CAMPUS NEWS NGU President Confirmed to South Carolina Higher Education Commission
The South Carolina Senate voted
unanimously on last summer to confirm North Greenville University President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., to serve on the South Carolina Higher Education
Commission. Fant was nominated by the Hon. Henry D. McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.
Established in 1967, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education is the coordinating board for the state’s 33 public institutions of higher learning.
According to the commission’s website, the entity “acts both as an oversight entity on behalf of the General Assembly, and an advocate for the citizens of South Carolina as they seek opportunities to improve their lives, and those of their families, through higher education.”
The commission is governed by a 15-member board appointed by the governor. Fant will serve a two-year
term, representing South Carolina’s independent higher learning institutions.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected for the South Carolina Higher Education Commission,” Fant said. “I am deeply committed to promoting educational excellence and access for all students in our state. I look forward to collaborating with fellow commission members to address the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and to work together toward a brighter future for South Carolina’s students.”
With a 29-year career in higher education, Fant has served in faculty and administrative posts at both public and private institutions. His breadth of experience in the sector includes service on the boards of varied academic organizations.
Fant was one of the original curriculum developers of the Impact 360 Institute, an intellectually rigorous gap year program in service, leadership, and worldview sponsored by a foundation connected to Chick-fil-A. He currently serves on the institute’s board of education.
He also serves as commissioner for the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission and is chair-elect for the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, treasurer for the International Alliance for Christian Education, vice-chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the President’s Council for South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and a member of the Conference Carolinas Board of Directors. He also has served on several accreditation review committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—Commission on Colleges.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Fant has been confirmed to serve on the South Carolina Higher Education Commission. This is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to higher education,” said NGU Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Brian Spearman. “As chair of the Board of Trustees, I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering dedication to our university and his tireless efforts to advance academic excellence. We are confident that he will bring his expertise and passion to this role, shaping the future of higher education in South Carolina.”
NGU Appoints Thomas as VP for Campus Ministries / Student Engagement
Dr. Jared Thomas was named NGU’s Vice President for
Campus Ministries and Student Engagement in June.
“Dr. Thomas
brings unusual experiences to this important role at the university. He is an alum, he holds a doctorate in counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he is deeply involved in leadership in his local church, and he loves students,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are excited to see how God’s preparation for his calling cultivates his leadership of this team that is integral to the equipping of transformational leaders for church and society.”
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A 2009 NGU graduate, Thomas was promoted from assistant vice president of CMSE. He joined the university’s student life staff in 2014 and has filled a variety of posts during his tenure, including service as an adjunct professor of psychology and counseling. He moved to the vice- presidential post following the resignation of Jody Jennings, who has accepted a similar leadership role at another Baptist university.
As vice president, the Gastonia, NC, native oversees the university’s chapel program, coordinate worship services and spiritual events, and collaborate with academic departments to integrate faith and learning. He also is responsible for the Student Leadership Team.
“I am honored and excited to lead the incredible CMSE team as we continue to seek to serve our student body,” said
Thomas. “I look forward to continuing to invest in the lives of our students as they grow towards becoming the transformational leaders the Lord is calling them to be. I’m grateful to President Fant for this opportunity and am thankful for the influence Jody Jennings has had on my professional development.”
Thomas earned Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies from NGU. He completed three advanced degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary: a master’s degree in marriage and family, a master’s degree in theology, and a Ph.D. degree in psychology and counseling.
Thomas is a member of Christ Fellowship Northwest in Greenville, where he serves as a lay elder and missional community leader.
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