and his wife, Joyce, have two children, Joanna Beasley, a 2007 51Թ graduate who currently serves as the university’s archivist, and Daniel Wilkey. They will live in north Greenville County, close to 51Թ’s Tigerville campus, in retirement.

Board Welcomes New AD, Ratifies Two New Academic Programs

51Թ Athletics Director Will Lowrey addresses the university’s trustees during the board’s summer meeting on the Tigerville campus.

Tigerville, SC—Meeting in a new on-campus venue, 51Թ trustees welcomed a new athletics director during their summer meeting on 51Թ’s Tigerville campus June 20. The board also heard a preliminary financial report for the 2023-24 year, approved faculty promotions, and ratified two new academic programs.

“We have had a busy and productive spring,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. He highlighted April 12 dedication of the university’s Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, the announcement of a new athletics mascot, and a Spring Commencement which included 301 graduates.

The board met in the Myrtice Boazman Room, an events/classroom space on the second floor of the 20,000-square-foot Plaster Center. The building houses 51Թ’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship and offices for senior administration.

“The dedication was a great time for 51Թ, and it was followed by a mascot reveal where students were ecstatic over the news,” said Dr. Fant.

51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., shares his report with university trustees during the board’s summer meeting in Tigerville June 20.

During his report to the trustees, President Fant asked 51Թ Athletics Director Will Lowrey to introduce himself. The Mississippi native, who moved to the Upstate from the same role at Blue Mountain Christian University in early June, discussed the transition process.

“Chasing God is a great thing,” said Lowrey. “He’ll take you to places you never imagined to go. What you’ll see from student-athletes is the light that shines in them is greater than the light that shines on them.”

The board received a preliminary report on the fiscal year which concluded May 31, 2024. University officials noted a positive change in net assets and reported that 51Թ continues to operate with no long-term debt.

Trustees affirmed promotion for nine university faculty members: Allison Simon from assistant professor to associate professor of physician assistant medicine; Dr. Brendan Payne from assistant professor to associate professor of history; Dr. Greg Graf from assistant professor to associate professor of music; Dr. Jeff King from assistant professor to associate professor of English; Dr. Karyn Campbell from assistant professor to associate professor of communication; Dr. Kayla Black from assistant professor to associate professor of history and honors; Dr. Mark Bjornsen from assistant professor to associate professor of physical education; Dr. Martin Jones from assistant professor to associate professor of business; and Dr. Staci Rollins from assistant professor to associate professor of criminal justice.

51Թ Board Chair Bill Tyler addresses fellow trustees during the board’s summer meeting in Tigerville June 20.

The board approved a new post-master’s degree certificate program in Educational Administration and Supervision. 51Թ’s curriculum committee said the 18-credit-hour program is designed to “empower and equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundations required to become effective educational leaders in a rapidly evolving educational landscape, all embodied from a biblical world view perspective.”

Trustees also approved a bachelor of arts degree program in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. In proposing the PPE program, the curriculum committee stated that it is “designed to attract high-achieving students to the study of the liberal arts by offering them insights into the ‘ruling disciplines’ that are an essential part of civic leadership, helping ‘bridge’ the vocational training/liberal arts challenge by establishing the essential qualities of ethical and prudential thinking, civic knowledge and understanding, and practical economic insights.”

51Թ Board Chair Bill Tyler, of Greer, SC, presided at the meeting of the 25-member board.

Annual Homeschool Expo Draws More Than 1,000 Parents and Students

Tiverville, SC—51Թ (51Թ) partnered with the Homeschool Community of the Upstate to host the Upstate Homeschool Expo on May 18.

The event, designed to offer resources and introduce opportunities to homeschool students from around the region, featured a curriculum library, more than 75 vendors, and several breakout sessions.

“It was a great day on campus at North Greenville, as more than 1000 parents and students attended the 2024 Upstate Homeschool Expo,” said Billy Watson, senior associate vice president for Tigerville operations at 51Թ. “The event introduced many families to 51Թ for the first time, and I hope many of these visitors become future generations of Trailblazers.”

Andy Ray, 51Թ’s senior director for enrollment engagement, said 51Թ alumni were among those in attendance.

“We were encouraged to see dozens of 51Թ alumni back on campus with their children,” he said. “Some of these alumni are continuing the legacy of homeschooling, as they were also homeschooled before they attended 51Թ. We love seeing those generational connections.”

Breakout sessions at the expo offered instruction on curriculum, STEAM learning, and homeschooling children with special needs. 51Թ officials also presented on college admissions and dual enrollment opportunities.

“Dual enrollment students can get a head start on college and learn in a Christ-centered atmosphere from highly qualified Christian professors who will challenge them to grow spiritually while they learn academically,” said Andy Ray, senior director for enrollment engagement at 51Թ.

Students wishing to participate in at 51Թ must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and complete two high school mathematics courses and two high school English courses to qualify.

51Թ began hosting the Upstate Homeschool Expo in 2023.

“We are so appreciative of our hosts, 51Թ, for welcoming us for the second year in a row,” said Jessica Silva of Homeschool Community of the Upstate. “Our gratitude ran deep as we looked around the room. We were so appreciative of 51Թ, the team of volunteers, the exhibitors, the breakout speakers, and all the homeschool families in attendance. Putting on a locally focused event to support the homeschoolers of the Upstate takes nothing short of a village.”

Watson said the partnership with the Homeschool Community of the Upstate will continue.

“Planning for next year’s event has already begun,” he said.

To learn more, visit .

Lowrey Named 51Թ Director of Athletics

Will Lowrey Tigerville, SC—51Թ has named Will Lowrey as the institution’s new Director of Athletics, effective June 1. Lowrey moves to 51Թ from Blue Mountain Christian University, where he had served as Athletic Director since June 2018.

In his role with 51Թ, Lowrey will provide oversight for the university’s NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic program, which includes 20 varsity sports teams, with 575 student-athletes. He will fill the post of long-time 51Թ coach and administrator Jan McDonald, who has served as Director of Athletics for more than three decades.

“We are delighted to welcome Will Lowrey to the 51Թ community and excited about continuing to build on the strengths of our athletic programs,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He is stepping into a critical position in working with our coaches and the broader campus community. Will has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to honor God in his leadership, building relationships and creating opportunities for student-athletes and their coaches to excel in all areas of life.”

Lowrey has directed a program with 18 varsity sports at Blue Mountain Christian. The private university in Blue Mountain, MS, is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Before joining Blue Mountain Christian, he was head baseball coach and director of development at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School in Tupelo, MS, for eight years.

“We give thanks for the Athletic Director search committee who worked diligently for months on this process,” said Rich Grimm, 51Թ Executive Vice President. “They found in Will someone who is passionate for leading a Christ-centered athletic program for God’s glory and the good of our student-athletes. We’re looking forward to serving alongside Will as he builds upon the legacy of Coach McDonald.”

