CampusNotes


NGU Partners with AuSable Institute


North Greenville University is now partnering with the AuSable Institute to offer students the opportunity to take environmental field classes taught by experts in their disciplines.


Dr. Nathan Reed, who taught in the AuSable Pacific Rim Summer Session in Washington state, said the partnership with the Christian environmental organization is an important one.


“The classes focus on practical applications of learning in diverse sites,” Reed said. “For instance, they can learn about marine ecosystems on the shorelines of the Pacific Northwest, study ecology in the forests and streams of northern Michigan or discuss tropical development in the mountains of Costa Rica. AuSable provides an opportunity that most small, Christian universities would not be able to fulfill.”


“This is a high-quality program that offers highly motivated students the opportunity to study our environment with Christian educators in locations that NGU alone could not expose them to,” added Dr. Paul Thompson, Dean of NGU’s College of Humanities and Sciences. “I appreciate the work that Academic Records, the Office of Academic Administration, and the university counsel did to set up this agreement, and Dr. Reed for maintaining this relationship through teaching for AuSable and being our liaison with AuSable.”


Reed said the curriculum is taught through a biblical perspective and encourages students to consider their stewardship mandate.


“Each professor emphasizes the integration of their discipline into a biblical worldview,” Reed said. “Our students are challenged to think through creation care applications to both people and environment. I am always encouraged and motivated by the AuSable community as members of various institutions unite to fulfill our stewardship mandate.”


Billy Watson’s Service Honored With Street Naming


North Greenville University recently changed the name of Crusader Court Road to JW Watson Way, honoring the legacy of one of its longest- serving leaders.


NGU President Gene C. Fant, Jr. presented Billy Watson with a resolution from the Board of Trustees recognizing the change. The resolution cited Watson’s ongoing legacy of selflessness, faithfulness and effectiveness.


“Billy’s demonstration of Christ-like servant leadership has been an inspiration for decades throughout the university’s community,” the resolution reads.


Watson expressed appreciation for the honor.


“This is where my children grew up,” he said. “This is


President Fant joined Billy Watson, his wife, Angie, and their younger son, John Michael, to celebrate the new street name.


where I raised a family, and I couldn’t think of a better place to work and serve. I hope that I have done a good job. I’ve tried


Walden Named VP for NGU Campus Enhancement Services


NGU has named Kyle Walden as the institution’s Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services. Walden has worked at NGU since 2010.


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


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


guide the team in building on that reputation.”


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


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


“It is a privilege to serve at North Greenville as the Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services, and to be afforded the opportunity to further invest back into the institution that has been such an influence on my life,” said Walden. “North Greenville


provides an education and an experience that stands on biblical truths and strives to foster transformational leaders for both church and society. It is an honor to play a part in achieving this mission, and I look forward to what the future holds.”


In his vice president post, Walden directs a team of more than 35 university staff and has direct involvement in planning and execution of NGU building projects, including communication with contractors and government entities.


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


Walden is a native of


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


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my best to serve the students well even during the tough times. It’s a special honor and it means an awful lot.”


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