How a student's fashion design project upset the created order at Bob Pettit is widely liked by staff and students at Bob Jones University. The alumnus, who talked to board members, said Pettit had been criticized for the style of worship music played at student chapel services, immodest clothing worn by female athletes, questionable performances and musical selections from the fine arts program, and even Pettits participation in a bluegrass music band. Kent Hovind is now on wife #4 if I remember correctly. Or maybe I could say, how has the pandemic impacted higher education change going forward? From day one, faith and learning are integrated into every experience. My dad, whos retired now, was a KJV-preferred pastor while I was a kid and in college. I think were looking to leverage the skills and strengths of our faculty and staff even more. Anyway. Hence, Im going to separate from you because you refuse to separate from someone else. So, that was a big factor in our being prepared, but again Id say, your leadership particularly in making the quick decision, getting the right mindset among our faculty and staff, those have been big ways that have helped to make this what were calling pivot for us. As an outsider observer, it is apparent that Pettit is trying to bring Bob Jones University into the 21st century. Pettit: Well, I think we were able to make what seemed to be a pretty quick decision because we had so many things, so many foundational preparations going on before we even got to the decision that had to be made. He is confusing to the students. While those on the outside may perceive it to be fairly uniform, the fact is that Christian fundamentalism is coursing with different camps, some of them warring. So, as she said, micro-credentials are going to be big going forward, and its not just for the post-traditional student. I did not enter BJU with these doubts. The above is not a complete list of Pettits concerns and accusations, but for me they speak to what I was communicating in my article last November. Of course, it doesnt. The swift reversal initially made little sense to me. Just for those of you that may not know, our online offerings are found online at scope.bju.edu, or you could just type in SCOPE and BJU in Google and youll find it. Thanks for anytime you could share with this! Weier: Well, thank you Dr. Pettit, its great to be here. We announced to the student body in chapel on Thursday, the 12th, which is at 11:00. My wife and I finally visited the church this past Christmas and met Pastor Nathan for ourselves. 1970 s. In 1971, Dr. Bob Jones Jr. became the university chancellor, and Dr. Bob Jones III assumed the responsibilities of president. I think were going to continue to see that increase. I anticipated gritting my teeth and doing my time. The episode last fall was stressful and painful for the BJU community, including friends and family members of mine who are still connected to the school. My mom attended Bob Jones and met my dad while teaching at Pensacola Christian School after she graduated from BJU. As a 2017 grad, I was there when Dr. Pettit helped make some phenomenal changes to the school to focus less on fundamentalism and focus more on the relationship with Christ and loving God and others. Evangelist Bob Jones Sr. founded Bob Jones University out of concern with the secularization of higher education. Going to the movie theatre was a major sin. Pettit: I definitely would say that that is a major emphasis of our education here, especially in the area of character development, soft skills and communication skills. You might get first of all the answer, Well, I teach history or I teach business or I teach theology or I teach nursing, but very quickly or maybe even before that, youll hear the faculty member say that I teach students. That just emphasizes the importance, the primacy of that relationship that we really recognize that we are teaching other people. There is a sizeable community of BJU alumni and friends of the university who have organized petitions, Facebook groups, prayer times, and campaigns to write letters to the board advocating for Steve Pettit to remain as president and CEO of Bob Jones University. From magnificent stained glass to medieval religious artifacts . Bob Jones University was founded in 1927 by evangelist BOB JONES, SR. (1883-1968), one of the most influential men in Fundamentalism and a bridge between Interdenominational Fundamentalism and fundamental Baptists. Here is where all 50 state university systems rank on ROIand How to work with our editorial department. The Bob Jones University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. How Wichita State University is Making a Difference By Anthology June 1, 2023 Navigating College Life with Autism: How Wichita State University is Making a Difference A report by the CDC states that one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, which has increased since a 2016 statistic of one in 54. Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, negotiation are a few of those skills. Cormican: Well, to further what Dr. Weier mentioned, through SCOPE we offer several fully online grad programs already and a couple certificates, but were also looking forward to building certificate programs that respond to other workforce development needs, and Ill give you two examples. The Coup at Bob Jones University Isn't Over (Musical intro) Smith: Welcome to Highest Potential with Dr. Steve Pettit, a podcast that explores how Bob Jones University empowers individuals to reach their highest potential for God's glory. In short, I was unprepared and I vowed never to support BJU. He does not enforce the colleges handbook or statement of faith. And I think about our faculty here at BJU. BJUtoday | News and Perspectives from BJU Be sure to listen to this episode and all future episodes on Apple Podcasts,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts. You can read the letter by clicking here. From all over the country the Board received pleas from graduates, and others, to look into these matters fearing that the University had veered in its direction, and unique distinctives without which it would become irrelevant. Pettit has not mentioned whether he will walk back his resignation since Lewis has stepped down. For their sake, I hope this is resolved favorably. However, it appears that BJUs days may be numbered. Pettit does give out chapel books which include the preaching outlines for students which is very helpful. So, Id like to ask one final question and that is, in the midst of so much change, what is it that will remain constant in higher education? And Ill say this, my only public speculation, I believe that there are members of the board and in related institutions/organizations (like the FBFI) who have concluded that their only option is to kill off BJU while they still can. Do any of you who attended BJU have any doubt that those Executive Meetings now improperly (possibly illegally) taking place in Bob Jones IIIs house are void of existential handwringing over the evidence garnered last fall detailing how much the removal of the ancient landmarks was displayed in the overwhelming and very vocal support of Pettit? BJUtoday provides thoughtful articles on BJU news and other current topics by the faculty, staff, students and administration of Bob Jones University. It was very evident to me they staunchly IFB. Except, in this case, I have spoken to or texted with several people who are intimately connected, in various ways, to BJU and the situation. But the in-demand skills that are nontechnical are the skills that will always be important. After consolidating his power over the Bob Jones University board of trustees last week, Chairman John Lewis won his face-off against university president Steve Pettit.. Pettit, who has served as president of the ultra-conservative school since 2014, had given the board an ultimatum before last week's meeting: "I cannot continue to work in a relationship with Dr. John Lewis as chairman of . You all should be ashamed of yourselves, and should repent & follow Christ according to His Word. So, welcome Gary, glad youre here with us. If people on the board would rather see the school close then become liberal, congratulations. [3] Their relationship soured years later after Horton got it in his head that my dad was telling the PCC preacher boys working at my dads church to transfer to BJU. BJU PR June 15, 2023 BJU Board of Trustees Appoints Acting CEO by BJU PR BJU Students Achieve 2023 Global Seal of Biliteracy by BJU PR BJU to Hold 96th Commencement by BJU PR 2023 Vintage Dedicated to Betty Solomon by BJU PR The latter, I suspect is why Dr. Pettits leadership is coming under fire. I think that coming out of this, obviously, theres going to be a focus on the health care industry, so we have a growing School of Health Professions. In addition, we have several graduate programs online; several in education, several in biblical studies, biblical counseling. He tried to hide their Halloween party from parents and pastors. But again, by Gods grace, we were able to make the pivot. Global dexterity is another big thing that we emphasize, so these kinds of things we were already embedding within our curriculum; were just working to accelerate that even more. He did not refuse the standing ovation, but accepted it. That version doesnt really exist anymore. If they would rather see it close than support their agenda, then I can equally say that I would rather see it close than regress to its former state. My parents were closer to the second group of parents but while sharing some of the stricter views of the first group. However, the school is well on its way. Bob Jones University has not released a statement regarding the process of selecting a new President. (Or maybe the 20th!). 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd in Greenville, SC, has had a strong gravitational pull in my life going all the way back to my first memories. What's going on at BJU? President and Board Chairman resign. The old guard remains and is still the same hard-core fundies we know and love. There is a deep philosophical/theological divide between those who are angry over Pettits forced resignation and those who forced his resignation. He is not a Bible-preacher. Im not saying they shouldnt have written and sent those emails (and their other actions on Pettits behalf). Cormican: Same, very personal, and I think for our online traditional students, they were already balancing part-time or full-time work with their own education online, and then they have this additional responsibility, perhaps, managing their children now being at home, now being homeschoolers, or caring for family members and perhaps, working on the