“It is through steadfast prayer, faith, and obedience that I accept the call to serve 51Թ,” Lowrey said. “I have committed my life to go where God is leading. It has been an emotional and spiritual experience. I am confident that He is leading me into this next chapter.”

The Tupelo, MS, native, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Delta State University in 1999. He completed a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic administration from Western Kentucky University in 2016, and currently is pursuing a doctor of educational ministry degree in strategic planning through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

His journey to 51Թ in 2024 has included the passing of his wife, Jennifer, who died March 15 at the age of 48 after battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for 23 years.

Jan McDonald, left, pictured with Will Lowrey.

“My daughter Jilanna and I would like to thank Dr. Fant, Rich Grimm, and all at 51Թ for their trust in me to lead us into the next chapter as the most competitive Christian university in the country,” Lowrey said. “I embrace the opportunity to honor Coach Jan McDonald’s legacy as a true Trailblazer.”

A varsity baseball player in college, Lowrey worked with sports-related companies in Mississippi for a decade before moving to coaching and athletics administration. He founded The Bigger Than Ball Foundation in 2016 and continues to serve as president of the foundation, which has a stated mission to “encourage and equip coaches to step back from their rigorous schedule to re-energize and reflect.”

During every year of his tenure at Blue Mountain Christian, the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program has received the association’s Champions of Character Gold Star Award and has been honored with the Southern States Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award.

What Others Are Saying

“Throughout Will Lowrey’s tenure as intercollegiate athletic director at Blue Mountain Christian University, he has led and served with a consistent commitment to Christ-centered excellence. This commitment has inspired and enabled coaches and student-athletes alike. We are grateful for his service to BMCU and wish him much success as he begins a new chapter at 51Թ.”

– Dr. Barbara McMillin, President, Blue Mountain Christian University

“Knowing Will Lowrey over the past 15 years has made me a better man. Will is a man of character and integrity as I have seen first-hand what godly leadership looks like. We have served together at a school, through multiple ministries and I even had the opportunity to see Will serve families using his God-given gifts in the aftermath of multiple natural disasters. Congratulations to Will and 51Թ as I believe this will be a great union.”

– Stephen Tybor III, President/Founder, Eight Days of Hope

“Will is a proven championship coach, program builder, and leader. His faith has led him to have great vision that provides an amazing human touch.”

– Butch Thompson, Head Baseball Coach, Auburn University

“Congratulations to 51Թ on the hiring of Will Lowrey! Will is an outstanding leader, brings a wealth of experience, and will have an immediate positive impact on everyone associated with the department. There are great days ahead for all involved.”

– Jeremy McClain, Athletic Director, University of Southern Mississippi

“I am very impressed with Will’s genuine heart, his expectations for athletics, connecting with university departments and the community, and moving forward in all we do. He shows the genuine ability to provide mentorship for coaches to grow as godly leaders of our student-athletes, our university, and our community.”

– Jeff Farrington, 51Թ Head Football Coach

“Coach Lowrey has worked from the bottom up in a Christian education and athletics setting. He demonstrates that he is a person who would roll up his sleeves and get to work. Will is someone who our coaches can connect with, and he has a heart for serving not only student-athletes but the entire community.”

– Kelvin Long, 51Թ Head Women’s Basketball Coach

“Will’s ability to connect with the coaches and get us excited for the next chapter in 51Թ Athletics is impressive. I believe he is going to be driven, competitive, and dedicated – all while keeping our Christ-first mission at the forefront of everything that we do.”

– Corey Struss, 51Թ Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach

51Թ Honors Faculty and Staff Retirees

Tigerville, SC—Six 51Թ faculty and staff members were recognized for their years of service during a special retirement celebration in April.

Dr. Walter Johnson, Dr. Brent Coppenbarger, Lee Mitchell, Tim Hawkins, Janet Hoffman, and Jan McDonald represent a combined 138 years of service to the university.

Johnson spent 32 years at 51Թ and was the founding dean of the College of Christian Studies. He played a foundational role in the renaissance at 51Թ over the last three decades and has left a lasting impact on those in ministry around the globe.

“His legacy at the university—and in Baptist life around the world—is incredibly deep and lasting,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We’ve been so blessed to have him with us.”

Coppenbarger, a professor of music, is leaving 51Թ with nearly 30 years of service.

“He’s been our coordinator of woodwinds for 23 years and before that, he spent six years as an adjunct,” President Fant said. “With almost 30 years of service at the university, he’s mentored so many students and has appeared and will continue to appear in musical ensembles and productions.”

Lee Mitchell has been serving the university as a department instructor for physical sciences.

“Lee Mitchell has been teaching earth science and is an expert in hydrology. He has always used his experience in kingdom service and edification,” President Fant said. “He’s such an encouraging guy, and I appreciate all that he’s done. He’s been a gift from God for our science faculty.”

Tim Hawkins has served in Campus Enhancement Services for more than 20 years.

“He’s a go-to guy and has done so many things to help our CES staff. He’s been very important to us and we appreciate the work he’s done,” President Fant said.

Janet Hoffman has completed 16 years of service and is retiring as the administrative assistant to Business Affairs.

“She’s done so many things for the university and always had a smile on her face. She interacted with a lot of students and was always such a friendly face for the students and took care of them well,” said President Fant.

McDonald served a total of 41 years at 51Թ and more than three decades as athletic director. She announced her retirement earlier this year.

“Jan McDonald has invested her entire career at North Greenville, and it is a career marked by care and concern for our students and dedication to helping them prepare for life beyond college,” President Fant said. “We appreciate the work Coach McDonald has done and the work athletics does for our students.”

Kramer Named Dean of Online Programs at 51Թ

Tigerville, SC—Dr. Tracy Kramer, who has held various leadership positions at 51Թ for the past 18 years, is now the dean of online programs at 51Թ.

Kramer has previously served as the associate dean for graduate programs and Title IX coordinator. She also served as the interim dean for online programs, aligning 51Թ’s online offerings with traditional programs.

“In the past, online and traditional programs were completely separate,” Kramer said. “Now, we’re focusing on creating more fluidity between the two. We want traditional students to be able to take online classes.”

Kramer said the process has resulted in stronger programs across the board and more opportunities for students.

“We’ve taken each online program and evaluated it through the curriculum committee to make sure the programs are aligned with what is offered in the traditional format,” she said.

The need for more online options arose in 2020, and the trend has continued in higher education.

“During the pandemic, online education became something students expected and were more capable of handling,” Kramer said. “We’re never going to be a fully online campus, and that’s not our goal. But, there are times when it is better for a student to be able to take a class online.”

Kramer said effective online programs allow non-traditional students to maintain a career while obtaining their degree.

“Not everyone decided at 18 years old to go to college. Not everyone, at 20 years old, decided to stay in college,” Kramer states. “Some people find themselves at a point in their lives where they want to complete their education or further their education, but they have a job, a family, a mortgage, and a car payment. They can’t afford just to quit everything and go back to school.

“Our idea is to provide an online option for people that not only provides them with the educational rigor that they need, but also incorporates faith in all aspects of the curriculum.,” Kramer said.

