will continue to prepare our students for their life’s calling.”


A Collaborative Process


The plan’s creation brought together voices from across the NGU community. Faculty, staff, trustees, and students contributed insights into how the university can continue fulfilling its mission in an evolving educational landscape. “I appreciated hearing the perspectives of representatives from across the community,” said Lee Bjornsen, NGU’s director of institutional effectiveness and a member of the steering committee. “Student learning and development is always a priority, as well as investing in the faculty and staff who serve diligently in their respective areas. Good stewardship and innovation were common themes in our discussions. I am eager to see how God will use this plan to build a strong future for NGU.”


Students at the Center


A Vision for Generational Growth NGU Launches NGU2030 Strategic Plan


With a vision toward the next decade of growth and mission, NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. unveiled the university’s new strategic plan, NGU2030: Building for the Future, this fall.


The plan, shaped by a 19-member steering committee representing students, trustees, alumni, and university faculty and staff, sets a course for NGU’s continued development over the next five years. “NGU2030 articulates our dedication to forging new paths that advance our shared mission,” said President Fant. “By prioritizing faithfulness; fidelity; sustainability; financial stability; and the development of our students, faculty, and staff, we will continue to lead the way toward equipping students to be transformational leaders for church and society.


A Vision Grounded in Mission


Structured around four strategic pillars – programs, finances, engagement, and operations – NGU2030 aligns each area of university life with the institution’s core mission. The plan outlines initiatives for campus infrastructure improvements, expansion of academic offerings, and innovative financial strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.


“NGU2030 is the second strategic plan of the Fant administration,” said Rich Grimm, NGU’s executive vice president and chair of the steering committee. “It builds on the many accomplishments of our first plan, NGU2025: Foundations for the Future, and with God’s help, sets a path for this next five-year period.”


Building on Strong Foundations NGU2025: Foundations for the Future led to significant campus transformations – including major renovations to academic and student spaces, athletic facilities, and residential housing. Among its most visible accomplishments were the creation of NGUcentral, the 1892 Place, and the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, which now houses the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. President Fant described NGU2030 as both a continuation and an expansion of that legacy. “Rooted in our core values – Christ-Centered, Biblically Faithful, Academically Excellent, and Mission-Focused – this plan is both grounded and forward-thinking,” Fant said. “It deepens our relationship with the community, enhances operational areas for efficiency, and launches new programs that


For students like Abigail Wilson, a senior graphic design major, the plan represents a future that builds upon what makes NGU distinctive while embracing new opportunities for growth.


“It’s encouraging to know that future students will get to enjoy new things that NGU will provide, as well as some of the same things I have enjoyed,” Wilson said. “I’ve loved learning from my professors, having small class sizes, and gaining experience in my field. It’s exciting to see the university investing in future generations of students.”


Looking Ahead


Members of the NGU2030 Steering Committee include: Joe Benson, Lee Bjornsen, Drew Calcutt, Will Cashion, Stuart Floyd, Jan Foster, Rich Grimm, Brian Hand, Vicki Hatchell, Matthew Heath, Brittany Hendrix, Kelly Hodge, Tim Huggins, Donny Mathis, Josh Milner, Brenda Peavey, Keli Sewell, Jeff Smith, and Matthew Thomas.


While the new plan outlines specific institutional goals, university leaders emphasize that the ultimate aim remains consistent with NGU’s founding mission. As President Fant put it, “Together, we will blaze new trails fostering success, faith, and growth for generations to come.”


The full NGU2030: Building for the Future plan is available at go.ngu.edu/2030. ◆


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