Registration for Regional Gatherings is Open!
We hope many of you will be able to join us for one of our Alumni & Friends Regional Gatherings this fall throughout the East and Midwest regions. At each event, you will be able to connect with fellow alumni and friends in your area, hear encouraging updates from members of BJU’s leadership team and of course enjoy a delicious catered meal. Starting today, you can register for one of the gatherings using the links provided below. While there is a cost to attend one of these gatherings, we have worked with each events space and caterer to keep that cost as low as possible. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
As a reminder from the previous issue of The Voice, we tentatively plan to host additional regional gatherings in the West during the spring semester, but those details will be announced later.
Please select the link for the specific regional gathering you plan to attend and complete the registration process. If you have questions about the gathering nearest you or need help registering, please contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at 864-679-0624.
Bob Jones Academy Faculty Honored
Congratulations to Chuck Nicholas (’78 grad), a long-time faculty member of Bob Jones Academy, on his recent induction into the National Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame. (NSDA). The following statement was released by NSDA regarding this significant honor.
The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) proudly announces the induction of Chuck Nicholas, of Greenville, South Carolina, into the prestigious NSDA Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his lifetime of dedication to speech and debate education and his lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the national forensic community.
Chuck Nicholas has earned the elite Six Diamond Coach distinction — a level of recognition achieved by only the most accomplished and devoted coaches in the nation. Over more than four decades, he has inspired excellence, mentored generations of students, and built a nationally respected speech and debate program at Bob Jones Academy. “Chuck Nicholas’s legacy is one of extraordinary commitment and tireless mentorship,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “He represents everything we value in an educator — wisdom, compassion, leadership, and an unshakeable belief in the power of student voice.”
Chuck Nicholas’s influence extends well beyond the podium. His students have become teachers, policymakers, community leaders, and lifelong communicators. His guidance has transformed lives and strengthened the broader educational mission of the speech and debate community.
Bob Jones Academy Faculty Honored
Congratulations to Chuck Nicholas (’78 grad), a long-time faculty member of Bob Jones Academy, on his recent induction into the National Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame. The following statement was released by NSDA regarding this significant honor.
The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) proudly announces the induction of Chuck Nicholas, of Greenville, South Carolina, into the prestigious NSDA Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his lifetime of dedication to speech and debate education and his lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the national forensic community.
Chuck Nicholas has earned the elite Six Diamond Coach distinction — a level of recognition achieved by only the most accomplished and devoted coaches in the nation. Over more than four decades, he has inspired excellence, mentored generations of students, and built a nationally respected speech and debate program at Bob Jones Academy. “Chuck Nicholas’s legacy is one of extraordinary commitment and tireless mentorship,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NSDA. “He represents everything we value in an educator — wisdom, compassion, leadership, and an unshakeable belief in the power of student voice.”
Chuck Nicholas’s influence extends well beyond the podium. His students have become teachers, policymakers, community leaders, and lifelong communicators. His guidance has transformed lives and strengthened the broader educational mission of the speech and debate community.
Arkansas High School Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. Jonathon Guthrie (’94 grad) who was recognized this year for outstanding achievement among all his peers across the entire state of Arkansas! The following was released by Bentonville Schools in Arkansas:
Bentonville West High School Principal, Dr. Jonathon Guthrie, is the Arkansas High School Principal of the Year!
This award is given to an Arkansas secondary-level principal who has provided high-quality learning opportunities and displayed exceptional leadership skills.
Dr. Guthrie has been the principal at Bentonville West for 10 years and [in his time at West] has focused on student and staff safety, engagement and a sense of belonging.
Arkansas High School Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. Jonathon Guthrie (’94 grad) who was recognized this year for outstanding achievement among all his peers across the entire state of Arkansas! The following was released by Bentonville Schools in Arkansas:
Bentonville West High School Principal, Dr. Jonathon Guthrie, is the Arkansas High School Principal of the Year!
This award is given to an Arkansas secondary-level principal who has provided high-quality learning opportunities and displayed exceptional leadership skills.
Dr. Guthrie has been the principal at Bentonville West for 10 years and [in his time at West] has focused on student and staff safety, engagement and a sense of belonging.