front lines fighting the coronavirus. In his letter, Pettit listed several underhanded and unethical maneuvers by the old guard still on the board. Another question is probably in the minds of some: why do you care, John? Here's the Cost of Attendance breakdown for Bob Jones University: Tuition and Fees $13460. BJUtoday provides thoughtful articles on BJU news and other current topics by the faculty, staff, students and administration of Bob Jones University. Students seemed to be happier and have a confidence in their faith. So in 1927, Bob Jones College opened as a young earth creationist alternative to evolutionary views of creation out of fear of a hypothetical future society created and controlled by atheists. Pettits primary grievance with Lewis stems from his posture of secrecy and hostility toward the board and administration. For example, he forbade the Board from telling the schools longstanding corporate counsel of a meeting held in February and he moved all executive committee meetings to a former presidents private residence, according to Pettits letter. Im currently considering enrolling my 2 younger children in BJ Academy, but if Pettit is removed, I will look at other private school options. If BJU chooses to let Dr. Pettit go and reverts to focusing on externals, I wont be able to recommend BJU anymore. Day Student Connection. That was in play before the pandemic; its even more in play now, and thankfully what is relevant are the kind of soft skills, or people skills, that Beverly was just alluding to. The petition reads: Our president is under evaluation for a renewal of his contract in the coming months. As I write it has 6,844 signatures. The IT department, all of their work; Student Life, the tremendous support the students received through Student Life discipling them, meeting their needs; just the support structure at BJU. For my entire life, BJU has loomed. The board of the university may remove president Steve Pettit for allowing the wrong kind of worship music in chapel, letting female athletes wear immodest clothing, participating in a bluegrass music band, and firing conservative professors. And thats the space BJU exists in, and its the space BJU has existed in really going back to Stephen Jones tenure as university president. Anything remotely close to rock music was verboten. Separation is required. Required fields are marked *. When I left, I had doubts about my faith and had little interest in it. While I dont hang out with them anymore and have never really had anything in common, I like that theyre still here. From all accounts, BJUs Board of Trustees is preparing to dismiss the universitys current president and CEO Steve Pettit, if not simply fail to renew his contract. A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 8 "The Bill Rice Ranch", How to Convince an Atheist that God Exists, A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 7 "My Year as a Bob Jones University Preacher Boy", I Haven't Changed and Donald Trump Hasn't Changed; Maybe You've Changed, A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 13 "The Unraveling Begins", A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 14 "A Jack Kerouac Inspired Pilgrimage", 18 Years and Counting: A Family Forged on the Road, A Godless Fundamentalist: Chapter 12 "Freedom, Finally". She visited BJU last year with a group, and I told her I couldnt have recommended it 15 years ago, but I think that I could now. How can we minister to them? So, that not only helped the faculty, but it helped the students because they were used to doing even resident work digitally in online. I pray that the outpouring of support for Steve Pettit will sway the requisite number of board members so that my friends and family members dont have to face difficult decisions in the near future.[5]. It is a very strong, influential fundamentalist institution. (RNS) The president of Bob Jones University, a prominent South Carolina evangelical school, has resigned, citing dysfunction and disunity on the school's board of trustees. So, a question I want to ask as we begin to move forward here is, what has been the immediate impact on students at Bob Jones University following the coronavirus and the closing of the school? There is an amazing role BJU can have in influencing the world for Christ. Purity is tantamount, and I cant risk being sullied by your compromising associations. Dr. It has now, thanks in large part to Steve Pettit and many of those who serve under him, including many of my faculty friends. Ironically, Steve Pettit would adamantly disagree with the rule changes Id propose, as would some of my friends still connected to BJU. Bju is not an extreme fundamental kjv only school and never has been. Bob Jones president resigns, accuses board chair of thwarting Title IX Under the new leadership, the University expanded many facets of its ministry. The 15 best colleges for computer science degree seekers. Cormican: Well, I would agree with Gary. Amazing and sad how the fall of BJU is paralleling the fall of Northland many years ago. But defenders say that decisions about which professors to release were made by college deans and leaders, not Pettit. He is a hypocrite. He did not really give glory to God, but uses it as a religious catchphrase (like you do). Bob Davis Reynolds Jones was the eleventh of twelve children born to William Alexander and