Updates on the current Strategic Plan, academic programs, financial aid, and the FY25 budget highlighted the Annual Meeting of the Bob Jones University Board of Trustees held on campus March 27-28. Trustees approved an approximately $91 million budget for FY 2025.
Chairman of the Board Dr. Sam Dawson reiterated his continued appreciation for the transition team — Dr. Alan Benson, Dr. Gary Weier and Dr. Bruce McAllister — and their leadership while the Board is conducting the presidential search.
“Preparation for the board meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness to the University over the year and evaluate our progress toward achieving the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Alan Benson, BJU Acting CEO. “By His grace, we have achieved all but one of our Strategic Plan initiatives.”
In his address to the Board, Benson emphasized that he is humbled to serve alongside our faithful faculty and staff. They and the students have accomplished much this academic year. For example, the University has made great progress in incorporating biblical worldview into the curriculum and helping students develop a framework for critical thinking about relevant issues of the day. The University is continuing to grow its experiential learning course offerings. Twenty courses are being developed this summer for a total of 65 available next semester. Students have excelled in intercollegiate competitions across a wide academic spectrum while at the same time devoting many hours to outreach ministry and community service.
Based on a faculty-led program review, the Curriculum Committee offered proposed changes to ensure academic offerings meet market demand and support the mission of the University. The Board approved three new degree programs — Public Accounting, BS (150 credits); Theology and Apologetics, BA; Master of Theology, ThM — which will be added along with the following undergraduate certificates: Writing & Publishing, Interpersonal Communication, Global Nutrition, Medical Missions, Vulnerable Populations, Coaching and a new graduate certificate in Sports Coaching.
The trustees received an update on the status of the delayed FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid — and the mitigation efforts by BJU’s Financial Aid Office as they begin to calculate financial aid packages for prospective and returning students.
In follow-on discussions, the Trustees heard reports on enrollment and marketing, advancement, the School for Continuing, Online and Professional Education, information technology, and campus safety.
In addition to reports from the executive team, the Board heard testimonies from a staff member, a faculty representative and a student leader. They also had dinner with the Deans Council, Faculty Advisory Committee and student leadership.
Regarding the presidential search, the Board’s executive committee informed the full Board that candidate interviews are complete. The evaluation process is ongoing, and when finalized, the executive committee will present a candidate to the Board for a vote.
“We want to commend Dr. Benson for his leadership during this transitional time,” said Dawson. “We are diligently working to complete the presidential search. I am encouraged by the quality of the final candidates and trust that God will continue to guide us in the selection process.”
