By a vote of 52 to 0, Olivet Nazarene University’s Board of Trustees voted to renew John C. Bowling’s appointment as president of the university for five more years.

During their semiannual meeting, October 7, the board expressed its confidence in Bowling by standing to their feet in a lengthy applause, recognizing a 25-year tenure that is marked by "bold vision and great success." 

“Dr. Bowling’s incredible leadership as a scholar, educator, and churchman speaks volumes about why Olivet continues to chart a healthy course for a dynamic future,” said David Roland, chairman of the Board.

Bowling has been Olivet’s president since 1991. Under his leadership, the university has flourished, as evidenced by continued record enrollments, campus improvements, expanded undergraduate and graduate degree programs, increased academic standards, successful athletic programs, and multiple education sites across three states along with a strong educational program in Hong Kong, as well as a rapidly expanding online presence, known as “ONU Global.”

Bowling holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, two earned doctorates, and was chosen as a resident fellow for post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. In 2007, he was honored by Olivet with the conferral of the Doctor of Divinity degree as part of the university’s Centennial Celebration.

In addition to more than 60 published articles, he has authored six books: A Way With Words, Grace-full Leadership, Packin’ Up and Headin’ Out: Making the Most of Your College Adventure, Above All Else, ReVision, and Making the Climb, which chronicles his ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa.

Bowling has been active with a variety of professional organizations and local community affairs during his presidency. He held positions on various boards, including Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, People’s Bank in Kankakee, Nazarene Publishing House, United Way of Kankakee County, Church of the Nazarene Foundation, the General Board of the international Church of the Nazarene, Kankakee Valley Chamber of Commerce, and served for many years as vice chairman of the Riverside Health System Board of Directors.

He was selected as Citizen of the Year by the chamber and is a recipient of the Community Alliance Beacon Award in recognition of service, vision, and leadership in the community. He was also selected for special community recognition as Samaritan of the Year. In 2014, he received the Ray Lindner Service to Youth Award from the Kankakee Area YMCA.

Prior to accepting his current position in August 1991, Bowling served for eight years as the senior pastor of College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He also served as senior pastor of Dallas, Texas, First Church of the Nazarene. He has been a member of the faculty at Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and at Olivet.

--Olivet Nazarene University