NGU Board Approves Howard Hall Renovation, New Education Licensure Certificate
Posted on: October 20, 2026
Tigerville, SC—Approval of a complete renovation for a campus residence hall, ratification of a new graduate-level certificate program for education leaders, and receipt of the financial audit for the preceding year highlighted North Greenville University trustees’ fall meeting on October 15. Board members also welcomed a new NGU vice president for advancement and university engagement, and approved an update on the university’s NGU2030 strategic plan.
Howard Hall, which opened on the Tigerville campus in 1964, will receive major improvements in the renovation project. With plans already developed, NGU officials expect the work to begin in mid-October, anticipating the building reopening for the fall 2027 semester.
“We are continuously seeking to enhance our student housing, and this is a major step as we restore a longstanding hall and provide updated features which enhance students’ campus experience,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. The multi-million-dollar project will yield approximately 78 beds, offering a premium housing facility with living spaces and bathrooms in configurations of four-person suites.
“More than $34 million has been invested in campus improvements over the past decade, and this significant project will be a strong step forward as we strengthen facilities for our campus community,” said Dr. Fant. “Our residential community, where friendships are formed and spiritual growth occurs, is vital to NGU’s mission of equipping transformational leaders for church and society.”
Trustees unanimously approved a Post-Master’s Superintendency Certificate program. The 24-credit-hour graduate certificate is designed to prepare experienced school leaders for district-level leadership and superintendent licensure in South Carolina. It is designed to be completed in a 12-month window, and will launch through NGU’s College of Education in the fall of 2027, pending approval by the South Carolina Department of Education.
“NGU has demonstrated strong market demand for certificate-based licensure pathways through our post-master’s principal licensure certificate,” Dr. Jan Foster, NGU provost and dean of faculty, told the board. “We see clear evidence of unmet demand for streamlined, practice-focused licensure preparation for educational leadership posts in our public schools.”
Senior representatives for Capin Crouse, an independent national firm which conducted the financial audit, reported that the university finished the 2025-2026 fiscal year with a positive financial balance. The firm’s officials complemented NGU leadership on their work in the extensive auditing process.
At the start of his report to the board, President Fant introduced Albert Grunenwald, who will join NGU as vice president for advancement and university engagement effective December 1, 2026. Grunenwald has more than 30 years of leadership in Christian higher education and non-profit leadership. He currently serves as associate vice president for advancement at Cedarville University, a sister Baptist institution in Cedarville, Ohio.
“We are delighted to welcome Albert to NGU,” Dr. Fant said. “His strong administrative abilities and his passion for Christ-centered higher education will benefit our mission. Trustees, donors, and alumni will enjoy working with him as we move into our major comprehensive campaign.”
Marty O’Gwynn, who has served as vice president over the area since 2018, will continue with the university as a major gift officer.
Trustees reviewed the administration’s annual report on progress tied to objectives for NGU’s strategic plan. The five-year “NGU2030: Building for the Future” plan was adopted in 2025 and features initiatives tied to new academic programs, financial strength, engagement with local and regional communities, and enhanced internal operations for greater efficiency and impact.
At the close of the plenary session, the board elected officers for the 2027 calendar year. Michael Lord, of Mount Pleasant, managing partner of Carolina Hormone and Health, was re-elected to a second one-year term as board chair. Vice Chair will be Joshua Powell, senior pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church, succeeding Amanda Boyd, of Greer, a realtor with The Boyd Team – Keller Williams Drive. Angela Carter James, senior adult minister at Brushy Creek Baptist Church in Taylors, was elected secretary-treasurer, succeeding Kay Ward Powers of Hendersonville, NC.
The 25-member board meets three times per year.
