NGU Alumni: a family matter
Samantha Martin, Assistant Editor
North Greenville University not only builds a strong connection with students while they attend the university, but also maintains a relationship when students become alumni. One part of this university/alumni relationship is the NGU Alumni Awards, which aims to honor and recognize alumni who continue to have an impact on the university.
For the 2021 Homecoming Celebrations, NGU announced that it would present three Distinguished Alumni Awards and one Young Alumni Award. This year the Alumni Association selected Hunter S. Conrad as the recipient of the Young Alumni Award.
Conrad, a graduate from the 2007 class, completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting at North Greenville University before going on to earn his juris doctor degree at the Florida Coastal School of Law. Conrad traces his work in law back to when one of his professors encouraged him to go into law.
“One of my mentors — he was actually one of my professors. I was in the accounting department, and he was in the accounting department and he actually encouraged me to go into law school. He at that time was a CPA and a tax lawyer, and at that time said ‘You’ll have a lot of opportunities if you get your accounting degree, and then go and practice law,’” said Conrad.
It turns out that professor may have known what he was talking about. Conrad currently serves as a county administrator for St. Johns County, Fla. After serving as a prosecutor, private practice attorney and clerk of court for St. Johns County, Conrad began serving in an interim position as county administrator. Conrad was then voted into the position permanently with 5-0 decision.
“Having an accounting degree gave me an immense financial experience when it comes to my professional endeavors, especially after the practice of law,” said Conrad when looking back on his bachelor’s degree.
North Greenville not only gave Conrad the foundations for his career, but for his family as well.
“Most importantly, I met my wife Jane there. That was the best part of my entire experience at North Greenville. The first time I saw her was on campus, and I was sitting next to a couple of guys I played football with. I even told them ‘I’m going to end up marrying that woman,’” said Conrad.
And he did in April of 2008. Since he and Jane were married they have had four sons: Collins, Chandler, Caleb and Carter. Together their family came to North Greenville to celebrate homecoming, but the mountains hold a special place in the family’s hearts.
“I love the mountains; my family goes every year,” said Conrad.
North Greenville is a family affair; not only did Conrad and his wife attend the university, but so did their siblings — his younger sister and her older sister.
Conrad continues to encourage those around him to consider North Greenville University as students and parents look at next steps for the future. Conrad said the university made an impact on his faith, family and future.
“The university’s motto — ‘Christ makes the difference’ — is absolutely true. When you leave school, you’re out on your own and you have your own family. You’re away from being in chapel three times a week and you’re away from being around other Christians. In a secular environment, having that foundation that was built at home for me growing up furthered at the university. It set me up for a career and a focus that Christ is kept at the center of my life,” said Conrad.
*Featured Image: Hunter Conrad, Alumni, class of 2007. Photo courtesy of Angela Cowling.
