Bob Jones University Names New President
Dr. Bruce McAllister appointed after quick selection process.
Bob Jones University (BJU) announced the appointment of Dr. Bruce McAllister as its new president, replacing Josh Crockett who has served just under a year.
Dr. Bruce McAllister / Photo courtesy of Bob Jones University
The announcement comes a few weeks after Crockett told the school he had applied to be pastor of Morningside Baptist Church, the church he served before taking the reins at BJU.
McAllister is a BJU alumnus and has served with the university in various roles for over 48 years, said Board Chairman Dr. Sam Dawson. Most recently, he was vice president of ministry. In that role, he oversaw BJU’s ministry and outreach both on and off campus and was a liaison, speaker, and representative at conferences and seminars.
McAllister graduated in 1977 during BJU’s 50th anniversary year, and he hopes to still be leading the university at its 100th anniversary in 2027.
“I am humbled and grateful to be given the responsibility of leading the University I have loved since my first day as a student in 1973,” McAllister said about his new position. “My immediate priorities this summer are putting together a strong executive team that will lead the University forward, working to further strengthen the total student experience, and continuing the emphasis on experiential learning. I will also focus on improving our organizational and operational structure and pursuing the expansion of our online educational programs. I am excited to work with our incredible faculty, staff and students as we move toward our 100th year.”
In his remarks to the faculty and staff of BJU on May 20, he said he is “very optimistic about the future of BJU primarily because we have a very great God.”
His attitude toward the challenges BJU has faced over the last several years, including reduced enrollment and faculty and staff lay-offs, is to “work but don’t worry.” He also said the daily time he spends in the Scriptures “anchors [his] soul and puts [his] focus on God.”
He also emphasized the spiritual well-being of the student body so they all can be effective evangelists and disciplers. But he also mentioned an emphasis on the physical well-being of the student body, saying the school will emphasize a biblical life-work balance, proper etiquette, modesty, and respect for authority.
In preparation for the 100th anniversary of BJU, McAllister plans to “make the campus sparkle again.”
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In introducing McAllister, Dawson commended McAllister’s character and integrity, saying he is “kind” and has a “gracious spirit,” adding that he “lives and breathes” BJU.
The decision to name McAllister was made quickly, Dawson said, because he was already well-vetted as a finalist in last year’s search for a president.
The board of trustees’ vote for McAllister was unanimous.
Dawson thanked Crockett for his leadership over the last year and for his love, zeal, and concern for the university. Crockett’s new part-time position will be decided in coordination with McAllister and the board of trustees.
In reaction to the announcement of McAllister’s appointment, Michael Pettit, a BJU alumnus and son of former president Steve Pettit, posted criticism on social media: “Bruce’s appointment is not leadership. It’s managed decline. This is Dr. Bob’s shadow government at work. There was a future. There was a path forward. But it was stripped from you by men clinging to power, legacy, and probable financial gain. This is a tragedy – make no mistake. And unless something changes, it likely ends in closure around the 100th.”
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