To explore online opportunities at ngu, visit go.ngu.edu/online.

51Թ Holds Inaugural Challenge Coin Ceremony for Criminal Justice Graduates

Tigerville, SC—51Թ (51Թ) marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of its Criminal Justice and Legal Studies students with the inaugural Challenge Coin Ceremony on May 2.

Students receiving recognition included Cobey Cruell, Brooke Cushman, Christopher Jackson, Cheyenne Norton, Nathan Suggs, and RiLee Meeks.

Following a welcome from Campus Safety and Security Chief Jeff Smith and an invocation from Major Stephen Carlson, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis delivered the keynote address to the honorees.

“It was great to honor to present our graduates with a challenge coin to recognize their achievements,” Smith said. “The challenge coin carries significant symbolism and instills a sense of pride and camaraderie among members.”

The tradition of awarding challenge coins, a practice dating back to ancient Roman soldiers, was a significant part of the inaugural Challenge Coin Ceremony. This tradition gained prominence during World War I and World War II, when coins served as a means of identifying downed American airmen to friendly forces in France.

The Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency, used them as “bona fides” to prevent spies from infiltrating their meetings. Subsequently, each military branch designed and developed its own challenge coin as a matter of pride.

Commanders used them as tokens of recognition and appreciation for a service member’s outstanding performance in an assignment or responsibility. Law enforcement agencies follow this tradition. Challenge coins are exchanged as tokens of professionalism and pride to recognize those who stand on the “thin blue line.”

Rollins, representing the 51Թ Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, presented the coins to the graduates, symbolizing their time and achievements with the department.

“We are proud of each of our graduating seniors and look forward to seeing how they make a difference in the field,” She said.

51Թ Announces Spring 2024 Dean’s List

Avery Wood LibraryTigerville, SC (May 9, 2024) 51Թ (51Թ) has released its Spring 2024 Dean’s List.

Undergraduate students named to the Dean’s 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.

Congratulations to our students!

