GREENVILLE, SC (courtesy furman.edu) — The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $340,000 grant to Furman University through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

The REU site award supports the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2019-2021.

In the program, funded by NSF’s Division of Chemistry in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate, Furman Chemistry Professor and principal investigator Karen L. Buchmueller and colleagues host an REU site that involves three visiting teams, each consisting of a faculty mentor and two to three students who come to Furman University each summer to conduct research.
The program also includes two Furman teams, each consisting of a faculty mentor and one student. The summer program begins with a research boot camp, providing mini-courses in laboratory safety, scientific ethics, career advising and hands-on experience with departmental instrumentation.

This is the 10th grant the Furman Department of Chemistry has received through the NSF’s REU program, but the department has received substantial competitive funding from NSF in support of undergraduate research for decades.

Said Furman Associate Provost for Integrative Science John Wheeler, “Furman has had nearly continuous REU support in chemistry dating back to 1987, and prior to that, the department was supported under previous REU-like initiatives as one of the early champions of faculty scholarship with undergraduate colleagues.

“We have been privileged with exceptional departmental vision in those funding efforts for over 40 years, which helped to establish Furman’s reputation as a national leader in high-impact engaged learning activities. I applaud Dr. Buchmueller’s extraordinary efforts in leading our REU efforts since 2015 and look forward to the impacts of this program in providing transformative experiences for future Furman students and visiting scientific teams.”

The REU summer research program culminates in an oral symposium and an outreach program at Greenville’s Frazee Center, which leads a summer camp for under resourced children. The entire summer is designed to facilitate the development of future scientists, through direct engagement with real scientific problems in the lab and the formation of meaningful relationships with faculty and students participating in the program.

Said Buchmueller, “The goal is to cultivate future scientists, both directly within the program and through sustainable research programs at partner institutions.”

Furman provides a unique summer REU program that incorporates visiting teams of students and faculty from small colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and technical colleges. As an REU site, Furman provides research and educational opportunities that act as stepping stones in the development of the undergraduate student as a scientist.

Click here to learn more about Furman’s NSF-REU program, or contact Furman’s News and Media Relations office at 864-294-3107.

CENTRAL, S.C. – Nearly 200 elementary, middle, and high school students from six Upstate counties put their scientific problem-solving skills on display at the 2018 South Carolina Region 1 Science Fair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central.

For the eleventh year, Southern Wesleyan’s Division of Science partnered with area teachers and parents to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, in keeping with its core value of “contagious generosity.”

The 2018 South Carolina Region 1 Science Fair was presented by Piedmont Natural Gas and Ortec Inc.. Additional financial support was provided by Shaw Industries and ServPro of Pickens County. Judging the competition were volunteers from Southern Wesleyan, as well as from Clemson University, Hill Electric Company, Ortec Inc. and Duke Energy.

Members of SWU’s Science Club also conducted breakout sessions for participating students, giving demonstrations of various science concepts, which included chemistry, biology and computer science.

According to Staci Johnson, Southern Wesleyan University professor and event organizer, this year’s science fair grew significantly from a previous record of 110 students to 194 students this year.

“We are very excited about the growth in student participation in this year’s fair. Our desire in hosting the SC Region 1 Science Fair is to reward and encourage problem solving and critical thinking of students. These skills are essential to prepare the next generation of STEM professionals.”

The exhibits represented a variety of disciplines ranging from biology to physics to engineering – exploring what affects the ripening of fruit, or even how to make an emergency charger to rescue a dying phone battery.

Samuel Goodroe, a homeschool student from Seneca, presented his findings after studying the bouncing characteristics of three brands of basketballs inflated equally and dropped from an equal height.

“It’s a great opportunity and it’s fun to come out and test what you know against other public schoolers to see how you compare,” Goodroe said.

As Hank McCullough, senior manager of government and community relations at Piedmont Natural Gas, viewed competition exhibits and talked with several of the students about their projects, he came away impressed by the work they put into their research.

“I’m really inspired by their creativity and ingenuity. They’ve really laid out their hypothesis and they developed a process to test that,” McCullough said. “It’s just amazing to see what young people can do if you give them the opportunity and you encourage them to go in that direction.”

“I think it’s a great experience for them to meet other students interested in science and STEM science from all over our state, and it’s a great opportunity for them to meet other college students and professors, and for them to practice their presentation skills and to excel in science themselves,” said Laura Land, who brought her fourth- and fifth-graders from Northside Elementary School to the competition.

