SBU president Rick Melson resigns 

Rick Melson, the 26th president of Southwest Baptist University, will leave the Bolivar campus in a few weeks. 

The SBU Board of Trustees announced July 21 that Melson has accepted a job as president at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, a private Christian college and seminary dating back to 1886, according to its website His final day at SBU will be in mid-August. 

“President Melson has led Southwest Baptist University with vision, integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to our Christ-centered mission,” said Joe Brand, chair of the board, in a statement. “Under his leadership, SBU has seen renewed momentum, improved financial health, increased enrollment, significant fundraising success and renewed confidence in our future.” 

Melson, who was previously part of the leadership team at Cedarville University in Ohio, was hired by SBU in September 2021. He succeeded Eric Turner. 

“Serving as president of Southwest Baptist University has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Tammy and I will forever cherish the relationships we have built and the extraordinary people who make this university so special,” Melson said in a news release. “God has done remarkable things over these past several years. Together we embraced a student-first vision, strengthened the university, celebrated meaningful milestones, and, most importantly, watched students grow in their faith, discover God’s calling and prepare to impact the world for Jesus Christ.” 

In the release, SBU credited Melson with the following:  

• Welcomed four consecutive record-setting incoming classes, culminating in more than 1,000 new students enrolling this past fall  
• Developed and launched five-year strategic plan and a 10-year campus master plan 
• Strengthened financial health and donor support, ending the 2026 fiscal year with a balanced budget and modest margin, and achieving the highest giving year in university history, with nearly $9 million in gifts and over $10 million in gifts and commitments 
• Expanded academic offerings through SBU Worldwide and new graduate and online programs
• Led the university through its Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation with no findings or concerns 

The board appointed Jonathan Woodyard, who Melson recently promoted to vice president for student development and dean of chapel, as interim president starting Aug. 10. 

University officials said more details about the transition will be released in the coming weeks. 

Woodyard joined SBU in 2023 as vice president for student life and his duties were later expanded to include overseeing the university’s Center for Worldview and Culture and the Center for Global Connections. He also oversees campus dining, safety and security, and event management for campus and conferences. 

Founded in 1878, SBU has campuses in Bolivar, Springfield, Salem and Mountain View, Missouri, and is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, according to the university website.