Greenville Rising
At Greenville University, we believe God is always doing something new… and now, so are we.
Rooted in our Free Methodist tradition and more than 130 years of Christ-centered education, we are stepping forward with Greenville Rising — a bold, transformational strategy to strengthen our mission, expand our impact, and secure long-term sustainability in a changing world.
Why Greenville Rising?
Across the country, small Christian colleges are navigating real challenges — from declining enrollment to rising costs and changing student needs. But at GU, we’re choosing a different path. We’re not shrinking back. We’re rising.
Greenville Rising is our answer: a renewed commitment to flexible, experiential education that meets students where they are and prepares them to lead lives of faith, purpose, and impact. We're building on what makes us distinctive — while evolving how we deliver it.
What’s Ahead
By Fall 2026, students will experience a revitalized Greenville University:
- Academics will remain rigorous and mission-driven, but more hands-on and deeply connected to real-world challenges.
- Faith formation will be woven even more intentionally into student life and learning.
- Student support will grow to ensure every learner is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
To make this vision a reality, we will be right-sizing operations and pursuing affiliation with a new nonprofit private education system created specifically to help mission-driven institutions like GU stay true to their identity while gaining the shared support needed to thrive. It’s a way to preserve who we are, while preparing boldly for what’s next.
What’s Not Changing? Our mission. Our faith. Our commitment to every student’s calling. All of these key elements remain the same.
Greenville students will continue to graduate with a Greenville degree — one rooted in the deeply held values that define who we are.
Yes, bold change can include hard decisions — including operational or staffing shifts. But we will move through this moment with compassion, transparency, and deep respect for our people.
Join Us in the Journey
Greenville Rising isn’t just a strategy. It’s a spiritual shift — guided by prayer, built on community, and fueled by a vision for courageous, Christ-centered education.
To our students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends: rise with us. This is not a time to fear the future — it’s a time to walk into it with purpose and hope.
Greenville isn’t just surviving. We’re rising.
What is Greenville Rising?
Greenville Rising is the name of our bold next step — a transformational initiative to reimagine higher education at GU. It’s a comprehensive, mission-rooted pivot that aligns our operations, academics, and partnerships with today’s student realities and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Why is Greenville University making these changes now?
The landscape of higher education is shifting rapidly. Rising costs, changing student expectations, and enrollment pressures nationwide require decisive leadership. Greenville University is taking proactive, faith-centered steps to ensure our long-term sustainability and to continue delivering life-changing education. We're choosing innovation over inertia — and doing so with purpose, compassion, and clarity.
What is the timeline for these strategic actions?
This is an ongoing process, with phased updates and communication expected over the coming months and student-focused impact beginning Fall 2026. Some changes may be visible immediately, while others will unfold gradually. We are committed to transparency and consistent updates along the way.
Will these strategic changes impact the quality of education or student services?
Our unwavering commitment is to our students and their educational experience. While we believe these changes will, in fact, offer higher value and a better experience for our students, we will make every effort to minimize any direct impact on the quality of our academic programs and essential student services.
