TIGERVILLE, S.C. (courtesy ngu.edu) North Greenville University (NGU) and OneLifeX (OLX) have aligned to provide OLX students with innovative hands-on coursework. The partnership, which begins this academic year, will equip students with skills to not only get started in a career but instill passion and rapid progression in a profession.

OLX, based in Marietta, S.C., is an eight-month Christian entrepreneurship camp (gap year experience) designed to teach a small group of inspiring young leaders how to start and run a business all while earning credits towards their college degree.

The program’s mission is to take students and equip them in new life skills needed to not only get started in a business career but also to progress rapidly through it — all while improving themselves personally and discovering a hidden passion for what is beyond them. The business of OLX is to empower the next generation of leaders to perform past what is required of them and stay focused on their true reason for life in Christ and the marketplace.

“In our search for the ideal institutional partner, we looked for an organization that would help hone the primary tenets of OLX: discovering unique giftedness, develop emerging leaders, and deploy them into their God-given calling,” said OLX Founder and CEO Peter Sullivan. “We hoped to find a university that would mirror our vision for this experience, and in doing so, we found North Greenville University to be the perfect fit as it is truly where Christ makes a difference. We resonate with Dr. Fant’s passion for developing programs where we have the honor of shaping and influencing lives providing life-changing opportunities and cultivating transformational leaders.”

Sullivan says the NGU and OLX partnership will together make a difference on this planet for Christ, equipping students who will be not be defined by what they extract, but by what they give.

“OneLifeX is the outgrowth of an audacious vision for young people who have a heart for God,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are incredibly privileged to partner with them as this entrepreneurial ministry launches this new phase of their programs and look forward to seeing how God uses this partnership for many years to come.”

OLX students will live and complete their coursework at the Marietta-based camp. Students will begin their college transcript by earning full college credit, which may be transferred to other colleges and universities according to their institutional policies for accepting credit.

“We are thrilled to be able to enter into a strategic alliance with OneLifeX to provide coursework for this unique training and development program. It will prepare groups of emerging leaders to become successful entrepreneurs and have a Kingdom impact in the marketplace through their business endeavors,” said NGU Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship Dr. John Duncan.

Duncan says students will earn nine semester hours of credit in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, and they may choose to take additional courses from NGU in an online format. At the same time, they make their way through the one-year program.

“This is another excellent opportunity for us to fulfill the mission of the College of Business & Entrepreneurship to honor God by transforming students into innovative thinkers and entrepreneurial problem-solvers who create value that leads to human flourishing in a dynamic marketplace,” Duncan said.

NGU will provide courses in Principles of Marketing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Management Directed Internship. NGU, consistent with requirements for regional accreditation, will be responsible for the institutional and academic oversight of all courses offered.

“At the end of the program, the participants may choose to launch the businesses that they have been working to create and work full-time, or they may choose to go back to college to complete a degree. We hope that some of the participants will choose to continue their education at NGU,” said Duncan.

To learn more about NGU’s nationally recognized academic programs, visit ngu.edu/academics.

GAFFNEY, S.C. (courtesy limstone.edu) — The curtain will rise on the 2020-2021 season for the Limestone University Department of Theatre with two virtual performances this fall, followed by at least one live stage production in the spring.

It was recently announced that due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Limestone’s Department of Theatre will open its new season November 6-7 (changed from October 9-10) by streaming William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” and that will be followed by an online performance of “Beehive: The 60’s Musical” running November 15-18.

The University’s actors hope to get back in front of live audiences in early 2021 with four performances of “Silent Sky” scheduled for February 25-28 inside Limestone Theatre. A second live production might also be added in the spring, according to Limestone Theatre officials.

“This season and performance venues are subject to change as current projections on the COVID-19 pandemic are updated,” said Dr. Tim Baxter-Ferguson, Director of Theatre and Musical Theatre. “The faculty and staff of Limestone University Theatre and Limestone University know that safety is the first priority, and we will make any changes as necessary. We appreciate the continued support from the University and the Gaffney community.”

Limestone Assistant Professor of Theatre Bill West-Davis noted that Limestone University Theatre has worked extremely hard to make the 2020-2021 season possible.

“I am very happy and relieved that we’re able to have a season,” West-Davis said. “A lot of larger universities have had to change their season or cancel completely due to having a larger student population. Fortunately for us, our small program size allows us to continue making art and educating our students in a safe environment. We look forward to having three – and possibly four – very distinctive shows for this academic year.”

“Hamlet” will be a filmed performance adapted by Baxter-Ferguson, who will serve as Director. Adapted for the contemporary era, it will stream via showtix4u.com (link is external). Tickets will be available for purchase soon. Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet and his revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet’s father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet’s mother.

