Jonathon Woodyard, Ph.D., Interim President
Dr. Jonathon Woodyard serves as Interim President of Southwest Baptist University
in Bolivar, Missouri, where he is committed to advancing the university’s mission
of Christ-centered higher education and preparing students to live with courage and
confidence in a changing world.
Before becoming Interim President, Dr. Woodyard served as Vice President for Student
Development and Dean of Chapel at Southwest Baptist University, providing leadership
for student life, spiritual formation, campus experience, and the university’s broader
efforts to cultivate a distinctly Christian educational community. He has also provided
leadership for the Center for Worldview and Culture and the university’s Center for
Global Connections.
Dr. Woodyard holds four degrees in theology and history, with a Ph.D. in Historical
Theology. His academic and ministry interests include Christian worldview formation,
church history, Christian higher education, spiritual formation, and the relationship
between the Christian faith and contemporary culture.
Dr. Woodyard brings to his leadership at SBU a background that combines higher education
administration, theological scholarship, pastoral ministry, and almost twenty years
of military service. He currently serves as an Army National Guard chaplain.
As Interim President, Dr. Woodyard is focused on helping Southwest Baptist University
remain rooted and ready—rooted in its historic Christian identity and ready to pursue the opportunities God
has placed before the university. His leadership emphasizes continued forward momentum,
strong enrollment and student retention, institutional excellence, and meaningful
relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, churches, donors, and the broader
community.
Dr. Woodyard and his wife, Gina, have two sons, Calvin and Caleb. They live in Bolivar,
Missouri.
President's Updates
Dear SBU Family,
As we prepare for a new academic year, I wanted to take this opportunity to speak into this moment of transition.
First, once again I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Melson. I am grateful for his faithful leadership over the past five years. Those years have not always been easy. Higher education has faced challenges, and through it all, Dr. Melson has led with a genuine care for SBU and optimism for its future. On behalf of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, thank you, Dr. Melson, for your service and commitment.
The Board of Trustees has entrusted me with stewarding this next season as Interim President. It is a responsibility I receive with humility, excitement, and complete confidence in God's sovereignty. May He keep us faithful and make SBU fruitful.
Southwest Baptist University has a remarkable history. For nearly 150 years, God has used this institution to educate students, strengthen churches, prepare leaders, and send graduates into every corner of the world. It has been said that “the sun never sets on a Bearcat.” That mission hasn't changed and doesn’t stop. Even now, our students are returning to campus, faculty are preparing for class, and staff members are making final preparations for the semester. By God’s grace, even in times of transition, the work moves forward.
This year, our focus is simple: Rooted and Ready.
We want to be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, firmly grounded in our confessional commitments, and unwavering in our execution of Christ-centered education. At the same time, we want every student to leave this campus ready—ready to serve, ready to lead, ready for meaningful careers, ready to strengthen the local church, and ready to faithfully engage the world for the joy of all peoples and the glory of God.
Over the next several weeks, you'll notice a campus that is full of energy. New students are already arriving. Residence halls have come alive. Faculty will soon fill classrooms with thoughtful discussion. Athletes will compete. Musicians will perform. In Chapel, we will gather around God's Word. Friendships will begin that may last a lifetime. I can’t wait!
There is something unique about the beginning of an academic year. It is filled with possibilities. Every semester represents thousands of opportunities for God to shape souls, deepen faith, and prepare mature men and women who are ready for the world.
To our returning students: we're excited to welcome you back home.
To our incoming freshmen and transfer students: You belong here, and we cannot wait to get to know you.
To our faculty and staff: Thank you for investing your lives in our students. Your work matters far more than you often realize.
And to our alumni, churches, parents, and friends: Thank you for believing in Southwest Baptist University. Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership make a real difference.
As we hit the ground running, let's move forward with confidence— “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
I'm honored to serve alongside you, and I'm excited to see what God has in store for SBU.
Onward.
—Jonathon