New Student Enrollment
The student body at BJU reflects remarkable geographic diversity—students hail from 48 states, 5 U.S. territories and more than 40 countries around the world. Among them are the new students we’ve been praying for and eagerly anticipating.
In preparation for this academic year, the Enrollment team set an important goal: to reverse the downward trend in new student enrollment. By God’s grace, not only was that goal met, but new student enrollment increased by approximately 10%!
We’re deeply thankful for the tireless efforts of the Enrollment and Marketing teams—their dedication to recruiting, promoting and praying has made a lasting impact.
BJU Receives $700,000 in Grant Money
BJU was recently awarded a $400,000 grant from FEMA to enhance campus security. Combined with a previous grant received last year, the University has now secured a total of $700,000 in federal funding to strengthen safety measures across both BJU and BJA (Bob Jones Academy).
This achievement is the result of many weeks of dedicated work by the Grants and Public Safety departments, who carefully navigated the complex application process. Their diligence and teamwork truly paid off—and we’re grateful for the Lord’s provision through this opportunity.
BJU Receives $700,000 in Grant Money
BJU was recently awarded a $400,000 grant from FEMA to enhance campus security. Combined with a previous grant received last year, the University has now secured a total of $700,000 in federal funding to strengthen safety measures across both Bob Jones University and BJA (Bob Jones Academy).
This achievement is the result of many weeks of dedicated work by the Grants and Public Safety departments, who carefully navigated the complex application process. Their diligence and teamwork truly paid off—and we’re grateful for the Lord’s provision through this opportunity.
New Look to the Familiar Dining Common
The Dixon-McKenzie Dining Common holds a special place in the hearts of generations of BJU alumni. The same will likely be true for the current generation of students as the Dining Common provides much more than just a quick meal— it’s a place of relationship building with peers, mentoring sessions with faculty and even the occasional date.
Our dining services have been managed by an external provider for many years now, but thanks to the Lord’s use of strategic negotiations, BJU has now partnered with a new company: AVI Fresh. This new agreement not only brings significant cost savings to the University, but the quality of food and service is already earning enthusiastic praise from our campus community.
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., AVI Fresh offers a wide variety of meal options and has introduced new pricing plans for children during Sunday lunch and Wednesday dinner. Alumni and first responders also enjoy special discounts.
Next time you’re on campus, be sure to stop by and experience all the Dining Common has to offer!
A+D Legacy Exhibition Opens in October
Michael Slattery: The Finer Points
Come experience this engaging retrospective and celebrate the legacy of an artist who continues to inspire through his art.
Michael J. Slattery, who passed away in 2013, was a beloved teacher, mentor and artist whose creativity lit up the classroom and the studio alike. The Finer Points showcases his wide-ranging body of work. Whether through gouache, pen and ink or printmaking, Slattery revealed how “a collection of marks made on a prepared surface” can capture both everyday humor and profound meaning. His observation and referencing to cultural experiences, art history as well as pop-culture objects and television series, make decoding his work relevant and enjoyable. Known for his sharp wit, approachability and prolific studio practice, Slattery left an indelible mark on generations of students and the Art + Design community.
Art+Life Talk: October 10, 2025, 5:30pm Levinson Hall, Welcome Center, Bob Jones University
Opening: October 10, 2025, 6:30-8pm Sargent Art Building, Bob Jones University
Exhibition Dates: October 10 – November 21, 2025, Sargent Art Building, Bob Jones University
Recent Grads Investing in Current Students
submitted by Trenton Goldsmith, Bruins Athletics Communications
Many student-athletes come to Bob Jones University and become a key part to the culture as a student-athlete, but their legacy as a Bruin continues to grow after their playing days. There are currently nine assistant coaches sprinkled across several Bruins teams that were standout athletes as well.
To stay with men’s soccer, Ian Arendse transferred to BJU his junior season and made an immediate impact. Playing from 2021-2023, he won two region championships and two national championships, along with being named an all-region in all three years and all-American in 2021 and 2022. This season is his first season as an assistant coach for the Bruins.
Anna Grace Abrams is another athlete that transferred here and has made a huge impact on the women’s soccer team as a player and coach. As a player in 2021 and 2022, she was an all-region and all-American player in 2022. While she did not win any national championships as a player, she has won two as an assistant coach since 2023.
