President’s Newsletter – April 2025

Rodeheaver Auditorium, SC, May 31, 2024. (Derek Eckenroth)
This newsletter from Bob Jones University’s President Josh Crockett is intended to inform BJU’s alumni and friends of student and faculty achievements and campus programs and activities. Communication regarding this newsletter may be addressed to [email protected].

Message from the President

Josh Crockett at the Opening Services at BJU

As we approach the end of the academic year and Commencement in a few short weeks, I am grateful for all our BJU community has accomplished during the spring semester.

Students — supported by an incredible faculty and staff — have performed superbly time after time, and they have been recognized for their accomplishments both internally and by external organizations.

I especially want to commend the Class of 2025. The seniors have exhibited strong leadership on multiple fronts, and the student body will miss their example next year. As they go from this campus, we pray that each will fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

This newsletter showcases just a few examples of what takes place every day on our campus and what is available to each student who attends Bob Jones University.

BJU Cinema Students Win Top Awards at 2025 NRB Film Competition

BJU cinema students and faculty at the 2025 Intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasters (iNRB) convention in Dallas, Texas

Cinema students from Bob Jones University were recently recognized for outstanding work in film at the 2025 Intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasters (iNRB) convention in Dallas, Texas. This is the eleventh time BJU students have entered the competition. They have won awards in the film category every year.

NRB presents awards to undergraduate or graduate student iNRB members for outstanding examples of radio, television, and film productions. The annual convention allows students to network with professionals in their fields and participate in workshops related to Christian media.

Two BJU Film & Digital Storytelling teams won first and second place during the 24-hour intercollegiate film competition.

The team of Enoch Albert, sophomore from Taylors, South Carolina; Ace Cole, sophomore from Farmington, New Mexico; Claire Gotcher, senior from Castle Rock, Colorado; and Nathan Barnes Velez, senior from Greenville, South Carolina, took 1st place for the short film, Find What You Left Behind.

2nd place went to the team of Andrew Barnes, senior from Greenville, South Carolina; Ashley Lankford, senior from Greer, South Carolina; Jireh Volmar Irizarry, senior from Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Megan Winnberg, senior from Southgate, Michigan. Their short film was titled A Drop of Hope.

All BJU student winners are Film and Digital Storytelling majors.

“The quality of work our film students produce in a 24-hour period never ceases to amaze me. At the awards banquet, last year’s winning film, made by a BJU team, was showcased and four returning students were able to be recognized for their work,” said Sharyn Robertson, BJU cinema department head. “I am always proud of what our students accomplish and how they represent our department and BJU at the convention.”

Art + Design Students Visit NYC Galleries and Museums

Art + Design Students Visit NYC Galleries and Museums

Mar. 49, 34 Art + Design students, representing 13 majors in the School of Fine Arts and Communication, visited museums and galleries in New York City. The group was led by Dr. Jared Stanley, chair of the Division of Art + Design and three other BJU faculty — John Nolan, Jay Bopp and April Schwingle.

Students were able to see and experience works of art, architecture, and design that they have been studying in their art and design classes. The academic trip was a great example of experiential learning that brings a student’s coursework to life in the real world.

In New York City they visited the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Some students visited museums closely related to their fields such as an architectural tour of the Guggenheim or self-guided tours of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum of Design, the Neue Galerie featuring Austrian and German art and design from the early 20th century, the Morgan Library, and the Museum of Art and Design.

They also stopped at the Walters Museum in Baltimore and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond.

Engaging with primary resources on this immersive trip gave students a broader and deeper knowledge of their field.

Dr. Marc Chetta Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Marc Chetta in Rodeheaver Auditorium, BJU, April 13, 2021 (Prince Sarnicula)

As a member of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, BJU each year has the privilege of selecting a faculty member to receive the annual SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award. This year that award goes to Dr. Marc Chetta, professor of Human Anatomy and Physiology in the School of Health Professions.

Dr. Chetta earned a BS in Zoology at Louisiana State University and an MD from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at New Orleans where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

In 1981, he finished his family medicine residency program at the Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center where his peers and attending doctors selected him as chief resident. While a teaching resident, Dr. Chetta received the Parke-Davis Teacher Development Award, one of only 12 residents selected in the country.

