Office of the President

Dr. Joseph D. Womack is the 10th president of Bushnell University since its founding in 1895, where he has served since June of 2010. Under his leadership, the university has undergone a significant transformation, clarifying its educational mission, strengthening and expanding academic programs, enhancing and growing campus facilities, and increasing student enrollment. In 2020, Bushnell University had a significant rebranding and was named in honor of James A. Bushnell, founder and chair of the University’s Board of Regents for its first 12 years.

During the 15 years of his tenure as president of the University, Dr. Womack has initiated a strategic shift to reinforce Bushnell’s identity as a Christian liberal arts institution to better reflect the University’s mission to equip students to discover and answer God’s call in their lives through academic excellence and faithful stewardship in a Christ-centered community. His emphasis on holistic education that seeks to shape the whole person has ensured Bushnell’s identity and values are integrated with both academic and professional training to ensure graduates are equipped to be successful citizens, employees, parents, friends, spouses, and community members. (Spiritual growth, leadership development, and academic excellence are at the core of the student’s experience in the campus environment.)

Before coming to Bushnell, Womack earned his undergraduate degrees from Texas Christian University and Bushnell as well as a master’s and doctorate from Azusa Pacific University. He served in number of administrative capacities at William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA, and California Baptist University in Riverside. While at William Jessup, he led the college’s relocation and design of the campus in Rocklin. He is the son of Sharron Kay ’64 and James ’63 (Bushnell’s 8th president serving from 1986-2004) and husband to wife, Ruby Kristin ’89. Joe and Kristy have four sons Jamie ’24, Ben ’21 (Anika ’20), Daniel, and Andrew and one granddaughter, Amber.

Since 2010, Bushnell University has experienced an enrollment increase of 45%, adding 14 undergraduate and 6 graduate programs in areas related to the Arts & Sciences, Biblical/Theological studies, Business, Education, Computer Technology, and the health professions. During this time the University has significantly expanded its co-curricular offerings in campus ministries & student missions, the founding of the Song Nai Rhee Honors program, community engagement, student internships (related to academic majors and professional aspirations), and intercollegiate athletics.

During Dr. Womack’s tenure he has led efforts to garner financial support for the University’s mission and capital improvements that have totaled over $42 million. The fall of 2024 marked the completion of the Venture Forward capital campaign that raised over $22 Million (on an $18M goal) to:

• Acquire and renovate the former Phoenix Inn into the campus’ largest residence hall and home to Bushnell’s Welcome Center,
• Build a 2000-seat baseball stadium in Springfield (in partnership with the Springfield School District and the Springfield Drifters collegiate summer baseball team),
• Renovate Goodrich Hall and constructed an adjoining bell tower to modernize the historic building,
• Fund the construction of a new Student Union, the Duke Student Commons
• Create the School of Nursing in partnership with Peace Health Medical Center, and
• Fund endowment for the Song Nai Rhee honors program.

In addition to the achievements of the capital campaign, Bushnell University has, since 2010, increased its campus footprint with the acquisition of Siefke Hall, the Works Village Apartment Complex, and the former Sig Epsilon fraternity house.

In addition to his efforts on campus, Dr. Womack has served as Vice-chair of the Oregon Alliance for Independent Colleges & Universities, Chair of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, and is a board member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. With his leadership and vision, the University has continued to widen its reach and impact, leading efforts to bring Eugene/Springfield together around issues such as biblical racial reconciliation (Becoming Beloved Community, Fall 2023), the history of the church (God’s Global Story, Spring 2024), and positive cultural dialogue around local and national politics (Faithful Engagement, Fall 2024) in order to continue to shape our community into a place that is healthy and thriving for the current generation, and the generations to come.

Teaching and Administrative History

• 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

• Azusa Pacific University, Ed.D., M. Ed.
• Texas Christian University, B.S.
• Bushnell University, A.A.