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Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� will launch its Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program in 2026, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The program will be the third offered under 51�Թ�’s College of Allied Health.

“Our mission is to create transformational leaders for church and society, and we see this as a big way for us to do that in the field of medicine,” said Dr. Jordan Hairr, dean of 51�Թ�’s College of Allied Health. “Medicine touches every type of person in every area of their life. We hope that we are graduating students who are prepared to be leaders and are thinkers in their field. This program is only going to enhance our reputation in the medical community, especially here in the Upstate.”

51�Թ�’s Doctor of Medical Science will be led by Dr. Hairr and Dr. Carson Moore. Hairr completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the Medical University of South Carolina, working as a hospitalist prior to joining 51�Թ�. He also earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) from 51�Թ� and served as the founding dean for 51�Թ�’s College of Allied Health.

Moore is a graduate of 51�Թ�’s PA Medicine program and has earned a Doctor of Medical Science at Butler University.

“I’m really looking forward to developing students who are engaged in medical research. This is not a research degree, but we want students to be able to interpret medical literature, analyze it for any faults or confounding factors, and decide whether it is worth applying to clinical practice,” Moore said. “This is a way for practicing PAs to discuss the rapidly changing healthcare landscape with the constant onslaught of new medications, procedures and interventions.”

Hairr said the program is an important addition to his college.

“This offers a pathway for our PA graduates who are working clinically to get doctoral level training,” Hairr said. “Our educational track will provide that needed training for PAs to transition from clinical practice into teaching.”

“We’re also doing a track that is more clinical heavy,” Moore added. “That will be a spot where we can set ourselves apart from other programs.”

Moore said the degree will increase opportunities for Physician Assistants.

“This degree will assist PAs in clinical practice and open opportunities in other aspects of medicine,” he said. “We need PAs in leadership, in administration, and other fields. This is a path to get them there.”

Learn more about the program and how to apply at .

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) is continuing to see enrollment growth and national recognition for academic excellence, as the university welcomed its second largest class in the last seven years.��

With a total enrollment of more than 2,270 students, 51�Թ� reported an increase in new traditional undergraduate students for the second consecutive year, bringing in a class of 556 students.��

While 72 percent of new students are South Carolina residents, the 2025 class represents 20 states and 13 countries.��

“We are delighted with this year’s freshman class, with their unique mixture of energy, intellect, and faith,” said 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We continue to see rising demand for North Greenville’s academic community, and we are grateful for the trust we enjoy from students and their families.”��

Student life in Tigerville reflects the enrollment growth trends, with more than 1,200 students taking advantage of campus housing. This number marks a three-year high at 51�Թ�.��

Outside the Tigerville campus, fully online undergraduate programs experienced a 3.5 percent increase year-over-year, while graduate enrollment grew by 10 percent, underscoring 51�Թ�’s commitment to serving students at every stage of their educational journey.��

“51�Թ�’s non-traditional and graduate programs serve important segments of our region’s workforce and ministry needs,” President Fant said. “Our graduates are highly sought-after for their excellent preparation and disciplined work habits. We are particularly excited to note record enrollment in our high-demand graduate programs.”��

Chad Peters, 51�Թ�’s Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, said the figures represent collaborative work across the university and a unified mission.��

“These successful enrollment figures are a direct result of the diligent and collaborative work completed across campus by our incredible staff and faculty,” said Chad Peters, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at 51�Թ�. “Students are drawn to 51�Թ�’s ongoing commitment to preparing graduates to be transformational leaders for church and society. The momentum we are experiencing highlights the fact that students and families see the value of a Christ-centered education provided at 51�Թ�.”��

51�Թ�’s momentum is reflected in recent national rankings. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges list, 51�Թ� is recognized as one of the Best Regional Universities in the South, ranking No. 42 overall. The university also earned recognition as a Best Value School (No. 36) and a Top Performer on Social Mobility (No. 33), highlighting its mission-driven commitment to accessibility and student success.��

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality and place an emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating college students.����

“51�Թ� is ‘mission-focused,’ which means that external markers and evaluations are not our primary focus, but we believe that as we refine and uplift our Christ-first mission, we will see recognitions for our excellence and vitality,” President Fant said. “We particularly rejoice in seeing the affirmation of our work with first-generation students who seek financial value in their educational experience.”��

With enrollment on the rise, 51�Թ� officials continue to plan for and invest in future generations.��

In August, 51�Թ� unveiled its new five-year strategic plan, 51�Թ�2030: Building for the Future. The plan addresses academic programs, financial stability, engagement, and operations, with the goal of strengthening 51�Թ�’s mission to cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.��

As part of that plan, the university announced this month that it will launch three new programs in the Fall of 2026. These programs include:����

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) in the College of Allied Health, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, with two tracks in Clinical Practice and Education.��

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry in the College of Humanities and Sciences.��

• Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership, reimagining the previous program with new curriculum focused on outdoor recreation management, experiential learning, and leadership development.����

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Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, 51�Թ� offers more than 120 areas of study through traditional and fully online programs. 51�Թ� is Christ-Centered, Mission-Focused, Academically Excellent, and Biblically Faithful, standing ready to cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.

Tigerville, SC —51�Թ� will add a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry in the Fall of 2026.

The new program will serve as the second natural science major in 51�Թ�’s College of Humanities and Sciences.

“At North Greenville, we view faith and science as a single entity,” said Dr. Ronald Marks, professor of Chemistry at 51�Թ�. “When a student is studying science, we’re telling them that they are studying the creator’s handiwork. We don’t want our students to simply be successful scientists, as fulfilling as that might be. We want them to be scientists who understand the creator and do their work for his purposes and his glory.”

According to Marks, the Biochemistry degree was designed to provide students with problem solving skills through upper-level chemistry courses that will offer necessary training and meet prerequisite requirements for graduate school.

“We are providing an academically solid and rigorous pathway for students who have an interest in research or biotech,” said Dr. Paul Thompson, Dean of 51�Թ�’s College of Humanities and Sciences. “It allows us to reach students that we haven’t been able to reach before,” Thompson said.

New chemistry courses introduced with this major are: Biochemistry II, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Lab, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry

“The classes are going to give the students more options and skills,” said Dr. Aaron Mood, associate professor of Chemistry at 51�Թ�. “For example, in the Analytical Chemistry Lab, students are going to learn a lot of skills that they won’t find anywhere else on campus that they can then take on to their jobs or graduate school.”

Marks said the new offerings will add depth to the science curriculum and challenge aspiring scientists and doctors at 51�Թ�.

“There’s a theory that says the language you speak affects how you think,” Marks said. “A person that only speaks German thinks in a different way than I do. In the same way, a person who is taking chemistry is going to have a different way of thinking and processing than someone who takes English or History. It’s not better or worse. It’s just different. Introducing that language to our students is going to help them think in new ways and it will serve as another method for cultivating transformational leaders for church and society.”

For more information about Biochemistry at 51�Թ�, visit .

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Tigerville, SC—The 51�Թ� (51�Թ�) community is participating in 100 hours of Scripture reading on the school’s Tigerville campus this week.

51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. kicked off the annual event at 8 am on Sept. 15 by reading from Genesis 1 in front of Todd Prayer Chapel.

“100 Hours in Scripture has become a foundational tradition at 51�Թ�,” said Jared Thomas, VP Campus Ministries and Student Engagement at 51�Թ�.

This is the ninth year that 51�Թ� has participated in this campus wide event, emphasizing the university’s core values of being Christ-centered and biblically faithful.

“Through the process of reading Scripture over our campus across 100 straight hours we remind our campus community that the Word of God is the foundation of all truth and is the primary guiding light in the paths of our lives,” said Thomas.

The event will run through Friday at noon. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in this event. A sign-up sheet for a reading slot is available outside of the Prayer Chapel.

Former 51�Թ� Trustee Jimmy Cox died September 6, 2025. The Taylors, South Carolina, businessman was 88.

“Jimmy Cox was unwavering in his commitment to honoring God through his work and his talents,” said 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He was a co-laborer in many ministry endeavors, and an encourager for those who were blessed to know him. As an 51�Թ� board member when I was elected president, he was very encouraging to me. His generous contributions to our university and our people will continue to make a difference in our Christ-honoring mission.”

Born in Easley, SC, on March 23, 1937, Cox was the eldest of 13 siblings. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Jean, for 67 years.

