JBU News & Information

SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Sept. 8, 2023) – The Wall Street Journal’s 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. list ranked John Brown University as the No. 1 school in Arkansas. This is the third time in the last four WSJ rankings that JBU has topped the list.

This year, WSJ and research partners College Pulse and Statista shifted the methodology to emphasize student outcomes like graduation rates, graduate salaries and the net price of attendance to help determine the value of a school’s education.

“We value the Wall Street Journal rankings above others because it focuses on how a university changes a student’s life and future by keeping costs low and graduation rates and graduates' salaries high,” said JBU President Chip Pollard. “It recognizes, in other words, the economic value of JBU’s rigorous Christ-entered education. JBU also measures our results by how students grow emotionally, relationally and spiritually while at JBU, results that are harder to capture in a ranking but are as, if not more important, to a student’s education.”

The rankings were based on three factors: student outcomes (70% of the score), the learning environment (20%) and diversity (10%). To analyze the learning environment, College Pulse surveyed students and recent alumni to ask about the quality of learning opportunities, career preparation, satisfaction with facilities and overall recommendation score. The diversity score combined metrics on racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and disability status of students and faculty along with student experiences garnered from the survey.

Overall, JBU ranked 188 out of the 400 schools in the U.S. that appeared on the list. Two other Arkansas schools were listed: the University of Arkansas (No. 295) and Harding University (No. 380).

JBU was ranked highest of the schools in Arkansas in 2020 and 2022 and ranked second in 2021. The Wall Street Journal did not create a Best Colleges list in 2023.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.

SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Aug. 18, 2023) – John Brown University welcomed a record-setting class of 384 freshman students to the Siloam Springs campus on Wednesday, Aug. 16, to begin five days of orientation before classes start on Aug. 21. Total new student enrollment, including transfer students and students returning after one or more semesters away, is 441.

Several student population groups saw marked increases, including students from Northwest Arkansas, student-athletes, Latino American students, international students and missionary kids. The previous record for the largest freshman class was 361 students in 2007.

Hannah Bradford, director of undergraduate admissions, said several factors contributed to the increase, including allocating additional money for financial aid and streamlining processes for test-optional students.

The projected total enrollment for on-campus undergraduate students is 1,290, representing a 6% increase from fall 2022.

“As we talk with incoming students and their families, we hear over and over that they appreciate JBU’s Christian mission,” said Ryan Ladner, D.B.A., vice president for enrollment management. “Families recognize that while JBU may not be their least-expensive option, the value of our rigorous, Christ-centered, liberal arts education is a good investment that will reap benefits for years to come.”

Final enrollment numbers are officially reported after the eleventh day of classes.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including business, visual arts, nursing, engineering, psychology, family & human services, education, kinesiology, construction management, and computer science. Twenty-one graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity and education.

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SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (July 6, 2023) – John Brown University has named Ted Song, Ph.D., as the university's first chief innovation officer. The new role will allow JBU to expand the innovative work that Song has been leading since 2019 as director of innovation, during which he led the launch of six new academic programs.

Starting July 1, 2023, Song will join the Office of Academic Affairs and oversee curricular matters such as program requirements in the catalog and feedback on program reviews. In addition, Song will continue to lead the university in launching new programs and creating strategic partnerships.

"Ted has been instrumental in the development of new programs at JBU," said Rob Norwood, vice president of academic affairs at JBU. "I’m looking forward to the opportunity we have to expand on the work that Ted has been doing for the last several years."

Song has served at JBU since 2012. He is an associate professor of engineering and has been chair of the engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity departments. In 2021 he was appointed chief diversity officer and will continue to split his time between innovation and biblical diversity work.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve JBU in a greater capacity, particularly in the area of innovation," said Song. "It has been rewarding to watch new academic programs help students develop their unique gifts. I look forward to seeing more students benefit from Christ-centered education at JBU, being equipped to honor God and serve others in this rapidly changing world.”

With Song's new role, he will step away from his duties as chair of engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity departments. Dr. John Lee will become the engineering department chair, Dr. Justus Selwyn the computer science department chair, and Dr. Tim Gilmour the graduate cybersecurity department chair.

Song holds a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Hanyang University, an M.T.S. and M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, and is currently pursuing a Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) degree from Samford University.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,400 students from 33 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.

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SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (May 10, 2023) – John Brown University has named Robert Norwood, Ph.D., as the university's next vice president for academic affairs.

As of June 1, Norwood will be responsible for the overall leadership of the faculty and academic administration, encouraging excellence in scholarship, teaching, advising, institutional service, Christian discipleship, curriculum and program development, institutional research, student academic success services, library services, external accreditation and all other programs or services related to the academic mission of the university.

Norwood will also serve on the President’s Cabinet, an eight-person team that works with JBU President Chip Pollard to set the strategic direction for JBU and oversee and implement planning, major initiatives and policies. 

“Dr. Norwood's extensive experience and outstanding contributions to our university make him an excellent choice for this critical role,” Pollard said. “Having served JBU for 14 years in academic administration, Rob has demonstrated his expertise, unwavering commitment, and faithfulness to the entire JBU community.  He will excel in this new role, and I look forward to working with him.”

