Shaping leaders: the Graduate Assistant program at NGU
Treasure Hardwick, News and Feature Editor
Photo Courtesy of Moriah Faulk
North Greenville University’s Graduate Assistant program allows students an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree, all while gaining real-world experience in ministry and leadership at no cost.
The Graduate Assistant program launched about five years ago under the direction of the Center for Ministry and Student Engagement. The program pairs graduate courses with leadership experience. Each participant serves on NGU’s campus in areas such as Student Life, Student Ministries and Student Flourishing.
Along with gaining a degree and serving in specific areas on campus, Graduate Assistants, oftentimes called GAs, also oversee and disciple about six student leaders. They meet biweekly and ensure that everything is running smoothly in the lives of the student leader, and in the lives of that student leader’s residents.
Marcus Hermanstyne, coordinator of residential facilities, helps oversee the program. Having completed it himself, Hermanstyne now mentors the GAs, helping them through problem-solving within their assigned areas.
Alongside these duties, GAs also play an important role in maintaining campus life. Hermanstyne explained that each GA has a specific responsibility, and their combined duties all serve as a key support for undergrad students.
“They are the first line of defense when it comes to issues,” Hermanstyne said. “GAs are on call and rotate throughout the week so there’s always someone available to respond to a situation on campus.”
Even though the position is technically unpaid, GAs receive compensations through tuition coverage, housing and meals. This makes it a valuable opportunity for those pursuing education and ministry experience.
Graduate students can apply to the program online. They must have finished, or be close to finishing, their undergraduate degree and be prepared for graduate coursework.
Hermanstyne explained that the selection process includes interviews and is designed to mirror a professional hiring experience.
More than academic qualifications, the program seeks GAs who love the Lord and who have a genuine desire to serve Him though serving students.
“We’re looking for people who truly want to equip and encourage college students. It’s not just about a free degree,” Hermanstyne said.
For the 10 to 14 GAs accepted into the program, it is more than just a job.
Jayden Holder, a current graduate assistant, explained that his experience so far has grown, challenged and shaped him in ways that he didn’t expect.
After earning a degree in sports management from Erskine College, Holder began to research opportunities to serve in ministry. When he found out about NGU’s GA program, he applied, interviewed, toured and quickly fell in love with the campus.
As part of his responsibilities as a GA, Holder mentors a group of student leaders and works with three leaders involved in BCM. He also works to maintain close, intentional relationships with other male students on campus.
Alongside those duties, Holder also helps with planning campus events such as BCM activities, tailgates and even Converge.
Holder said that his time so far has grown him in many ways and given him a clearer picture of the calling that God has for him.
“I think GA is a great opportunity for someone who’s coming out of college and seeking growth. It’s been an opportunity for me to discover who I am and the calling that God has for me,” he said.