Spring 2024 Dean’s List

Samantha Acker Spartanburg SC
Emanuel Adames de la Cruz Caguas PR
Kevin Adcock Chapin SC
Braxton Allmon Pendleton SC
Paris Alsup Peachtree City GA
Joseph Amici Williamsville NY
Isaac Anders Pickens SC
Charles Anderson Elgin SC
Payten Anderson Early Branch SC
Juan Arbelaez Fort Mill SC
Brooke Arends West Union SC
Eliana Armstrong Clover SC
Seth Atkins Inman SC
Jacob Auton Marietta GA
Natali Auton Marietta GA
Mark Autry Midlothian VA
Julia Azevedo Ladson SC
Victoria Azurdia North Miami FL
Julia Babun Bean Station TN
Ayden Baker Gastonia NC
Victoria Baldwin Warrenville SC
Samantha Ball Saint Paul MN
Allison Ball Saint Paul MN
Zachary Bannister Fort Mill SC
Broghan Barnes Ehrhardt SC
Isabelle Barnett Lyman SC
Sarah Barrineau Lexington SC
Karah Barry Blythewood SC
Tia Bartlett Hendersonville NC
Stephen Basha Chesnee SC
Camille Bates Simpsonville SC
Abbegale Bauer Sumter SC
Angel Beahm Campobello SC
Allysa Bearden Spartanburg SC
Sadie Beaumont Okatie SC
Mackenzie Beck Hartsville SC
Jaxon Beebe Okatie SC
Whitten Beebe Okatie SC
Quincy Belk Greenville SC
Judy Benner Simpsonville SC
Samuel Bieser Saint Louis MO
Ally Bingham Mooresville NC
Tolleson Birch Roebuck SC
Preston Bishop Easley SC
Virginia Bishop Simpsonville SC
Brooke Bishop North Chittenden VT
Jace Bishop Laurens SC
Hannah Black Ridgeway SC
Jared Blackmon Lancaster SC
Emily Blackwell Starr SC
Caroline Blake Mauldin SC
Ryan Blalock Fuquay Varina NC
Caitlyn Blankenship Travelers Rest SC
Carter Blanton Taylors SC
Kaitlyn Bliss Travelers Rest SC
Abigail Blow Florence SC
Ruth Bois Jefferson ME
Hollie Boland Boiling Springs SC
Misty Bonasia Boiling Springs SC
Victoria Bonet Denver NC
Sydney Boone Greenville SC
Joshua Borges Waynesville NC
Jordan Bowers Travelers Rest SC
Wesley Bowman Belmont NC
Brandon Bowman Concord NC
Thomas Boyd Cleveland SC
Charles Bozard St Matthews SC
Andrew Brackett Clover SC
Katherine Bradford Greenville SC
James Brady Cary NC
Caden Brannen Lugoff SC
Cevonna Brewington Rock Hill SC
Nazia Bridges Cheraw SC
Kealee Brinkley York SC
Jaylan Brinson Mills River NC
Connor Brinson Livingston SC
Danielle Brisco Boiling Springs SC
Aidan Broeker Tigerville SC
Alexander Brooks Houston TX
Amy Brooks Earl NC
Philip Brooks Inman SC
Teffiany Broome Lancaster SC
Arianna Brown Wellford SC
Brooklynn Brown Wellford SC
Josiah Browne Tigerville SC
Abigail Buras Largo FL
Scott Burgess Roebuck SC
Delanie Burnett Greer SC
Taylor Burnett Inman SC
Katie Burns Greer SC
Maggie Burrell Inman SC
Alanna Burroughs Fletcher NC
Emmalee Burton Mooresville NC
Carolina Busch Liberty SC
Kayla Butterfield Waldoboro ME
Autumn Byers Gaffney SC
Riley Byrd Zirconia NC
Nicholas Cabel Anderson SC
Savannah Cade Liberty SC
Brianna Cagle Pickens SC
Denisha Cai Greenville SC
Martina Cairus Montevideo ZZ
Tommy Callaham Greenville SC
Natalie Cannon Aiken SC
Nadja Canty Rock Hill SC
Shane Carpenter Mauldin SC
Jayden Carroll Rock Hill SC
Emily Carroll Woodruff SC
Holan Cartee Greer SC
Avery Carter Marshall NC
Emma Carver Greenville SC
Adam Carver Greer SC
Lindsey Case Easley SC
Abigail Cauley Greenville SC
Laura Cervantez Fort Worth TX
Olivia Chambers Travelers Rest SC
Savannah Chambers Iva SC
Selah Chambers Pisgah Forest NC
Ashlen Chapman Anderson SC
Jill Chapman Chesnee SC
Zoe Character Hephzibah GA
Latasha Chestnut Columbia SC
Ashley Chism Spartanburg SC
Charlene Christian Greenville SC
Carolyn Christopher Greer SC
Jasper Clapp Knoxville TN
Hunter Clark Piedmont SC
Sydney Clark Browns Summit NC
Lidia Clipperton Greenville SC
Lara Cloninger Greer SC
Kirsten Coan Moore SC
Shaylie Coleman Greer SC
Anna Coleman Simpsonville SC
James Compton Greer SC
Ashlyn Conner Midland City AL
Zoe Cooke Lexington SC
Maggie Cooley Anderson SC
Kaylee Copeland Inman SC
Abigail Corn Hendersonville NC
Kinsley Cothran Greer SC
Magdalen Covington Liberty SC
Heather Cox Taylors SC
Jody Cox Lake View SC
Lauren Crane Acworth GA
Hannah Cranford Inman SC
Alyssa Creef Inman SC
Rebecca Cribb Spartanburg SC
Erin Crittendon Greer SC
Claire Crooks Mountain Rest SC
Moriah Crouse Travelers Rest SC
Sarah Crowe Cleveland SC
Grace Crowhurst Taylors SC
Carson Curry Bogart GA
Talley Cushman Port Royal SC
Brooke Cushman Port Royal SC
Thomas Dacus Easley SC
Desire’e Dadisman Sumter SC
Nicole Dan Clover SC
Matthew Darnell Woodruff SC
Benjamin Darnell Travelers Rest SC
John Deal Greenwood SC
Michaela Dean Abbeville SC
Brittany Decker Taylors SC
Gerald DeFronzo Simpsonville SC
Alexa Deighton Greenville SC
Sarah Delanuez Greenville SC
Heavenlee Deneen Salisbury NC
Luke Densmore Easley SC
Abigail Dickerson Cheshire MA
Brooke Dickinson Midland MI
Carter Dierdorf Bradenton FL
Lily Diez Greer SC
Mary Dillard Spartanburg SC
Paige Dimery Dillon SC
Anna Dinn Social Circle GA
Ronald Dix Greer SC
Sarah Dixon Simpsonville SC
Lydia Doster Chester SC
Kensey Doughtie Chesapeake VA
Chloe Dove Dillon SC
Hannah Dover Easley SC
Ashlyn Dowling Saluda SC
Lauren Drake Inman SC
Jonathan Drake Inman SC
Ciera Dudziak Anderson SC
Brandon Dugar Taylors SC
Leif Duval Deep River CT
Matthew Eaton Gray Court SC
Andrew Eaton Gray Court SC
Habiba Ebrahim-Hamzah Greenville SC
Christian Edland Greer SC
Jenny Edwards Easley SC
Taylor Edwards Hendersonville NC
Charles Eldridge Travelers Rest SC
Lydia Elliott Duncan SC
Marigrace Ellis Gaffney SC
William Emerson Moore SC
Artem Ermoshkin Taylors SC
Julia Estes Greenville SC
Thomas Evans Duncan SC
Anna Evatt Greenville SC
Penny Fang Simpsonville SC
Carolyn Farabee Rock Hill SC
Jarod Feitshans Martinsburg WV
Seth Fellenz Moore SC
Erica Fernandez Hendersonville NC
Nathacha Fertil Greer SC
Anna Fiddelke Fountain Inn SC
Tisha Fields Rock Hill SC
Alyssa Finkbeiner Simpsonville SC
Michael Finley Travelers Rest SC
Lauren Fisher Gastonia NC
Travis Fitzgerald Greer SC
Melanie Floyd Woodstock GA
Hannah Foos Chesnee SC
Graham Ford Gaffney SC
Rachel Forester Swannanoa NC
Lisa Forrester Anderson SC
Katelyn Foster Woodruff SC
Maggie Foster Landrum SC
Parker Foster Newnan GA
Terri Foster Spartanburg SC
Abigail Fowler Campobello SC
Daisy Frankenfield Hopkins SC
Taylor Frier Taylors SC
Koleman Fritz Travelers Rest SC
Kade Fritz Greer SC
