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
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
Becoming Beloved
COMMUNITY
In November 2023, the Board of Trustees and Office of the President hosted a two-day symposium exploring biblical perspectives on racial reconciliation. Learn more by visiting the events page.
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