“I had wanted to revisit Hamlet for some time,” said Baxter-Ferguson. “We had performed what is arguably Shakespeare’s greatest play some twelve years ago before we had our new theatre space. During the COVID pandemic shutdown, I had a lot of time to think, like all of us, about the toxicity in our country; the unerring belied that we are right and just and anyone else is wrong. We are no longer a country that seeks consensus through careful debate, but instead seeks affirmation through bullying. The loudest voice wins. And, like all of us, I felt it painful to be online. The hatred and discourse were deafening. So, I thought, there’s something there that can connect to Hamlet’s quest for vengeance. Something to explore through the lens of social media politics, and discourse.

“Because of COVID, we had to figure out a way to do theatre and keep our students as safe as possible,” he continued. “The idea of doing ‘Hamlet’ as an exploration of toxic social media came up. It allows us to provide the production like a film and explore both the contemporary issues we all are facing, along with the issues that Shakespeare was illuminating.”

“Beehive: The 60’s Musical” was created by Larry Gallagher and will be directed by Baxter-Ferguson, with music direction by Professor of Music Dr. David Thompson. It will stream November 15-18 at 7 p.m. each day. The streaming platform and ticket information will be announced soon.

Told from the perspective of six young women who come of age in this enigmatic decade, the production celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960’s with such timeless hits as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”

“I’m so excited to work on this fabulous show,” Thompson said. “I have always been a fan of the great music of the 1960’s, with its powerful females singing us through this everchanging decade. This fast-paced show will certainly have the audience singing and dancing in their seats.”

“Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson will have Ashley West-Davis step into the role of Director. Unless plans change due to the COVID pandemic, the live performances will run at 8 p.m. February 25-27, and at 3 p.m. on February 28. Tickets will be on sale soon at showtix4u.com (link is external)..

The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.

“I am thrilled to be making my directorial debut at Limestone University,” Ashley West-Davis noted. “‘Silent Sky’ is an exploration of the life of one of science’s first female astronomers, Henrietta Leavitt. In an age where women were not allowed to vote, much less touch a telescope, we follow Ms. Leavitt as she makes groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy that remain important today.”

For more information on Limestone Theatre, visit limestone.edu/theatre.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com and columbiabusinessreport.com) — Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has agreed to donate resources including scholarship money and paid internships to Allen University and Benedict College.

SRNS has provided more than five million dollars for education outreach since 2008, impacting more than 260,000 students and educators throughout the seven counties near the Savannah River Site (SRS). Last year, more than 30,000 students and educators directly benefited from 12 SRNS Education Outreach annual programs and events.

“Since the first day of this program in 2008, SRNS has continued to support the valued heritage established at SRS in support of all levels of education throughout the region,” said Stuart MacVean, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions president and CEO. “Over the last four years alone, SRNS has donated more than $260,000 to area colleges and universities.”

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC 6th District) applauded the SRNS agreements with Allen University and Benedict College for the far-reaching impact. “An internship can be a game-changer that opens doors, builds experience and offers an excellent ‘test-drive’ for both students and employers,” said Clyburn. “This is an outstanding, comprehensive effort to prepare students for the many current and future career opportunities right here in South Carolina, at the Savannah River Site.”

The memorandum of understanding between SRNS, Allen, and Benedict include:

• An annual tour of SRS for students and faculty and provide students subject matter experts to serve as advisors and/or mentors
• Two staffing workshops per year that will educate students on the process of applying for jobs and internships at SRNS
• Two resume writing/job interview workshops per year that will help prepare potential candidates for panel interviews and possible full service hiring at SRNS, while coordinating
  with SRNS hiring managers concerning applicant qualifications in order to broaden the opportunity scope of position availability
• Promoting and creating awareness of specific careers and related degree programs pertaining to current and potential future workforce needs associated with cybersecurity, engineering and business management using the SRNS website at www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com
• Collaboration with SRNS to integrate additional information or modify existing programs to more closely align with SRNS workforce requirements.

“Our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SRNS directly aligns with Benedict’s strategic plan and commitment to produce a highly skilled minority talent pool for the region’s workforce,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president and CEO of Benedict College. “This partnership is a great example of how we can work with area companies and organizations to provide a broad array of services and opportunities for our students while simultaneously helping to fuel the economy.”

“We realize the importance of working with SRNS personnel to determine how our programs can be aligned to optimally meet their job-specific needs in multiple occupations found at SRS,”
said Allen University President Ernest McNealey. “There are many rewarding careers to be pursued at the Savannah River Site.”

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor-led company with Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site.

DENMARK, S.C. (courtesy voorhees.edu) — Voorhees College will give away brand new Samsung Chromebooks to the first 100 new students to complete enrollment for the 2020-2021 academic year.