Cox, a U.S. Navy veteran, was owner and operator of Walker & Whiteside Electrical Contractors in Greenville. The longtime member of Mountain Creek Baptist Church served two terms on 51�Թ�’s Board of Trustees, from 2008-2012, and 2014-2018. Through his personal and company investments, Cox supported 51�Թ� scholarships, capital projects, campus security, and athletics programs. Walker & Whiteside was instrumental in providing lighting for 51�Թ� athletic venues.

In addition to his active local church service, Cox was a volunteer with Miracle Hill Ministries, and Gideons International.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters Kelly Betsill (Benjamin), and Debra Cox Holcombe (Matt); son Jim Cox, II (Charlene); sisters Betty Lou Duncan, Floree Pettit and Susie Cox; and brother Hoke Cox; grandchildren, Caleb Cox (Anna), Elise Wiesner (Rob), Casey Cox, Brett Betsill, Bayley Betsill, Tyler Holcombe (Cory), Cameron Keen (Mark John), Zach Holcombe (Amy) and 12 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service celebrating his life was at Mountain Creek Baptist Church on the afternoon of September 10, with burial at Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Tigerville, S.C.—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) will welcome alumni, friends, churches, and ministry partners to the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund (CMSF) Fall Dinner on Thursday, September 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Moore Hall of the Hayes Ministry Center.

This year’s program features guest speaker Jay Hardwick (’99), pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and former Associate Executive Director-Treasurer and Chief Strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The evening will also include special recognition of Dr. Steve Crouse, celebrating how God has used his leadership of CMSF across the years; reflections from current CMSF Scholars; remarks from 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr.; and worship led by Joyful Sound.

“CMSF is one of the clearest expressions of 51�Թ�’s mission—linking generous givers with called students to accelerate gospel impact,” said Marty O’Gwynn, 51�Թ�’s Vice President for Advancement and University Engagement. “We invite friends across our state and beyond to join us on September 16 to honor Dr. Crouse, hear how God is using our scholars, and invest in the next generation of servant-leaders for the Church.”

51�Թ� the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1997 by 85 charter members, the CMSF endowment has surpassed $5 million, with 100% of proceeds applied directly to scholarships for students pursuing traditional undergraduate degrees related to Christian ministry. Today, CMSF alumni serve worldwide as pastors, youth ministers, missionaries, church planters, worship leaders, chaplains, counselors, and more.

Scholarship eligibility (summary): Applicants must be born-again Christians responding to God’s call to ministry; be admitted to or enrolled in a traditional undergraduate program at 51�Թ�; provide a pastor’s recommendation; maintain a 2.5 GPA; engage in a local church; and attend three CMSF dinners each academic year. First-time recipients also interview with the CMSF Board of Directors.

How to Participate

Guests may support CMSF by attending the dinner on September 16 by and by making a one-time gift or by becoming an annual member (donating $200 or more per year). Event proceeds and memberships directly expand scholarships for called students preparing for ministry.

Make contributions by check or online through the secured . Your gift is tax-deductible. To include the CMSF in your legacy planning, contact John Swafford at john.swafford@ngu.edu or 864.977.7014.

For more information about the program or to arrange other giving options, contact Marty O’Gwynn at Marty.O’Gwynn@ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) hosted its annual Global Impact Week from September 8-10.

Each year, 51�Թ� emphasizes the importance and impact of global missions through this conference, encouraging students to participate in the Lord’s Kingdom work through short-term and long-term mission opportunities.

Mike Taylor, executive director of Greater Europe Mission, was the keynote speaker for chapel services.

Taylor taught on Isaiah 6:1-9, encouraging students to recognize the holiness of God, repent of their sin and worldliness, and respond to God’s invitation.

“[God] is inviting you to go. He is inviting you to be. He is inviting you to serve,” Taylor said during his message.

As Taylor emphasized the significance of responding to the Lord’s invitation to go, be, and serve, he also offered practical ways in which they participate in this commandment.

“Your greatest commodity is your attention,” said Taylor. “The second greatest commodity is your time.”

In addition to the chapel services, students had the opportunity to learn more about global missions through talking with missionaries from different organizations, participating in cultural surprises sampling international foods, and praying for the nations in front of Todd Prayer Chapel. University sponsored mission trips for the upcoming Spring semester and summer were also announced during Wednesday’s chapel.

“I sensed a genuine openness to the movement of God’s Spirit among our students and, I believe, a willingness to let go of personal plans and pursuits for the sake of His greater Kingdom purpose,” said Allen McWhite, director of missions at 51�Թ�.

