More than a quarter of BJU's faculty will not be returning for the 2025-26 academic year.
26.32% of BJU Faculty Not Returning in the Fall of 2025
26.32% of BJU Faculty Not Returning in the Fall of 2025
Faculty Reductions at BJU
- Thread starter TheOldJudge
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Thank you, Old Judge, for this information. I was not aware of this latest dramatic reduction in faculty. It appears that the faculty count at BJU has been declining for some time now. See this newsletter from BJU dated one year ago - March 3, 2024:
"As of March 1 [2024], nineteen current faculty members were confirmed as not returning for the 2024–25 academic year at Bob Jones University. Out of the nineteen, seven faculty members are retiring, and five have submitted their resignations. One resignation is due to dissatisfaction, and four are due to normal transitions like becoming a stay-at-home mom or becoming a full-time pastor. The contracts for seven faculty members were not renewed — most of these non-renewal decisions resulted from low enrollment in specific programs.
"Though not abnormal within higher education, these changes naturally generate important questions within our BJU community."
See also this notice from What in the World:
"This Board Meeting is not on the schedule. But the Board is meeting on Friday, April 4. Meanwhile, the students are pushing a 'Meet you at the Pole' prayer meeting. The entire constituency is talking about how Crockett wants out. Three top admin have resigned.
Their financial assets have dropped to half (story is ongoing). This is ominous, folks."
wutbju.tumblr.com
"As of March 1 [2024], nineteen current faculty members were confirmed as not returning for the 2024–25 academic year at Bob Jones University. Out of the nineteen, seven faculty members are retiring, and five have submitted their resignations. One resignation is due to dissatisfaction, and four are due to normal transitions like becoming a stay-at-home mom or becoming a full-time pastor. The contracts for seven faculty members were not renewed — most of these non-renewal decisions resulted from low enrollment in specific programs.
"Though not abnormal within higher education, these changes naturally generate important questions within our BJU community."
See also this notice from What in the World:
"This Board Meeting is not on the schedule. But the Board is meeting on Friday, April 4. Meanwhile, the students are pushing a 'Meet you at the Pole' prayer meeting. The entire constituency is talking about how Crockett wants out. Three top admin have resigned.
Their financial assets have dropped to half (story is ongoing). This is ominous, folks."
What in the World!
A news service about Bob Jones University prepared for the incredulous.
wutbju.tumblr.com
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FWIW, here's their webpage about their current president, Josh Crockett
DOGE?
His Dad was Leigh Crockett. A typical Fighting Fundy. I heard him do a wedding for a friend of mine and he totally butchered every text he read and preached on.
Gung-ho or absent minded?
Gung-ho.
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In post #2 above, I cited the statement from "What In the World" that "the entire constituency is talking about how Crockett wants out." I thought that was an unsubstantiated rumor. Well, as it turns out, it has now been substantiated. President Crockett would like to go back to his previous position as pastor at Morningside Baptist.
“'The university is not going to close, and I have not resigned,' Crockett told the students in an effort to quell spreading rumors. . . .
"BJU has faced financial and enrollment challenges over the last several years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics profile of the college, enrollment was only 2,893 in the fall semester of 2023. In 2009, enrollment was 4,998.
"In his address to alumni in the fall, Crockett reported significant staffing cuts of at least 10 percent. He also said BJU Press has been subsidizing the university financially. Over the past five years, it provided $100 million in gross revenue to the university, he said."
"During Crockett’s time as president, the university has gone through a round of both staff and faculty layoffs. In a public message to alumni, Crockett said that 'We had to make some very difficult but necessary decisions. . . to right size our workforce by about 10%.'”
indefenseofthegospel.blogspot.com
"This morning, [April 7] Dr. Joshua Crockett informed the Bob Jones University faculty and staff he is a candidate for senior pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville, the position he held for nine years prior to becoming the president of BJU in May 2024. . . .