Grace Fuller Colfax NC
Aaron Fulton Campobello SC
Morgan Funderburk Hickory Grove SC
Kylie Futrell Hanahan SC
Rhyan Gaff-Epps Manning SC
Abigail Galloway Greenville SC
Abigail Garrett Wellford SC
Abbey Garrett Chesnee SC
Kyleigh Garrick Pickens SC
Jason Gavalda Fair Play SC
Zachary Geerholt Hendersonville TN
Kamryn George Laurens SC
Kyleigh Gibbons Ocala FL
Christiana Gidney Charlotte NC
Callie Gilbert Moore SC
Ethan Gilstrap Williamston SC
Marco Gonzalez Inman SC
Manuel Gonzalez Inman SC
Lauren Gouge Spartanburg SC
Trent Gould Greenville SC
Haviland Graham Edgefield SC
Natisha Grandjean Rock Hill SC
Callie Gray Chesnee SC
Tucker Gray Frankfort MI
Karley Green Cowpens SC
Maggie Green Lexington SC
Meredith Greene Greer SC
Amelia Gregg Inman SC
Blythe Griner Greenville SC
Jessica Gross Seneca SC
Riley Gunter Florence SC
Lexie Gunter Hendersonville NC
Nhat Ha Taylors SC
David Haase Greenville SC
Rebekah Haddad Lithia FL
Garrick Hagen Easley SC
Seth Hall Trussville AL
Nicole Hamacek Greer SC
Henry Hammett Taylors SC
Jenna Hansard Sumter SC
Shannon Hardin Summerville SC
Raeanne Hardin Easley SC
Treasure Hardwick Charleston SC
Karis Harper Anderson SC
Alexa Harriman Mckinney TX
Lucas Hart Inman SC
Angelina Hart Travelers Rest SC
Alison Hartin Travelers Rest SC
Hilary Harvell Belton SC
Caylee Hayes Camden SC
Emma Heard Lexington KY
Matthew Heath West Union SC
Mia Hefner Gaffney SC
Victoria Hefner Terrell NC
Evan Helms Lancaster SC
Joy Henderson Landrum SC
McKenzie Henderson Pickens SC
Anna Hennie Greenfield IN
Abigail Hepner Greenville SC
Valerie Hernandez Greenville SC
Christian Hess New Market VA
Hannah Hill Simpsonville SC
Davey Hilley Fort Stewart GA
Jeffery Hillyard Laurens SC
Shelby Hipps Spartanburg SC
Caleb Hodge Greer SC
Haleigh Holland Vestavia AL
Brittney Holland Lugoff SC
Macy Holter Greeneville TN
Jonathan Hood Williamston SC
Kylie Horton Inman SC
Asheton Howard Greenville SC
Camden Howell Greer SC
Owen Howley Columbia SC
Chloe Hughes Rock Hill SC
Angels Humphries Lexington SC
Taylor Hunt Aiken SC
Giorgiana Hunte Greer SC
Skye Hurst Fort Worth TX
Morgan Hynds Simpsonville SC
Jacob Iannace Summerville SC
Samuel Imeh-Nathaniel Greer SC
Emmanuel Imeh-Nathaniel Greer SC
Tiffany Isgett Hartsville SC
Kabrina Jackson Cayce SC
Nicholas Jaffe Sanford FL
Benjamin Jaminet Easley SC
Hayden Jamison Lexington SC
Emma Jennings Travelers Rest SC
Alexandra Jimenez Columbia SC
Caleb Jiva Taylors SC
Virginia Jodon Greer SC
Macy Johnson Greenville SC
Carly Johnson Kings Mountain NC
Montana Johnson Taylors SC
Rachel Johnson Kings Mountain NC
Daniel Johnson Spartanburg SC
Anslee Johnson Boiling Springs SC
Austin Johnson Union KY
Jacob Johnson Cleveland TN
Natalee Johnson Union SC
Mary Johnson Camden SC
Olivia Jones Honea Path SC
James Jones Greer SC
Joshua Jones Blainville QC
Marianna Jordan Pine Mountain GA
Keila Jules Greenville SC
Madison Kavanaugh Clover SC
Jeremiah Kerns Greer SC
Tarrence Ketter Hartsville SC
Malek Khalil Walhalla SC
Riley Kinard Greer SC
Eli Kinlaw Mount Holly NC
Victoria Kirby Inman SC
Natalie Kitchko Spartanburg SC
Jessica Knepp Greer SC
Christian Knight Rock Hill SC
Alejandria Knight Westminster SC
Madelyn Koon Little Mountain SC
Denver Koon Lexington SC
David Kovalev Charlotte NC
Christopher Krafcky Woodhaven NY
Naomi Kreloff Clearwater FL
Blythe Krueger Chapin SC
Bella Kuckel Inman SC
Harrison Kunselman Simpsonville SC
Libby Lackey Easley SC
Jayce Lamb Cowpens SC
Lindley Lamb Lexington SC
Aleisha Lamb Mint Hill NC
Natalie Lambert Inman SC
Chloe Lane Simpsonville SC
Michaela Lanier Blythewood SC
Emma Lankford Indian Trail NC
Gwinn Lankford Charlotte NC
Danielle LaPlume Loganville GA
Kayla Latham Greenwood SC
Caleb Ledley Blythewood SC
Gracie Lee Conway SC
Porcha Lee Greensboro NC
Conrad Leidheiser Tryon NC
Graham Leonard Inman SC
Blake Lewis Vienna WV
Melissa Liston Woodruff SC
Tabitha Littlefield Taylors SC
Finley Lloyd Monument CO
Nicholas Long Cayce SC
Silas Losh Taylors SC
Julia Low Ridgeland SC
Isabelle Lutzio Simpsonville SC
Corbett Lyda Greenville SC
Haven Lyko Greer SC
Morgan Madden Campobello SC
Gabriel Mangum Jefferson SC
Paul Manukin Travelers Rest SC
Christopher Marbut Greenville SC
Natalie Marcy Columbia SC
Melissa Marlowe Chesnee SC
Morgan Martin Swansea SC
Luke Martin Lexington SC
Jacob Martin York SC
Klayton Mathis Greer SC
Abigail Matson Travelers Rest SC
Lawson Maxey Pickens SC
Vincent Maxfield Chelmsford UK
Carolina Mayer Easley SC
Emma Mayew Clayton DE
Claira Mayhall Gastonia NC
Riley McCall Oak Ridge NC
Leslie McClain Gaffney SC
Chandler McCraw Boiling Springs SC
Abigail McGillis Columbia SC
Sebastian McGown Lexington SC
Kylie Mcilravy Lexington SC
Jennie McMurray Laurens SC
Andrew Mcpeters Campobello SC
Kennedy Mcswain Clover SC
Robert Mcwhorter Pinopolis SC
Kinslee Medlin Seneca SC
Kedrissa Mendoza Greer SC
Alexa Menna Kennesaw GA
Rylee Merrill Inman SC
Jake Meyer Simpsonville SC
Samantha Meyeres Waconia MN
Callie Meyerholtz Clinton SC
Kacey Miller Conway SC
Brenna Miller Dillon SC
Ashlyn Miller Greer SC
Savanah Mims New Ellenton SC
Matthew Mitchell Greer SC
Isabella Mitchell Boiling Springs SC
Erin Mole Varnville SC
Keaton Moore Easley SC
Jordan Moore Lexington SC
SarahAnn Morgan Taylors SC
Chloe Moser Clover SC
Autumn Mossman Greenwood SC
Misti Motte Boiling Springs SC
Sadie Mullinax Travelers Rest SC
Sarah Mullinax Liberty SC
Andrew Mullinax Liberty SC
Sean Mullineaux New Market MD
Noah Murphy Aiken SC
Michael Murray Travelers Rest SC
Stelly Musser Inman SC
Andrew Neilson Winter Garden FL
Linley Nelson Westminster SC
Gabriel Nelson Littleton CO
Kylie Nelson Roswell GA
Makena Newsome Enoree SC
Aimee Nichols Talbotton GA
Rebecca Nicholson Townville SC
Landon Norris Gaffney SC
Cheyenne Norton Greer SC
Joel Nugent Greenville SC
Jose Nunes Greer SC
Abigay Oates Register GA
Kyler Odom Turbeville SC
Aiden Oliver Simpsonville SC
Jasmine Ortiz Gasca Taylors SC
Hale Ottman Lakeland FL
Sharon Outing Columbia SC
Mattie Padgett Seneca SC
Katherine Palm Lexington SC
Rebecca Panagiotacos Swannanoa NC
Tatyanna Parajon Travelers Rest SC
Marjorie Parrillo Winfield Park NJ
William Parris Greenville SC