During the first 10 years of his professional career, Dr. Chetta was in private practice in rural Mississippi and also served as assistant clinical professor of Family Medicine at LSU for seven of those years. In 1991, he became the ER medical director at Habersham County Medical Center in Georgia, and in 2005, with two colleagues, formed Covenant Emergency Physicians, LLC and served as its president for six years. He came to teach at BJU in January 2011.

Dr. Chetta is widely praised for his dynamic teaching style, engaging storytelling, and deep personal investment in his students. His courses are rigorous, yet deeply enriching, blending medical expertise with a biblical worldview. Students appreciate his ability to make complex concepts accessible as well as his encouragement and mentoring.

One student commented, “Dr. Chetta does a fantastic job of presenting material in a fascinating and biblical way. He is very caring toward his “young professionals” but also challenges us to work hard and learn effectively.”

“Dr. Chetta embodies what is best about our BJU faculty and staff,” said Dr. Gary Weier provost and executive vice president for academics. “He has high expectations for his students, but he doesn’t just hold them accountable to these high expectations. He supports and challenges them on their journey to help them understand their potential is greater than what they realize. He motivates and inspires them to love God with all their being. He teaches them how to exercise discernment and biblical wisdom. He shows by example what it means for believers to live or to be animated by their faith.”

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Chetta is known for his genuine compassion, humor, and unwavering commitment to student success. His impact extends far beyond academics, shaping future medical professionals with knowledge, integrity and a Christ-centered perspective.

Dr. Chetta will be honored at SCICU’s 2025 Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner in Columbia, South Carolina, April 22.

BJU Holds Annual Bible Conference

Bible Conference service in Founders Memorial Amphitorium on Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

The BJU Bible Conference took place on campus Feb. 1821 — an annual event that goes back to the first year of Bob Jones College in 19271928 in College Point, Florida. The purpose has remained the same for 98 years — to set aside the class schedule for a few days so that students, faculty and staff can learn from and be refreshed by the preaching of God’s Word.

An outstanding lineup of speakers addressed various aspects of “The Goodness of God”: Dr. Alan Benson, former BJU executive vice president for Student Development and Ministry Advancement; Dr. David Doran, president, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church, Allen Park, Michigan; Dr. Drew Conley, pastor, Hampton Park Baptist Church, Greenville; Dr. Gary Reimers, pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Greenville; Dr. Greg Stiekes, pastor Gateway Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, South Carolina; Dr. Mark Minnick, senior pastor, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville; Rev. Jon Crocker, executive director, GFA Missions, Greenville; and Rev. Tim Potter, president of ARCH Ministries.

In support of the conference, students held a prayer rally before the Wednesday morning service, and Sermon Audio hosted prayer sessions in the Mack Building Thursday and Friday.

On the last morning of the Conference, a Ministry Roundtable with Dr. Alan Benson, Dr. Drew Conley and Dr. Greg Stiekes enabled students and faculty to reflect on the goodness of God in ministry. The School of Theology and Global Leadership uses this format at least once a semester to engage students with men in ministry.

Bible Conference Offering Goes to Jonathan’s House Central Africa

Jonathan's House

The 2025 Bible Conference offering project raised money for Jonathan’s House in the Central African Republic. Jonathan’s House is a multi-faceted ministry — an orphanage caring for approximately 50 at-risk children, a school educating and feeding over 400 children, and a medical clinic caring for underserved people of the Central African Republic. The goal of the ministry goes beyond meeting physical needs to helping people in their care become self-sufficient disciples of Jesus who are equipped to serve others.

Donna Bixby, a 1996 BJU graduate and the international director of Jonathan’s House, shared with the BJU community the various aspects of the ministry and real-life experiences of her staff, the children and others the ministry serves. She explained that the offering would go toward a new building which would become home to the babies — currently living in her home — and girls in the orphanage.

Students enthusiastically got behind the project — as they do every year — and came up with a record 64 fundraisers involving their societies and other groups on campus. Many fundraisers involved food served throughout the day or after the evening service. Fundraising activities included such things as roller skating, a murder mystery game, pickleball tournament, a 239-mile bike ride to Charleston, faculty/staff basketball game, and a talent show.