"As the process to appoint a new CEO progresses, Dr. Crockett strongly encourages the pursuit of unity. In his statement to faculty and staff this morning, he acknowledged the past and even present disagreements within the BJU community saying 'the answer is not to retaliate or escalate a family feud – like the Hatfields & McCoys. The answer is not to react or pick fights on social media. New Testament Christians are called to build up, not blow up. We’re called to edification not detonation. We need to pursue reconciliation and restoration. We need unity.'”
“'The university is not going to close, and I have not resigned,' Crockett told the students in an effort to quell spreading rumors. . . .
"BJU has faced financial and enrollment challenges over the last several years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics profile of the college, enrollment was only 2,893 in the fall semester of 2023. In 2009, enrollment was 4,998.
"In his address to alumni in the fall, Crockett reported significant staffing cuts of at least 10 percent. He also said BJU Press has been subsidizing the university financially. Over the past five years, it provided $100 million in gross revenue to the university, he said."
BJU to hire CEO, President Joshua Crockett to stay at university
Bob Jones University plans to hire a CEO with executive experience as current BJU President Joshua Crockett is considered for senior pastor at Morningside Baptist Church. Crockett plans to remain in leadership at BJU. Following a difficult year, the move aims to solidify BJU’s leadership and...
collegianonline.com
"During Crockett’s time as president, the university has gone through a round of both staff and faculty layoffs. In a public message to alumni, Crockett said that 'We had to make some very difficult but necessary decisions. . . to right size our workforce by about 10%.'”
<i>Another Shake Up at BJU?</i>
I t has just been reported that in less than one year as BJU president Joshua Crockett announced on April 7 he may be called to become senio...
indefenseofthegospel.blogspot.com
"This morning, [April 7] Dr. Joshua Crockett informed the Bob Jones University faculty and staff he is a candidate for senior pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville, the position he held for nine years prior to becoming the president of BJU in May 2024. . . .
"As the process to appoint a new CEO progresses, Dr. Crockett strongly encourages the pursuit of unity. In his statement to faculty and staff this morning, he acknowledged the past and even present disagreements within the BJU community saying 'the answer is not to retaliate or escalate a family feud – like the Hatfields & McCoys. The answer is not to react or pick fights on social media. New Testament Christians are called to build up, not blow up. We’re called to edification not detonation. We need to pursue reconciliation and restoration. We need unity.'”
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Here's the word, straight from the horses's mouth - in this 10 minute video, President Crockett explains what is going on and why they are laying off 10% of the faculty. The student/teacher ratio at BJU, 12/1, is lower than other Christian colleges, so the layoffs constitute a "right-sizing" of the faculty. The college must cut back due to lower enrollment, disruptions from COVID, instability due to presidential transitions, and the addition of intercollegiate sports. Dollar savings will be used to build up an endowment and invest in infrastructure. The college is heavily subsidized by BJU Press which is experiencing record sales volume. Bob Jones Academy has record enrollment and it is hoped that this will increase further if the state of South Carolina approves vouchers for private schooling.
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Latest update:
"Falling enrollment, faculty cuts, and administrative resignations — Bob Jones University appears to be a college in turmoil. . . .
"A group called 'BJU-New Contract' has proposed a series of actions they say the university must take if it is to survive. . . . Two primary actions they recommend are the resignation or termination of Dr. Bob Jones III as chancellor and the replacement of the entire board of trustees. . . .
"Camille Lewis, a BJU graduate who also taught there 1992 to 2007, has been tracking the faculty cuts in what she calls the 'BJU brain drain.' She has counted 70 out of 267 'reduced' or otherwise departing faculty members, about 40% of whom have terminal degrees — the highest degree in their academic discipline.
“'The scholars that made BJU credible are leaving,' Lewis told MinistryWatch, adding that not only is it a blow to the faculty who lost their positions, but some of the faculty have had their class load tripled."
Is Bob Jones Facing Closure? - MinistryWatch
Falling enrollment, faculty cuts, and administrative resignations — Bob Jones University appears to be a college in turmoil. While some alumni are critical of recent decisions, they are also cheering for change in hopes the school they love can survive. Last May, Bob Jones University (BJU) in...
ministrywatch.com
"Falling enrollment, faculty cuts, and administrative resignations — Bob Jones University appears to be a college in turmoil. . . .