Owen Patterson Kings Mountain NC
Tiffany Patton Spartanburg SC
Landon Peavy Lancaster SC
Chloe-Michelle Peden Inman SC
Gabriel Pegoraro Sao Bernardo Do Campo SP
Lauren Pendleton Pennsville NJ
Maggie Pennell Newport NC
John Perry Marietta SC
Denise Peters Spartanburg SC
Blake Petteway High Springs FL
Glenda Pharr Catawba SC
Brittany Phillips Roebuck SC
Allisondra Phipps Haverhill MA
Emily Pilarczyk Tega Cay SC
Brandy Pilgrim Simpsonville SC
Abigail Pollard Louisville TN
Hayes Porsche Huntley IL
Emilie Porter Boerne TX
Ryan Potter Matthews NC
Jaycee Potts Westminster SC
Abigail Prince Taylors SC
Melody Proffitt Seneca SC
Eva Rabon Myrtle Beach SC
Eric Ragan Spartanburg SC
Ethan Ragusa Travelers Rest SC
Owen Ragusa Travelers Rest SC
Shaylea Raines Burnsville NC
Joshua Rains Pickens SC
Madison Rampersad Greer SC
Maddison Ramsey Sunset SC
Kendrick Randall York SC
Berakah Rankin Travelers Rest SC
Logan Ratliff Greensboro NC
Braeden Ray Taylors SC
Shana Ray Anderson SC
Daylin Reaves Greer SC
Jordan Rector Hendersonville NC
Anna Reece Pickens SC
Susan Rhodes Spartanburg SC
Lucas Richardson Elgin SC
Callie Richey Laurens SC
Kael Rillie Goleta CA
Sarah Ritorto Simpsonville SC
Kadan Roach Moore SC
Kaitlyn Robertson Greer SC
Sharda’ Robinson Mauldin SC
Evelyn Roderer Travelers Rest SC
Anabelle Rodriguez Greenville SC
Elijah Rogers Easley SC
Ronald Rose Greer SC
Alexis Rossie Greer SC
Logan Rudisill Greenville SC
Madalyn Rumple Lugoff SC
Merena Russeau Lexington SC
Jennifer Russell Travelers Rest SC
Ashley Russell Travelers Rest SC
Grace Salter Alexandria VA
Alyssa Samples Travelers Rest SC
Aubree Sangster Minneola FL
Paola Santiago San Juan PR
Stephen Santini Fort Collins CO
Abigail Sarratt Blacksburg SC
Michael Saulen inman SC
Thomas Schilling Brandon FL
Emma Schubert Greer SC
Elijah Scott Travelers Rest SC
Morgan Scott Simpsonville SC
Mckenzie Scott Greenville SC
Lydia Scott Moss Point MS
Brooke Scruggs Columbus GA
Thristan Searchfield Greenville SC
Sebastian Seigler West Union SC
Emma Sepko Greer SC
Micah Shelton Marshville NC
Julia Shennan Taylors SC
Cameran Sherman Landrum SC
Rachel Sherrod Williamsburg VA
Avery Shope Fort Mill SC
Riley Shope Fort Mill SC
Jacob Shuford Aiken SC
Rebecca Simpson Due West SC
Jackson Sims Fort Mill SC
Lauren Sims Greer SC
Hannah Siniard Penrose NC
Jaclyn Skinner Beaufort SC
Elizabeth Slocum Walterboro SC
Jacob Smith Inman SC
Destiny Smith Hartsville SC
Caroline Smith Gulf Breeze FL
Rachel Smith North SC
Austin Smith Honea Path SC
Delaney Smith Fountain Inn SC
Jackson Smith Chanhassen MN
Hope Sneller Fletcher NC
Amy Solesbee Boiling Springgs SC
Bhassakon Songvejkasem Bangkok ZZ
Ca’Darrius Sowell Kershaw SC
Morgan Spakes Inman SC
Nathanael Spearman Easley SC
Clayton Stancil Charleston SC
Matthew Stanley Greenville SC
Nilska Stanley Travelers Rest SC
Mabry Steele Lexington SC
Neo Stengel Pleinfeld BV
Madison Stephens Taylors SC
Kathryn Stepkoski Birmingham AL
Ethan Sterling Simpsonville SC
Jadon Stevens Matthews NC
Micah Stewart Vancouver WA
Madelyn Stone Belton SC
Nathan Storch Moore SC
John Stottlemire Little Elm TX
Corrina Strandell Marietta SC
Hallie Stumbo Greenwood SC
Ethan Sudsberry New Port Richey FL
Amelia Suggs Gaston SC
Rheanne Sullivan Tigerville SC
Cecelia Sundell Lexington SC
Anna Sutherland Williamston SC
Matthew Swier Lexington SC
Nicklaus Tangney Palatine IL
Kaitlyn Taylor Fountain Inn SC
McKenzie Taylor Camden SC
Natalie Taylor Garner NC
Dominick Terlizzi Aiken SC
Jaycie Thigpen Hickory NC
Jaxson Thigpen Hickory NC
Hannah Thomas Chester SC
Kinsey Thomas Waxhaw NC
Miriam Thomas Natick MA
Josiah Thomas Pine Mountain GA
Amber Thomason Spartanburg SC
William Thompkins Ladson SC
Marissa Thompson Simpsonville SC
Faith Thompson Mineral Bluff GA
Lauren Thorpe Clover SC
Elijah Threatt Boiling Springs SC
Christo Timini Limassol ZZ
Dylan Timms Travelers Rest SC
Leigh Anne Tisdale Nesmith SC
Embre Todd Raleigh NC
Weston Tolsma Simpsonville SC
Justin Toney Newton NC
Max Topham Paragonah UT
Abby Trent Marietta GA
Hunter Truluck Florence SC
Abigail Tully Wilkesboro NC
Megan Turner Inman SC
Grace Turner Yuba City CA
Seth Upton Marietta SC
Julia Van Dine Charlotte NC
Tatianna Vasquez Charlotte NC
Kyle Venturini Hatfield PA
Skyler Vicino simpsonville SC
Thomas Vinson Williamston SC
Layla Voiselle Union SC
Abrielle VonCannon Conway SC
Olivia Wade Liberty SC
Karisa Waldt Kings Mountain NC
Madison Walker Ladson SC
Samantha Wall Statesville NC
Savannah Walls Fort Mill SC
Asher Warner Lyman SC
Sarah Warren Varnville SC
Hannah Waters Kannapolis NC
Lauren Waters Easley SC
Jaycee Watkins Bakersfield CA
Kelsey Watson Lancaster SC
Aaron Watson Camden SC
Nathanael Watson Liberty SC
Elijah Wease Chesnee SC
Laila Weaver Wellford SC
Emily Weaver Taylors SC
Braelyn Webb Gray Court SC
Michael Weed Indian Land SC
Noah Weiss Landrum SC
Carmen Wells Greer SC
Samuel Wells Harleysville PA
Gary Wenzel Mohrsville PA
Ashley West Pauline SC
Charles Westbury Greenville SC
Harper Whaley Kershaw SC
Jacob Whatley Taylors SC
Erin Wheaton Pompano Beach FL
Caroline Whitt Abbeville SC
Abigail Wilcox Simpsonville SC
Kristen Wilke Simpsonville SC
Kelsey Wilkes Florence SC
Emily Wilkey Marietta SC
Jude Wilkey Greenville SC
Dalton Wilkins Summerfield NC
Blakely Williams Pelzer SC
Caleb Williams Flowery Branch GA
Esperanza Williams Coeur d’ Alene ID
Matthew Williams Taylors SC
Salena Williams Spartanburg SC
Savannah Williamson West Union SC
David Wilson Myrtle Beach SC
Aubrey Winstead Archer Lodge NC
Meredith Wirth Gastonia NC
Sara Wolgamott Gray Court SC
Kristen Womack North Augusta SC
Joshua Wood Walnut Creek CA
Ainsley Woodham Marietta GA
Carson Woodham Bennettsville SC
Catherine Woods Fountain Inn SC
Mikayla Woodward Nipawin CN
Macy Wooten Taylors SC
Caleb Wright Tigerville SC
Charmaine Wright Yemassee SC
Hannah Wyant Simpsonville SC
Delaney Yarboro Kings Mountain NC
Anna Yelton Cowpens SC
Grace Yoder Carrollton GA
Nathaniel Yon Gilbert SC
Savannah Yopp Gastonia NC
Abigail Young Greer SC
Keenan Zahm Easley SC
Antonella Zambrano Lawrenceville GA
Emily Zambrano-Passalacqua Lawrenceville GA
Enxu Zhang Spartanburg SC
Anna Zimmerman Campobello SC