During an awards ceremony at the event’s conclusion, Colleen Hydrick, plant manager at Shaw Industries, told science fair participants gathered in Newton Hobson auditorium, “I want to keep encouraging your curiosity. Every one of you that entered were curious about a question that you wanted answered, something you wanted to learn more about. Keep being curious. The science fair has probably taught you how to then think about that and come up with a solution and study it in a logical, scientific method and then make a data-driven decision. I can tell you that in our business, it’s important every day to make data-driven decisions.”

The top nine middle school projects are being nominated to the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) program, which is the nation’s premier science fair competition for students in grades six through eight. Finalists in this program will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete for more than $100,000 worth of prizes.

Planning is already underway for the 2019 South Carolina Region 1 Science Fair to be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 on the Central campus. In addition to currently offered awards and recognitions, winners of the High School Division at the 2019 SC Region 1 Science Fair will, for the first time, be eligible to move on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

All students in South Carolina Region 1, which includes Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, and Pickens counties, are invited to participate. Please visit our website (www.swu.edu/sciencefair) or contact Staci Johnson, Director at (864) 644-5256 or sjohnson@swu.edu to learn more about entering student projects, volunteering at the fair, or lending your financial support to the event.

Please go to http://www.swu.edu/article/2018-sc-region-1-science-fair/ for the complete list of 2018 South Carolina Region 1 Science Fair winners.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford College alumna Dr. Nicole Redmond, an internal medicine physician, will highlight the college’s Women’s History Month events with a lecture Wednesday, March 28, on “From Wofford to HEAL.”

The program, sponsored by the Presidential Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, will be at 5:30 p.m. in Olin Teaching Theater, Franklin W. Olin Building. It is free and open to the public.

Redmond is a medical officer in the Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch, Program in Prevention and Population Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences within the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one of the 27 institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health. One of her research interests is racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in psychosocial, behavioral and clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The 1996 Wofford graduate is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, completed her internal medicine residency at Emory University in Atlanta and received her master’s in public health from Harvard School of Public Health. She taught at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. Presidential Committee on Diversity and Inclusion.

Women’s History Month at Wofford, with the theme “Challenging Norms. Rising Above,” includes a variety of other events. All are open to the public and are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

Women’s History Month Events:

Tuesday, March 6
Women’s History Month Event
“Hidden Figures” Screening (first screening)
7 p.m., Olin Teaching Theater, Franklin W. Olin Building
“Hidden Figures” tells the story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Sponsored by the Gender Equality Coalition. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Wednesday, March 8
Women’s History Month Event
Women and Healthy Relationships
6:30 p.m., Meadors Multicultural House, Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village
Healthy relationships are vital and important in anyone’s overall well-being. Building connections so you can trust and support each other affects how we cope with the events of everyday life. Different perceptions exist regarding healthy relationships as well as healthy sexual relationships with a partner, friends and family. This “coffee house” roundtable discussion will allow campus partners, student organizations and friends of Wofford voice concerns while learning from the experiences of others. Coffee and snacks will be available. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Monday, March 12
Women’s History Month Event
Multicultural Professional Women + Allies Support Group
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Holcombe Room, Burwell Building
A new organization of faculty, staff and coaches. Sponsored by the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. (Open to Wofford faculty, students and coaches only.)

Tuesday, March 13
Women’s History Month Event
“Courage to Care” by Carolyn Cornelison
11 a.m., Leonard Auditorium, Main Building
When it matters most, students already know who has the problem and who is in real danger, but those with problems are the last to know. How do we help them? Somebody has to speak up. Do your students have the “Courage to Care”? (www.ccspeaks.com). Sponsored by Budweiser of Spartanburg, the Department of Athletics and the Wellness Center.

Tuesday, March 13
Women’s History Month Event
Teleios Ministry
6 p.m., Olin 101, Franklin W. Olin Building
Teleios Ministry assists indigenous people in developing God-given visions into an authentic, real-life ministry centered in Jesus Christ. The organization is about investing in people so that all participants in the relationship might become who God created them to be and live out what God created them to do. Teleios Ministry works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships and networks that will provide direct resources for bridging the gap between vision and reality as well as between people of different cultures. Spiritual, emotional, intellectual and financial resources are brought together for the development of an authentic, real-life ministry. Sponsored by the Department of Chemistry.

