New Leadership at Bob Jones University as Josh Crockett Takes the Helm
GREENVILLE — Bob Jones University, a prominent private evangelical institution, has a new president following a year of leadership upheaval. This week, the university’s board of trustees appointed Josh Crockett, a senior pastor at Morningside Baptist Church and a 2001 graduate of BJU. His selection received “overwhelming support” from board members.
The decision comes after a challenging period for the university. Alan Benson, who stepped in as interim president in May 2023, took over following the abrupt resignation of former president Steve Pettit. Pettit had raised significant concerns over the board’s management, particularly about then-chairman John Lewis. Letters revealed Pettit believed Lewis had fostered a “posture of secrecy and privacy” and had invoked an unhelpful environment for a Title IX investigation.
Following Pettit’s resignation, Lewis stepped down as chairman of the board, and Sam Dawson, a long-time board member, took over. Dawson noted that finding a suitable replacement was a priority, and addressed the faculty’s potential skepticism about the continuing changes in leadership during an announcement event on May 7. He remarked, “This is the fourth time that I have talked to the faculty and staff over this past year.”
A New Direction
Crockett has been provided a five-year contract as president, a departure from the usual three-year terms that the board typically offers. Dawson indicated that this decision reflects the strong unity of support for Crockett among board members. “Our commitment to support him is united,” Dawson stated.
Once in office, Crockett aims to address various challenges facing the university, particularly around enrollment. He emphasized the institution’s mission in a world increasingly defined by “wokeness” and the shifts in mainline denominations regarding social issues. “As we look across the country, mainline denominations are capitulating to the sexual agenda. Now more than ever, we need Bob Jones University,” he insisted.
Furthermore, he noted the importance of maintaining national accreditation, building on the groundwork laid during Pettit’s term, which had successfully restored BJU’s national accreditation and federal nonprofit status after a lengthy absence.
Addressing Past Issues
One of the most sensitive topics Crockett must navigate is the university’s past responses to sexual abuse, particularly regarding the GRACE Report, which highlighted serious shortcomings in handling such cases over the years. When asked about the university’s outreach to victims mentioned in the report, he expressed a commitment to listening and caring for those affected. “Victims need to be heard and helped,” he stated.
The GRACE Report, published in 2014, pointed out that university employees lacked proper training for handling cases of abuse, often leading to victim-blaming. It criticized an approach to counseling that remains controversial at the university. When discussing changes, Crockett acknowledged that if existing reporting procedures had not adapted following the report, they “certainly should be a priority.”
Background and Experience
Before his election as president of Bob Jones University, Crockett had experience as a senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church and led Indiana Christian Academy in Anderson, Indiana. Since 2015, he has been the senior pastor at Morningside Baptist Church in Greenville.
As he begins his tenure, the university’s community will be watching closely to see how Crockett implements his plans and what steps he takes to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.
For the latest breaking news in Upstate South Carolina, keep your eyes peeled and ears open as the intrigues surrounding Bob Jones University continue to unfold.
