AlumniNotes


like one of the studio/play by play announcers commentating two individuals “competing” in packing shoebox gifts. He has worked full-time in the Communications Department at Samaritan’s Purse for 12 years, but his first time I’ve been asked to be in a video.


2009


Daniel Bunn is president and CEO of the Tax Foundation. He has been with the organization since 2018, and


prior to becoming president, he successfully built its Center for Global Tax Policy, extending the Tax Foundation’s influence worldwide. Before joining the Tax Foundation, Daniel worked in the United States Senate at the Joint Economic Committee as part of Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) Social Capital Project and on the policy staff for both Senator Lee and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). During his time in the Senate, Daniel developed legislative initiatives on tax, trade, regulatory, and budget policies. In addition to his NGU bachelor’s degree, he holds a master’s degree in Economic Policy from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary.


Darrin Goss, Sr. (MCM ’09), joined Southern First Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Southern First


Bank, as director. He has served as president and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation in Charleston since 2016. His previous roles include president and CEO of Capital Area United Way in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; vice president of community impact at United Way of Greenville County; assistant dean of students and director of career services at Wofford College; and training and development consultant at Sunoco.Goss will also deliver the Dr. Booker T. Ingram Black History Month Lecture on Feb. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Edmunds Hall on the campus of Presbyterian College.


Andre Woolcock started a new faith-based podcast titled “4th and Faith”. It is centered around growing


22 | NGU.EDU


in your faith, while using football- related scenarios to promote healthy relationships.


2010


André Bernardi (MBA ’12), was named director of strength and conditioning for Western Michigan


University football. Bernardi spent the last seven seasons at Furman in the same position, where he worked with the Paladins’ football program and was responsible for the overall operations of the strength and conditioning program and oversight, implementation, and development of performance programming for 16 NCAA Division I programs. He also aided in fundraising and design for a $500,000 weight room renovation. Prior to his time at Furman, he was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at NGU, working will all 19 of the school’s NCAA Division II programs. Bernardi is an NGU alum, playing football from 2006-09 where he was a three-time All-American. He set the Division II record for tackles for loss with 78 and was a four-time ICAA Team selection.


Taylor Thompson Carvajal was named a top five finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year and will serve as


a 2026 Honor Roll Teacher. She currently teaches Employability, Instructional Support, and provide vision services to students who are deaf and/or blind at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. She is thankful for the way NGU prepared her not just academically, but spiritually, to serve and lead in a unique and meaningful setting. She has been in the education field for 13 years. After graduating from NGU in 2010, she earned her master’s degree in special education from Converse University. She also earned a certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired from USC Upstate. She met her husband, Michael Carvajal, at NGU and has been married since 2011. They welcomed their first child in August 2025.


Lauren Taylor Ready received her National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards as an Exceptional Needs Specialist.


2011


Jae Ellison was named vice president of business development at Monologix, Inc., a leading vSaaS


education and booking platform operating in 23 countries. In this role, Jae will be responsible for driving global growth initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding Monologix’s reach across key markets. This includes growing best-in-class hunter safety courses via Certified-Hunter.com and related initiatives. Jae brings more than a decade of experience in the outdoor education and certification space, most recently serving as director of education for the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA). There, he led the development and management of all education products, advancing accessibility and learner engagement across the organization’s nationwide programs.


Josh Putnam was named owner/ operator of Chick- fil-A in Twin Falls, ID.


2016


Sarah Williams Casstevens is director of finance at REVELxp in Winston-Salem, NC, where she oversees both the strategic and day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including accounting, reporting, and long- term financial planning. She is especially passionate about using data-driven insights to support leadership decisions and mentoring the next generation of finance professionals.


Zach Simmons is athletic director at USC Union. A lifelong athlete, Zach has coached soccer at both high school


and college levels. He’s especially proud of Bantam Athletics’ growth, noting the installation of artificial turf in the indoor facility as a highlight.


He is married to Erin for 13 years, the couple welcomed their daughter, Emberly Mae, in August 2024.


2017


Brandon Prevett is the assistant principal at Eastside High School in Greenville, SC, since 2022 largely for his work with machine learning in the classroom.