The new building needed by Jonathan’s House will cost approximately $400,000. BJU has sent $140,000 — enough to begin the building and construct at least the first floor. A big thank you goes to our terrific student body, parents who gave to their child’s fundraiser and others who contributed to the offering — all of whom helped further a gospel ministry halfway around the world.

BJU Students and Professors Participate in Research Conference

Dr. Robert E. Lee, professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Timothy Tittiris, assistant professor of Chemistry, served as judges for posters presented at the 54th Annual American Chemical Society’s Southeast Undergraduate Research Conference in Kennesaw, Georgia, Feb. 1. They also sponsored 12 BJU Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students who presented five posters at the conference.

  • AZ1 via Williamson Ether Synthesis and Reductive Amination presented by Julie Chelli, Audrey Volmer and Kathryn Waycaster — all senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors. Their research was made possible through the Science and Engineering Endowment using BJU laboratories.
  • AZ2 presented by Matthias Baladi and Grace Douglas, also senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors; AZ3 presented by junior Julia Douglas and senior Lexa Moser, Chemistry majors; AZ4 presented by senior Chemistry majors Ethan Lott and Jeffrey Vaughn. The research for AZ2, AZ3, and AZ4 was completed as part of Fall 2024 experiential learning capstone work.
  • Conductive Hydrogel Electrodes: Advances in Sensor Design presented by BJU senior Chemistry major Isabella McDonald and four students from the Department of Physical Science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. This work was completed last summer at Embry Riddle University and as part of a BJU chemistry experiential leaning capstone class in Fall 2024.

Dr. Lee and 2017 graduate Paige Heiple mentored BJU students. Paige completed a Master of Chemistry at Eastern Michigan University and works as a senior scientist at Cambrex High Point in North Carolina.

BJU Adds Iconic Photo to 2025 Living Gallery

2025 Living Gallery: This Same Jesus

Bob Jones University will present Living Gallery, an Upstate Easter tradition for over 25 years, Apr. 1719, in Rodeheaver Auditorium.

Living Gallery brings renowned works of art to life in a captivating life-size format complete with sacred music and dramatic storytelling in a modern setting. This year’s production, This Same Jesus, tells the story of Christ’s death and resurrection in a unique and spiritually uplifting way.

The program highlights the Bible’s powerful answer to a broken world. The story of true redemption and healing will be conveyed through such works as Domenico Fiasella’s “Christ Healing the Blind.” The emotional weight of Christ’s own suffering will be poignantly captured in Rembrandt’s “The Three Crosses.”

For the first time in BJU’s Living Gallery’s history, the production will feature a life-size recreation of an iconic photograph — Thomas Franklin’s powerful “Raising the Flag at Ground Zero.” This stirring image of three New York City firefighters raising an American flag over the remnants of the Twin Towers has become one of the most recognizable and poignant symbols of the 9/11 tragedy.

Performances will take place at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Apr. 17 and 18 and at 2, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. on Apr. 19. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit livinggallery.bju.edu or contact the BJU Box Office at (864) 770-1372.

BJU Students to Study Abroad this Summer

This summer, Bob Jones University is offering eight Study Abroad courses involving 50 students and approximately 15 faculty.

  • Art + Design taught by Michelle Radford in Spain, May 14–27
  • Communication Disorders taught by David Eoute Jr. in Uganda, May 30–June 21
  • Culinary Arts taught by Rob Hansen in Austria, June 4–19
  • Educational Studies taught by Caitlan Reid in Guatemala, May 12–26
  • Music with Andrew Huish in Estonia, June 27–July 7
  • Nursing with Valerie Petersen in Honduras, May 11–17, and
  • Spanish taught by Miriam Patterson in Peru, May 10–23, and a second class, May 24–June 7

All courses are for 3 hours of academic credit except Communication Disorders which offers 6 credits.

BJU’s IRON40 Raising Funds for Student Scholarships

Matt Weathers prepares for the IRON40 during a promotional marketing photo shoot, March 11, 2025. (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

During Bruins Spirit Week, Mar. 1720, Dr. Matthew Weathers, Chief Enrollment Officer, completed four full-distance Triathlons in four consecutive days to raise $1 million in support of students needing financial assistance. The challenge was designed to both inspire the BJU community and make a BJU education possible for more students.

Over the four days, he swam 9.6 miles, biked 448 miles and ran 104.8 miles. Swimming took place off campus and the biking and running on back campus. Students and friends from the local community joined him for portions of the biking and running events.