"A group called 'BJU-New Contract' has proposed a series of actions they say the university must take if it is to survive. . . . Two primary actions they recommend are the resignation or termination of Dr. Bob Jones III as chancellor and the replacement of the entire board of trustees. . . .
"Camille Lewis, a BJU graduate who also taught there 1992 to 2007, has been tracking the faculty cuts in what she calls the 'BJU brain drain.' She has counted 70 out of 267 'reduced' or otherwise departing faculty members, about 40% of whom have terminal degrees — the highest degree in their academic discipline.
“'The scholars that made BJU credible are leaving,' Lewis told MinistryWatch, adding that not only is it a blow to the faculty who lost their positions, but some of the faculty have had their class load tripled."
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Michael Pettit, son of ousted BJU President Steve Pettit, has issued an update statement on the situation at BJU. (Obviously, he might have a personal bias in favor of his father, as he raises questions about the competency of Josh Crockett who replaced his father).
drive.google.com
Pettit challenges the statement by Josh Crockett that “Nothing should change from your perspective," saying that "Over 100 students withdrew after Christmas 2024; Transfer activity increased, with visits to Liberty and other schools; The executive team is fragmented or resigning; A CEO is being hired; The president is preparing to leave, a fact not disclosed in the announcement."
Pettit is critical of Crockett's failure to travel in order to recruit students, the way Steve Pettit did. He comments, "How can prospective students make informed decisions when information is selectively withheld or framed? . . . You do not restore trust by telling people they’re safe while leaving out the part about leaving. Bob Jones University is more than a school. It is trust. And trust begins with truth."
Resignation Without Responsibility.pdf
drive.google.com
Pettit challenges the statement by Josh Crockett that “Nothing should change from your perspective," saying that "Over 100 students withdrew after Christmas 2024; Transfer activity increased, with visits to Liberty and other schools; The executive team is fragmented or resigning; A CEO is being hired; The president is preparing to leave, a fact not disclosed in the announcement."
Pettit is critical of Crockett's failure to travel in order to recruit students, the way Steve Pettit did. He comments, "How can prospective students make informed decisions when information is selectively withheld or framed? . . . You do not restore trust by telling people they’re safe while leaving out the part about leaving. Bob Jones University is more than a school. It is trust. And trust begins with truth."
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Josh Crockett has gone back to his previous pastorate at Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, although it appears that he will continue to have an unspecified "leadership" role at Bob Jones University.
morningside.org
Bruce McAllister is the new President:
There is already some criticism of this appointment from the peanut gallery - see statement by Michael Pettit from Ministry Watch article:
“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.”
(Cartoon posted on Facebook by Michael Pettit)
Pastoral Transition — Morningside Baptist Church: Greenville, SC
morningside.org
Bruce McAllister is the new President:
Bob Jones University Names New President - MinistryWatch
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.
ministrywatch.com
There is already some criticism of this appointment from the peanut gallery - see statement by Michael Pettit from Ministry Watch article:
“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.”
(Cartoon posted on Facebook by Michael Pettit)
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Yeah, BJU is done. The FBFI cried foul when Pettit made changes, and BJU III stepped in and exercised his authority. that was the beginning of the end.
I have heard numerous people in my personal life claim that Bruce McAllister will inject new life into a dying Bob Jones University.
What thinkest thou?
What thinkest thou?
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Current state of BJU: This article, dated May 21, 2025, has a rather grim, pessimistic headline:
"Though some have called for fresh ideas and a reboot in leadership for the struggling school, trustees opted unanimously for an insider with close personal ties to Bob Jones III, grandson of the school's founder and its third president. . . .
"But the school, ascendant in the 1990s, started a slow skid in the 2000s. In 2023, Bob Jones' enrollment had shrunk to 2,900 from a high of 4,228 students in 2007, state records show. . . .
"The school's centennial, McAllister said, would be an opportunity for raising money from the school's wide alumni network, which includes key officials in state and local government. BJU Inc., the nonprofit arm of the school, reported net assets of $203 million in 2017, filings show. The school's net assets had plummeted to $79 million by 2023.