Norwood has served at JBU since 1998 and has been in the Office of Academic Affairs since 2009, first as the dean of undergraduate studies and then as associate vice president for academic administration. Norwood has been a key academic administrator for all on-campus undergraduate, online undergraduate, and graduate programs, with responsibilities including faculty evaluation, course evaluation, institutional assessment, oversight of the core curriculum, and state authorizations.

Since 2007, Norwood has also been JBU’s primary contact with the institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission and has served on many HLC peer review teams.

“I’m very excited about the opportunities the new role will provide to continue working with the wonderful faculty and staff at JBU as we prepare students to honor God and serve others," said Norwood.

Norwood holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,400 students from 33 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education. 

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SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (May 10, 2023) – John Brown University has named Trisha Posey, Ph.D., as the university's next dean of undergraduate studies.

Starting June 1, 2023, Posey will have primary oversight of all on-campus and online undergraduate programs, core curriculum, and international studies. She will report to Robert Norwood, Ph.D., JBU's new vice president for academic affairs, and will partner with him with respect to hiring, managing, and evaluating faculty and program evaluation. 

"I have had the pleasure to work with Dr. Posey in many situations in the past, and it is exciting to think about how our skills and ways of thinking will complement each other as we work together in the future," Norwood said.

Posey has served as a faculty member at JBU since 2007 and has been the director of JBU’s Honors Scholars Program since 2012, overseeing the honors academic program for over 200 high-achieving students. Posey will continue to dedicate 40% of her time to this role for the next year as JBU transitions the program to new leadership.

"I am excited to move into the role of dean of undergraduate studies, and look forward to supporting our excellent faculty and academic staff as they continue their work of carrying out JBU's mission," Posey said. "I'm especially looking forward to working with Dr. Norwood. After working with him for over 15 years, I have the highest respect for him and his work."

Posey has served in various administrative roles at JBU, including department chair of history, chair of the Faculty Status Committee and Honors Faculty Committee, Deans Council, Campus Diversity Committee and as a member of the Undergraduate Council. She has also partnered with Arkansas Honors Program and Colleges on a variety of programs and serves as the co-chair of the CCCU’s Scholars’ Semester at Oxford Advisory Board.

“Dr. Posey’s passion for education, commitment to student success and collaborative spirit make her an outstanding choice for this role,” said JBU President Chip Pollard. “She has been instrumental in leading our Honors Scholar Program and has extensive service in leading various important academic committees on campus. In this new role, she will continue to grow in her leadership in ways that will deepen and extend JBU’s mission.”

Trisha holds a B.A. in history from Grand Canyon University, an M.Phil. from the University of Kent and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,400 students from 33 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.

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SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Feb. 24, 2023) – John Brown University awarded the final two Presidential Scholarships to Emma Sun from Shenzhen, China, and Gracein Moore of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, earlier this month.

Each year, JBU's hosts two Scholarship Competitions in November and February and invites qualifying prospective students based on academic performance. The competition includes rigorous interviews conducted by various faculty and staff on the JBU campus.

Over the two weekends, JBU awarded five Presidential Scholarships to five students who demonstrated great academic, social and spiritual enthusiasm. The scholarship is valued at $116,000 awarded over 4 years.

The other three Presidential Scholarship winners, announced in the fall were Danny Barajas from Rogers, Arkansas, Mayson Montgomery from Plano, Texas, and Melody Mathis from Fayetteville, Arkansas.

JBU also awarded more than $3 million in Chancellor's Scholarships to some of the students that participated in the competition.

For more information on scholarships at JBU, please visit jbu.edu/scholarships.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 48 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.

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SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Feb. 9, 2023) - John Brown University will host D.C.-based entrepreneur Marcus Bullock on Feb. 21 for the Soderquist College of Business speaker series "Working for the Common Good."

Bullock is the CEO of Flikshop, a company that works hard to keep prisoners connected to their family members and other community resources through low-cost postcards. Bullock has been featured in a TED Talk that has been viewed over 1.8 million times, and he was awarded Prison Fellowship's Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award in 2020.

When Bullock was 15 years old, he was arrested and sentenced to spend 8 years in adult maximum security prisons. During his first two years, Bullock says he became very dark and depressed but was saved by the letters his mother wrote him for the remaining 6 years. Bullock's mother and those letters became the inspiration for Flikshop. 

"We're excited to host Marcus on JBU's campus to speak with our business and entrepreneurship students," said Brad Gatlin, associate professor of business at JBU. "Marcus' story of redemption and resilience is inspiring. His business Flikshop is an excellent model of how Christians can use business to honor God, serve others, and impact the world."

Bullock's keynote, "Faith and Resilience: What I learned While Growing a Startup After Prison," starts at 7 p.m. in Simmons Great Hall and is free and open to the public.

Bullock will also speak at noon on Feb 21 during the Office of Diversity's lunch series "Where I Come From," where he will share his life story with JBU faculty, staff and students.

The "Working for the Common Good" speaker series started in 2017 to engage the broader JBU community on the idea of business as a means of honoring God, serving others and impacting the world. Previous speakers include executives and CEOs from different companies around the world.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 48 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, kinesiology, engineering, biology, family and human services, and graphic design. Eighteen graduate programs are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, education and higher education.

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