Johnson Encourages Graduates to Ponder Legacy They Will Leave

Tigerville, SC—Implored to live a life in service to the Lord, 301 51Թ students had their degrees conferred during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 3, at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.  

Dr. Walter Johnson, founding dean of 51Թ’s College of Christian Studies, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, which capped the academic year at the private university. 

Johnson has served at North Greenville for 32 years and is retiring from his role this month. 

Following a welcome by 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., William C. Tyler, chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, delivered the invocation. 

Graduating seniors Graham Ford and Giorgiana Hunte read passages from Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Matthew 5: 14-16 before the Commencement address to graduates and guests.  

Johnson opened his remarks by reading 2 Timothy 4:7, which says “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 

“When Paul wrote this, he was looking retrospectively. What I want us to do is look forward at our own lives,” Johnson said. “Look at this verse prospectively. Look at it in the future.” 

The Greenville native recalled a question his second-grade teacher asked when he visited her in the hospital 30 years after she had taught him. 

“‘Was I a good teacher?’ That’s the question that an 85-year-old sitting on the side of a hospital bed is going to ask,” he said. “Two things came to mind. The first is ‘that is a very important question.’ The second thought was ‘now is not the time to have asked that question.’ The time to have asked that question was every day that you walked into that classroom.” 

Johnson told graduates they are going to be wondering the same things about their lives.  

“One day when you’re 85 years old and you’re sitting in a hospital room, you’re going to want to know if you did a good job. Were you a good husband or a good wife? Were you a good employer or employee. Were you a good father or a good mother? Whatever place God puts you in to serve, on that day you’re going to want to know, did you do a good job?” 

The assurance of a life well-lived, Johnson said, comes from serving the Lord each day. He recalled another interaction he had with a former teacher—this time his high school chemistry teacher, who had spent decades on mission performing dental work for those in need overseas. 

“This is how you live your life, by getting up every day and praying ‘God help me today to please you.’ When you do that, you’ll come to that day and you’ll have a joy in your heart that you will be thankful for,” he said. 

“Resolve in your heart right now—I am going to give God my best every moment of every day.” 

Retiring from his role after more than three decades as a professor and academic administrator at 51Թ, Johnson was surprised with the awarding of an Honorary Doctor of Divine Letters “in recognition for his classroom excellence, his dedication to serving our community, and his commitment to kingdom work that has been his lifelong passion.” 

“Dr. Johnson is known as a mentor all across the state,” said President Fant. “He has taught probably as many, if not more, students than anybody who has ever taught at the university. He has been deeply influential for so many.” 

Johnson said he was thankful for his tenure of service in Tigerville. 

“51Թ is the place to be,” Johnson said. “It has been a great ride. I’m thankful for it. And if I had the opportunity, I’d do it all over again. It has been a blessing.” 

Following conferring of degrees, Dr. Brian Autry led attendees in a Blessing of the Graduates and graduating seniors Jaylan Brinson and Caden Brannen led the singing of the Alma Mater.

Dr. Kayla Black, director of the Honors Program at 51Թ, delivered the benediction.  

Spring Commencement concluded with a celebratory firework display. 

 

 

Graduate Spotlight 

Lance Calcutt ’24 

“Some of the greatest advice I got in high school was to go get involved—no matter where you end up.” 

Those are the words of Lance Calcutt, who earned his Master of Organizational Leadership from 51Թ Friday night at Younts Stadium in Tigerville.  

Calcutt, a native of Walterboro, SC, spent Thursday afternoon packing up his things at 51Թ’s admissions office, where he had been serving as a graduate assistant.  

Now with plans to join the United States Air Force and begin medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, Calcutt spent some time reflecting on his time at 51Թ.   

“When I got here, I fell in love with this place,” he said. “Our core values sum up what we’re about. If you want to surround yourself with faculty, staff, students, and leadership who care about you and want to see you succeed, this is the right place.” 

Calcutt always had an idea of what his calling might be, but through his coursework, that calling was confirmed. 

“I come from a household of physicians. Both my parents are physicians and my sister just graduated from North Greenville’s PA school. For a while, it wasn’t something I wanted to do, but the more I dug into my biology courses, the more I became fascinated by God’s greatest creation—the human body. I started feeling called to medicine, and more specifically, surgery,” he said. 

Military service was also a priority for Calcutt. 

I’ve always thought it would be cool to serve my country. I just didn’t know in what capacity I could do so because I also wanted to pursue medicine,” he said. 

Calcutt managed to find a scholarship program within the Air Force that would allow him to serve his country as a physician will pursuing his career.  

Hard work has always been the formula for success for Calcutt, who joined North Greenville’s football team as a walk-on punter and worked his way to an all-conference selection during his final year of eligibility. His time on the field and working as a graduate assistant have helped him develop the leadership skills he will need for his path ahead. 

“Being in a position of leadership is tough sometimes,” he said. “Tensions can run high, and you can have a lot of different opinions. You have to learn how to truly care for people and love them.” 

Calcutt’s advice to North Greenville students is the same advice he got as a high school senior: get involved.  

“The best parts of college are not found sitting in your room. You have to branch out. “Walking into the cafeteria at North Greenville, I can always find someone to sit with that I know. But it’s also important to find people you don’t know and make a new friend. That’s the beauty of North Greenville’s community and It’s why I love it so much,” he said. 

Calcutt said 51Թ served as the perfect springboard for his career.  

“Whether you want to become the next politician or physician, North Greenville is going to prepare you for the next step in your life,” he said. 

North Greenville Seeks to Honor History, Blaze Trail With New Mascot

Tigerville, SC—The oldest college in the foothills of Greenville County is honoring its historic roots while pointing to the future with the announcement of a new athletics mascot.

51Թ revealed the mascot – Trailblazers – to a packed campus dining hall during a late-night student breakfast Monday evening. The event, designed to offer a festive atmosphere for the start of final examination week, included the surprise announcement, as well as a video introduction of the mascot graphics.

Depicted by a red fox, the mascot change will be effective June 15. The name was selected as a nod to the foothills heritage of the institution, while acknowledging the university’s mission of equipping graduates to be “transformational leaders for church and society.” Tigerville, the site of the traditional campus, is near the historic Tugaloo Trail and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

“Our University was founded by trailblazers who wanted to create educational opportunities for local youth. For 132 years, we have sought to serve students as they journey toward fulfilling God’s calling for their lives,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Many of our graduates have gone on to blaze paths of excellence in ministry, education, business, the arts, and other fields. As the Trailblazers, we are both embracing our history and pointing to tomorrow. This distinctive mascot is historical, contemporary, and aspirational for our athletic teams, and the entire 51Թ community.”

The announcement of the new mascot is the culmination of a process that spanned several years. A task force led by athletics and comprised of members from across campus, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, 51Թ board and administration assessed the institution’s current and former mascots, and a unanimous recommendation was made to engage a consultant to assist with the identification and development of a new mascot.

