Dr. Charles Pollard

Dr. Chip Pollard has been the president of John Brown University since July 2004. He received his undergraduate degree in English from Wheaton College in 1985, a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1988, a master's degree in English from Oxford University in 1990, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Virginia in 1999.

Dr. Pollard came to JBU from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was an Associate Professor of English teaching primarily world and 20th-century literature. Dr. Pollard has published frequently, including New World Modernisms (2005) and May It Always Be True: Educating Students in Faith (2011). In addition to his teaching and scholarship, Dr. Pollard has also practiced law as a corporate and tax associate for Latham & Watkins in Chicago, Illinois from 1990-1993.

Under Dr. Pollard’s leadership, the university has completed the Keeping Faith Capital Campaign (2005-2011), receiving over $118 million in gifts. Through the blessings of God and his people, the campaign finished a year earlier than expected and $18 million over its original goal. The gifts to the campaign funded annual operating support, new endowed scholarships and programs, and the construction of new facilities, including a new wing to North Residence Hall, the Berry Performing Arts Center, the Bill George Arena, and the Balzer Technology Center, and the renovation of existing facilities, including the historic Cathedral Group, the Kresge Dining Hall, and expanded space for the Visual Arts program. Dr. Pollard also teaches in the undergraduate program on a regular basis and is a frequent speaker in chapel and other venues. Dr. Pollard was elected to the board of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities in 2009 and also serves on the community board for Arvest Bank in Siloam Springs.

He and his wife, Carey, have four children, Chad, Benjamin (deceased), Emma, and James. They are actively involved in First Presbyterian Church of Siloam Springs.