“I would’ve never expected this, but here I am,” Dr. Bruce McAllister, the newest president of Bob Jones University, said in a recent interview with the Collegian. After spending nearly 50 years at BJU in both teaching and administration roles, Dr. McAllister was selected to be the institution’s seventh president on May 20. Dr. Joshua Crockett, the university’s sixth president, has taken the role of executive director to Dr. McAllister and chapel coordinator.
Dr. McAllister first arrived at BJU as an 18-year-old freshman and a first-generation college student. Dr. McAllister was a member of the Basilean Eagles, recruited into the society by the university’s new Provost Dr. David Fisher, who is, in Dr. McAllister’s eyes, “a true veteran” of the university. Dr. McAllister also met his wife, Ellen, here, and they were married in War Memorial Chapel.
Dr. McAllister earned four degrees from BJU, worked at the university and academy for 42 years, and was an administrator at the university for 24 of those years. He then spent four years at Gospel Fellowship Association Missions as the Director of Ministry Relations. He said he thought he would continue at GFA indefinitely, but then, “God worked in my heart and brought me back to BJU. And it’s been great to be back.”
Dr. McAllister says that the original position he returned to Bob Jones for – Vice President for Ministry – helped to prepare him for the role of president. After being named president, he worked through the summer to prepare for the new school year.
When asked about the stability of the school, Dr. McAllister cited both his “confidence in the character of an unchanging God” and his carefully selected team of established professionals as his reasons for optimism regarding BJU’s status.
“In any ministry there are ebbs and flows,” he said. “There are ups and downs. But I’ve seen God do [great] things over and over again through the years.”
Dr. McAllister also mentioned that his personal Bible reading plays a large role in his thinking about life’s difficulties. He said that he reads about 10 chapters of the Bible each morning, and he thinks it is important to read portions that “speak directly to his heart” and “reinforce the things we need to hear.”
Dr. McAllister signed a three-year contract for the presidential role and said that he is thrilled to stay as long as God allows.
“I’ve been here since I was 18; I’m pretty stable in my commitment to this place,” McAllister said.
He said that he cares for the student body, both individually and as a whole. He said that his desire for the entire student body is that they would encourage one another further toward Christ through intentional discipleship. He also said that he is very excited for chapel and is looking forward to speaking to the students and faculty.
On an individual level, Dr. McAllister has set a goal to meet “every student and every employee.” He mentioned that the school’s community is one of his favorite aspects about the university, and that he is “looking forward to meeting new people and building relationships.”
Though school has just begun, Dr. McAllister already emphasized to the student body and faculty the importance of having a dynamic, personal relationship with the living God in order for students to effectively point each other to Christ. Both he and the Student Life staff have talked to the students about the need for real discipleship to happen among peers on campus.
“Organization is important, but there’s something about [organic] prayer groups, discipleship, talking about the Word,” he said. “That’s probably the highest aspiration that I have personally.”
He said that this kind of lifestyle is the key to a profitable experience at Bob Jones University.
“It’s not a big change, but we say from a spiritual standpoint, our goal is to develop a Christlike character. We must make that front and center.”
Dr. McAllister also said that he and his administration believe “everything they do is for the young people,” and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
After the university has faced changes and uncertainty in recent years, the Board of Trustees chose an eager, experienced man with a heart for the Lord to serve as BJU’s new president.
The last 50 years have turned into quite the full-circle moment for Dr. McAllister. President of the 50th graduating class at BJU in 1977, he is now the chairman of the centennial celebration planning committee and president of the university.
“It’s just amazing,” he said. “It’s a humbling privilege and an honor.”
Christopher Love • Sep 5, 2025 at 8:23 am
Wonderful article. The things said herein are evangelistic in tone and represent the freedom of the life we have in Christ.