Call for Alumni-Owned Businesses and Vacation Rentals
Are you a BJU alum who owns a vacation rental or runs your own business? We want to hear from you! We’re expanding our records of alumni owned vacation properties and businesses so we can build a more comprehensive directory to support the amazing ventures within our community. Whether you manage a cozy getaway spot or lead a thriving company, submit your information to be featured, celebrated, and connected with fellow Bruins. Let’s grow together!
Call for Alumni-Owned Businesses and Vacation Rentals
Are you a BJU alum who owns a vacation rental or runs your own business? We want to hear from you! We’re expanding our records of alumni owned vacation properties and businesses so we can build a more comprehensive directory to support the amazing ventures within our community. Whether you manage a cozy getaway spot or lead a thriving company, submit your information to be featured, celebrated, and connected with fellow Bruins. Let’s grow together!
BJU Launches Three Fully Online Bachelor's Degrees
Starting this fall, you can begin and complete a bachelor’s degree from start to finish, fully online through BJU SCOPE (School for Continuing, Online and Professional Education). All our online degrees are:
Biblically-based — Every class is taught from the trusted foundation of the Bible and applied practically to a life of faith.
Affordable — SCOPE offers one of the lowest prices per credit hour while also providing students with financial aid opportunities.
Flexible — Learn at your pace, on your weekly schedule. 100% online.
Start your journey today!
BJU Launches Three Fully Online Bachelor's Degrees
Starting this fall, you can begin and complete a bachelor’s degree from start to finish, fully online through BJU SCOPE (School for Continuing, Online and Professional Education). All our online degrees are:
- Biblically-based — Every class is taught from the trusted foundation of the Bible and applied practically to a life of faith.
- Affordable — SCOPE offers one of the lowest prices per credit hour while also providing students with financial aid opportunities.
- Flexible — Learn at your pace, on your weekly schedule. 100% online.
Employment Opportunities
BJU Faculty/Staff Positions
BJA Positions
Alumni Updates
Future Bruins
Farmer, Nicholas ’17 and Gwyneth (Lowe) ’17, Colter Hayes, March 26, 2025
Lacey, Charles and Moriah (Woodruff) ‘18, ’20, ’22, Madison Faith Lacey, May 14, 2025
Weber, Benjamin ’22 and Natalie (Crute) ’22, Adeline Christiana, June 4, 2025
William, Lincoln ’18 and Grace (Kilian) ’17, Violet Grace, May 26, 2025
Marriages
Marks, Maddie (Pedder) ’25 & Kyle ’25, 5/10/2025
True, Adriana (Teachout) ’25 & Brandon, 5/13/2025
Deaths
Auld, Flora Estelle ’49, May 18, 2025
Bartle, Steven Eugene ’81, June 1, 2025
Berglind, Larry Allan ’74, May 14, 2025
Bixler, Roger Lee ’55, May 19, 2025
Dahlhausen, Daniel James ’12, May12, 2025
DeVoss, Charlotte White ’51, June 3, 2025
Dykstra, Jacob Todd (Jack) ’74, June 9, 2025
Farmer, James Edward ’59, May 21, 2025
Hager, Beulah Elizabeth ’50, May 26, 2025
Hull, Ruth Arlene ’53, June 17, 2025
Helms, Dixie Brock ’70, June 4, 2025
Horn, Penelope (Penny) Pavel ’67, April 29, 2025
McQuinn, David Everett ’84, June 10, 2025
Pritt, Vernon Gene ’73, May 26, 2025
Robinson, Rachel Love ’80, May 25, 2025
Streeter, Lloyd Lester ’67, June 13, 2025
Wyckoff, Linda Lee ’80, May 25, 2025
Youstra, George David ’59, June 12, 2025
Class Notes
Lisa (Eldridge) Abbott ’88 was recently named to the top 50 Women Leaders in Indianapolis, IN. Lisa currently serves as the Sustainability Communications Director at CRH, where her responsibilities include developing global communication strategies to promote sustainability initiatives and advising the chief sustainability officer.
Stephen Anderson ’00 has joined HJ Sims as a Vice President, focusing on financings for charter, independent, and Christina schools nationally.
Stephen Rees ’02 completed a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science at Vanderbilt University, May 9, 2025.
