THE PRESIDENT’S PEN
Recently, I reviewed photos on my phone and noted so many carefree moments back in January and February of this year. What a dramatic shift occurred in March as COVID-19 swept the world! The 2019-2020 academic year had gone so smoothly; little did we know that just around the corner change was looming.
As the spring semester moved forward, we pivoted to online learning, with our faculty performing incredible work to provide quality instruction. Staff enthusiastically launched new initiatives for communicating with students and preparing for the next year. While our annual Fuge summer camp which typically brings 7,500+ students to campus was cancelled, the Board of Trustees’ foresight meant that we had funds saved up to take advantage of the pandemic lull for significant renovation projects. Neves Hall was re- constructed for student services and academic classrooms. Bruce Hall was overhauled significantly, as were several women’s dorms. We spruced up other areas, preparing—we hoped—to welcome students back in August.
Additionally, we spent the summer preparing COVID-19 protocols and procedures. Every activity of the university was scrutinized and prepped for success. On August 10, we began welcoming students and faculty back to campus. To date, the protocols have been effective, and the year’s new academic term is moving forward quickly and safely.
I should add that NGU has always been a place of prayer and providence, where “Christ makes the difference,” but this year, we have felt the spiritual needs of campus more keenly. There is more prayer on campus. More discipleship. More intentionality in what we do in every part of the university. And once again, we started the year by reading the entire Bible aloud, cover to cover, so that God’s Word blanketed Tigerville and infused our work.
One of humanity’s great temptations is to look at the past and exclaim, “Look how far we’ve come!” It can be a valid observation, noting progress, improvement, and victories. But we must avoid the temptation to focus on the past too much. God’s vision for North Greenville has been thriving for more than 125 years now, and that vision is not merely for 2020. God’s vision for this special place will burn brightly until Christ returns! May He bless the work of our hands, the thoughts of our minds, and the strength of our mission until that sweet, blessed day.
Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. President
North Greenville University
NGU.EDU | 1
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
