CAMPUS NEWS NGU Named a South Carolina Teaching Fellows Institution


NGU 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 NGU 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 NGU’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. “North Greenville University 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 NGU 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.” NGU 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 NGU’s College of Education. “At North Greenville University, 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 degree 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.


NGU will welcome its first Teaching Fellows cohort in the fall of 2025. Applications to join that cohort opened in October. Qualified students can visit CERRA’s website to begin the application process. Each applicant must be a high school senior or a junior graduating early, a U.S. citizen, and a South Carolina resident.


MABS Program Celebrates First Graduating Class


NGU graduated the first group of students from its Master of Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program in December. The program began in 2023 and is offered within NGU’s College of Allied Health, along with the PA Medicine program. “Every year, we have to turn away more than 100 students that don’t get into the PA program due to the competitive nature,” said Dr. Cathleen Ciesielski, MABS Program Director. “But when you interview these students, you just know in your heart that they’re going to be great PAs. We wanted to have a second avenue for these students.”


The MABS program has gained momentum with students 16 | NGU.EDU pursuing various medical professions.


“We teach them the fundamentals of medicine. We give them competitive, critical-thinking tests that provide real experience,” Ciesielski said. “I’m very proud of the program and the students. The majority of them have full-time jobs and families to care for. It’s exciting to see them do well. I can see how much they’ve grown and they are on the right track to meet their goals.” Dr. Carson Moore, Principal Faculty of NGU’s PA Medicine program, said the MABS students have been highly motivated. “We have students from all over the country pursuing many different goals,” Moore said. “The goal of this program was not for


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