Georgia Creel Jones. But its really continuous education, a response to the skill set caused by the needs of technology. They dressed like us. Pettit: And thank you, Beverly, for being with us today on the telephone line from Atlanta, Georgia. Early years. I think more and more, people are looking for a relevant education. Those are targeted to students who have several credits of their undergraduate already completed but just never finished their degree. Edit: My thoughts on the most recent development can be read by clicking here. Its affected our lives very personally. Steve Pettit understands Christian students need an excellent education and a spiritual foundation to enter a world that will increasingly oppose them but needs the gospel message BJU students can boldly share. The Christian school I attended was the home of Aunt Carolines Childrens Bible Hour. You can read more about my story in my memoir series A Godless Fundamentalist, so I wont go into more detail here. The last two weeks have seen the South Carolina university's leadership flip on its head. To be clear, my only stake here is the well-being of my friends and family who are still connected to BJU, especially those employed by the school. Change). We have great faculty, and we have revamped our faculty training program for course development and course facilitation to equip them to succeed in teaching an online course and providing our students a great engaged learning experience. The best way I know how to describe it is that for the longest time, BJU existed as the brightest, most-noteworthy star in the weird, hard to define cosmos called independent fundamentalist Christianity. So, that brought sudden change to their lives. The fact that we had many classes online already, faculty with experience doing that, and even in our resident courses, the LMS (the Learning Management System) that we use, Canvasour faculty have gotten accustomed to using that in their resident classes. So, Gary and Beverly, thank you both for taking the time today to meet with us here on Highest Potential, and I hope that youll continue to follow us week after week as we try to address the issues and the relationships of the day that Gods people find that are important, the things that they are interested in. Its surreal. The fundamentalist old guard would rather burn the whole thing down then allow what they see as compromise and mission drift to occur at their beloved Bob Jones University. If the board moves BJU back in time to some desired halcyon days, their current customer base will disappear. Founded in 1927, Bob Jones University. Bob Jones University President Steve Pettit resigns amid leaked letter And those arguments didnt sway our fundamentalist authority figures in the past, why would expect things to be different now? The university, with approximately 3,155 students, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. How do I know this? And one of the things thats stood out to me is the relationship that students have with their professors or with their faculty members. And odd is another word that comes to mind. For example, me in my own situation, I had a close friend, a very, very close friend was diagnosed with the virus and actually was in the hospital for some time, for a few days, and thankfully, praise the Lord, is on the road to recovery. The world is in desperate need of spiritually strong, loving, and well trained Christian young people, its imperative that Steve Pettit and the changes he has directed at BJU be allowed to continue. Cormican: Sure. Praying for wisdom and grace for all in the days ahead. List of famous alumni from Bob Jones University, with photos when available. I hope and pray that BJU stays the course, and that one day I can confidently say that it can be trusted to follow God rather than man. The resignation came while a letter was circulating online between Pettit and the University's Board. He has held the position since 2014. I think folks are interested in knowing exactly what we have, so with that in mind, what do you see as the future of higher education going forward? History of BJU | Bob Jones University We heard the religious art museum at Bob Jones University is the largest collection of religous art outside the Vatican, and that's probably true. Another in-demand program we are looking to launch in the fall is a degree-completion program in business with a focus on accounting and finance. The emails clogging up the board members inboxes will likely be viewed as attacks of the devil. This much deeper approach gave me a burning desire to know more about how the Bible beautifully guides us applies to daily living and philosophies of life. Its also not lost on me the influence several of the old guard had in the destruction of that institution. Dr. Weier? Secondary separation is the prevailing identity marker of BJU-styled fundamentalism. Overall, we found the fellowship to be very warm and the message preached was pretty solid. He does not study. So, there are a lot of opportunities that we specifically can focus on through our mission as a result of all this. The resultant effects on the student body, faculty, staff, and countless others is a true testament to godly leadership.This already is a huge blow to the school, and if this continues, I do not see this school lasting long.

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