TIGERVILLE — For the eighteenth consecutive year, North Greenville University welcomed the largest number of students in school history. A combined total of 2,430 undergraduate and graduate students began classes this fall; an increase of 122 students over last year. New students totaled 689. Approximately 540 are freshman.

In addition, NGU welcomed 101 Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipients who represent the very best academic students from South Carolina. More than 160 students anticipate graduation this December.

Campus housing is near capacity with 1,506 residential students this semester; an increase of 27 students over the previous year.

“We, the faculty of North Greenville University, welcome this year’s record breaking student body in its pursuit of the academic dream God has placed in each one’s heart!” said Dr. Randall Pannell, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are humbled and excited that this most academically prepared student body in North Greenville history has joined us this year in the more than 30 degree programs offered in our biblically sound, Christ-centered environment. We commit ourselves to be worthy of the students’ trust and to be enabled and empowered by the Spirit of Jesus Christ in all that we do to help them attain to God’s high calling in life.”

The Honors Scholar Program was established in 1980 to offer academically-gifted students courses, seminars, and activities specifically designed to challenge and enrich their educational experience. Among the new students are 69 honors program scholars, a record number, even with the higher entrance requirements. Since 1996, the honors program has grown from 19 to 224 students.

“We are excited about another record enrollment, but what thrills my heart the most is the number of decisions for Christ that have been made on our campus.” said NGU President, Dr. Jimmy Epting.

Over 180 first-time decisions, rededications, and commitments to full-time Christian service have been recorded. These decisions came from Centifuge, M-Fuge camps this summer and since the start of school during the annual campus crusade and chapel services.

Also this fall, the University will open the Craft/Hemphill World Evangelism, Missions, and Christian Worldview Center and Todd Prayer Chapel. The Christian Worldview Center will house the Center for Church Planting and Revitalization (CPR) which will host conferences on church planting and revitalization and enable NGU students to help with revitalization projects. The prayer chapel will be open 24/7 for the prayer needs of the NGU community.

In addition to welcoming a record enrollment, the University will begin offering a doctor of Christian ministry degree program through the T. Walter Brashier Graduate School in Greer. Students perform advanced reading assignments prior to an intensive week-long seminar held in October and March at the Fairview Campus. After the seminar week, students then engage in applied field studies in their current place of ministry under the direction of a graduate faculty member.

“In spite of a challenging economic environment, God is performing miracles on our campus each and every day. We are indeed doing what we love most – providing a quality education in a biblically sound, Christ-centered environment,” said Epting.

For more information about the doctor of ministry degree, contact Dr. Larry McDonald at 864.877.6239 or visit www.ngu.edu/doctor-of-ministry.php.