McWhite emphasized how important Global Impact Week is to the 51�Թ� community as it focuses on the university’s core values of being Christ-centered, biblically faithful, and mission-focused. He is also excited how the Lord will use faculty, staff, and students in reaching the nations for Christ.

“I look forward, in the days and weeks ahead, to seeing how this all works out in terms of students joining us for our weekly Wednesday morning prayer for the nations, our monthly missional community gatherings, signing up to be part of one of our 51�Թ� Send Teams, and continuing to meet with our 51�Թ� missions faculty and staff to further explore how the unique giftings and passions of our students can be channeled into the missionary task,” said McWhite. “Hopefully and prayerfully, this week was just the beginning of seeing God’s working among our students and His raising up of a new generation of laborers to be sent out into His spiritual harvest fields among the nations, both right here in our own North America and extending to the remotest parts of the earth.”

“You cannot be a ‘transformational leader’ unless you have been transformed by Christ.”��

51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. opened the academic year with that challenge for students, faculty, and staff during the university’s annual convocation ceremony on the morning of Aug. 25. ��

“We can teach you all kinds of things, but in the end, if we do not emphasize that your relationship with Christ is what drives your outcomes, we have failed to make a difference in your lives,” he said.��

President Fant used his convocation address to highlight passages in Genesis 1 & 2 and in Romans 12, defining 51�Թ�’s mission statement and what it means to become a transformational leader.��

“The phrase transformational leadership at North Greenville is deeply rooted in Romans 12:2, which says, ‘Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God,’” President Fant said. “Paul is saying ‘don’t be schematized by the pagans and become one of them, but instead, let your mind be made new by God and his word and the pursuit of his will.”��

He went on to describe how God offers transformation for those who are in Christ.��

“In the opening of Genesis, God transforms the world from something chaotic and void and formless, into the highly structured and organized world we recognize,” President Fant said. “When the Spirit of God comes in contact with us, we are transformed and made alive. A fully operating understanding of the universe requires wearing a set of lenses that are focused on Christ as foundational to knowledge because Christ is the source of all knowledge.”��

President Fant challenged students, faculty, and staff to measure their outcomes in relation to the work Christ is doing and has accomplished in their lives.��

“If we start with outcomes, which is the great temptation of higher education, we are seduced by an old challenge to Christianity, which is emphasizing our works, our actions, and our compliance with rules rather than the work of Christ himself,” he said. “We can accumulate degrees, credentials, accomplishments, and recognitions. We think about our obituaries and how long they’ll be. We can become puffed up and quite obnoxious in our self-recognition. I’ve seen these things too often in my career in the classroom because it’s rooted in an awareness that I’ve seen these things in my own heart, my own mind, and my own life.”��

The remedy for this pursuit of self-recognition, President Fant said, is acknowledgement that all our accomplishments come from the Lord.����

“When we are arrogant, especially as intellectuals, we focus on our self-perceived outcomes and not on the input of the one who positioned us to do these things,” he said. “Anything we do, anything we accomplish is out of an overflow of what God is doing in us.”��

Citing Ephesians 2, President Fant encouraged the 51�Թ� community to put off their old way of life in pursuit of true transformation.��

“We believe that when you leave this campus, you’ll be a transformational leader,” President Fant said. “A university education will make you a leader globally, but a 51�Թ� education will make you a transformational leader.”��

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) College of Communication and Fine Arts Professor Fabio Parrini has been inducted into the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.

The Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame is a prestigious designation recognizing educators who foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists.

Parrini, who has been a music professor at 51�Թ� since 1996, said he was honored by the designation.

“I am very grateful to Mark and Katherine Love for nominating me, to Steinway and Sons, to 51�Թ�, and to my students, who really did all the work,” said Parrini.

His journey as a musician started as a child when he began taking music lessons along with his siblings.

“My three siblings and I started taking music lessons as children and eventually became professional musicians,” he said. “Our parents were not but believed in music as an important component of education.”

Through the influence of his music teachers, Parrini’s passion and love for music grew, deepening his appreciation for the performing arts.

“At first it was probably more attention-seeking on my part than genuine love of music, but I was very fortunate in meeting teachers who were first-rate performing artists and took the time to steer my attention to the real value of music and give me sensible advice,” he said.