Wednesday, March 14
Women’s History Month Event
Paint and Pour
7 p.m., Anna Todd Wofford Center, Andrews Field House
Wofford Women of Color and the Association of Multicultural Students will present their third Paint and Pour event, led by first-year student artist Raven Tucker. Snacks and beverages will be provided; wine will be available for those age 21 and older. Sponsored by Wofford Women of Color and the Association of Multicultural Students. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Thursday, March 15
Women’s History Month Event
Lunch and Learn: Switch
11 a.m., Gray-Jones Room, Burwell Building
Switch’s mission is to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Upstate of South Carolina through awareness, prevention, fighting demand, intervention and restoration. Since 2012, the group has led the effort to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Upstate, serving more than 700 women in the industry and assisting 65 individuals on the road to restoration. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Friday, March 16
Women’s History Month Event
Women’s History Month Trivia
7 p.m., location TBD (Check Daily Announcements)
Sponsored by Wofford Women of Color. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Sunday, March 18
Women’s History Month Event
Women’s Lacrosse “Gold Out”
Noon, Gibbs Stadium
The Terriers women’s lacrosse team will face Diego State University. They will celebrate women and others who have fought for equality within athletics. For this “Gold Out” game, spectators are encouraged to dress in their Wofford gold gear. Snacks and information will be provided at a table at the event. Sponsored by Women’s Lacrosse and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Sunday, March 18
Women’s History Month Event
Nine for IX “Branded” Screening
4 p.m., McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building
“Sports is supposed to be the ultimate level playing field, but in the media and on Madison Avenue, sometimes looks matter more than accomplishments. This film explores the double standard placed on female athletes to be the best players on the field and the sexiest off of it. Through stories of the women who have faced and tackled this question, including Mary Lou Retton, Chris Evert, Lolo Jones and Gabby Reece, “Branded” explores the question: Can women’s sports ever gain an equal footing with their male counterparts or will sex appeal always override achievement?” – ESPN Films (www.imdb.com) Snacks will be available. Sponsored by Women’s Lacrosse and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Tuesday, March 20
Women’s History Month Event
“How to Treat a Lady”
11 a.m., Anna Todd Wofford Center, Andrews Field House
“How to Treat a Lady” is a conversation about micro-aggressions and sexism on Wofford’s campus. Participants will learn about and explore the ways gender influences campus interactions in ways they may not even be aware of. Lunch will be provided. Organized by members of the Gender Equality Coalition and other Wofford students. For more information, contact Mikala McBride (mcbridemg@email.wofford.edu), Emma Hauser (hauserer@email.wofford.edu) or Caroline Traini (trainics@email.wofford.edu). Sponsored by the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and the Gender Equality Coalition. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Wednesday, March 21
Women’s History Month Event
Community Conversations: Self-Care
7 p.m., Anna Todd Wofford Center, Andrews Field House
Often we place some people and things before our own needs. We continuously put the needs of our family, friends, academics, children and society before meeting our individual, personal needs. Each of us has different necessities for self-care, and it is essential that we are aware and take time to care for those needs. As students, faculty and staff, we take self-care for granted many times, which affects our mental and physical health as well as our relationships. This conversation explores why we compromise self-care in aspects of our lives. Sponsored by the Office of Residence Life. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Thursday, March 22
Women’s History Month Event
HIV Testing
9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. (See Daily Announcements for appointment link and location details)
Free HIV testing available by appointment only. Sponsored by Piedmont Care, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Wellness Center. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Thursday, March 22
Women’s History Month Event
“Wear a Hijab”
11:30 a.m., Seal of Main Building
Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association

Thursday, March 22
Women’s History Month Event
“I Am Malala” Screening
8 p.m., McMillan Theater, Campus Life Building
“I Am Malala” looks at the events leading up to the Taliban’s attack on Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai for speaking out on girls’ education followed by the aftermath, including her speech to the United Nations (www.imdb.com). Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Friday, March 23
Women’s History Month Event
Food Truck Friday
11 a.m., Seal of Main Building
Sponsored by Wofford Activities Council. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Friday, March 23
Women’s History Month Event
SCATE Night
7 p.m., Campus Life Building
Students may perform any talent they have, such as singing or reciting poetry, and the top two will receive gift cards. The event is open to the public. Food and drinks will be provided. Sponsored by Wofford Women of Color. (Open to Wofford community only.)