Mia Marks could be considered by many as the best women’s soccer player in program history. Her playing resume includes four all-region honors, three all-American honors, South Region Player of the Year and National Player of the Year in 2024, two region championships and two national championships. In addition to scoring 59 goals, she is also the all-time assist leader with 30 in her career.
This marks her first year as an assistant coach.
Victoria Dunwoody is another standout athlete who could be considered one of the best players in program history—this time, in women’s volleyball. Playing from 2019-2023, she won a region championship and national championship in all five seasons. She was awarded all-region and all-American honors three times and was named Region Player of the Year in 2021 and 2023. Victoria also earned the NCCAA National Player of the Year award in 2023. She stands alone as the all-time leader in kills with 1,319. Victoria is in her second season an assistant coach.
Sha’ron Brunson played for the women’s basketball team from 2014-2018. In her playing career, she was recognized as an all-region player two times and all-American once. She and the Bruins won a regional championship in 2017 and in 2018, she was named South Region Player of the Year. Since 2022,
she has been an assistant for Head Coach Mike Leviere.
These nine alumni of Bob Jones University stood out as student-athletes, but their greater legacy is found in their willingness to serve. By returning as coaches, they are investing in the next generation of Bruins as they personally demonstrate an athlete means more than winning games— it means using your gifts to serve God and serve others.
Recent Grads Investing in Current Students
submitted by Trenton Goldsmith, Bruins Athletics Communications
Many student-athletes come to Bob Jones University and become a key part to the culture as a student-athlete, but their legacy as a Bruin continues to grow after their playing days. There are currently nine assistant coaches sprinkled across several Bruins teams that were standout athletes as well.
To stay with men’s soccer, Ian Arendse transferred to BJU his junior season and made an immediate impact. Playing from 2021-2023, he won two region championships and two national championships, along with being named an all-region in all three years and all-American in 2021 and 2022. This season is his first season as an assistant coach for the Bruins.
Anna Grace Abrams is another athlete that transferred here and has made a huge impact on the women’s soccer team as a player and coach. As a player in 2021 and 2022, she was an all-region and all-American player in 2022. While she did not win any national championships as a player, she has won two as an assistant coach since 2023.
Mia Marks could be considered by many as the best women’s soccer player in program history. Her playing resume includes four all-region honors, three all-American honors, South Region Player of the Year and National Player of the Year in 2024, two region championships and two national championships. In addition to scoring 59 goals, she is also the all-time assist leader with 30 in her career.
This marks her first year as an assistant coach.
Victoria Dunwoody is another standout athlete who could be considered one of the best players in program history—this time, in women’s volleyball. Playing from 2019-2023, she won a region championship and national championship in all five seasons. She was awarded all-region and all-American honors three times and was named Region Player of the Year in 2021 and 2023. Victoria also earned the NCCAA National Player of the Year award in 2023. She stands alone as the all-time leader in kills with 1,319. Victoria is in her second season an assistant coach.
Sha’ron Brunson played for the women’s basketball team from 2014-2018. In her playing career, she was recognized as an all-region player two times and all-American once. She and the Bruins won a regional championship in 2017 and in 2018, she was named South Region Player of the Year. Since 2022,
she has been an assistant for Head Coach Mike Leviere.
These nine alumni of Bob Jones University stood out as student-athletes, but their greater legacy is found in their willingness to serve. By returning as coaches, they are investing in the next generation of Bruins as they personally demonstrate an athlete means more than winning games— it means using your gifts to serve God and serve others.
SCOPE: Fast, Flexible and Affordable
Advance your career and calling with fully online graduate programs designed around your schedule and taught from BJU’s Christian worldview. Choose from options like Biblical Counseling (MA), Biblical Studies (MA), Teaching & Learning (MEd), Educational Leadership (MS), Sport Administration & Coaching (MA), Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Music Education (MME). Many programs can be completed in about 12–18 months, with most priced at $450/credit and structured to fit busy professionals. Learn more at https://scope.bju.edu/online-graduate-programs/
Explore SCOPE’s master’s degrees—100% online, paced for your life and priced to put your graduate degree within reach.
SCOPE: Fast, Flexible and Affordable
Advance your career and calling with fully online graduate programs designed around your schedule and taught from BJU’s Christian worldview. Choose from options like Biblical Counseling (MA), Biblical Studies (MA), Teaching & Learning (MEd), Educational Leadership (MS), Sport Administration & Coaching (MA), Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Music Education (MME). Many programs can be completed in about 12–18 months, with most priced at $450/credit and structured to fit busy professionals. Learn more at https://scope.bju.edu/online-graduate-programs/
Regional Gatherings Are In Full Swing!