When Dr. Weathers crossed the finish line at about 8 p.m. Thursday evening, He was greeted by a large group of cheering students.

For more information about IRON40, including how to donate, visit the official fundraiser page at iron40.bju.edu.

“I am so thankful for many friends of BJU who have already donated to the cause and look forward to seeing what God will do in the days ahead,” said Weathers. A generous donor is offering a dollar-for-dollar match for all funds which come in after Mar. 30. Donations will be accepted through Apr. 20.

Answers in Genesis to Present Living in Babylon Apr. 14

At Bob Jones University, we believe the Bible is God’s authoritative, eternal, and unchanging Word. As such, it contains the answers to every one of life’s questions.

Answers in Genesis is equally committed to these realities, and we are pleased to present our students and people in the Greenville community the opportunity to hear from Answers in Genesis directly. On Apr. 14, Ken Ham, founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis, the highly acclaimed Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter along with Owen Strachan will present “Living in Babylon” in Founder’s Memorial Amphitorium at 6 p.m. They will emphasize the importance of a biblical worldview in today’s culture.

During an intermission between the two speakers, Ken Ham will be available in the FMA lobby to meet and greet those who attend and resources will be available from both Answers in Genesis and BJU. A Q&A session will follow Mr. Strachan’s address with Ken Ham, Owen Strachan and Joshua Crockett.

Admission to the event is free, but tickets are required. Tickets may be obtained through guestlist.co.

BJU Student Presents Paper and Poster at Philosophy Conferences

Seana Ruane, University Headshots, Bob Jones University, BJU, September 28, 2023 (Hal Cook)

Seana Ruane, junior English Education major from Guam, presented a paper titled “The Creation, Fall and Redemption of Friendship” at the Evangelical Philosophical Society Eastern Division Meeting at Southwestern Theological Seminary, Mar. 7. She was the only female undergraduate to present at the conference.

On Mar. 29, she presented a poster at the South Carolina Society for Philosophy Annual Meeting Poster Session held at the University of South Carolina. Her poster was titled “Reviving Courtesy Titles to Respect Others.”

Bruins Athletics Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class

On March 19, BJU announced the 2025 inductees into the athletics Hall of Fame: former Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director Jonny Gamet, women’s soccer coach Dr. Chris Carmichael, women’s basketball coach Mike LeViere along with the original men’s and women’s cross country teams and the inaugural men’s golf team.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined during The Brodys, the annual athletic awards ceremony Apr. 26.

Jonny Gamet worked with BJU intercollegiate athletics from its inception in 2012 through February 2023. He was instrumental in telling the story of Bruins athletics through game recaps, player and coaches interviews, livestream broadcasts and other avenues. He also led the Bruins marketing and sponsorship efforts and oversaw the development and expansion of the Bruins summer camps. In 2021, the NCCAA honored Gamet with the Game Plan 4 Life Award for Division II.

Dr. Chris Carmichael has led the women’s soccer team since its inaugural 2012 season. In his 13 years as head coach, he has an impressive 167-83-16 record, leading the team to seven NCCAA DII South Region Championship titles and seven national titles. Carmichael has been named the NCCAA South Region DII Coach of the year four times and has earned the National Coach of the Year seven times.

Head women’s basketball coach, Mike LeViere is one of just two coaches in Bruins history to lead their team since the inaugural season. Throughout his 13 years of coaching at BJU, he has led his team to 175 victories, three NCCAA DII South Region Championships and five national championship appearances.

The cross country team began with 16 men and 17 women in 2012 under coach Landon Bright and his wife Katie. The teams made their program debut in September 2013 at the Furman Classic Cross Country meet at Furman University. They concluded their first season at the NCCAA National Championship. Aaron Isles became the first All-American in Bruins history as he finished 9th overall on the national stage. Since then, the men’s cross country team has finished on top with nine straight national championships; the women’s team has earned four national titles.

The Bruins golf program began in 2013 with six men under coach Dennis Scott. They began competition that year at the Piedmont College Invitational and won their first tournament that same month, the Hiwassee College Invitational. Over the years, the golf team has continued to grow and improve and has been the recipient of multiple Game Plan 4 Life and All-American awards. The team has appeared seven times at the NCCAA National Tournament.