Monday, March 26
Women’s History Month Event
Humans of Wofford: Farahnaz Afaq
6 p.m., Gray-Jones Room, Burwell Building
Wofford senior Farahnaz Afaq will discuss her fascinating story of how her Afghanistan heritage has shaped her. Sponsored by the Association of Multicultural Students.

Tuesday, March 27
Women’s History Month Event
Wofford College Conference on Gender
4 p.m., Montgomery Room (Faculty/Staff Dining Room), Burwell Building
Undergraduates from various South Carolina colleges will present abridged versions of their research papers on gender issues.

Wednesday, March 28
Women’s History Month Event
Guest Lecture: “From Wofford to HEAL”
Speaker: Alumna Dr. Nicole Redmond
5:30 p.m., Olin Teaching Theater, Franklin W. Olin Building
Dr. Nicole Redmond, a 1996 Wofford graduate and board-certified internal medicine physician, will deliver a public lecture on “Unnatural Health Disparities.” Redmond is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, completed her internal medicine residency at Emory University in Atlanta and received her master’s in public health from Harvard School of Public Health. She taught at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. She is a medical officer in the Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch, Program in Prevention and Population Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences within the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, one of the 27 institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health. One of her research interests is racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in psychosocial, behavioral and clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Presidential Committee on Diversity and Inclusion.

CENTRAL, SC (courtesy swu.edu) — Southern Wesleyan University has received approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Curriculum and Assessment.

While most Ed.D. degrees at the doctoral level concentrate on leadership or curriculum and instruction, there are few such programs in the nation that concentrate on assessment as a foundational theme of the degree. Southern Wesleyan saw a need to place an emphasis on assessment, which was identified as essential for educators in today’s and tomorrow’s outcomes-based climate.

Southern Wesleyan’s President, Dr. Todd Voss, praised the university’s education faculty, saying “The thorough and creative work of our faculty in our School of Education has produced a landmark program that has the potential to change the eventual outcomes of education nationwide. As our first doctoral program, we could not have found a better niche to start this doctoral level expansion journey as Southern Wesleyan grows our relevant and cost effective platform of degrees. As we say quite often at SWU, this will change everything!”

“The Ed.D. program is intended for educators in K-12 and higher education; however, the way we have designed the courses and the program will make them suitable for those who are working in nonprofit organizations and church-based ministries,” said Dr. Paul Shotsberger, founding director for the new doctoral program. “The Ed.D. program is intended to produce experts in curriculum and assessment who can work in education and in nonprofit environments in order to improve institutional and program effectiveness.”

This Ed.D. prepares professionals for high-stakes careers in nonprofit professions, technical colleges, universities, public and private K-12 institutions, providing critical and highly desired institutional accountability.

Unlike many doctoral programs where learners are expected to complete all courses prior to beginning their dissertation, Southern Wesleyan Ed.D. students will begin the dissertation process at the start of their program of study as the dissertation is integrated into important aspects of the program. In research courses and residencies, individuals will establish milestones and will receive faculty advisement to allow for seamless progression through dissertation development, research and defense.

While almost all courses are offered fully online, students are required to be on campus for a one-week residency course during three summers. According to Shotsberger, the residencies will allow students face time with their professors as they plan and work on their dissertations. Each one-week residency will include classes and other curriculum activities focused around developing the student’s dissertation.

“We feel that this is a stronger model that will help candidates, especially those working fulltime, to finish their dissertations and their program in a timely manner,” said Shotsberger.

“Southern Wesleyan University School of Education adopts as a framework providing quality education to its graduates with preparation in a ‘Christian Ethic of Care.’ There is a looming crisis in education where existing leadership is approaching retirement,” said Dr. Sandra McLendon, dean of Southern Wesleyan’s School of Education. “To help foster training for new ethical, Christian leaders, the first course in all of the School of Education’s graduate programs is a model for the rest of the curriculum on what Christian leadership could look like.”

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. At the same time, it’s Southern Wesleyan’s desire to practice contagious generosity within the surrounding community. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.

