Connections That Change Eternity
One of the best parts about my role as North Greenville University’s president is the privilege of hearing about people’s time on campus.
Sometimes, people will cite a location — a swing, some steps, a particular tree — where an important decision was made. Sometimes, they will tell me about a faculty or staff member — some long-since retired or even deceased — who spoke words of encouragement or exhortation that altered their life path. But almost always, they will talk about the special spiritual connections they have to their time at NGU, about how Christ really does make a differ- ence in this special place!
In the coming year, we will be emphasizing connections — the intersections of life, relationships, and God’s Spirit that are the best parts of our lives. In Tigerville and in Greer, we are looking to improve physical spaces that will generate opportunities for more connections. In Tiger- ville, our new Chick-fil-A has opened, and its renovated seating area will buzz with conversations and laughter. We are looking at new “third spaces” for gatherings and small events. We are adding new emphases on advising, faculty and staff development, and community engagement that likewise will allow for the cultivation of discipleship, men- toring, and authentic relationships. We are launching our first endowed academic lecture series, the Boggs-Hickson Lecture in History, to allow for more interaction with the larger academic community. We are working to facilitate internships, community service, and church engagement to get the NGU community off campus and into the larg- er culture.
I like to say that NGU is cultivating transformational leaders for church and society. We are connecting stu- dents’ callings with the needs of local churches, commu- nity groups, and employment opportunities, not only in the Upstate, but also around the world. In a world that all too often settles for shallow touchpoints, we are modeling how intellectual discipleship can be foundational to gen- uine, authentic relationships that foster deeply significant connections.
It makes sense, after all, that we would want to be this kind of institution since we serve a Christ who likewise emphasizes significant connections and relationships: the kind that can change eternity.
Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. President North Greenville University
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