The public is invited to attend The Brodys, Apr. 26, at 7 p.m., in Rodeheaver Auditorium.

The Collegian Staff Wins Awards at 2025 SCPA Ceremony

The South Carolina Press Association (SCPA) recognized staff members of Bob Jones University’s student newspaper, The Collegian, with multiple awards at its annual awards ceremony February 28

The South Carolina Press Association (SCPA) recognized staff members of Bob Jones University’s student newspaper, The Collegian, with multiple awards at its annual awards ceremony February 28.

The SCPA Collegiate News Contest recognizes the best in South Carolina collegiate journalism. Collegiate staff members compete against other colleges and universities in 20 categories, including writing, design, photography and illustration.

In the Collegiate Under 5,000 division, BJU students won the following awards.

First-place Awards

  • Amylia Boyd, Natalie Brill, Julia Probus, Jonathan Rose — Podcast, “Bob Pod”
  • Amylia Boyd, Bethany Brooks, Caleb Fabrizio, Jonathan Lovegrove, Abgail Vogel — News Story, “Hurricane Helene batters Bob Jones University”
  • Jonathan Lovegrove — First Page Design, November issue
  • Jonathan Lovegrove — Video, “New BJU President Josh Crockett shares goals, vision for University’s future”

Second-place Awards

  • Bethany Brooks — News Story, “BJU engineering students’ weather balloons captured wildfire photos”
  • Jonathan Lovegrove — First Page Design, April Issue
  • Daniel Matesevac, William Klapperich, Ryan Wiedell — Video. “BJU faculty football game comes down to the wire in instant classic”

Third-place Awards

  • Tessa Bonnema — Photo Story, “Weather balloons take flight launched by BJU freshmen engineering students”
  • Olivia Adams — Photograph, “One man expresses his gratitude to volunteers providing meals in the Asheville area following Hurricane Helene’s devastation”

“This has been a year of growth for a young group that has shown dedication to learning how to report and create for journalism,” said Nate Cary, faculty adviser for The Collegian. “They’ve shown ambition in launching the Bob Pod podcast and expanded beyond traditional print and digital reporting to focus on video and social media. Journalism remains the bedrock of the process as seen with resilient reporting about the devastation Hurricane Helene brought to campus and to surrounding communities.”

University Honors Fallen Officers and First Responders

Allen Jacobs Memorial Prayer Breakfast in the Davis Room at Dixon-McKinsey Dining Common at Bob Jones University on March 14, 2025. (Photo by Derek Eckenroth)

Bob Jones University hosted the ninth annual Allen Jacobs Memorial Prayer Breakfast Friday, Mar. 14, to honor the memory of Officer Allen Jacobs and other officers in Greenville County who have been killed in the line of duty.

During the breakfast, several awards were presented to members of the law enforcement community who have exhibited exemplary service and courage over the past year: the Award of Merit presented to a school resource officer described as the heart and soul of his school community, the Public Safety Employee of the Year Award presented to an employee of the Greenville Police Department who develops programs to bridge information gaps, the Distinguished Achievement Award given to a sergeant in the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office for his work with kidnapping victims and missing persons, and the Allen Jacobs Award of Valor presented to two offices who risked their own welfare to capture a suspect with 18 active warrants.

Pastor Jeff Webb, student pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville and chaplain and reserve deputy of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, delivered a brief keynote.

“We are thankful for the chance to honor Officer Allen Jacobs and all law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Josh Crockett, BJU president. “Their bravery and commitment will never be forgotten. As we remember their service, we will pray for those who continue to serve in the line of duty, asking for God’s protection, strength, and guidance as they carry out their vital work.”

The breakfast is provided free of charge to law enforcement personnel. Business and community leaders across the Upstate attend and sponsor the event. This year’s sponsors included Mackey Funerals and Cremations, Canteen, the Greenville Police Department, Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union, Pepsi of Greenville, Waldrop Plumbing Heating and Air, Christophillis & Gallivan, P.A. and Amanda Gallivan.

Proceeds from the breakfast benefit the Allen Jacobs Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was created at the request of the Jacobs family to assist senior BJU students majoring in criminal justice. Since its inception, this event has raised over $150,000.