ORANGEBURG, SC (courtesy claflin.edu)– Claflin University has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to revitalize the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ General Education Curriculum. The grant supports Claflin’s goal of addressing the needs of the 21st Century workforce by re-engineering the general education curriculum. The primary focus is to prepare graduates for career opportunities through classroom and internship experiences.

The new General Education program was approved by the faculty in October 2017. The program will provide Claflin students with an intellectually challenging curriculum with a coherent structure and connection between courses and employment opportunities. The new program requires 39 credits, as opposed to the current program which requires 46 credits. The reduction of seven credits allow students flexibility, and is a less prescribed program. Students will be able to customize their courses based on their career goals thus providing a more fulfilling Claflin experience.

“By re-engineering the general education curriculum, we are expanding major programs of study to align with workforce needs,” said Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale. “We will allow students to add minors and certificate programs that help prepare them for specific career opportunities. This initiative will create experiential learning opportunities and transformative academicprograms – elements that are consistent with the UNCF® Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., which requires participating institutions to develop programs to support curricular enhancements, co-curricular activities via experiential learning programs, and guided pathways.”

According to Dr. Angela Peters, roundtable discussions with business and industry leaders in and data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers identified critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration; applying knowledge to real world issues and other “soft” skills, as the critical workforce skills required by today’s employers.

“The faculty tasked with general education reform will create new courses within the general education curricula that will enhance our students skills in those priority areas,” said Peters. “The program will combine the essential foundation provided by Claflin’s legacy and vision as a premier liberal arts education with the development of skills and characteristics needed to meet the needs of the 21st Century workforce as engaged visionary leaders in a global society.”

COLUMBIA, SC (courtesy ciu.edu) — Dr. John Maxwell, one of the most influential leadership experts in the world, is coming to Columbia International University for a Leadership Forum on April 25.

Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 26 million books in 50 languages. Each year Maxwell speaks to Fortune 500 companies, presidents of nations, and many of the world’s top business executives. More than six million leaders from every country of the world have received training through The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation.

In 2014, Maxwell was identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association® and the most influential leadership expert in the world by Business Insider and Inc. magazine.

Maxwell says his passion in life is “growing and equipping others to do remarkable things and lead significant and fulfilled lives.”

“There’s no greater mission for me,” Maxwell adds. “There’s no higher goal than to help others realize their significance and potential.”

CIU President Dr. Mark Smith says Maxwell has been his personal mentor for several years and has changed the way he leads. He says Leadership Forum attendees will be introduced to:

1. World class teaching on leadership
2. Principles for effective leadership
3. Access to Maxwell’s latest leadership book
4. How to lead with influence
5. A framework for leadership

The Leadership Forum includes an exclusive VIP Luncheon with John Maxwell for event sponsors. The Luncheon features a panel discussion with Tobin Cassels, the president of Southeastern Freight Lines, Jim Morgan, the former CEO of Krispy Creme, and bestselling author Hans Finzel, the CEO of HDLeaders.

Two afternoon training sessions are open to the public.

For more information and registration visit CIU.edu/Maxwell.

COLUMBIA, SC (courtesy benedict.edu) — Dr. Roslyn C. Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College, recently announced the appointment of Mrs. Leandra Hayes-Burgess as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Benedict College. Dr. Artis introduced the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native during the opening faculty and staff meetings for Spring 2018. Mrs. Hayes-Burgess has a proven track record as a successful fundraiser and advancement professional for a number of higher education institutions.

“We are excited to welcome Mrs. Hayes-Burgess to the Benedict family! In addition to her successes as a development executive, she is also a product of a HBCU and is committed to the success of its students and institutions. Most importantly, Mrs. Hayes-Burgess is passionate about promoting and developing the BEST of BC!,” said Dr. Artis.

In her most recent role as the Senior Development Director for Central Initiatives and Scholarships at the University of Miami, she was responsible for the development of strategic fundraising and marketing plans that secured six-figure and multi-million dollar gifts. These major gift acquisitions were used in support of scholarships, study abroad opportunities, experiential learning, student life enhancement projects and the University’s library system. She also served as a lead solicitor and strategist for the president’s Roadmap to the New Century plan.

