Office of Academic Affairs

Dr. Richard Ellis

Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies

Dr. Ellis came to John Brown University in 1993 to initiate and direct the University’s bachelor’s degree completion program for adult learners, The Advance Program. Under his leadership, The Advance Program progressed from a concept on paper to a vibrant and successful educational program that now boasts over 2,600 alumni and multiple locations.

From 1993 to 2000, Dr. Ellis was JBU's Adult Education Division Chair; in 2000 he became Dean of Adult and Continuing Education. In 2004 he was appointed Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Graduate programs include master’s degrees in the areas of Business, Counseling, and Ministry.

His service to the higher educational community extends beyond John Brown University. He is a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and serves on the Commission's Accreditation Review Council. In 2009, Dr. Ellis was appointed to the Steering Committee of the CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning at Indiana Wesleyan University.  For four years he served on the Leadership Council of the Christian Adult Higher Education Association, including two years as president. He provides consulting services for other institutions as well. Prior to coming to JBU he held faculty and administrative offices at colleges in Michigan and Virginia.

Dr. Ellis earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from The University of Michigan, where he received the School of Education Merit Award. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Theological Seminary at Biola University and a bachelor's degree from William Tyndale College.

A native of Chicago, Dean Ellis spent his early years living in suburban Chicago, Mexico City and then Detroit. He and his wife, Carol, are the parents of five children, four of whom have attended John Brown University.