NGU Names Road for Long-time Leader Billy Watson
Posted on: November 8, 2024
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University has renamed a road on its Tigerville campus after one of its longest-standing leaders.
Joined by a group of NGU faculty and staff members on Tuesday morning, the university’s executive leadership recognized Billy Watson, senior associate vice president for Tigerville operations, with the surprise unveiling of new on-campus road signage, renaming Crusader Court Road to JW Watson Way.
The road serves as the entrance to Trailblazer Park, which was formerly known as Crusader Court.
NGU President Gene C. Fant, Jr. presented Watson with a resolution from the Board of Trustees recognizing the change. The resolution cited Watson’s ongoing legacy of selflessness, faithfulness and effectiveness.
“Billy’s demonstration of Christ-like servant leadership has been an inspiration for decades throughout the university’s community,” the resolution reads.
Watson was recommended for the honor by NGU Campus Ministries and Student Engagement (CMSE).
“CMSE is so grateful for Billy Watson,” said CMSE Vice President Dr. Jared Thomas. “Through the years we have worked alongside him on many initiatives where we have seen a consistent love and care for the NGU community. Billy has had a direct impact on generations of students and invested greatly in many of our current staff members. I personally would not be the man I am if it were not, in part, for the investment of Billy Watson. It is hard to think of NGU and not think about Billy’s years of faithful service.”
Watson was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Angie, and son, John Michael. Billy Watson, Jr., who serves at Shorter University, joined virtually.
“This is where my children grew up,” Watson said. “This is where I raised a family, and I couldn’t think of a better place to work and serve. I hope that I have done a good job. I’ve tried my best to serve the students well even during the tough times. It’s a special honor and it means an awful lot.”
Watson’s sons expressed appreciation for the honor.
“Seeing this road named after him is really special to me,” John Michael said. “It really speaks to all his hard work paying off.”
“North Greenville means more to our family than they will ever knowknow, and it is a special day for us to see him be honored in such a permanent way,” added Billy Watson, Jr. “Dad has been at NGU long enough to have his first students bring their kids as students. Now, when they bring their kids and grandkids to live in Trailblazer Park, they will be able to share stories of his impact and how special of a person he is.”
Angie said her husband’s commitment to the university comes from his commitment to his faith.
“He’s dedicated a lot of his life to doing the Lord’s work at North Greenville,” Angie said. “Many years ago, we talked about going on the mission field and someone told us that this was our mission field. We looked at that and decided that we were in the right placeplace, and we could do the Lord’s work here.”