Parrini’s appreciation for music continues today through the influence of his family.

“My wife, Sherry, and our kids, Maria and Sam, all musicians as well, continue to provide me with good examples to follow,” said Parrini.

As he reflects on his teaching career, Parrini said he is encouraged by the success of his students and the camaraderie of his colleagues.

“Several of our piano program graduates found their calling as active musicians, and we were thrilled to welcome them back as colleagues in our department. All of my colleagues have been an unimaginable source of strength through the years,” he said.

On behalf of the university, 51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker recognized Parrini for his achievement.

“Steinway has been one of the best friends music education has ever had in the United States. We are beyond thrilled to have a beloved faculty member honored as part of the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame,” he said. “It is a distinction Professor Parrini has earned over many years of music instruction. We are so grateful both for his work and for this recognition of it.”

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) President Gene C. Fant, Jr. unveiled the university’s new strategic plan, “51�Թ�2030: Building for the Future,” to faculty and staff on Wednesday, Aug. 13.  ��

The plan’s development was guided by a 19-member steering committee representing students, trustees, alumni, academic, and administrative areas. ��

“51�Թ�2030 articulates our dedication to forging new paths that advance our shared mission. By prioritizing faithfulness, fidelity, sustainability, financial stability, and the development of our students, faculty, and staff, we will continue to lead the way toward equipping students to be transformational leaders in church and society,” said President Fant. “Together, we will blaze new trails fostering success, faith, and growth for generations to come.” ��

The plan is structured with four “pillars” addressing programs, finances, engagement, and operations, connected to a foundational mission for the university. Goals within the plan include ongoing improvement of university facilities and infrastructure, adoption of new, cutting-edge programs, optimizing university revenue streams, and more.   ��

“51�Թ�2030 is the second strategic plan of the Fant administration,” noted Rich Grimm, 51�Թ� executive vice president who facilitated the committee’s work. “It builds on the many accomplishments that were made under the first plan, 51�Թ�2025: Foundations for the Future, and with God’s help, sets a path for this next five-year period. We’re grateful for the steering committee’s effort to shepherd the process that led to this new plan.” ��

Accomplishments from 51�Թ�2025: Foundations for the Future included: renovations of administrative buildings, student spaces, athletic facilities and, and housing across campus. 51�Թ�’s 2025 plan saw the addition of 51�Թ� Central, the 1892 Place, and the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center to serve as a home for 51�Թ�’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship.  ��

President Fant said 51�Թ�2030 is a continuation of a mission that began in Tigerville in 1892.��

“Rooted in our core values—Christ-Centered, Academically Excellent, Biblically Faithful, and Mission-Focused—this plan is both grounded and forward-thinking, building upon the progress represented in our previous plan,” he said. “It deepens our relationship with the community, continuing to enhance operational areas for efficiency, and launching new programs that will continue to prepare our students for their life’s calling.” ��

“I appreciated hearing the perspectives of representatives from across the community,” said Lee Bjornsen, 51�Թ� director of Institutional effectiveness, and a member of the steering committee. “Student learning and development, in and out of the classroom, is always a priority, as well as investing in the faculty and staff who serve diligently in their respective areas. Good stewardship of our resources and identifying innovative, efficient ways to do our work were common themes in our discussions. I am eager to see how God will use this plan to build a strong future for 51�Թ�.” ��

Abigail Wilson, a senior graphic design major who will graduate this fall, said she is excited by the 51�Թ�2030 plan and the vision of university leadership.  ��

“It is encouraging to know that future students will get to enjoy new things that 51�Թ� will provide, as well as some of the same things I have enjoyed,” said Wilson. “I have loved learning from my professors, having small class sizes, and having opportunities to learn, grow, and gain experience in my field.” ��

Members of the 51�Թ�2030 Steering Committee included: Joe Benson, Lee Bjornsen, Drew Calcutt, Will Cashion, Stuart Floyd, Jan Foster, Rich Grimm, Brian Hand, Vicki Hatchell, Matthew Heath, Brittany Hendrix, Kelly Hodge, Tim Huggins, Donny Mathis, Josh Milner, Brenda Peavy, Keli Sewell, Jeff Smith, and Matthew Thomas.  ��

The full plan can be found at go.ngu.edu/2030. ��

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