THE PRESIDENT’S PEN


Two words you don’t want to see in the same sentence are “broth” and “virus”! But a year ago, North Greenville University was engaged in meetings all over campus as we sought to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. As the meetings multiplied, I thought of an old proverb that states, “Many cooks spoil the broth!” That caution reminded us that in crises, leadership is crucial to generating realistic and aspirational responses.


We believed instead that many voices create a beautiful chorus. We sought voic- es from healthcare, academics, student life, IT, campus enhancement services, campus ministries, and many more, assembling the COVID-19 Response Team under the leadership of Rich Grimm, the university’s Executive Vice President. In 2008, Mr. Grimm and I served on the leadership team of Union University when it was decimated by an EF-4 tornado, and I knew that he had the right combination of strategy and diligence to lead the efforts. Through the spring and summer, the C-19 Team worked intentionally to prepare for face-to-face classes for the 20-21 Academic Year. They developed protocols and communi- cations portals; they walked through buildings and inventoried supplies; they prayed and reflected carefully. And in August, that chorus of voices welcomed everyone to a campus that was prepared for a most unusual year. Even now, God continues to be faithful as everyone followed the plans through the fall and the spring.


This spring was unlike any I’ve ever experienced: all athletics seasons (fall, winter, and spring) were underway simultaneously. Student activities and cul- tural events were brisk. Students were gaining graduate and professional school admissions, job offers, and post-graduation plans. God was likewise moving among our ministry programs, with professions of faith, rededications, and an awareness of spiritual things that off-campus visitors regularly noted. I should also mention that financially, the university finished last year with the strongest audit in recent years. All of these wonderful things, however, stand in stark contrast with many off-campus experiences, as so many have lost loved ones this year, have seen family businesses strain or even break, and have seen the pandemic create other turmoil.


Wherever you are, incline your ear toward Tigerville and Greer and listen care- fully. There’s a chorus here at NGU, one that includes an undertone of lament for the pandemic but also shimmers with the joyful, manifold voices of faculty, staff, coaches, and students, all crying out with gratitude for God’s faithfulness.


Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. President


North Greenville University


NGU.EDU | 1


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