Over the span of her fundraising career, Mrs. Hayes-Burgess has successfully assisted colleges and universities secure over $60 million in support of their missions, programs, and services. She previously served as the Assistant Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts at Claflin University, the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Talladega College, Director of Development for Bennett College for Women, and Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Director of Alumni Affairs at Livingstone College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts from Johnson C. Smith University, a Master of Arts degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a certificate in Management and Leadership from Harvard University, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

CENTRAL, SC (courtesy ngu.edu) — North Greenville University President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. has announced that Dr. Nathan A. Finn will become the university’s chief academic officer on June 1, 2018, with the title of provost and dean of the university faculty. Finn currently serves as dean of the School of Theology and Missions and professor of theological studies, Union University, Jackson, TN.

Dr. Randall J. Pannell, NGU’s current vice president for academic affairs, will be returning to a faculty role as professor of Christian ministries and special assistant to the provost.

“Dr. Pannell’s service to North Greenville University as a senior administrator has been exemplary. His passion for our Christ-first mission has been self-evident in each of the roles he’s held,” says President Fant. “I am personally grateful for his assistance in welcoming me as the university’s president this past year. We are glad he will continue contributing to the classroom at NGU as a professor.”

Pannell looks forward to continuing his service to the university.

“It has been my joy and great privilege to serve NGU as the vice president of academics, as well as stint as the interim president. I am filled with great anticipation as to the direction and growth of the university in the days ahead, first with the arrival of Dr. Fant as president and now with the opportunity to have Dr. Nathan Finn become our new provost and dean of the faculty,” said Pannell. “I look forward to continuing to serve this great Christ-centered institution as I am able to complete my Christian vocation by migrating into the NGU faculty and lend assistance to NGU’s reaffirmation of regional accreditation over the next two years.”

Before joining NGU, Finn served at Union University since 2015. Prior to that time, he taught church history on the faculty of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for eight years. He has published numerous books and scholarly essays on topics such as Baptist history, theology, and spirituality. Recent books include The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement (B&H Academic, 2015) and History: A Student’s Guide (Crossway, 2016). An ordained minister, Finn preaches and teaches regularly in local churches and has served in pastoral or other staff roles in several Southern Baptist congregations in Georgia and North Carolina.

Finn serves as a research fellow for the Ethics and Religious Liberty of the Southern Baptist Convention, is a fellow for the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), and is a fellow for the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). He also serves on the editorial board of the sixteen-volume series The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller (Walter de Gruyter), and is a member of the continuation committee of the International Conference on Baptist Studies. He has been extensively published and cited for his expertise on topics related to Baptist history and theology.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and Christianity from Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, master’s degree in divinity and his doctorate in theological studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), Wake Forest, NC.

Finn says that he could hardly be more excited to be joining the North Greenville University Family.

“I love NGU’s longstanding commitment to Christ-centered education, and I resonate with the way a heart for evangelism and missions permeates the whole campus. I’ve also long appreciated President Fant’s vision for convictionally Baptist higher education,” said Finn. “I look forward to working closely with the president, the faculty, and the staff to foster a culture of intellectual discipleship that equips every NGU student to advance the gospel and promote human flourishing in every discipline and profession.”

NGU is a special place for Finn. It was on the campus in 1997 during a Centrifuge camp that he committed his life to Jesus Christ.

“The Holy Spirit used the preaching of the camp pastor that week to cut me to the quick and convince me that my only hope for salvation was to cast myself upon the mercies of Christ,” he said. “This campus will always be holy ground for me.”

In his recommendation to university trustees, Fant notes, “Dr. Finn is one of the brightest stars in Baptist and evangelical scholarship. His reputation as a professor and mentor is significant, and his leadership experiences will be able to help North Greenville to advance in our future initiatives. He has a heart for the Gospel, a mind for action, and marvelous senses of humor and humility. We look forward to Leah and their children joining our community and investing their time and talents alongside our dedicated colleagues.”

President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Danny Akin says Finn is one of the most gifted, evangelical scholars he knows.

“His gifts are many and his ability to connect with students is contagious. He is a five-star addition to the wonderful staff and faculty of NGU,” said Akin.

NGU Vice President for Campus Ministries Dr. Steve Crouse says Finn is an outstanding scholar who has taught pastors and missionaries that are serving around the world, including many in the Carolinas.

“He has a pastor’s heart, strong administrative skills, and a scholar’s precision and excellence,” said Crouse. “His background in spiritual formation and discipleship will be a great asset for the university and especially for our campus ministries team.”

Finn is married to Leah and is the father of four children.

Photo provided by Union University.