Office of the President

Bushnell University is a Christ-centered learning community grounded in an appreciation for the liberal arts within a biblical context. Since 1895 the Bushnell University campus has been characterized by a unique faculty-student relationship that moves beyond the mere acquisition of information and technical expertise. We believe the best of what we do is manifest in the molding of a college experience that promises superb career preparation within an environment that champions Christ and inspires service in the Church, community, and family.

An education at Bushnell University gives students the proficiencies and habits of a well-educated person: the ability to think critically and evaluatively, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and employ a real sense of purpose in this world. Your experience here, whether you enroll as an undergraduate, adult learner, or graduate student will be richest when you fully engage all Bushnell offers.

If you are already a member of the Bushnell community, I’m sure you share my enthusiasm for this unique and vibrant institution. If you are a prospective student, parent, educator or pastor, allow me the chance to offer my most sincere greeting on behalf of all of us here at Bushnell University.

-Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., President

President Womack talking in front at a podium

Dr. Joseph D. Womack, President

Dr. Joseph D. Womack was selected as the 10th president of Bushnell University in 2010. With a passion to provide students with a transformative educational experience and a desire to communicate the value of Christian higher education, Dr. Womack is committed to inspire Bushnell’s faculty, staff, board, alumni, as well as churches and the community to work enthusiastically toward a common vision for excellence.

“I believe the best of what we do is manifest through a collegiate atmosphere that is transformative in experience, rigorous in study, and reverent in posture; an environment where students are encouraged to passionately seek God’s call on their lives and endowed with the knowledge, experiences, skills, and character to answer that call successfully.”

Dr. Womack came to Bushnell from William Jessup University in Rocklin, California, where he served as vice president for advancement and student life (1999-2004), and dean of students (1997-1999) before assuming the role of vice president for university advancement. His responsibilities as the VPUA at WJU included fund-raising (annual, planned, and capital giving), strategic planning, institutional marketing, as well as public, media, and alumni and church relations.

He additionally served as the executive director of the WJU Foundation and led the University’s relocation from San Jose to Rocklin in 2004. Dr. Womack’s tenure at WJU was punctuated by the University’s naming of the Womack Student Life Building on campus in honor of his exemplary service and the contributions of his father, Jim Womack (Bushnell president emeritus, 1986-2004), to WJU and to Christian higher education as a whole.

Dr. Womack previously served in a number of capacities in student affairs and admissions at California Baptist University in Riverside, California, and in recruitment and marketing at Bushnell.

Joe and his wife, R. Kristine (Rhee) ’89 are the proud parents of four sons: James, Benjamin ’21 (Anika ’20), Daniel, and Andrew, and granddaughter, Amber.

Teaching and Administrative History

Institution Position Years
Bushnell University President 2010-present
William Jessup University (Calif.) VP for Advancement & VP Student Life 1999-2004
William Jessup University (Calif.) Dean of Students 1997-1999

Education

Institution Degree
Azusa Pacific University Ed.D.
Azusa Pacific University M.Ed.
Texas Christian University B.S.
Bushnell University A.A.

 

Board of Trustees

Bushnell University is governed by a board of trustees whose purpose is to maintain and support the University as a Christian institution of higher learning.

The board of trustees is the policy-making and governing body of the University. On the basis of recommendations made by the president of the University, it establishes a course for the development of the total program of the University and fulfillment of its mission, and it strives to provide essential funds.

Significant representation on the Board must come from members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Christian Churches/Churches of Christ associated with the Stone-Campbell heritage. Significant representation on the Board must also come from alumni (graduates or former students) of Bushnell University.

Executive Committee

Kim Williams (chair), co-managing member, McKay Investment Company

Bob Hutchins ’65, D.Hum. ’00 (vice chair), senior vice president, Hutchins Group, D. A. Davidson & Co.

Matt Hogan (secretary), principal broker/partner, CW Walker & Associates

Clare Buhler ’80 (at-large), senior pastor, Harrisburg Christian Church

Gary Jurden (at-large), retired financial advisor, Camas, WA

DeLeesa Meashintubby (at-large), executive director, Volunteers in Medicine; pastor, St. Mark CME Church

Juanita Metzler ’94 (at-large), retired hospitality executive

Rodger Terrall (at-large), retired banker, Umpqua Bank

Board Members

Jill Workman Anderson ’84, relationship manager, Principal Custody Services, Las Vegas, NV

Carol Cure (’67-68), D.Hum. ’10, retired non-profit executive

Melaney Grenz, project manager, Center on Brain Injury Research & Training, UO

Tim Haskell ’88, chief executive officer, Haskell Valuation

Dan Hill (’74-76), sr. principal/architect, Arbor South Architecture

Bridget Baker Kincaid, president & executive director, Baker Family Foundation

Rev. Ron Naff ’74, retired pastor, Longview, WA

Rory Robison ’96, financial advisor, Eagle Strategies

Dan Smith ’87, principal, Rogue River H.S., Rogue River, OR

Pat Turanski, co-founder, Glorybee

Brent Cole, principal broker/partner, Triple Oaks Realty

Debby Walker, retired, CW Walker & Associates

Joe Womack ’89, Ed.D., president, Bushnell University

PAST PRESIDENTS

Eugene C. Sanderson

1895 – 1929

S. Earl Childers

1929 – 1934

Victor P Morris,
De Facto President

1934 – 1936
1943 – 1944

Kendall E. Burke

1936 – 1943

Ross J. Griffeth

1944 – 1965

Barton A. Dowdy

1965 – 1978

H. Charles Pyron
Interim President

1985 – 1986

William E. Hays

1978 – 1985

David W. Wilson

2004 – 2010

James E. Womack

1986 – 2004

PAST PRESIDENTS

Eugene C. Sanderson

1895 – 1929

S. Earl Childers

1929 – 1934

Victor P Morris,
De Facto President

1934 – 1936
1943 – 1944

Kendall E. Burke

1936 – 1943

Ross J. Griffeth

1944 – 1965

Barton A. Dowdy

1965 – 1978

H. Charles Pyron
Interim President

1985 – 1986

William E. Hays

1978 – 1985

David W. Wilson

2004 – 2010

James E. Womack

1986 – 2004

Institution PAST NAMES

Eugene Divinity School 1895 – 1908
Eugene Bible University 1908 – 1930
Eugene Bible College 1930 – 1933
Northwest Christian College 1934 – 2008
Northwest Christian University 2008 – 2019
Bushnell University 2020 – present