School of Humanities and Social Science

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Welcome to a World of Wonder and Faith

Step into a place where your curiosity can run wild, where the stories from the past come alive, the rhythm of different languages, and big questions about life. At the North Greenville University’s School of Humanities and Social Science, we believe that education is a colorful tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of faith, waiting for you to add your own unique touch.

Your Path, Your Adventure

Imagine a world where every book you read, every sentence you write, and every idea you think up becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of your faith-based learning journey. We don’t stick to the usual subjects. We’re all about exploring a mix of things like stories, languages, deep thoughts, and history, all while keeping our faith in focus. It’s like putting together pieces of a puzzle to see the bigger picture of how the world works, guided by our belief in Christ-centered learning.

Discovering New Points of View

Picture yourself unlocking secrets hidden in old writings, getting lost in stories that people have loved for ages, and figuring out the unique sounds of languages from faraway places, all through the lens of faith. Have you ever thought about really big questions that don’t have easy answers? We’re all about diving into those too! You’ll learn about the past, how it’s still important today, and how you fit into the story, all while grounding your understanding in the teachings of our faith.

Guides Who Have Your Back, Rooted in Faith

Meet your mentors – they’re more than just teachers; they’re like your guides on this exciting journey of Christ-centered learning. They’re here to help you think in new ways, discover what you’re great at, and work on cool projects. With their help, you’ll find talents you didn’t know you had, share your thoughts, and take on projects that truly challenge you, all while staying true to your faith.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Your learning adventure doesn’t stop when class is over. Imagine having deep chats with friends outside, working together on projects that mix different subjects and topics, and going to events that make history come alive, all while keeping your faith at the center. We’ve got talks that make you think and activities that help you learn new skills, always mindful of the faith that underpins our exploration.

Come Join Us in Faith and Discovery

The School of Humanities and Social Science isn’t just a place to study – it’s an exciting invitation to explore how people express themselves, the amazing things cultures do, and the profound thoughts that make the world go round, all while rooted in faith. You get to be part of it, shaping your own story and making your own mark, all while staying true to your faith. Join a group of learners who believe that education is a Christ-centered journey full of amazing discoveries. Get ready to learn, have fun, and find out all the incredible things you can do at the School of Humanities!

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. Find out the many benefits of a membership.

Faculty and Staff

  • Administration

    Paul Thompson headshotH. Paul Thompson, Jr., Ph.D.

    Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences
    Chair of the Department of History
    Professor of History

    Dr. H. Paul Thompson, Jr. received his doctorate in American history from Emory University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He is a diversity fellow of The Riley Institute at Furman University and an alum of Leadership Greenville class 44. Prior to teaching at NGU, Thompson had a 13-year career as a public school teacher and taught history at Lander University. His teaching and research interests include the 19th-century temperance movement, African American history, and the history of Christianity in America. He is also the 2015 NGU recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, given by the South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities. He is author of A Most Stirring and Significant Episode: Religion and the Rise and Fall of Prohibition in Black Atlanta, 1865-1887 and articles in various encyclopedias. Thompson also considers himself a foodie and enjoys eating at fine restaurants and traveling in his spare time.


    Cheryl Collier HeadshotCheryl Collier, Ph.D.

    Associate Dean of Humanities
    Chair of the Department of English
    Professor of English

    Dr. Cheryl Collier serves as a professor of English and as the chair of the English Department at NGU. A graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned both her master’s and doctorate degrees, Collier joined the NGU English Department in 1999, after serving as an assistant professor of English at Clemson University. Collier’s special areas of academic interest are early, modern, and contemporary American literature; Southern Literature; William Faulkner; and creative writing. She loves working one on one with students and counts it a privilege and a blessing to fulfill the call to teach at NGU. She is the recipient of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award. Collier is a board member of Palmetto Conservative Alliance, and she serves as a women’s Bible study teacher at her church. When she’s not grading essays or preparing for classes, Collier enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her husband, Darryl, and their son, Ethan.

The Humanities & Social Sciences Beside Experienced & Faithful Mentors

Paul Thompson, Jr., PhD
Dean, College of Humanities and Sciences
Cheryl Collier, PhD
Professor, English
David Bell, MA
Instructor, History
Kayla Black, EdD
Assistant Professor, Honors and History
Gregory Bruce, PhD
Distinguished Professor, English
Angela Bullard, PhD
Associate Professor, English
Ben Coates, PhD
Professor, Spanish
Haley Gambrell, MA
Assistant Professor, English
Jenna Garrett, EdD
Professor, English
Michelle Heard, MA
Instructor, Spanish
Jeffrey W. King, PhD
Assistant Professor, English
Lucas Nossaman, PhD
Assistant Professor, English
Jeremy Parks, MS, MDiv
Instructor, American Sign Language
Brendan J.J. Payne, PhD
Department Chair, History
Rachel M. Roberts, PhD
Department Chair, English
Hiewon Shin, PhD
Professor, English
Keris Suttles, MA
Instructor, Spanish
Becky Thompson, EdD
Professor, English
Liliane Toss, PhD
Professor, Language
James Washick, PhD
Professor, English
Paul Yandle, PhD
Associate Professor, History
Alicia Vauters
Instructor of English
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