NGU News


Longtime NGU Professor Robert Gaddis Dies

Posted on: August 2, 2022
By Web Master, umacs@ngu.edu

Tigerville, SC (August 2, 2022) Dr. Robert Gaddis, longtime NGU psychology professor who served in a wide range of roles over a 45-year education career, died Saturday, July 30, at his home in Pickens, SC. He was 72.

Dr. Gaddis, professor of psychology, joined North Greenville’s faculty in the fall of 2000 as an assistant professor in the education division. He joined the psychology department in 2004, was promoted to associate professor of psychology in 2005, and promoted to the rank of professor in 2017.

“Students adored Dr. Gaddis and his colleagues valued his wisdom,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “The first year I was in Tigerville, I was directed to him for some advice, and he was incredibly encouraging as he shared his thoughts, which were invaluable. He loved his students and rejoiced in their successes. He was the kind of professor and mentor who makes NGU a very special place.”

Dr. Gaddis served within NGU’s College of Humanities and Sciences, teaching a variety of psychology courses. Earlier in his NGU tenure he served on the Teacher Education Committee. He was Director of Teacher Education for the 2002-03 academic year.

Dr. Paul Thompson, Jr., Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, said the beloved professor will be missed by the broader NGU community.

“The absence of such a godly and respected man, professor, brother-in-Christ, husband, and father creates a painful vacancy. That will be felt by his family, and NGU faculty, students, staff, and alumni for a long time,” said Dr. Thompson. “I thought the world of him. I learned from him. He had the most beautiful humble spirit.”

“Dr. Gaddis was a beloved professor and faculty colleague who will be missed by all who knew him,” said Dr. Nathan A. Finn, NGU Provost and Dean of the University Faculty. “I never left a conversation with Dr. Gaddis where I was not encouraged by his kindness and tickled by his wonderful sense of humor. I’m thankful for the innumerable ways God used him to bless our community.”

Dr. Gaddis moved to NGU with a broad range of experience in higher education. He filled varied teaching roles at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville from 1995-2000, while completing his Ph.D. degree in Education with a concentration in Educational Psychology.  

The Louisiana native earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master of arts degree in student personnel services from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.

He began a wide-ranging career in education as a high school English and Social Studies teacher in Coushatta, LA, and also taught at a Montessori school in Shreveport, Louisiana. He returned to his alma mater in 1985 as assistant director of accounting services and then served as controller at Northwestern State University for two years, supervising more than 15 accountants and clerks. While a graduate student, he worked with NSU’s student support services as a counselor and with the Louisiana university’s institutional research office and Center for Studies of the Gifted and Talented.

Dr. Gaddis is survived by his wife, Linda, and daughters Abigail and Amanda.

NGU has placed a memorial wreath outside of Dr. Gaddis’ office in Crain Science Building and will lower flags to half-staff through sundown Saturday. There will be a memorial service in North Greenville University’s Turner Chapel on Tuesday, August 23, at 11 a.m.

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