students to re-do their undergraduate coursework. It was designed to be a rigorous online graduate program, and these students have persevered through quite a bit.”


Carissa Nussbaum, who received her diploma in December, said the program’s flexibility was key.


“It was flexible. I could do things on my own time,” she said. “This program was a stepping stone for me. My end-goal was to apply for the PA program here at NGU and become a physician assistant.” That flexibility allows students within the program to change careers at their own pace.


“I’ve got a career-changer right now who is a mom of four,”


NGU Hosts World Journalism Institute Conference


Eighteen young professionals spent a week in Tigerville in 2024, receiving hands- on training in the field of journalism. The conference, hosted by North Greenville University, 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, WJI assistant director. “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, NGU School of Communication professors assisted with instruction.


“I am so pleased three of our faculty got to participate as teachers and writing coaches for this week,” said Dr. Randall E. King, Associate Dean of the School of Communication. “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 worked 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


Ciesielski said. “She works at the front desk of a health clinic and wants to become a provider. We had one gentleman who works in the urgent care, but more on the ordering side of things. This degree will get him promoted because he’ll just understand more about the needs of the clinic. I’m very proud of what this program does and the students that it helps.”


Fall graduate Jenny Tran will be attending NGU’s PA Medicine program in 2025.


“It was a remarkable experience,” Tran said. “It further accelerated my education, and despite it being online, you still had the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with classmates.”


ability to make a radio piece and the ability to write well,” Balk said. “Experience builds confidence, and that’s what they’re getting.” NGU Provost Dr. Hunter Baker said working with the participants was a privilege for North Greenville faculty and staff.


“Christian journalists have a lot to offer our country and the world,” said 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 NGU, and now we got to ask it again with the 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.”


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