University Board Approves NGU2030 Strategic Plan at Summer Meeting
Posted on: July 7, 2025
North Greenville University board member Beth Jackson, from Greenville, SC, gives a committee report during the trustees’ plenary session on the Tigerville campus in June.
Tigerville, SC—Approval of a new five-year strategic plan, ratification of faculty promotions, and affirmation of new academic programs highlighted the summer meeting of North Greenville University’s board of trustees June 19 on the Tigerville campus.
Trustees unanimously adopted “NGU2030: Building for the Future,” a strategic plan outlining the 134-year-old institution’s work in shaping North Greenville’s future. The plan’s development was guided by a 19-member steering committee representing students, trustees, alumni, academic, and administrative areas.
“NGU2030 is the second plan of the Fant administration,” noted Rich Grimm, NGU executive vice president who facilitated the committee’s work. “It builds on the many accomplishments that were made under the first plan, NGU2025: Foundations for the Future, and with God’s help, sets a path for this next five-year period.”
NGU2030 is structured with four “pillars” addressing programs, finances, engagement, and operations, connected to a foundational mission for the university.
“This plan articulates our dedication to forging new paths that advance our shared mission,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “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. Together, we will blaze new trails fostering success, faith, and growth for generations to come.”
NGU officials told board members President Fant will present the full plan – including goals and objectives for all administrative areas – to the university’s faculty and staff in August.
The meeting included a President’s Update from Dr. Fant, who noted successful completion of the 2024-25 academic year, including the graduation of nearly 300 students during Commencement on May 9. He also noted that NGU claimed the Conference Carolinas Body, Mind & Soul Dr. Alan Patterson Cup for the 2024-25 academic year. The honor recognizes the highest overall athletic program average ranking in team competition, sportsmanship, and student-athlete graduation rate. It was the second time NGU received the Dr. Alan Patterson Cup in the seven years since the honor was created by the conference.
At the beginning of the plenary session, Board Chair Josh Powell, lead pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, SC, introduced Dr. Michael Bryant, dean of NGU’s College of Christian Studies, who joined the university on June 1 after a 17-year tenure in academic and administrative leadership roles at Charleston Southern University. Bryant shared devotional remarks and opened the meeting with prayer.
The board approved promotions for three long-time faculty members during the meeting. Dr. Christine Haltiwanger was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Health Science in the College of Humanities and Sciences. Dr. Allen McWhite was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Intercultural Studies in the College of Christian Studies; Dr. Debo Nathaniel was promoted from Associate Professor to Professor of Biology in the College of Humanities and Sciences.
Trustees approved creation of the Doctor of Medical Science program within NGU’s College of Allied Health. The doctoral-level program will launch in the Fall 2026 term, pending approval by NGU’s regional accrediting body. In proposing the program, NGU officials said the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed to advance the education and professional expertise of healthcare practitioners, particularly physician assistants, by equipping them with advanced clinical, leadership, and research skills. The DMSc program will initially offer two distinct tracks: Clinical Practice and Education.
The board also approved two new Bachelor of Science degree majors and an additional minor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. A B.S. degree in Biochemistry adds a second science major to the existing Biology major, and a minor in Chemistry expands academic options within the sciences. A B.S. degree in Outdoor Leadership marks the return of a program NGU offered from 2003 to 2022. NGU officials said the new degree structure has some similarities to the former degree but includes some “significant changes” to the curriculum. The new program will include historic training in facilitating outdoor experiences for leadership development, ministry, and group development; while including curriculum focused on management of outdoor recreation spaces, and opportunities for students to expand experiential learning and present senior capstone projects. All three academic offerings will begin in the Fall 2026 semester.
Trustees also heard reports from six standing committees during the mid-June meeting. The 25-member board of trustees conducts regularly scheduled meetings three times during each year.