Margaret Templeton is the new


collaborative pianist for the Greenville Chorale in Greenville, SC. Margaret


joins the Chorale alongside new conductor Dr. Anthony Bernarducci. In addition to her bachelor’s in music from NGU, Margaret also holds a Masters in Music Performance (M.M. Collaborative Piano) from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has served as an accompanist at UNCG, Elon University, High Point University, and NGU and currently holds staff accompanist positions at both Brevard College and Clemson University. In March 2025, she had the privilege to serve as rehearsal accompanist for the MidAmerica Productions performance of Mozart’s Mass in C Major at Carnegie Hall. She has been an accompanist for multiple musical theater productions including The Addams Family (High Point University), Vanities (Brevard College), and Into the Woods (Anderson University). She accompanies middle and high school choirs and serves as a substitute church musician in Henderson County in NC. Margaret and her husband Mark live in Brevard, NC.


2019


Dylan Johnson was recently selected by Spartanburg School District Five to help lead a district- wide professional development session. The session will cover different ways to integrate educational technology into the social studies classroom.


Ben Thompson (MEd ’21) After several years working with a faith-based industrial contracting company, Ben transitioned into the financial industry, a move that


allows him to continue integrating his faith with his work. This new role aligns more closely with his passion for serving others and making a meaningful impact.


2022


Adrianna Austin is a marketing administrator with Haywood Mall in Greenville, SC.


Austin Hughes is a media specialist for Next Door Photos where he specializes in real estate photography, videography, drone operations, and 3D home scans.


Clay Knight works as a student minister in TN. Clay is passionate


about student discipleship and challenging students to have an impact now. He loves to learn and is always trying something new. You will likely find Clay playing sports, reading a book, or hanging out with students. Clay and his wife Millie are excited about serving the students of Clarksville.


2023


Larry McCullough is the music teacher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School in Greenville, SC. He was also named


Teacher of the Year this year. Faculty/Staff Notes


Fabio Parrini (College of


Communication and Fine Arts) has been inducted into the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. The Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of


Fame is a prestigious designation recognizing educators who foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists.


Parrini, who has been a music professor at NGU since 1996, said he was honored by the designation.


Lisa Van Riper (Advancement) received the


prestigious She Leads Carolinas Award by South Carolina Citizens for Life for her Christian pro-life and education leadership


in a challenging secular society. Lisa received the award in September at the Christian Women of Distinction Banquet sponsored by She Leads Carolinas, a chapter of She Leads America, an international Christian women’s organization.


As President of South Carolina Citizens for Life for more than 20 years, Lisa has been a tireless advocate for the sanctity of human life, guiding her organization with unwavering commitment to influence public policy and inspire community awareness. Lisa’s journey is a testament to faithful service and visionary impact.


With a distinguished career spanning education and community leadership, she has shaped lives and policies across South Carolina. As a consultant for NGU, where she once served as director of public affairs and the Honors Program, Lisa has built bridges with governmental leaders and championed educational excellence. Her past roles included leading welfare reform at the Putting Families First Foundation, earning a distinguished service award from the National Governors Association, as well as shaping early childhood education on the South Carolina First Steps Board. A gifted educator, Lisa taught political science at NGU and USC- Upstate, empowering students to engage thoughtfully with public policy. She has been active in teaching at First Presbyterian Church and serving with the Child Evangelism Fellowship. Recognized with South Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Palmetto and the Woman of Achievement Award, Lisa’s contributions extend far and wide, building a legacy of vision and compassion.


Tigerville: A Journey Through Time is a captivating look into the rich history and community spirit of Tigerville, South Carolina, written by North Greenville alumni Geraldine Eppley (’66) and Candace Rathbone (’84). The book features a special chapter dedicated to NGU, offering readers a nostalgic glimpse into the school’s deep roots in the area. Copies are available for $15, with all proceeds benefiting the Blue Ridge History Club. To purchase, contact Geraldine Eppley directly at 864.616.0286 or visit the NGU library circulation desk to pick up a copy.


NGU.EDU | 23 2024


Madison Trump was recently honored with the 2024 Customer Service Award from South Carolina


State Parks. Each year, this award is presented at the Parks’ Leadership Conference, Ranger in Service, and Interpreters’ Conference to recognize those who go above and beyond in their roles. Out of the entire state, only 10 individuals received this distinction and just two within the region. Madison currently serves as the assistant interpretive


AlumniNotes


ranger at Paris Mountain State Park, where she is passionate about connecting people of all ages to the beauty of God’s creation. She is living out her passion and purpose and making an impact.


2025


Termaine Epps was named deputy for the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in


Spartanburg, SC.


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