"'We will seek God for His help to raise a very, very substantial centennial offering, and we will begin that, probably this fall,' McAllister said. 'We shall strive to regain the confidence of those who are discouraged and disenchanted.'"
www.postandcourier.com
As finances and enrollment plummet, Greenville's Bob Jones University picks 3rd president in 3 years
"Bob Jones University graduate and long-time faculty member Bruce McAllister will be the next president of his alma mater, taking over at the private, conservative Christian college whose leadership clashes, financial woes and plummeting enrollment pose existential threats to the 98-year-old institution."Though some have called for fresh ideas and a reboot in leadership for the struggling school, trustees opted unanimously for an insider with close personal ties to Bob Jones III, grandson of the school's founder and its third president. . . .
"But the school, ascendant in the 1990s, started a slow skid in the 2000s. In 2023, Bob Jones' enrollment had shrunk to 2,900 from a high of 4,228 students in 2007, state records show. . . .
"The school's centennial, McAllister said, would be an opportunity for raising money from the school's wide alumni network, which includes key officials in state and local government. BJU Inc., the nonprofit arm of the school, reported net assets of $203 million in 2017, filings show. The school's net assets had plummeted to $79 million by 2023.
"'We will seek God for His help to raise a very, very substantial centennial offering, and we will begin that, probably this fall,' McAllister said. 'We shall strive to regain the confidence of those who are discouraged and disenchanted.'"
As finances and enrollment plummet, Greenville's Bob Jones University picks 3rd president in 3 years
Though some called for fresh ideas at Greenville's struggling Bob Jones University, trustees picked an insider to lead the conservative Christian college.
The administration only reported 1,893 undergraduate students to South Carolina's Department of Education this past fall. If the rumors circulated by Michael Pettit are true and over one-hundred students left in between the fall and the spring semesters, that would place BJU's undergraduate enrollment in the mid-1700s range.
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Someone with expertise in analysis of Form 990s may want to click on the links in post #16, 4th paragraph and tell us what these figures say about the financial trajectory of BJU. The figures do not look so good to me:
Part I Total Revenue - $212,395,892 in 2016, down to $104,924,483 in 2022.
Contributions and Grants - $194,758,346 in 2016, down to $8,010,863 in 2022. Did everybody stop donating? However, "Program Service Revenue," whatever that is, was way up in 2022.
Part I Total Revenue - $212,395,892 in 2016, down to $104,924,483 in 2022.
Contributions and Grants - $194,758,346 in 2016, down to $8,010,863 in 2022. Did everybody stop donating? However, "Program Service Revenue," whatever that is, was way up in 2022.
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This graph, from the "What In the World BJU" web site, appears to confirm Old Judge's grim report on BJU enrollment, and it indicates a rather dramatic long-term enrollment drop at BJU. From 3605 in 2007 to 1825 in 2024 - that is rather alarming. Time will tell whether the new President McAllister will be able to "grow" the university.
"On April 16, 2025 in his first video, Michael Pettit shows his cards:
"He means his Dad, of course. And it’s a complete myth. Pettit was NOT 'growing the university.' At all!
"Here’s one piece of proof:"
Bob Jones UniversityMake Pettit Prez AgainMichael PettitTheEndIsHere
In other news relating to BJU, long-time BJU critic and gadfly Lou Martuneac has died. His "In Defense of the Gospel" web site, with 66 pages of gripes about BJU, is still up and available.
Lou Martuneac Obituary (1955-2025) | Bolingbrook, IL
Celebrate the life of Lou Martuneac (1955-2025) from Bolingbrook, IL. Read his obituary, share memories, and express condolences.
www.echovita.com
Yes. It appears that way... The current President is/has been in a BJU bubble. His education is strictly from the university he now leads. His education terminated with a D.Min, not an academic degree like a Ph.D., or Th.D.
As long as IFB institutions do not bring in fresh, strategically and academically tested perspectives, they will inevitably fail.