NGU Faculty and Staff Recognized for Service Milestones
Posted on: August 18, 2025
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University (NGU) faculty and staff opened the fall semester with a time of worship, a special message from President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., and recognition of service milestones on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
During the event, President Fant read passages from 1 Corinthians 1 and Jeremiah 9, offering a challenge to seek true knowledge from the Lord.
“There’s this tendency in academia to think about our credentials—the training that we’ve had, the experiences that we’ve had. The constant battle is to keep from getting puffed up with knowledge that we have mistaken for being true knowledge,” he said. “It’s a constant check we have to have. The scriptures tell us that the wise should not boast in our wisdom.”
Following his message, President Fant highlighted faculty and staff promotions, welcomed new hires, and unveiled the university’s new five-year strategic plan NGU2030: Building for the Future.
The plan’s development was guided by a 19-member steering committee representing students, trustees, alumni, academic, and administrative areas. It is structured with four “pillars” addressing programs, finances, engagement, and operations, connected to a foundational mission for the university.
“NGU2030 articulates our dedication to forging new paths that advance our shared mission,” he said. “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 in church and society.”
During the chapel service, 45 faculty and staff members were given certificates celebrating NGU service milestones. NGU Provost Dr. Hunter Baker and Executive Vice President Rich Grimm also presented the Lamar Chapman Faculty and Staff Awards, which recognize the distinguished service of two individuals each year.
The Lamar Chapman Faculty Award winner is Dr. Jeff Rankin, associate dean of NGU’s College of Christian Studies, who has served at NGU since 2006.
“I am humbled and incredibly grateful to receive the Lamar Chapman Distinguished Service Award for Faculty this year,” Rankin said. “During my tenure at North Greenville, I have sought to honor the Lord by serving others, both students and colleagues alike. This award provides an affirmation my prayers to do so have been answered by God’s abundant grace. May the Lord Jesus receive all the praise!”
Joan Moon, NGU Central associate, was selected to receive the Lamar Chapman Staff award.
“I was very surprised,” Moon said. “I was honored to know that my colleagues thought so highly of me to even be considered for this recognition. I will strive to live up to this distinguished award.”
President Fant said Rankin and Moon are known for the impact they have on others.
“Our community is stronger because of the dedicated work of these two individuals,” President Fant said. “We are thankful for the ways they serve our campus and our students as we work to cultivate transformational leaders for church and society.”
Below is a full list of faculty and staff recognized for service milestones:
5 Years of Service
James Anderson
Head Athletic Trainer
Kelechi Benet
Assistant Professor, Communication
Allison Bridges
Assistant Professor, Biology
Nancy Caukin
Associate Dean, Education
David Entwistle
Professor, Psychology
Deborah Entwistle
Senior Staff Accountant
Frank Eskridge
Associate Director, Admissions
Drayton Henderson
Admissions Counselor
Nicholas Higgins
Associate Professor, Political Science
Megan Hollifield
Instructor, Music Worship Studies
Randall King
Associate Dean, Communication
Caleb Martin
Instructor, Accounting
Samuel Martin
Data Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness
Jennifer Palmer
Reference Assistant
Linda Parker
Assistant Professor, Education
Jeremy Parks
Instructor, ASL
Sydney Taylor
Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
10 Years of Service
Joanna Beasley
Technical Services Librarian
Jeremy Bolden
Academic Technology Specialist
Tina Boyle
Accounts Payable Manager
Pamela Bright
Humanities Academic Secretary
David Cudd
Associate Dean, Cline School of Music
Robert Gawrys
Director, Sports Information and Creative Media
Stephen Griner
Instructor, Music
Beth Houck
Human Resources Manager
Timothy Huggins
Vice President for Information Technology Services
Tina Jimmerson
Staff Accountant
Kelly King
Receptionist, Office of Admissions
Frankie Melton
Associate Professor, Christian Studies
Dana Roark
Athletic Insurance Coordinator and Secretary
David Vierow
Technical Director, School of Theatre
15 Years of Service
Ann Aust
Master’s Program Director, Education
Danny Conard
Senior Director, Maintenance
Shelley Dugle
Adjunct Professor, Education
Michelle Heard
Instructor, Spanish
Gregory Mosely
Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Athletic Academic Advisor
Beth Ross
Administrative Assistant to the Campus Pastor
Kyle Walden
Vice President for Campus Enhancement Services
20 Years of Service
Christina Eddy
Professor, Biology
Pat Freeman
Instructor, Mathematics
Glenn Gifford
Locksmith
Johnny Green
Grading/Construction
Tommy Howard
Grading/Construction
Donny Mathis
Dean of Faculty Development, Professor of Christian Studies
Liliane Toss
Professor, Language
25 Years of Service
Ellen Cashion
Instructor, Education
Cheryl Greene
Professor, Voice
