BREAKTHROUGHS

Faith-fueled Innovation for Times Like These

e phone rings. e caller, an administrator from another university, has hit a wall trying to solve a problem. “I know you’ve led GU through this. Can we talk?” From her vantage point ahead of the curve, GU President Suzanne Davis often responds to questions about implementation. What do inquiring presidential minds want to know? Here’s a sampling:

• How did you right size your budget? • How did you leverage advisory boards to give students what students need? • How did you onboard community and professional partners to work with students? • How did you use an “entrepreneur in residence” to expand learning opportunities? • How did you and your local chamber of commerce create a shared position that bene ts the city and students? • How did you manage to deliver inperson learning during the pandemic, when most everyone else resorted to all online? • How did you work within the constraints of the federal nancial aid system, yet restructure your distribution of scholarships to better help students? • How did you identify and pursue relevant partnerships that meet students’ needs not just now, but in the future?

“Presidents from across the country keep calling to discover how we’ve pulled off the last year-and-a-half.” - GU’s Chief Academic Officer Brian Hartley ‘79

“President Davis has shown deep personal commitments to Christian higher education and CREATIVE SOLUTIONS to long-standing problems—all with a heart for people!” – W. Richard Stephens ’53, GU President Emeritus

“GU’s bachelor of science in nursing is truly one of the MOST INNOVATIVE programs and degrees. Suzanne’s fingerprints are all over this.” – Jerry Gaffner, Chairman of the Board, Holy Family Hospital

“President Davis has led the University at warp speed in CREATIVE AND COUNTER- INTUITIVE WAYS. Students at GU get rich experiences in the real world blended with the traditional liberal arts, delivered in innovative ways.” – Dennis Spencer ’75, GU Trustee

“I like to say, ‘In higher ed, we may not be fast, but we sure are slow.’ Most colleges and universities repel the idea of being FIRST TO MARKET with any new concept. They are content to ride along in the wake . . . Not so with Suzanne.” – Mark Biddinger, GU Chief Financial Officer

“Suzanne is a champion for INNOVATIVE IDEAS and the leader that is needed for our current time. We are blessed to have her.” – Jerry Hood ’82, GU Trustee, SMART Experience Initiatives Advisory Board

“Suzanne Davis is A WARRIOR . . . Greenville University is blessed to be under her leadership.” – Jaime Quesada ’22, Vice President, Greenville Student Government Association

F1RST EVER

Last fall, Will Sunderland ’21 spearheaded GU’s first ever allcampus mental health awareness week that brought mental health experts and speakers to campus. Activities focused on helping students expand their understanding of mental health and increase their awareness of mechanisms for support. Students like Will, who plan and produce events, gain valuable experience managing workers, schedules, volunteers, and budgets. If you value learning mixed with doing, help students today with your gift to GU’s Experiential Learning Fund. Thank you for giving.

TRAILBLAZERWillSunderland, aboveright,graduatedinMay .