Bob Jones University Announces Three Key Administrative Changes

This is something for my fellow BoJos:

GREENVILLE, SC….January 20, 2005 . . . Dr. Bob Jones III will retire as president of Bob Jones University at the annual commencement exercises May 7, 2005, Bob Jones University announced today. The Board of Trustees has elected Rev. Stephen Jones, Vice President for Administration and Chief Administrative Oversight Officer, to succeed his father as president.

Dr. Jones has been elected Chancellor of the University and will continue as Chairman of the Board.

During Dr. Jones’ 34-year tenure as president, the University saw its largest advances in academic programs and expansion of campus facilities and extended its outreach around the globe, today drawing students from all 50 states and 46 countries.

Stephen Jones will be the fourth president in the 78-year history of the University. He earned a B.A. in Public Speaking from BJU in 1992, a Master of Divinity in 1996, and in May will earn a Ph.D. in Liberal Arts Studies with concentrations in business, education, and organizational communication. Mr. Jones was a member of the University faculty for five years, teaching Speech Communication and Pulpit Speech, and also served as Dormitory Supervisor and Assistant to the President. He assumed his current executive position of Vice President for Administration in 2001. “The opportunity to step into the role occupied by my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is overwhelming,” said Jones. “The faculty and staff that the Lord has assembled here are unmatched in their abilities, dedication, and love for our students. I can’t imagine a greater joy than serving side by side with them in this new role and being involved in the lives of the world’s most wonderful student body. I am eager for the days that lie ahead for Bob Jones University and believe that the Lord has wonderful things in store for us as we remain faithful to His Word.”

Dr. Gary Weier, currently the University Registrar, will replace Stephen Jones as Vice President for Administration and Chief Administrative Oversight Officer. Before assuming his current position in 2002, Dr. Weier was a faculty member in the Division of Speech Communication at BJU and teaching assistant in Speech Communication at Purdue University. Dr. Weir holds a B.S. in Interpretative Speech and an M.A. in Speech Communications from Bob Jones University and a Ph.D. in Rhetorical Studies and Public Affairs/Issue Management from Purdue University.

In addition, the University announced the retirement of Dr. Bob Wood, Executive Vice President, also effective at the May Convocation. Dr. Wood has served as Chief Operations Officer of the University for the past 29 years. An ordained pastor and former executive of Brown Transport Corporation, Dr. Wood has applied the unique combination of business acumen and a pastor’s heart as he has ministered to the students and directed the phenomenal growth of University operations, including the Bob Jones University Press, over the past three decades.

Dr. Wood will continue on a part-time basis to handle special projects for the new president and will continue his preaching ministry.

Alan Carper will assume the position of Executive Vice President when Dr. Wood steps down in May. A 22-year faculty member in the University’s School of Business Administration, Mr. Carper is a former Branch Manager of the First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Lincolnton, North Carolina, and former sales development Manager at Clark Equipment Company, Aurora, Illinois. He holds a B.S. degree in Business Management from Bob Jones University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from McColl School of Business, Queens College, in Charlotte. He is currently completing two years as the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s largest Mobilization Processing Site in Norfolk, where he has managed the preparation of naval reservists being mobilized to Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and other military theaters.

Dr. Philip Smith, Chief Academic Officer, will also retire at the end of this academic year, following nearly 50 years at the University. Dr. Smith’s positions have included Dean of the College of Arts and Science, Registrar, Provost, and currently Chief Academic Officer. He has provided oversight in all areas of the University academic life, including the faculty, curriculum, and related departments as well as Bob Jones Elementary School, Junior High, and Academy, the BJU Press, and the Center for Educational Technology.

Dr. Smith will be replaced by Dr. David Fisher, principal of Bob Jones Academy and faculty member in the University Department of History. In addition, he has taught on BJ LINC, the University’s interactive classroom network, and has worked at the BJU Press as author and director of history curriculum development. Dr. Fisher holds a B.S. in Social Studies Education and an M.A. and Ph.D. in church. He, assisted by Dr. Dan Smith, the Director of Educational Services, will be the architect of the University’s future academic growth.

All three of these administrative changes have been in the planning stage for the past 18 months. They are being announced at this time to enable the new officers to be mentored in their positions the remainder of this academic year.