After new students fulfill the admissions, financial aid, and registration requirements, they will receive an official Paw Packet. The Paw Packet includes a free Chromebook and official Voorhees paraphernalia.

The students are entitled to the Chromebook for up to 10 semesters upon successful registration and completion of classes. The Chromebook is intended for educational purposes only and will be an essential learning tool for student success.

Phyllis Thompson, vice president for enrollment management, said as the institution begins the strictly online fall semester, new students can use the Chromebooks to become acclimated to the Voorhees virtual learning platform. “Despite the pandemic, it is important students continue to pursue their dream of acquiring their college education. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment is available to assist with this mission and want all of our Tigers to be successful with online learning,” Thompson said.

Dr. W. Franklin Evans, ninth president, and CEO said this is a new time for students, but Voorhees is evolving to meet the new standard of education. “As we prepare for a new semester, we are calling all students to create a checklist so they will be ready when classes start in the fall. It is never too late to get an education, so if you are or know someone who is in need, contact Voorhees College today,” Evans said.

CLINTON, S.C. (courtesy presby.edu) — The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, this year announced its 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward Institutions, including Presbyterian College.

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

“It was really exciting when we learned PC earned this designation,” said Dr. Amy Davis, director of Academic Success and Retention. The Academic Success office is the hub for the College’s first-generation programming, Presby First+.

“With this, the College has access to schools that are doing cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices on first-gen success,” Davis said. “There’s some professional development, and then also, the recognition of being a First-gen Forward institution I thought would be something great for PC, and something we could build upon.”

“I saw this as an opportunity to create a niche program for our students and be something unique as a private college in South Carolina.”

Presby First+ provides on-campus events and programming for first-gen students and supports them through a network of peers, faculty, and staff advocates and mentors.

Each year, at least one academic workshop is provided to faculty regarding best practices for teaching and supporting first-gen students. There are also new student orientation sessions for first-gen students and families.

In January, the College brought on Stephanie Keene, associate director of Academic Success and Presby First+ coordinator. Keene, who comes to PC from the University of Texas at San Antonio, was a first-gen student herself and feels passionate about the college’s programming.

Before the pandemic, Keene accompanied students for an off-campus cultural event to see Les Misérables at the Peace Center in Greenville. Keene has remained connected with students during the remote learning period and is currently planning for fall.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome PC into the 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward institutions,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that PC is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future.”

The name of the Presby First+ program, Keene says, is essential to ensure its inclusivity for all first-gen students from different racial, economic, gender and other backgrounds.

“The plus is very important because many students, particularly first-generation students, have those intersectional identities,” she said. “I want to empower our students, and I want them to represent themselves and be proud that they are first-gen.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, select PC faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students.

After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the advisory leadership designation.

“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for PC to join an elite community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know PC will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at PC, please visit the Presby First+ page on the PC website. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

TIGERVILLE, S.C. (courtesy ngu.edu) — North Greenville University (NGU) is expanding access to its dual enrollment courses for high school juniors and seniors to online instruction in addition to its in-person classes for the Fall 2020 semester and beyond. NGU’s Dual Enrollment Program offers students the opportunity to earn college credit hours in a Christ-centered learning environment to prepare them for their next step in life.

“Families left in flux caused by the pandemic are turning to alternative ways to accomplish their educational goals,” said Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications Michael J. White. “Our affordable and convenient online program gives students a solution that check-the-box for high school requirements and fast tracks them in attaining their college degree.”

With costs set at $100 per credit, families can significantly lower the cost of going to college and allow students to get ahead by earning college credits that will count towards their future major, enjoy learning from a Christian perspective, and satisfy high school graduation requirements at the same time.

NGU will provide courses that work around busy high schooler lives with asynchronous learning in English Composition and Rhetoric, General Psychology, and College Algebra. For Spring 2021, NGU will offer classes in English Composition and Rhetoric, General Psychology, Spanish l, and Oral Communication.

Fall classes begin Thursday, August 20, and run for eight weeks. Interested juniors and seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to enroll. Students may apply online and complete the Dual Enrollment Permission Form to be signed by a high school guidance counselor or home school administrator. The form, along with a high school transcript may be mailed to NGU’s Office of Admissions, PO Box 1892, Tigerville, SC, 29688.

“North Greenville has pioneered remote learning and developed an exceptional platform for instruction and student engagement,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “That experience puts us in a unique position to help students continue to learn and develop transformational leaders for church and society, even during these uncertain times.”

Dual credit is transcripted by NGU as full college credit, transferable to other colleges and universities according to their institutional policies for accepting such credit.

For more information, visit NGU.edu/dual-enrollment.php or contact NGU’s dual enrollment coordinator by calling 864-523-7179 or emailing admissions@ngu.edu.