Students Attend Naval Academy Leadership Conference

Ashlyn Feller, Visual Studies major from Nappanee, Indiana; Josiah Sherrill, Biblical Studies major from Katy, Texas; Abigail Lovegrove, Ministry and Leadership major from Greenville, South Carolina; and Daniel Wood, Engineering major from West Chester, Pennsylvania
Ashlyn Feller, Josiah Sherrill, Abigail Lovegrove, and Daniel Wood

At the beginning of the semester, four BJU student leaders — all seniors — attended the 2025 United States Naval Academy Leadership Conference at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland: Ashlyn Feller, Visual Studies major from Nappanee, Indiana; Josiah Sherrill, Biblical Studies major from Katy, Texas; Abigail Lovegrove, Ministry and Leadership major from Greenville, South Carolina; and Daniel Wood, Engineering major from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Each holds a major campus leadership position this year. They were accompanied by David Baral from the Alumni Relations Department.

The theme of the 3-day conference was Leading from Within: Embracing Authenticity in Leadership. Sessions explored the impact of genuine leaders on their organization’s success and the values they impart to their teams.

In addition to Naval officers, including a four-star admiral, speakers included the founder and CEO of a premiere leadership development firm, the former CEO of PepsiCo, and a former astronaut. Panels delved into three key topics: Balancing Our Convictions and Our Duty, Inspiring Authenticity in Those You Lead, and Authenticity in the Face of Adversity.

Students from 61 colleges and universities attended, including such schools as UCLA, Penn State, Ohio State, Princeton, The Citadel, VMI, West Point and Yale as well as several international locations. Our BJU students represented themselves and the University well, particularly when it came to sharing their biblical worldview in contrast to worldly ideologies, and they readily shared the Gospel with individuals from other universities.

One goal of the conference is to have delegates representing a variety of ideologies. We are thankful that the Naval Academy has invited BJU to send delegates for several years and to have opportunity to share a conservative, biblically based perspective.

BJU Produces The Sound of Music

Mar. 1316, Bob Jones University staged four performances of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, to rave reviews by students, the Greenville community, and guests from 22 states outside of South Carolina.

Set in Austria before WWII, the musical tells the story of a young governess who brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.

With the exception of Matt Faucher who played Captain von Trapp, the main characters were from the BJU community. Their performances and vocals were widely acclaimed, along with the quality of the production and the performances of the children in the cast.

Megan Stapleton, assistant professor of voice studies at BJU, portrayed Maria. She made her Lincoln Center debut as soprano soloist in Dan Forrest’s oratorio, Creation. In 2023, she performed in BJU’s Beauty and the Beast. She has also performed with the Boston Early Music Festival ensemble, The Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and The Symphony of Southeast Texas.

Matt Faucher is a graduate of the Hartt School with a BFA in acting and currently teaches vocal production and acting through song at Pace University. He has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and television.

Mother Abbess was portrayed by Joanie Pegram, Bob Jones Academy’s elementary music coordinator. With a BS in music and an MA in fine arts, she has played in the opera La Cenerentola, Little Women: The Broadway Musical, two Shakespearean plays, and Pride and Prejudice.

BJU grad Carey Nelson played Max Detweiler. An architect by day, he played in two previous BJU productions, Beauty and the Beast and Henry V.

Laura Cook Brundage portrayed Elsa Schraeder. Laura received a master of music in vocal performance from BJU and is pursuing a doctorate of music from Liberty University. An assistant professor, she heads the BJU department of Vocal Studies.

A BJU student majoring in music with a theatre minor, Kelsey Campbell, played Lisel von Trapp. She performed in Romeo & Juliet at BJU in 2023.

Jeffrey Stegall of the BJU Theatre faculty directed the production.

Nearly 9,900 people attended a performance of The Sound of Music, the second largest attendance for a BJU musical.

Key Upcoming Dates

  • Apr. 8–10 — AACS Nationals Competition
  • Apr. 14 — Answers in Genesis: Living in Babylon
  • Apr. 17–18 — BJU Up Close
  • Apr. 17–19 — Living Gallery: This Same Jesus
  • Apr. 26 — The Brodys Athletic Awards
  • May 8 — Awards Ceremony
  • May 8 — Baccalaureate & Legacy Ceremony
  • May 9 — Commencement

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