Rickabaugh Graphics, a nationally recognized firm which has developed branding artwork for NCAA, NFL, and NBA teams, was selected. Founded in 1986, the company has a collegiate client list highlighted by The Ohio State University, the University of Iowa, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Texas, Indiana University, North Carolina State University, and Baylor University. The company worked with a cross-campus 51Թ team to develop the Trailblazers logo and brand identity graphics.

“‘Trailblazers’ is a fitting name for our student-athletes, as well as the broader 51Թ community,” said 51Թ Executive Vice President Rich Grimm, who facilitated the 51Թ team’s work with Rickabaugh Graphics. “Trailblazers are innovators, leaders, pioneers, and adventurers. Like our students and student-athletes, they negotiate a path forward through the unknown and establish a trail for others to follow.”

The committee selected the red fox, which is native to the area, according to Grimm, “because the animal displays qualities that also embody a Trailblazer. The red fox is clever, resourceful, wise, fast, tenacious, and brave, and it adapts to its ever-changing environment while continually expanding its territory.”

Rickabaugh Graphics’ explanation of the logo design notes that it includes “rich symbolism that is very appropriate for 51Թ. The overall shield shape represents both the strength and unity on campus. The top crest of the shield is a nod to the local geography of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And finally, the red fox is focused on the North Star which has long been a guiding light for explorers. This light symbolizes both ‘reaching for the stars’ and ‘setting one’s sights high,’ and of course underscores the fact that 51Թ has long been referred to as ‘a light on the hill.’”

“From an athletics perspective, I believe our student-athletes and alumni will quickly embrace our new mascot,” said Jan McDonald, 51Թ’s director of athletics. “The Trailblazers reflect our area, and having a red fox as our mascot will represent 51Թ and our geographic area well. This is an exciting moment for the university. The committee and Rickabaugh Graphics did an outstanding job in this major undertaking. We truly are blazing trails of success as we equip our student-athletes for lives of leadership and service.”

“I am excited about the direction that North Greenville is going,” said 2023 student-athlete alumnus Lance Calcutt, who will complete a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the university this spring. “A Trailblazer is a true embodiment of our university, representing our ability to be frontrunners in our future careers, church, and society. My time at 51Թ has given me a deep love for my alma mater, and I am proud to now call myself a Trailblazer. Even as my time here comes to an end, I am so excited for what the future holds at 51Թ.”

North Greenville has been represented by five distinct mascots in its history, and has embraced the “Crusaders” since 2001. The earliest recorded mascot was the “Moonshiners,’’ which was used in a 1924 Greenville News article about the school’s football team. In 1950, North Greenville Junior College students voted to employ the “Black Widow Spiders” as the mascot, yielding the long-standing black and red school colors. Three years later, the mascot was changed to the “Mountaineers” or “Mounties,” which was employed for 48 years. From 1958-69, the college’s women’s basketball team was called the “Lassies.”

Lamont Sullivan, 51Թ senior associate vice president for alumni engagement and athletics development, who wore the “Mounties” name as a member of North Greenville’s football team in the 1990s, said the Trailblazers name will create a positive new legacy.

“This iconic term perfectly aligns with our school’s values and mission, and I cannot wait to see our students and alumni continue to blaze new trails in their lives and careers,” said Sullivan. “We are excited about new students and friends joining our 51Թ Trailblazers community and being part of our legacy of excellence.”

Following the mascot announcement, students received 51Թ Trailblazer t-shirts and other branded items marking the moment. University officials said apparel and other gear with the new mascot name and logo is being developed and will be available this summer through the 51Թ Campus Store and other outlets.

The late night announcement, , was shared with 51Թ alumni in a social media post which coincided with the on-campus mascot reveal.

51Թ Announces Launch of New PPE Degree

Tigerville, SC—51Թ (51Թ) will launch a new degree program this fall.

51Թ’s Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) is a 122-credit-hour program designed to equip high-achieving students in essential areas of civic leadership.

“This degree balances depth and breadth in a way that is unique among majors,” said Dr. Paul Thompson, Jr., Dean of 51Թ’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

Studying fundamental societal issues, PPE students will become well-versed in multiple disciplines and gain soft skills in ethical and prudential decision-making, clear and precise writing, analytical and critical thinking, and empirical understanding.

“The students that choose this program are going to be very important utility players who are going to excel in many different areas,” said Dr. Nicholas Higgins, department chair of Political Science, and Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies at 51Թ.

“This program combines the excellence we have in economics and business, Christian studies, and political science into one coherent and clear path for students to follow what the Lord has called them to do. This program is for the ambitious student who wishes to think deeply and understand significant areas of social influence,” he said.

Higgins said the roots of the PPE degree trace back to Oxford University in the 1920s, citing that politics, philosophy and economics were seen as the three legs of societal leadership.

“This is training to make a complete leader,” he said. “This program was designed as a way to train potential leaders with the skills that are necessary to think independently and biblically in key areas of economics, policy, and civic leadership.”

In addition to preparing students for leadership in church and society, Thompson said the degree will equip students with the skills needed to pursue graduate degrees such as a Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Divinity.  

“Many students who do this program are already going to be inclined to go to graduate school, and they are going to be perfectly set up to pursue many different paths,” Thompson said.

51Թ is the only university in South Carolina to offer the politics, philosophy, and economics degree, and is one of only two Biblically faithful schools in the Southeast with the degree opportunity.

For more information, visit go.ngu.edu/ppe-prg.

Johnson to Address Graduates at Spring Commencement on May 3

Tigerville, SC—Dr. Walter Johnson, founding dean of 51Թ’s College of Christian Studies, will deliver the keynote address at the university’s spring commencement ceremony on May 3 in Tigerville.

Johnson is completing 32 years as a professor and academic administrator at 51Թ. With the conclusion of the academic year, he will retire from his role.

“His legacy at the university—and in Baptist life around the world—is incredibly deep and lasting,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “I have been grateful for his support and encouragement since I arrived and have found him to be a very important advisor.”

Johnson, who has played a foundational role in the renaissance at 51Թ over the last three decades, holds a PhD and Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from Furman University.

Prior to joining the faculty at 51Թ, Johnson served as a pastor for eleven years.

Known for his unwavering commitment to the authority of the Scriptures, his keen intellect, and his deep love for the Lord and his students, Johnson has impacted the lives and ministries of many South Carolina Baptist pastors.

He has continued to impact dozens of churches in North Carolina and South Carolina by serving in roles as Interim Pastor. He also taught courses at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and at Baptist Seminary in Djakarta, Indonesia.

Johnson is a past recipient of 51Թ’s Lamar S. Chapman Meritorious Award and the South Carolina Independent Colleges & University’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Johnson and his wife, Deanna, have three children, Ashley, Jacob, and Kristy, all of whom attended 51Թ.

51Թ’s spring commencement is set for 7 p.m. on May 3 at Younts Stadium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are not required.