We’ve had several great alumni events so far in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Detroit and Dayton! This coming weekend, we’re in Raleigh and Charlotte followed by events in South Carolina and Florida in the coming weeks. At these events, not only will you have the chance to visit with senior leadership of BJU, but you will also hear first-hand what the Lord is doing at BJU as we continue in our 99th academic year.
There are still a few spots open in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida! To register for a regional gathering, click the button below.
Regional Gatherings Are In Full Swing!
We’ve had several great alumni events so far in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Detroit and Dayton! This coming weekend, we’re in Raleigh and Charlotte followed by events in South Carolina and Florida in the coming weeks. At these events, not only will you have the chance to visit with senior leadership of BJU, but you will also hear first-hand what the Lord is doing at BJU as we continue in our 99th academic year.
There are still a few spots open in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida! To register for a regional gathering, click the button below.
Employment Opportunities
BJU Faculty/Staff Positions
BJA Positions
Alumni Updates
Future Bruins
Frost, Ethan and Rachel (Steward) ’16, Elisheva Faith, July 16, 2025
Hambrick, Joshua ‘13/’15 and Alexandra, February 1, 2025
Mazunda, Malani ’10, ’12, ’19 and Faith, August 22, 2025
McLaughlin, Andy and Lauren (Johnson) ’18, Heidi Wren, July 14, 2025
Marriages
Shelton: Liberty (Pagliarini)’24 to Lukas ’24 September 6, 2025
Wright: Jenna (Harper) ’25 to Ethan ’24, August 15, 2025
Deaths
Boyer Jr., William George ’56, August 14, 2025
Cowley, Elmer Clarence ’58, August 12, 2025
Crowder, Roger Atlas ’77, November 18, 2024
Fetterhoff, Billie Jean (Handy), September 21, 2025
Gainer, Richard Franklin ’64, September 22, 2025
Hadley, Nelson Frank ’70, March 6, 2025
Judd, Marsha (Daman) ’80, August 2, 2025
Kirkpatrick, Margaretta (Fowler) ’54, August 7, 2025
King, Marjorie (King), ’61, April 11, 2025
Lee Jr., Charles Magruder, ’64, September 9, 2025
Littley, Betty Jo (Whitt) ’55, September 1, 2025
Manley, Jerald (Jerry) Lee Manley ’62, August 18, 2025
Martin, William (Billy) Martin ’62, August 28, 2025
Morris, Tim G, ’60 FE, August 2, 2025
Rodriguez Jr., Francisco (Frank) ’83, August 1, 2025
Robinson, George Patrick ’57, August 12, 2025
Ruetz, Ray John ’56, July 27, 2025
Seiverd Sr., John Howard ’75, August 10, 2025
Shannon, Gregory John ’86, September 1, 2025
Sponseller, Jean (Bond) FE, September 19, 2025
Steckmann, Phillip (Phil) David ’69 FE, July 6, 2025
Sutherland, Marilyn (King) ’66, August 21, 2025
Tang, Tuck Keong, ’81, July 25, 2025
Thompson, Glenn Harrison ’72, July 2, 2025
Washer, Terry Douglas ’80, August 24, 2025
Yeager, Joyce (Wilcox) ’63, August 11, 2025
Yeager Jr., Waldo (Wally) ’54, August 11, 2025
Youstra, Patricia (Williams) ’59, September 4, 2025
Class Notes
Matt Asire ’07, completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary on May 9, 2025.
Debbie Jones ’98, current BJU nursing faculty, completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership degree (DNP-EL) from Anderson University on August 22, 2025. Her Dissertation Title/Capstone Project Title is “Equipping Nurses to be Mentors to Strengthen a New Generation.
Randy Kelley ’93, is the lead pastor at Journey Church in Asheboro, NC.
Kathy Kelley ’93, is the student advocate and testing coordinator for Randolph Early College High School.
Melissa Vandermay ’13, ’15, is the new executive director for Taylors Free Medical Clinic in Taylors, SC.
Jeffery C. Walraven ’91, recently became the new CFO of Sachem Capital Corporation. He brings extensive experience in real estate finance and leadership to the company.
