Gene Fant Jr.

Early life and career Gene was born in Laurel, Mississippi, where his grandfather preached on one side of town and his father on the other. When Gene was four years old, his father felt called to missions and moved the family to Upstate New York to plant churches.

When Gene was 11, his family moved again, this time to Hampton, Virginia, where his father, Gene C. Fant Sr., served as pastor at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church. When Gene's father travelled to preach revivals, the whole family travelled along with him to provide the worship. Gene played bass and his younger brother, Steve, played guitar to accompany their gospel singer-songwriter mother, Ramona Faith Fant, whose stage name was Mona Faith.

Employment in Higher Education Assistant Director, Mississippi Institute on Law-Related Education, University of Southern Mississippi (1994-1995) Assistant Professor of English, Mississippi College (1995-2002, English Department Chair 1999–2002) Associate Professor / Professor of English, Union University (2002-2014, English Department Chair 2002–2006, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences 2006–2010, Vice President for Academics 2010–2012, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 2012–2014) Provost and Professor of English, Palm Beach Atlantic University (2014-2017) President, North Greenville University (2017–present)

In addition to these positions, Gene was one of the original curriculum developers of the Impact 360 Institute. Gene currently serves on the institute's board of directors.

Personal life Gene has been married to Lisa Fant (formerly Lisa Williams) since 1989. Lisa holds a master's degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the past 18 years, she has primarily worked as a stay-at-home mom to their adult twin children: Ethan and Emily. Contributing blogger at First Things' "Evangel" (2009-2013) and "First Thoughts" (2013-2015).